MTSU on WGNS: CUSTOMS sessions, Tennessee Teach Back, Air Race Classic

MTSU faculty, staff and students appeared on WGNS Radio recently to talk about a full summer of CUSTOMS new student orientation sessions, the recently signed Tennessee Teach Back Initiative, and MTSU’s Aerospace’s participation in the upcoming Air Race Classic featuring women pilots.

They appeared on the live “Action Line” program with host Bart Walker 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 May 15 program.

MTSU faculty appeared on the WGNS Radio “Action Line” program on May 15. The guests, from left in order of appearance, were Gina Poff, director of New Student and Family Programs (by phone); Dr. Michelle Stevens, director of the Center for Fairness, Justice and Equity; and Alyssa Smith, a pro pilot major; Briana McDonald, alumna and outreach assistant, MTSU Aerospace Department; and Meredith Boardman, director of aerospace safety for MTSU Aerospace. (MTSU photo illustration by Jimmy Hart)

Guests and their topics included:

• Gina Poff, director of New Student and Family Programs, who discussed the CUSTOMS new student orientation sessions being held all summer, campus tours and important admissions information for prospective students.

CUSTOMS helps new undergraduate students make the transition into the university; prepares new students for MTSU’s educational opportunities; and initiates the integration of new students into the intellectual, cultural, and social climate of the institution.

For transfer students, there are three remaining virtual CUSTOMS sessions and three in-person sessions available throughout the summer.

• Dr. Michelle Stevens, director for the Center for Fairness, Justice and Equity within the MTSU College of Education, who discussed the Tennessee Teach Back Initiative, an innovative new partnership to recruit prospective teachers from school districts within high-needs, rural areas of the state.

MTSU and the State Collaborative on Reforming Education, or SCORE, have joined forces for an innovative program, with SCORE initially committing to over $90,000 the first year, with subsequent awards upon successful outcomes over a three-year period. This funding will support the new recruitment and engagement specialist who will manage recruitment and retention with the initiative and assist with establishing partnerships with school districts across the state.

• Briana McDonald, alumna and outreach assistant, MTSU Aerospace Department; Alyssa Smith, a pro pilot major; and Meredith Boardman, director of aerospace safety for MTSU Aerospace, who discussed preparation for the 2023 Air Race Classic.

This summer, MTSU Aerospace is sending a team of three women aviators — McDonald, Smith and Farilyn Hurt — to the all-women’s race. The race route starts in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and finishes in Homestead, Florida. The team will cover approximately 2,400 miles in just four days, representing MTSU’s growing Aerospace program and fine-tuning their decision-making and strategic planning skills. The team also includes five ground crew members.

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