TABLE OF CONTENTS
Table of Contents Feature Stories 4 19
Photo Essay: The new Science Building Cover Story: Beyond Critical Mass MTSU’s multifaceted and innovative media offerings come of age
26
Discoveries: MTSU’s Spiderman How “Spill Doctor” Ryan Otter found truth in the ashes of Tennessee’s worst environmental disaster
30
Ask an Expert: Faith Handlers A folklorist studies a widely misunderstood Appalachian tradition
34
Teamwork: Competitive Edge Honors student-athletes excel on the field and in the classroom
38
The ABCs of MTSU’s Quest for Student Success An alphabetical look at MTSU’s commitment to student retention and graduation
45
Distinguished Alumni Alumni Association broadens field of Distinguished Alumni
Departments 9
Editor’s Letter
10
Five Minutes with the President
13 MidPoints 47
Class Notes
photo: J. Intintoli cover photo: Andy Heidt
January 2015 | 3 |