MTSU faculty appeared on WGNS Radio’s “Action Line” program recently to talk about a nationally ranked teacher training program, a renewed five-year plan to enhance student learning and promising boosts in graduate school enrollment.

The live program with host Scott Walker was broadcast on FM 100.5, 101.9 and AM 1450 from the WGNS studio in downtown Murfreesboro. If you missed it, you can listen to a podcast of the Nov. 16 program here.

MTSU faculty and staff appeared on WGNS Radio’s “Action Line” program with host Scott Walker. Pictured are Dr. Vincent Windrow, top left, associate vice provost for Student Success, and Bobbi Lussier, top right, executive director of professional laboratory experiences in the MTSU College of Education, both interviewed by phone. At bottom, from left, are Sarah Hendrix, strategic communications manager for the College of Graduate Studies; and Dr. Dawn McCormack, associate dean of the college, who were interviewed in studio. (MTSU photo illustration)

Guests included:

• Bobbi Lussier, executive director of professional laboratory experiences in the MTSU College of Education, discussed MTSU’s nationally ranked undergraduate elementary teacher preparation program and COVID-19 adjustments. The program was recently ranked among the nation’s best by the National Council on Teacher Quality.

MTSU’s clinical practice program stands out as among only 33 traditional elementary programs out of more than the 1,100 evaluated to earn an “A” grade in the NCTQ’s 2020 “Teacher Prep Review.” Lussier credited collaboration with the school’s pre-K-12 partners for its score on the clinical practice, also known as in-classroom experience and student teaching. The university has its most in-depth, intense partnershipswith Rutherford County Schools and Murfreesboro City Schools.

• Dr. Vincent Windrow, associate vice provost for Student Success, discussed Quest 2025, MTSU’s latest five-year initiative to enhance student curriculum and outcomes by emphasizing lifelong learning.

The recently announced effort lists five strategic priorities for Quest 2025: 1. develop a comprehensive faculty development program to integrate high-impact practices in key areas of curricula; 2. eliminate achievement gaps and increase the diversity of faculty and staff; 3. increase online, hybrid and off-site offerings, adaptive scheduling and curricular flexibility; 4. support a culture of service through all divisions of the university; and 5. create more living-learning opportunities on campus.

• Dr. Dawn McCormack, associate dean in the MTSU College of Graduate Studies, and Sarah Hendrix, strategic communications manager for the college, discussed its effective efforts to boost recruitment as more people seek advanced degrees.

As the COVID-19 pandemic roiled the U.S. economy for much of this year, MTSU’s College of Graduate Studies experienced an almost 28% increase in enrollment this fall as recent graduates, working professionals, displaced workers and others saw the value of enhancing their skills, knowledge and marketability by pursuing graduate degrees.

The college will continue to grow next semester. “We are up 150% in spring 2021 applications and up 200% in admitted students compared to the same day last year,” Hendrix said.

Students, faculty and staff who are interested in guesting on WGNS to promote their MTSU-related activities should contact Jimmy Hart, director of news and media relations, at 615-898-5131 or via email at jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu.