16 minute read
Class Notes
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1960s
John Bradford (’63), Fayetteville, was presented with a Quilt of Valor by the Lincoln County Piecemakers, recognizing his 22 years of service in the U.S. Army. Spending time in Germany and two tours of duty in Vietnam, Bradford—a retired lieutenant colonel—is among the select few to receive the Distinguished Flying Cross “for heroism and extraordinary achievement in the line of duty.” Following his military service, he owned a farm implement business and served as director of the Lincoln County finance department, where he retired in 2006.
Bud Riddle (’69), Manchester, was named board chair at Coffee County Bank. Riddle is one of Coffee County Bank’s original founders and most recently served as board secretary, a role he had held since the bank’s beginning in 1975. A successful businessman across industries including the concrete, rock, and trucking industries, Riddle is also part owner of Murfreesboro Funeral Home.
1970s
Rick Glaze (’72), Brentwood, released a new book called Eight Pieces of Eight, a treasure hunt set in the dark limestone caves of Tennessee. He is critique manager for Sisters in Crime, Nashville, and a judge for the Killer Nashville Silver Falchion Award.
Greg Wade (’77), Franklin, recently received one of four Volunteer Spirit Awards sponsored by Franklin Tomorrow, a civic organization in Williamson County. Wade founded and led the Franklin Civil War Round Table for 18 years, regularly hosting nationally known historians, authors, and preservationists on topics ranging from the Revolutionary War to World War II, as well as their social impacts on the nation and Tennessee. The group has conducted more than 200 events since 2007.
Jinx Cockerham, Pat Simpson, and Chip Walters
Three of the eight new members inducted into the Tennessee Secondary Schools Athletic Association (TSSAA) Hall of Fame in 2025 were MTSU alumni!
At Father Ryan High School, Cockerham (’70, ’73) served 40 seasons as head volleyball coach and 33 years as head girls basketball coach. Cockerham played an instrumental role in the development of volleyball as a TSSAA-sanctioned sport, expanding opportunities for female athletes across Tennessee.
Simpson (’79) was a key member of Father Ryan’s state champion wrestling teams in 1971 and 1974. At MTSU, he won the 1979 NCAA Regional Championship—the only MTSU wrestler to claim a regional title and the first Blue Raider to compete in the NCAA Championships. Simpson then coached Father Ryan to 22 state titles—12 in traditional wrestling and 10 in duals.
Walters (’85) has left an indelible mark on the region’s sports broadcasting landscape. The 2024–25 season marked Walters’ 33rd year broadcasting for MTSU.
1980s
Mary Tim Cook (’80), Shelbyville, was honored with the Good Scout Award for the Elk River District Middle Tennessee Council for 2024. The award is the Middle Tennessee Council of Scouting America’s highest honor for individual or corporate citizenship in local communities. Cook retired after more than 40 years of teaching third grade in Bedford County.
Eddith Dashiell
After more than 30 years as a faculty member and administrator at Ohio University and in the Scripps College of Communication, Dashiell (’80, ’82) was inducted into the Scripps College of Communication´s Ohio Communication Hall of Fame in 2025, the same year that she retired. Dashiell, a native of Shelbyville, was both the first woman and the first African American to be director of the School of Journalism at Ohio University.
Gregory D. Smith (’85), Clarksville, who serves as Pleasant View city judge and a Clarksville lawyer, was invited to file and have his view included in a report on indigenous court systems to the United Nations Human Rights Council. Smith serves as a Native American tribal supreme court justice for multiple tribal courts throughout the U.S. Smith’s paper, along with others from across the world, was presented in June 2025 at the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland, as part of a report by the Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers.
Danny Bryan (’87), Brush Creek, was inducted into Cumberland University’s Sports Hall of Fame. Bryan launched the Cumberland wrestling program and was the team’s coach for five seasons. The program blossomed into a perennial powerhouse with four individual national champions. After 33 years of service, he retired with emeritus appointment from Cumberland University, where he served as the biology program director during 2014–21 and was awarded Cumberland University’s President’s Award in Teaching Excellence in 2015.
Gayle Dawson (’87, ’91), Murfreesboro, was selected for a prestigious summer research program in Switzerland. Now in her 24th year at Blackman High School, where she teaches chemistry, conceptual physics, and environmental science, Dawson has been invited to attend CERN (the European Council for Nuclear Research) in Geneva, where she will spend two weeks learning about current particle physics research.
Alan Thomas
Thomas (’87, ’98), MTSU’s vice president for business and finance since 2016, announced his retirement. His 38-year tenure with the state includes over 20 years at MTSU, including service as associate VP; controller and executive director of finance, technology, and compliance; director of accounting services; accounting manager; and Foundation accountant. Thomas earned both his B.B.A. in Accounting and M.Ed. in Administration and Supervision from MTSU.
Bob Kennedy (’88), Murfreesboro, announced the release of Sam Learns about Electricity Activity Book, the next installment in his “Sam the Dog” children’s book series, which teaches kids ages 6 to 10 about electricity. The series includes 17 other published titles—12 in English and five in French.
1990s
Marla Cartwright (’91, ’94), Columbia, who earned her B.S. and M.A. in English at MTSU before completing her doctorate, was named associate vice chancellor for teaching and learning for the Tennessee Board of Regents. In this newly created position, Cartwright is charged with expanding the TBR Center for Innovation in Teaching and Learning (faculty professional development) across the state. In addition, she collaborates closely with Centers of Teaching and Learning in Tennessee, in part to develop synchronous and asynchronous training courses.
Martina Suttle Harris (’92), Chattanooga, was honored as one of 27 distinguished nurse educators selected as fellows for induction into the National League for Nursing Academy of Nursing Education. Currently dean of Nursing and Allied Health at Chattanooga State Community College, Harris is a former assistant professor in the MTSU School of Nursing, where she received her bachelor’s degree before earning her master’s and doctorate.
Matthew Wade (’93, ’07), Bell Buckle, was named assistant commissioner for business development for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture. Wade previously served as assistant commissioner for Consumer and Industry Services. Prior to joining the state department, Wade served for several decades as director of MTSU’s farm laboratories.
Sheila Hodges (’94), Spencer, retired in July 2024 after 30 years with Murfreesboro Parks and Recreation, working at Cannonsburgh Village as the facility coordinator.
David L. Stotts (’94), Midlothian, Virginia, the creative services director of Richmond’s CBS affiliate WTVR Channel 6, was part of a team honored with a National Edward R. Murrow Award. Stotts and three of his colleagues won the award in the small-market television category of News Documentary. During the team’s investigation of the November 2022 murder case of 17-yearold Cion Carroll, the team uncovered more suspicious deaths and missing person cases dating back to 2020 in the small town of Lunenburg, Virginia.
Debra L. Jackson (’96), Greenville, North Carolina, joined East Carolina University in 2024 as dean of the Graduate School. An MTSU Philosophy graduate who later earned her doctorate, Jackson previously served for 22 years in the California State University system and on the executive board of the Western Association of Graduate Schools.
Steven Stone (’96), Strasburg, Colorado, was appointed as the new area sales manager for BioZyme Inc. in North and South Dakota. BioZyme’s family of brands aim to improve animal health and nutrition.
Ashlie Perry (’97), Clarksville, was selected as principal of Byrns Darden Elementary School in the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System. Perry, a Child Development major at MTSU who went on to earn M.A.T., Ed.S., and Ed.D. degrees, previously served as principal at Oakland Elementary School and Minglewood Elementary School.
Scott Stroh III (’97), Lorton, Virginia, was appointed executive director and CEO of the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley. Stroh previously served as executive director of George Mason’s Gunston Hall, a historic home in southern Fairfax County.
Brian Chumney
Chumney (’98) and his team were nominated for an Oscar (Best Sound) and won a Golden Reel Award in 2025 for his technical work on the movie The Wild Robot. He was previously nominated for an Academy Award and a British Academy Film Award for his work on West Side Story. Chumney is a supervising sound editor at Skywalker Ranch. Previous projects include Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Angry Birds 2, How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World, Solo: A Star Wars Story, Alice in Wonderland, and John Carter.
Nathan Edwards (’98), Winchester, was named president of Auto Glass Now (AGN). Edwards moved to Driven Brands and AGN from Glass America, where he most recently served as regional vice president of operations.
Ed Salo (’98, ’09), Jonesboro, Arkansas, a history professor at Arkansas State University, was selected as a civilian aide to the Secretary of the Army for the state of Arkansas. Salo, who holds an M.A. in History and a Ph.D. in Public History from MTSU, teaches military history classes to ROTC cadets and is associate chair in ASU’s Department of History. In addition to his on-campus duties, Salo is a host of the “Sea Control Podcast” for the Center for International Maritime Security, serves on New America’s Nuclear Futures Working Group, and is a research fellow for the Modern War Institute at West Point and the Joint Special Operations University.
Tom Fielder (’99, ’04), Brentwood, a pilot for Southwest Airlines, recently became the Tennessee franchisee for a Murfreesboro location of Red Light Method, which uses wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to improve skin rejuvenation, wound healing, and pain relief.
2000s
James Evans (’01), Murfreesboro, Rutherford County Schools chief communications officer, was awarded the Tennessee School Public Relations Association 2025 School Communicator of the Year award.
Anna Maddox (’01), Rockvale, was named chief people officer at LBMC accounting and business consulting firms. Maddox most recently served as chief human resources officer of LBMC Employment Partners LLC.
Alana Owen Ward (’01), Clarksville, the owner and president of Baggett Heating & Cooling, was selected as one of the 2024 Top Women in HVAC by ACHR News
Dr. Kim Jones (’02), Medina, was promoted to dean of the College of Pharmacy at Union University in Jackson. A faculty member since 2007, Jones has served as the College of Pharmacy’s assistant dean for student services and professor of pharmacy practice since 2020.
Erin Hood Nunley (’02, ’10), Lascassas, was named a recipient of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching and the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring by the White House. Nunley teaches at Overall Creek Elementary in Murfreesboro.
Amy Sullivan (’02), Nashville, CEO of Kirkland’s Inc., was elected to the board of directors for the company, which operates both Kirkland’s Home and Bed Bath & Beyond. Prior to joining Kirkland’s, she held senior-level positions for Express, Lands’ End, Kohl’s, and JC Penney.
Reggie Polk
The Small Business Administration named Polk (’03) the 2025 Small Business Person of the Year for Tennessee. Polk, of Spring Hill, a former tight end for MTSU, is founder and CEO of Polk & Associates Construction Inc. The company is part of the Tennessee Builders Alliance team constructing the new $2.1 billion stadium for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans.
Gary Wiser Jr. (’03), Pendleton, South Carolina, was recently honored by his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Order, as the organization’s 36th recipient of the Accolade for Interfraternal Service. The award was presented at the annual conference of the Southeastern Greek Leadership Association, which Wiser serves as its executive director. Wiser is assistant dean of students and director of fraternity and sorority life at Clemson University.
Tachaka Pentecost-Hollins (’04, ’07), La Vergne, was selected to serve on the University of Tennessee’s College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies inaugural Board of Visitors. Following her B.B.A. in Information Systems and Master of Business Education at MTSU, she earned her doctorate and now serves as assistant vice chancellor for academic affairs at the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Elizabeth Hurst (’05), Lewisburg, was promoted to vice president of communications at Dairy MAX, a dairy council representing more than 700 dairy farm families across eight states. Hurst previously served as director of corporate communications for more than eight years. From leading a consumer rebrand to launching innovative programs such as Dairy Up Close and the virtual farm experience, the Dairy Tour 360, her efforts have strengthened trust in dairy and driven impactful results for dairy farmers.
Spring Brindley (’09), Flintville, was named the 2024–25 Supervisor of the Year for Lincoln County Schools. Now in her 22nd year in education, Brindley spent seven years as a classroom teacher, then became an assistant principal for three years, followed by four years as a principal. For the past nine years, Brindley has served as a district supervisor, guiding and supporting educators in their pursuit of excellence in Lincoln County.
Amanda DeRosia (’09), Murfreesboro, was promoted to finance director in the Finance and Tax Department for the city of Murfreesboro. A certified public account, DeRosia served as interim finance director and city recorder since May 2024.
Nick Waynick (’09, ’17), Ashland City, joined the UT/TSU Extension–Cheatham County Office as an agricultural agent promoting educational and financial programs to assist the county, with a special emphasis on small, new farmers.
2010s
Brittany Cox (’10), Antioch, was appointed assistant commissioner of the Division of Health Disparities Elimination for the Tennessee Department of Health, providing administrative, financial, and operational leadership for division programs and staff to Minority Health, Rural Health, and Faith-Based and Community Engagement. The division works to improve the overall health and well-being of Tennessee’s racial and ethnic minority, and underserved, populations.
Josh Cross (’11), Gallatin, was named special projects director for the Gallatin Economic Development Agency. Cross previously served under House Majority Leader William Lamberth as senior deputy press secretary for the 75-member Tennessee House Republican Caucus.
Benjamin Hayes (’11), Nashville, was appointed as superintendent of Stones River National Battlefield. For the past seven years, Hayes has served as the interpretation and education program manager at Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Prior to that, Hayes served in supervisory positions at Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park in Alaska, the National Mall and Memorial Parks in Washington, and War in the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam.
Dena Oneal (’11), Murfreesboro, was promoted to director of operations and people at Stones River Consulting, a financial and retirement consultancy. Oneal also serves as MTSU’s Alzheimer’s Association liaison and is heavily involved in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s.
Ansley Owens Tillett (’11), Bluff City, became a member at the law firm of Gullett Sanford Robinson & Martin.
Richard Blackburn Jr. (’12), Morrison, was appointed as the faculty lead of Motlow State Community College’s new Electric Vehicle Engineering Technology program.
Jeffrey Perry (’12), Knoxville, was named chief operating officer of the Metropolitan Knoxville Airport Authority and will lead operations at McGhee Tyson Airport and Downtown Island Airport.
Jessica Darnell (’13), Arrington, was appointed chief nursing officer of Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. Darnell previously served in the same role at Ascension Saint Thomas Hospital in Nashville. In 2023, she also began her role as chair of the Nursing Executive Council for Saint Thomas Health.
Margaret Thornton Richards (’14), Nashville, was promoted to head of school at St. Bernard Academy. Richards, who earned an M.Ed. at MTSU on her way to a doctorate, has spent 11 years at SBA, first as a teacher in first and fourth levels, then as head of lower school for four years, and then as interim head of school.
Kelly Hinkle Taylor (’15), Pulaski, joined Maury Regional Medical Group’s Mid-South Gastroenterology division. Taylor boasts nearly 20 years of experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings, including as a charge nurse on the Maury Regional endoscopy unit.
Justin Farr (’16), Nashville, one of the nation’s African-American Catholic seminarians, was ordained to the transitional diaconate in 2024 in Nashville, the latest step on his path to the priesthood. Farr entered seminary for the Diocese of Nashville in 2018 and received the ministries of lector in 2021 and acolyte in 2022.
Evan Lester (’16, ’19), Smyrna, was appointed executive director of Smyrna Airport. He replaced John Black (’90, ’00), who retired after three decades in leadership roles with the airport.
Natalie Martin (’16), Christiana, was named director of membership and business development at The Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute in Chicago.
Ben Wright (’16) and Valair Shabilla (’17) spearheaded the launch of a local soccer media company, SixOneFiveSoccer.com. Wright, founder and executive editor, is a national writer for multiple Major League Soccer (MLS) websites. He was voted 2024 Sports Writer of the Year in the Nashville Scene readers poll. Shabilla, founder and lead contributor, is a refugee who came to the Midstate area from Baghdad. In 2019, Shabilla helped launch what has become Nashville’s longest-running soccer podcast.
Brinley Morgan Hineman (’18), Murfreesboro, was named Travel Weekly’s senior editor covering tours and river cruises.
Jonathan Farmer (’19), Columbia, joined Williamson Health Medical Group as a board-certified physician assistant providing primary care services in Spring Hill.
2020s
Devin Bowles
As the first national tour of MJ: The Musical continues its second year on the road, MTSU Theatre alumnus Bowles (’20) is at center stage. Bowles has the second male lead in the musical, playing the role of Joe Jackson, as well as tour manager Rob. The tour made a stop at Nashville’s Tennessee Performing Arts Center in April and May 2025.
Michael McGarvey (’21), La Vergne, was appointed to the executive board of the Nashville not-for-profit Pawster, which provides temporary foster care to pets in need. McGarvey currently serves as intake coordinator for Acadia Healthcare.
Tiffany Taylor (’22), Murfreesboro, was promoted by the American Red Cross to senior communications strategist at Biomedical Diverse Communications, overseeing the organization’s diverse blood donor communications for the Sickle Cell Initiative and other lines of business.
Cliff Swoape (’23), Woodbury, retired from a 37-year career at Middle Tennessee Natural Gas Utility District that included being the service technician for Cannon County from 1990 to 1995 and safety and training manager for all MTNG personnel from 1997 to 2020. Swoape then embarked on the next phase of his natural gas career as the newly named executive director of the Tennessee Gas Association.
Karson Leighton (’24), Nashville, joined the Academy of Country Music as executive assistant to the CEO, the chief business officer, and Operations.
