Spring 2015 Newsletter

SPRING 2015
VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 2
Creating Opportunities for Individual and Community Growth through Education and Other Sustainable Projects
Niswonger Foundation Hosts Rural Summit
“The Role of Education in the 21st Century Economy” was the theme for a
Rural Summit in Greeneville, Tennessee on March 31. Hosted by the Niswonger
Foundation, the Summit was co-sponsored with Battelle for Kids, which is based
in Columbus, Ohio. Their efforts have served nearly 6 million students and more
than 270,000 educators nationwide. The focus of their work is on the development
of human capital, strategic measures, improving educator effectiveness, and
communication with stakeholders. Battelle for Kids has received more than 50
state and national awards.
The goal of the Summit was to raise awareness regarding the challenges in
rural communities for PreK-12 education, workforce development and career
pathways. The day’s discussion was centered on the unique challenges for rural
communities regarding talent pipeline, the forecast for difficulty in finding
qualified employees, and the need for soft skills and healthy lifestyle choices.
Scott M. Niswonger opened the Summit with a welcome to the over 100
participants. He, then, introduced the keynote speaker Dr. Jim Mahoney, Executive
Director of Battelle for Kids. Mr. Niswonger stated that Jim Mahoney’s work is
reflected in his comment: “Children may represent 25% of our population, but they
represent 100% of our future.” Dr. Mahoney has dedicated his life to improving
educational opportunities for all students. He has served as a superintendent,
principal, teacher, and as an adjunct professor at several Ohio Universities. He
has been a featured speaker throughout the United States, Canada and China. Dr.
Mahoney is co-author of the book, Data-Driven Decisions and School Leadership:
Best Practices for School Improvement. He became the first executive director of
Battelle for Kids in 2001.
Dr. Mahoney’s remarks set the stage for the panel discussions with his
comment, “What can we do better together that we couldn’t do individually?”
Two panels of experts focused on the general themes of Economic Development
and Education.
Forming the Economic Development panel was Dr. Dennis Depew, Dean,
Niswonger Foundation 2015 Rural Summit
College of Business and Technology, ETSU; Jeff Frazier, Executive Director,
Regional Center for Advance Manufacturing (RCAM); Rob Mahaffey, Executive
Director, Rural Schools and Community Trust, Washington D.C.; Scott
Niswonger, Landair Logistics, Transportation and Distribution and President and
Founder of the Niswonger Foundation; Jamie Woodson, President and CEO,
State Collaborative on Reforming Education, Nashville; and Dr. Randy Wykoff,
Dean, College of Public Health, ETSU. Tony Bagshaw, with Battelle for Kids,
served as moderator.
Examples of questions addressed by the first panel included:
• In consideration of the job forecast, what types of knowledge and skills
are necessary for today’s students or job candidates?
See Summit (page 2)
LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
In Support of Educational Innovation
The following article from Niswonger Foundation President and Founder, Scott M.
Niswonger was published in the Knoxville News-Sentinel, Sunday, March 22, 2015. Followers
of Twitter may have seen the article “tweeted” by the U.S. Department of Education.
Last year, Tennessee fired the educational “shot heard round the world” as we
achieved miraculous gains in student achievement. I credit much of this success to the
innovative approaches that have been taken in school systems and classrooms across the
Scott M. Niswonger state. In particular, I applaud our teachers and their tenacity. They have been “whipsawed”
by the very changes that created great achievement by Tennessee students.
The Niswonger Foundation, an educational foundation established to support school districts in rural
Northeast Tennessee, was the recipient of one of the first Investing in Innovation (i3) grants from the U.S.
Department of Education. I applaud the Department’s vision in creating this powerful tool for inspiring the most
innovative approaches to teaching and learning. These grants seek to provide solutions to common educational
challenges with the plan that the successes can be scaled-up to improve educational outcomes across the country.
Even after remarkable success, the future of the i3 grants is now in question. The continuation of this opportunity
of educational innovation will be determined by this session of Congress in the language of the bill reauthorizing
the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). As a citizen, businessman, founder of an educational
foundation, and self-professed conservative, I call on the members of Congress to consider the importance of
strong, bipartisan support for continuing programs that encourage innovation to ensure a sound future for our
children and the educational system.
What the Niswonger Foundation has learned through the success of the i3 grant can well serve other
communities. Nearly 29,000 high schools students, 15 school systems, and 30 high schools over 3,491 square
miles, have been enabled to expand opportunities and help students see the possibility of post-secondary education
and planning for a meaningful future career. We have created expansive online course offerings, extended distanceSee Innovation (page 2)
IN THIS ISSUE
Rural Summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Letter from the President. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Tennessee Arts Award. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Why I Teach. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Darnell Teacher of the Year. . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Class of 2019 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Professional Development. . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Staff Reflections on i3. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Live from London!. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Congratulations Seniors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Alumni News. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Scholars Shine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2
Summit (from cover)
• Are candidates “job ready” or are qualified candidates lacking?
• How do “soft skills” like teamwork, problem solving and persistence,
affect employers success with the available applicant pool?
• How are state and national-level policies affecting the education of rural
youth?
• What strategies can be used to encourage more collaboration among
employers, teachers, communities, and families?
The Education focused panel included Tony Bagshaw, Battelle for Kids; Dr.
Vicki Kirk, Deputy Commissioner, Tennessee Department of Education; Mike
Krause, Executive Director of Tennessee Promise, Office of Tennessee Governor
Bill Haslam; Dr. Dale Lynch, Director, Hamblen County Schools; Dr. Nancy
Moody, President, Tusculum College; and Dr. Pamela Noeth, Battelle for Kids.
Dr. Richard Kitzmiller, Niswonger Foundation, served as moderator.
Questions setting the theme for this discussion included:
• How is education in rural schools similar to education in general and
how is it different?
• What are the unique challenges and opportunities?
• What strategies can be pursued to encourage “brain gain” rather than
“brain drain,” getting student to stay, work and raise families in rural
communities?
• How can the business community better engage with teachers in
“connecting the dots” between the classroom and employment needs?
• What are the key factors to advance the possibility for regional
consortiums to provide expanded opportunities for rural communities?
• How can technology be more fully utilized to provide more options for
student career pathways in rural settings?
Innovation (from cover)
based learning access, established or expanded Advanced Placement (AP) courses in
every high school, and substantially increased student participation in dual enrollment.
Students have been offered college and career counseling with a team of specially
trained advisors. Most impressively, our educators have been offered an inventory of
the best professional development opportunities our region has ever seen. The most
important benefit of our i3 grant is the individual stories we hear from students whose
lives have been changed and a new direction for their future has been set.
This is only the beginning. We have gained a renewed respect for what can be
accomplished by building a strong coalition of 15 school system leaders who have
given up the “Friday Night Lights” syndrome in exchange for a shared vision of best
practices for all students. With this momentum, we have designed a sustainability
plan to maintain the successes of the i3 grant. This investment in innovation was not
only well-spent, but has changed a culture forever.
For years now, we have watched as other countries surpass the United States in
educational rankings. There are many reasons to be concerned about this fact. For our
nation to remain competitive, we should insist that children receive the best education
in the world. Secondly, we want students to graduate from high school prepared for
success in post-secondary education or training that will lead to a productive career.
Our nation needs to be guided by the best prepared leaders and employees. All of
these goals have their foundation in our educational system. We must continue to
innovate in order to compete.
We live in a diverse and changing world. I once heard it stated that in America
we are only equal in one way -”our ability to be unequal.” It may be a true statement,
but unlike many other nations, every child in our country is equal in one important
way; there is an opportunity to become an educated person. It is my belief that is the
one common dominator to make it possible for our children to achieve their biggest
dreams. The world will not stand still. So, the reality of those dreams will not occur
without the continuing ability to innovate.
I am hopeful that Congress will support the inclusion of Investing in Innovation
(i3) grant funding in the ESEA reauthorization. Our children deserve no less.
Scott M. Niswonger is founder of Landair Logistics, Transportation and
Distribution; and Forward Air Corporation. He is President and Founder of the
Niswonger Foundation in Greeneville, Tennessee, and is Co-chair and founding
member of the Tennessee State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE).
Scott M. Niswonger
President
Educators collaborate before Rural Summit
• How can career exploration and awareness more effectively be utilized in
elementary and middle school settings?
In addition to the panel discussions, participants had the opportunity to
hear three Rural Success Stories regarding the work of the Niswonger Foundation,
shared by Vivian Franklin and Dr. Nancy Dishner; The Ohio Appalachian
Collaborative, presented by Mike Antrican; and Battelle for Kids, shared by Dr.
Pam Noeth.
To end the Summit, all panelists joined together to respond to questions
submitted by the participants. Finally, they were each given the opportunity to
provide a closing comment.
The Rural Summit was video recorded and is available on the Niswonger
Foundation website at www.niswongerfoundation.org.
Scott M. Niswonger Receives
Tennessee Governor's Arts Award
Scott M. Niswonger, President
and Founder of the Niswonger
Foundation, was named as one of
ten recipients of this year’s Governor’s
Arts Awards. The “Arts Leadership
Award” was presented to Niswonger
by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam
at a ceremony at the Governor’s
Residence in Nashville on March 17.
Mr. Niswonger holds a strong
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam and First Lady
belief that students who are involved
Crissy Haslam present a 2015 Governor's
Arts Awards to Scott Niswonger.
in the arts will be more successful
in academic pursuits. Likewise,
providing arts opportunities enriches quality of life and enhances a growing economy.
He has been instrumental in providing support for high school band and music
programs, and has provided the opportunity for artists to engage in educational
enrichment in public schools.
In 2004, Mr. Niswonger made possible the establishment of the Niswonger
Performing Arts Center in Greeneville. NPAC provides the venue for more than 30
specialty performances annually, drawing patrons from many states and throughout
the region. A number of performances, each year, are specially designed for young
audiences. Likewise, NPAC is used for high school band concerts and is the “stage”
for the CAMP NPAC each summer, offering the opportunity for many of the region’s
children to have their first taste of acting and performing.
Through the Niswonger Foundation, approximately 2000 regional students
hear a “Young People’s Concert,” each year, performed by the Knoxville Symphony
Orchestra at NPAC. Mini grants are provided by the Foundation for numerous
cultural arts initiatives. As an example, the Niswonger Foundation is proud of a
growing partnership with the International Storytelling Center in Jonesborough.
One example of this partnership is the live-streaming of the International Storytelling
Festival, making it possible for school children, and many others, around the world to
have access to the world’s best in the story arts.
The press release from the Office of the Governor stated that Mr. Niswonger
was provided this award in recognition of his being instrumental in bringing positive
change to Northeast Tennessee. Others receiving the award, this year, included Loretta
Lynn and B.B. King.
3
Why I Teach
by Nick Darnell, Niswonger Scholar Alumni, Class of 2006
I can still remember the first time I entered DeBusk Elementary School in
Greene County. There were so many other kids who were laughing and playing and
seemed to really like this place. I could be very shy as a young child and had worries
about being left alone. Those worries quickly vanished when I met my kindergarten
teacher. She was so kind and welcoming and put all my worries to rest. I knew from
that moment school was going to be a good place for me and that thought has never
changed.
Throughout my educational career teachers like Mrs. McAfee, Mrs. Waddle,
Mrs. Judy, Mrs. Broyles, Mr. Ricker, Mrs. Ratledge and so many others influenced me
in a way that cannot be put into words. They were counselors, nurses, disciplinarians,
cheerleaders and second parents. These men and women made such a profound
impact on my life that I began to wonder if someday I could do the same. It wasn’t
until my senior year of high school that I received “the call”. It is my belief that all of
us have a calling in life. Some feel theirs is to the ministry while others feel called into
the military. Only teachers can explain the feeling. I questioned whether this career
would be able to comfortably support a family, or should I pursue a job with more
fame and recognition where I could climb the corporate ladder. In the end, “the call”
was too great and I realized that I was destined to be an educator.
My first day of teaching was terrifying. I couldn’t sleep the night before so I
arrived early hoping to calm my nerves and be fully prepared for that first group of
seventh graders. When they arrived, I realized that I was all alone. There were no
mentor teachers or student teaching supervisors standing there in case of emergency.
It was me and almost 30 advanced reading students staring at me waiting for all the
answers to life’s questions. That first year was rough as I found my bearings. Long days
of grading all the papers myself, reading about all the “perfect” ways to conduct one’s
classroom, and signing up for everything I possibly could to let the veteran teachers
know that I would work just as hard as anyone else in the building. There were times
during that first year that I questioned whether or not I was in the right place. I had
just spent over four years of my life studying to be a teacher and ask myself, “Is this
really what I want to do for the next 30 years or more?” After calming down and
getting a good night’s rest, the answer was always a resounding yes and nine years
later I’m still doing the job that I love and could never imagine leaving the field of
education.
Unless you are a teacher, married to one, or have a close friend or family member
who is one, it is difficult to know what teachers truly face on a daily basis. I will
not go into all of the arguments of what people say versus reality but our jobs are
very demanding. One of the most negative aspects of my career is trying everything
you know and a child still cannot grasp what you are trying to teach. There are a
million reasons why. It is possible the
child cannot read and has somehow
been passed year after year until he or
she lands in my eighth grade class. It
is possible the child’s focus is on the
fight his or her parents had last night
or that they did not eat dinner again
because there simply is no food in the
refrigerator. It could be that the student
has been told school is worthless and
they will never amount to anything.
More than the long days, excessive
amounts of paperwork, and parents
who believe the teacher is always the
problem, not being able to find the
Nick Darnell
perfect answers for helping a student
learn is the hardest part of my job.
The past few years in our state and nation have been trying times for all who
are involved in education. Teachers feel that they never know what is expected of
them because they fear it will all change again next year. Parents are upset because
they feel they cannot help their children because the material is so different from
the time they were in school. Legislators and those in government are discouraged
because new ideas they thought would help our state and nation didn’t turn out the
way they had hoped. Change is difficult and no one will argue that point. Before the
changes that were initiated in our state several years ago, a majority of teachers would
have agreed that more needed to be done. Our students needed more and we were
up to the challenge. It has been a struggle these past few years with a new evaluation
system, new standards, and tight budgets due to the recession. Tennessee’s teachers
have risen to the challenge and we now are seeing the positive results from that hard
work and dedication. We are now one of the fastest growing states in several areas
of education. I have witnessed great changes from year to year in the abilities of my
students. Stakeholders are beginning to listen to each other instead of simply talking
at each other. It is exciting to see all the possibilities that lie ahead for this great state
and especially the Northeast Tennessee region that I call home.
My parents taught me many valuable lessons throughout my childhood but
one of those always stood out: hard work and dedication make the difference. It is
my hope that over these past nine years I have been able to make the same positive
impact on the students of Hamblen County that I was blessed to have throughout
my educational career. Due to the calling I received years ago, it is my responsibility
and honor to continue giving my all to the world of education and endlessly strive to
make our region a better place for generations to come.
Nick Darnell is a Niswonger Scholar Alumni and American history teacher at East
Ridge Middle School in Hamblen County. Nick was recently named “Middle School
Teacher of the Year” for the First Tennessee Region. (See story page 3)
Nick Darnell Named First Tennessee Region Middle
School Teacher of the Year
Niswonger Scholar Alumni is Fulfilling the Mission of "Learn, Earn, and Return"
The Niswonger Foundation is honored to announce that Niswonger Scholar
Alumni, Nick Darnell, has received the honor of being named “First Tennessee Region”
Middle School Teacher of the Year. With this recognition, Nick is now in consideration
for “Tennessee Teacher of the Year.”
A visit to Mr. Darnell’s classroom provides a quick explanation for his success.
Students are engaged, and as more than one commented, “having fun!” Paxtyn
Lauson, a student in Nick’s social studies class shared that “He makes us want to
learn. He keeps learning new and fun.” She further stated: “He pushes us as far as
he can, but always makes sure we have everything we need to be successful.” Fellow
student Tanner Elkins commented on Mr. Darnell’s “great sense of humor” and that
“he makes his lessons fun!” Tanner also commented that “Mr. Darnell pushes us to
be successful inside and outside the classroom.” Simply but effectively stated, Kelsey
Killion says: “It’s my favorite class!”
Nick was selected in the first class of Niswonger Scholars in 2002. A native of
Greeneville, he was president of his senior class and valedictorian at South Greene
High School. He graduated from Tusculum College with a degree in elementary
education.
Taking seriously his commitment to the Niswonger Foundation to “Learn,
Earn, and Return,” to Northeast Tennessee Nick is in his ninth year of teaching, as
an American history
teacher at East Ridge
Middle School in
Hamblen County. He is
substitute administrator,
head sponsor of the
school’s Beta Club, has
Nick Darnell with students Tanner, Kelsey and Paxtyn
served as chairman of the
school improvement committee, a member of the data team, crisis team and Mentor
Leadership Team. Nick coaches the school’s cross-country team.
Nick earned his master’s in educational leadership, administrative endorsement,
and completed an educational specialist degree in school system leadership from
East Tennessee State University. He describes his commitment to teaching by saying:
“When you love your job, it makes it easy. I couldn’t see myself doing anything other
than teaching.”
There isn’t a teacher who would not be honored to receive the compliment paid
to Mr. Darnell by his student Paxtyn Lauson: “He makes us want to learn!”
Congratulations Nick! Thank you for the honor you bring to the Niswonger
Foundation through your service as an educator in Northeast Tennessee.
4
Niswonger Foundation Welcomes Scholar Class of 2019
Morgan Alexandra Thomas is a student
at Science Hill High School. She has
maintained a 4.0 grade point average. She
serves as junior varsity women’s soccer
assistant, SHHS Youth Ambassador, Student
Government representative and is a member
of Mu Alpha Theta. She enjoys volunteering
with Rotary Wheel, Girls on the Run,
Munsey Memorial United Methodist
Church and Second Harvest Food Bank.
Her desire is to become a pharmacist. She is the daughter of Robert
and Beth Thomas of Johnson City.
T
he five newest Niswonger Scholars and their families
were honored at the Annual Welcome Dinner hosted by
Scott and Nikki Niswonger on April 23rd at the General
Morgan Inn in Greeneville. These Scholars represent the
fourteenth year of the Scholarship and Leadership program.
The Niswonger Foundation’s guiding philosophy of “Learn, Earn
and Return” is firmly embedded in the Niswonger Scholars program.
The program takes the brightest young leaders in Northeast Tennessee,
provides them the opportunity to attend the college or university
that will best prepare them for their chosen career, and supplements
that education with four years of leadership development activities.
The plan is to see Niswonger Scholars come back to the region with
not only strong earning potential, but an entrepreneurial spirit and
overwhelming desire to return their talents and energy to this region.
Currently, there are 20 Niswonger Scholars, with the newly selected
students for 2015 bringing the total to 25. The Foundation also has
52 alumni of the program. The most distinct feature of this Scholars
program is that the Niswonger Foundation is refining the next
generation of leaders committed to returning to Northeast Tennessee.
WE PROUDLY INTRODUCE OUR NEW SCHOLARS
Courtney Sherry Johnson is a student at
Gatlinburg-Pittman High School. She
represented Gatlinburg-Pittman at Volunteer
Girls State. She was selected to serve on
the Board of Education. She has served as
assistant director of the GPHS Drama Club.
Courtney achieved the Sevier County’s
Most Distinguished Young Woman award,
Tennessee’s Most Distinguished Young
Woman Overall Scholastics award, Magna
Cum Laude on the National Latin Exam and Little Miss Sunshine
award for the GPHS dance team. She enjoys volunteering with a
variety of organizations in the Sevierville area and spending time with
local nursing home residents. Her plans are to study pre-med and
attend medical school. Courtney is the daughter of Michelle Johnson
of Gatlinburg.
Zachary Tyler Ward attends Volunteer
High School. He is ranked first in his class
and maintains a 4.0 grade point average. He
serves as Student Government president and
is a member of Beta Club, Mu Alpha Theta
and participated in ETSU Talent Search.
Zachary has volunteered with Holston
Valley Medical Center, Surgoinsville Middle
School’s Eagle 8k and Beta Club Parents
Night Out. He plans to major in chemistry
with the goal of becoming an anesthesiologist. He is the son of Tonia
Clark of Church Hill.
Matthew Hunter Widener is a student
at David Crockett High School. He has
served as vice president and president of the
Creative Writing Club, sentinel of HOSA
Chapter, sergeant-at-arms and treasurer of
the Drama Club as well as being a member
of the Beta Club, French Club, National
Society of High School Scholars, and
NJROTC. Matthew has volunteered with
Antioch Baptist Church, Key Club, Ronald
McDonald House and Johnson City Community Theatre. He plans to
study pre-med with the goal of becoming a general surgeon. He is the
son of Randal and Deena Widener of Johnson City.
Trenton Blake Yount attends Hancock
County High School and maintains a 4.0
grade point average. He is an active Honor
Club 4H member where he serves as scout.
He is a certified lifeguard. He is a member
of Student Council, Future Business Leaders
of America, Spanish Club, Art Club, Family,
Career and Community Leaders of America
and the community based group Students
Against Destructive Decisions (SADD).
Trenton enjoys volunteering with his 4H community and Cedar Grove
Baptist Church. He plans to study environmental engineering. He is
the son of Nathan and Jennifer Yount of Sneedville.
Welcome “Class of 2019!”
5
Upcoming Niswonger Foundation
Professional Development Opportunities
Registration Information for All Professional Development
is Available on the Niswonger Foundation Website
www.niswongerfoundation.org - Click on the EVENTS tab.
Ninth Annual School Success Symposium
This year’s Niswonger Foundation School Success Symposium
will be held on Thursday, July 9 at Greeneville High School
and the Niswonger Performing Arts Center. The focus of this
year’s symposium is “Personalized Learning.” Eastman Chemical
Company joins the Niswonger Foundation to sponsor the
symposium, making possible a keynote address by Michael Horn,
noted authority in personalized learning. Horn is Executive Director
of the Clayton Christensen Institute and author of landmark book
“Disrupting Class.”
Featured Speakers will include Tennessee Commissioner of
Education, Dr. Candice McQueen; Deputy Commissioner of
Education, Dr. Vicki Kirk; David Golden, Senior Vice President
and Chief Legal Officer for Eastman Chemical Company; and Scott
M. Niswonger, Niswonger Foundation President and Founder.
Check-in will be at 7:30 A.M. in the GREENEVILLE HIGH
SCHOOL CAFÉ. A continental breakfast will be served.
The School Success Symposium will be followed by two “Handson Days” for high school teachers on July 14-15. These days are
specially designed for teachers to more fully develop their skills with
personalized learning techniques adaptable to their classrooms.
More than 1000 educators from around the region are expected to
participate in this year’s event.
Summer Professional Development Opportunities
MATHLETES – EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY –
ALLENDALE CAMPUS
June 15 – 26
An intensive two-week summer workshop focusing on math
education. This program provides professional development for
secondary school math teachers who work in the Niswonger i3
Grant Consortium.
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) ACADEMIES
DOBYNS-BENNETT HS MORRISTOWN WEST HS
June 8-9 - US History
June 10 – AP English
SCIENCE HILL HS
June 15-16 – AP Biology
DOBYNS-BENNETT HS
June 29-30 AP Calc AB & BC
SCIENCE HILL HS
June 16-17 – AP Chemistry
A professional development opportunity for current AP teachers
who work in the Niswonger i3 Grant Consortium to learn, share
and build collaborative communities as resources throughout the
school year.
CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE)
TCAT ELIZABETHTON
TCAT MORRISTOWN
June 3 – CTE Elizabethton
July 14 – CTE Morristown
EASTMAN CENTER
July 21 – CTE Eastman
A professional development opportunity for current CTE teachers
in the Niswonger i3 Grant Consortium. Current work skills and
skills for work certified tests will be shared with teachers to build a
rigorous program preparing students to enter pre-career training.
COUNSELOR CONVENING and COUNSELOR ACADEMY
EAST TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY, D.P. CULP
UNIVERSITY CENTER
COUNSELOR CONVENING
July 14 – 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
(All who wish to attend)
COUNSELOR ACADEMY
July 14 – 12:00pm to 3:00 pm
(i3 Consortium 9-12 Counselors only)
Counselor Convening (morning) is for all K-12 school Counselors
and other K-12 and higher education professionals committed
to improving college access for the students in our region. The
featured speaker is Eric Waldo, Executive Director of First Lady
Michelle Obama’s Reach Higher Initiative. The Counselor Academy
(afternoon) will provide a more intensive focus on college access
initiatives and best practices for high school counselors.
NISWONGER FOUNDATION and TENNESSEE CODE ACADEMY
ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE
SUMMER CODE CAMPS
DISCOVERING AND NURTURING THE TALENT OF TOMORROW
The Niswonger Foundation and Tennessee Code Academy have partnered
to provide week-long day camps for 2015/2016 high school students
and 2015 graduates in the Northeast Tennessee region.
Code Camps are part of a progressive programming,
education initiative that immerses students in an engaging,
real-world environment in which they are challenged to create with code.
These camps are offered without charge to students.
ETSU - June 1-4; June 8-12 and June 22-26
Tusculum College - June 8-12 and June 15-19
Walters State - June 15-19 and June 22-26
6
Reflections from the Niswonger Foundation's Investing in Innovation Staff
As the five years of work with the Niswonger
Foundation’s Investing in Innovation grant draws to
a close on September 30, staff members provide the
following reflections on their personal experiences while
participating in a project that has supported 30 high
schools, 29,000 students, and invested $21,000,000
in improving education in Northeast Tennessee.
Directors and Coordinators
What a privilege I have had to be a part of this
grant for the last four+ years! In the beginning, I
served the Sullivan County schools as a College
and Career Counselor. I saw firsthand how the
power of college knowledge and just a little bit of
support from a caring adult can catapult a student’s
future! Two and half years into the grant, I received
the honor and joy of becoming the Director for
the Counseling Program. In this role, I have met
countless professionals whose heart for students is
supreme. Many of those professionals serve on our
staff and just make me a better person when I have
spent time with them. I have watched students,
schools, our staff, and myself grow and be blessed
by this “consortium” of dedicated, expert, and
overall high-quality individuals that work together
to create an exceptional blend of specialists whose
cooperation and ingenuity exists to benefit our
culture and has greatly advanced the cause of a
college-going culture.
One of the most exciting things to emerge from
the i3 grant has been observing the transition that
Denise Arnold, Dale Schneitman and Amy French
students have made in embracing online learning.
Initially, the online learning environment seemed
intimidating to students who hadn’t tried it. As we
least 18 collaborative “meetings” were conducted
approach the end of year 5 of the grant, students
between schools; students participated in 10
from all 30 high schools are now flourishing in the
“virtual” field trips. School-level presentations/
online learning environment. As student interest
demonstrations were conducted at 18 schools; one
has grown, we have increased our offerings from
participant presented at a state-level conference.
eight online courses to over 35, including upper
The participants are very positive about their ability
level STEM and Foreign Language options.
Amy French to use technology in productive ways.
Equally exciting is the way teachers have embraced
Director of Counseling
Rosemary Kitzmiller
teaching in the online learning environment by
Distant
Learning Coordinator
delivering dynamic lessons and engaging students ——————————————————
——————————————————
in a meaningful way.
A very positive aspect of working with teachers
Denise Arnold on the Niswonger i3 project relates to the “extra” When a teacher says “this is the best professional
Director of Learning Resources professional-learning opportunities the project development I’ve ever had” … that’s positive! —————————————————— has enabled. Especially rewarding “moments” This statement is one we have heard again and
involve feedback from the teacher participants. again throughout the life of the i3 grant. The
Since coming on board with the Niswonger Almost always, teachers give positive feedback introduction of teachers to their regional colleagues
Foundation in January, I have had many positive and express appreciation for these opportunities. and the resulting dynamic, ongoing networks
experiences with administrators and teachers Occasionally, though, the feedback seems much continue to be one of the valuable consequences of
within the consortium. It is so exciting to see that more personal. I particularly remember 10-12 our grant design. A second highlight of the grant
each school within the consortium is looking for occasions where teachers are: (a) especially excited came for me when district leaders and principals
ways to add AP courses to their course offerings. and energized by the scope and quality of a identified professional learning as one of their
Some schools are adding AP courses in a more national conference they’re attending for the first top three priorities for sustainability of the grant
traditional sense in which there is a teacher on-site time, (b) deeply appreciative of resources provided program. It is clear that regional teachers and
for that class while others have been innovative for their students, or (c) emotionally relating how administrators recognize the value of high-quality,
and used technology to enable these courses to much they’ve learned in an in-depth, collaborative, job-embedded professional learning. occur via distance learning. The Foundation professional-development session and eagerly
Robbie Mitchell
has also provided the opportunity for teachers to anticipating how their new knowledge will help
Director of Professional Learning
receive AP training that allows them to enter the them be a better teacher with their students.
——————————————————
classroom feeling confident to teach AP. With this
Dr. Richard Kitzmiller
new-found confidence comes the realization that
STEM Coordinator Certainly, the efforts of the Niswonger Foundation
the students can and will succeed.
—————————————————— have greatly enhanced the programming and
Samatha DeBord
related developments of school districts as well as
Advanced Placement Coordinator In working with teachers on distance-learning individual schools for several years. Opportunities
strategies, it has been very rewarding to see how the provided by the "Investing in Innovation Grant"
depth of knowledge has increased and how quickly (i3) seems to have swung the door wide open in
distance-learning strategies have been incorporated East Tennessee. These opportunities have not been
into the schools. Twenty-four teachers participated one sided but enjoyed by both teacher and student
in a Summer 2014 study of distance-learning alike. It has been exciting and even dramatic
opportunities. All of them have completed at times watching the investments of students
suggested follow-up activities during the 2014/15 and teachers into programs once thought to be
school year. Two new distance-learning classes experienced by someone else...but now available
(between schools) were started; but, at least as and even expected. Surely, we have witnessed a
important, is the manner in which the teachers cultural change.
incorporated the strategies in “smaller” ways in
Dale Schneitman
their current classes and/or professional activities.
Dual Enrollment Coordinator
Within the first few months, reports show that at
Carlos Hammonds, CTE Coordinator
7
College and Career Counselors
Working with the i3 grant has helped me grow
as a professional and a person. Helping students
see their potential and being there to guide them
through the process is extremely rewarding.
Having parents see me in public and thank me for
everything I have done for their child lets me know
that I am making a difference in the students’ life.
Darrin Burchette
——————————————————
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at the
Niswonger Foundation. Having this opportunity
to work on the i3 grant has helped me to grow
tremendously as a professional. It is rewarding
to see the data before we started and know the
difference we have made in the college going rate
of Northeast Tennessee. There is no better feeling
than knowing I had a direct impact on someone
furthering their education that without this grant I
may not have had the opportunity.
Donnell Goode
——————————————————
As the i3 Grant comes to a close and I look back
on the past year and a half, what strikes me as
most significant are the relationships. As I came
on board for the final two years of the grant, I was
welcomed eagerly and sincerely by a wonderful
team of counselors and education professionals
who had already formed friendships and work
relationships built on respect and shared goals.
From working on a grant in the past that allowed
me to go into a school system, I anticipated having
to work to build a level of trust with the school staff.
However, through the past work of the Niswonger
Foundation and the previous counselor, the trust
was already firmly established. I was then able to
concentrate on building relationships with the
students, assisting them as they prepare for the
future, and celebrating each successful step from
completing a college application to scheduling
their freshman orientation. I believe the key to
the success of the i3 grant is the relationships built
over these five short years; from the relationships
between the Foundation and the school systems
to the relationships between the i3 grant staff
members to the relationships between i3 grant
counselors and students. These relationships will
continue well past the grant ending, and through
Shawn Stewart, i3 Consortium Counselor
these relationships the Grant will continue to
accomplish much.
Anita Kilbourne-Greer
——————————————————
As I reflect on the past five years, I can’t help but
think of all the students and families I have been
blessed to meet. Many of them I now consider
family and hope to grow with through the many
2014 School Success Symposium
years to come. I have learned that every young
person has a desire and potential to be successful
and live a life of happiness. Often that desire and people, including myself, and for that I am grateful.
potential can be locked away underneath rural
Melissa Overbay
generational norms and belief that post-secondary
——————————————————
education isn’t attainable.
Sometimes the key to unlocking said potential Working for the Niswonger Foundation as
is simply a relationship of positive service with a College and Career Counselor has been an
a caring adult. Rural America is plagued with amazing experience. I’ve learned so much from
hardworking families that need counselors the other staff at the Foundation and so thankful
dedicated to assisting with the future education for the lasting relationships I’ve built. I also feel
of their youngest generation. I can only hope that very lucky to have been placed in Greene County
in the future more opportunities and individuals because I’ve met so many wonderful students,
will be available for such a deserving population. counselors, teachers, parents, principals, and other
I treasure my students and will continue to serve people in the community. This grant has provided
underrepresented populations as I believe they are numerous opportunities for so many schools and
changed the lives of many students. I can’t describe
some of our countries most valuable assets.
how grateful I am to have had the chance to build
Kristi Johnson relationships with these fantastic students, and see
—————————————————— firsthand the life changing effects this grant has
had. Being able to go to work and know that I’m a
Though my experience working with this grant has small piece of this large group working together to
been short, I have seen how beneficial it has been make an immense difference in East Tennessee is
for the students at each of the schools that I work an incredible honor. Every day I walk into a school,
in. Niswonger Foundation has allowed students I know it’s an opportunity to help students and
the opportunity to further their education as well maybe make a difference in someone’s life. There
as provided the support needed when making are no words to describe how forever thankful I
decisions regarding post-secondary options.
am to have had this opportunity. It has been a true
Bree Nelson blessing in my life.
Brandy Shaffer
——————————————————
It amazes me to think about how fast the past few
years have passed by. There are so many different
things that come to mind when I think about
what has been accomplished. One of my favorite
things about working for the i3 Grant was simply
the experience. I learned so much about the needs
of the area that are not being met. I learned about
so many different barriers that students face
(primarily financial) that keep them from pursuing
rigorous courses, college, and tests that require a
fee. I have seen the look of relief and gratitude from
students who were awarded our assistance for dual
enrollment courses. I have talked to parents who
expressed thankfulness for helping their children
with the added expenses of advanced placement
and dual enrollment courses. I have seen the sigh
of relief from the students who couldn’t pay their
college application fees, when we said that we
would gladly help them out. I’m also thankful for
all of the professional development that I was able
to participate in. It has truly helped me grow and
mature as a young professional. There are just so
many opportunities that were given to so many
——————————————————
My role as a Niswonger i3 Counselor has been
one of the most rewarding experiences that I have
had to date, and I am proud to be associated with
the Niswonger Foundation. I have learned a lot
about myself through this position and I feel as
though I have grown as an advocate in this field.
Being able to provide students and their families
with opportunities and information regarding
the college process and career choices has been a
privilege for me. I was a first-generation college
student, so I know how scary and hard the college
process is and the negative impact of not having
a college-going culture in a school. Students
need to sense that they have genuine professional
caregivers that they can turn to, that will be there
for them without judgement, and that can help
them succeed. People say that students do not
care how much you know, until they know how
much you care, and I hope I was able to make
a difference through this grant, by showing my
students just that.
Shawn Stewart
8
Live from London!
Scholars Connect During Internship and Study Abroad Experiences
Richard Vradenburgh
Tennessee Technological University, Junior
I had the opportunity to spend this spring semester in England,
where I am studying abroad at King's College London. This has definitely
been a time of experiencing new things. Much of that novelty is due to
living in the grand city of London. London is initially so daunting in its
size, pace, and culture that it took me a fair amount of time to adjust
to the way of life. But with enough time, even I was able to catch up to
speed!
I have been able to do a bit of traveling while away as well. Thus far, I
have been to: Windsor, Canterbury, Dover, Bath, Stratford, Stonehenge,
and Barcelona, Spain. I also have plans to see much of Ireland, Brussels,
Frankfurt, Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome. Having a glimpse of what
life is like for people in these places, as well as taking in the beauty of the
towns and country sides, is really fascinating and enjoyable. And then, if
you are blessed to do so with fantastic tour guides, it's all the more fun.
I have spent quite a lot of time experiencing the treasures of new
places. Doing so has made me desire all the more to seek out treasures,
hidden and apparent, back home. When I reflect on how few of
the beautiful places in East Tennessee that I have seen, I am honestly
disappointed with myself. And why don't I know more East Tennessee
history?
But I have also been impacted in a way I did not foresee. I have
spent some time, perhaps in moments of homesickness, thinking about
my life and community back home-about how I can best be of impact
there. Ironically, being a great distance from home has allowed me to
gain clarity about my career plans. I believe that as a high school teacher,
I would see the best blend of doing what I enjoy and making a positive
difference in other people's lives. I suppose that sometimes you have to go
far away to find answers to questions that are close and personal.
———————————————————————————
Trey Dodson
Vanderbilt University, Junior
“Sir, when a man is tired of London, he is tired of life; for there is in
London all that life can afford.” Besides maybe the “afford” part of this
statement, I think Samuel Johnson was spot on with this declaration.
In the 120 days I spent abroad, each and every day brought with it a
new adventure, new opportunity, or new challenge. Just as fast as this
experience started was just as fast as this experience ended. Nevertheless,
the speed at which this experience occurred doesn’t debunk for a second
the internal transformation this trip invoked in me. Follow along with me
as I attempt to chronicle this life changing experience.
My program somewhat deviated from a typical study abroad
program. My experience was a full time internship on top of a full time
Vanderbilt course load. The company I worked for really made me earn
the unpaid, unsubsidized academic credit I received from working at
their organization. I worked tireless hours completing assignments for
Scholars Richard Vradenburgh and Trey Dodson connect in London as they
complete their college experiences abroad during Spring Semester 2015.
both my boss at work and my boss in class (my professor). Luckily, it all
paid off in the end (literally). Through my senior capstone, I identified an
opportunity for MediaXchange that will eventually earn them 500,000
pounds in revenue, which isn’t too shabby for a company of their size.
With the combination of my job and class, I didn’t get very many
moments to breathe, but in the moments that I did, I took absolute
advantage of them. Yes, I saw Big Ben and the London Eye. Yes, I visited
all the parks and amazing museums that London is known for. But
what made this journey even more magical was all the travelling I got
to do outside of London. My classmates and I took full advantage of
London’s centrality. We signed our names on the remnants of the Berlin
wall in Germany. We took bike tours around the canals of Amsterdam.
We consumed our weight in Paella in Barcelona and visited the gorgeous
Sagrada Família. From there we sauntered around the Pope’s house in
Vatican City and took selfies in front of the Coliseum and Panthenon all
before touring the Edinburgh castle in Scotland. We took a break from all
of the historic sites and shot up to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day to pinch all
the people not wearing green. To end this adventure, we took a two week
victory lap around Eastern Europe visiting places like Budapest, Vienna,
Salzburg, Prague, and Venice. All of which took my breath away, the very
breath in which I was supposed to be salvaging.
I cannot believe this journey is over. As I write this entry, pure
melancholy is flowing through my soul. I would like to sincerely thank
the Niswonger Foundation for their continued support, guidance,
and sheer generosity throughout the process. This trip fundamentally
changed my life forever and it would not have been possible without the
benevolence of Scott Niswonger. In the end, I owe who I am today to the
grace of God, the Niswonger Foundation, and my loving family. I will
reciprocate their investment in me by pouring my mind, heart, and soul
back into our beautiful region. Watch out first congressional district, I
graduate in a year!
9
Congratulations to our Graduating Seniors!
We are proud to recognize the Niswonger Scholars Class of 2015. These
Scholars and their families will be honored at a dinner on Tuesday, May
26. At the conclusion of the Scholars’ Summer Leadership Training, their
accomplishments will be celebrated with a graduation trip to Europe. As
their last formal learning experience as a Scholar, they will see, first hand,
evidence of the commitment and sacrifices made in World War II. Their
travels will be centered in Normandy, France. They will also visit key sites in
Paris and London.
As they begin the first steps on their journeys as college graduates, they were
asked to share their personal reflections regarding their plans.
JORDAN FRYE
The University of Tennessee,
Knoxville
This past semester has been a
time of both reflection of the past
four years and anticipation for my
future plans and goals. Reflecting
on the past has made my heart swell with gratitude for all the experiences
I have had and the people I have met during my time at the University of
Tennessee and as a Niswonger Scholar. Looking to the future, I am thrilled
about the open-ended possibilities for me personally and professionally. This
summer, I will begin the Advanced-Standing Master of Science in Social
Work program at the University of Tennessee. My studies will concentrate
on management, leadership, and community practice. While pursuing my
master’s degree, I will serve as the graduate assistant in the Office of the
President for the University of Tennessee-System. My goal is to use my social
work education to advance social welfare policy and engage in community
development efforts in Northeast Tennessee. Long-term, I hope to pursue a
doctoral degree in social work.
FRANCISCO OCHOAVARGAS
Vanderbilt University
I am graduating with a
Bachelor's in Economics with
concentrations in Corporate
Strategy, Finance, and French.
At the end of the summer I will begin working as an Analyst for Mercer
Consulting in Atlanta. While working, I will begin the preparation for
pursuing an MBA in the near future. I envision the next years of my life as
the “Earn” stage in the Foundation’s philosophy. Through these next years I
will gain invaluable skills that will help me towards my ultimate goal which
is to start my own business in the Northeast Tennessee region and contribute
to the Foundation’s mission.
LILLIE SEAL
Lincoln Memorial University
While the past four years at
Lincoln Memorial University have
been life-changing for me, I am very
excited to finally be graduating with
a BS in Elementary Education. I
have also completed an endorsement in English for grades 7-12, so this enables
me to have a wider range of teaching certification. I will be applying for a fulltime teaching position in Northeast Tennessee within the coming months.
After teaching for 3 years, I plan to pursue a Master’s Degree in Educational
Administration and receive my principalship certification. My hope is that God
will place me in an environment that allows me to educate and care for all of
my future students as so many did for me before. I am eager to begin the next
step in my life while also continuing to give back to my beloved Northeast
Tennessee community as Mr. and Mrs. Niswonger have taught me to do.
ALEX SMYTH
East Tennessee State University
In May, I will graduate with a
mathematics degree, with a minor
in education, from East Tennessee
State University. I will graduate
Summa Cum Laude (highest
honors). I’ve been looking forward to the next chapter of my life since my
sophomore year in college – I will begin teaching mathematics somewhere
in Northeast Tennessee. This summer, I plan on receiving AP Calculus
training, in hopes of one day being able to bring it to an area that currently
cannot provide this opportunity. Within the next couple of years, I will begin
a Master’s program in mathematics, likely via distance learning from the
University of Tennessee. The Niswonger Foundation has gone above and
beyond over the past four years for me, providing me every opportunity
possible to succeed academically, emotionally, and spiritually. I look forward
to being able to hopefully provide this same type of support to my students
for as long as I am on this earth. Last (but certainly not least), on June 4,
2016, I will marry the love of my life, Macy Parham.
CHRISTOPHER
STEADMAN
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
In May, I will be graduating
the University of Tennessee with
Summa Cum Laude distinction.
My Bachelor’s Degree will be
in Biochemistry Cellular and Molecular Biology. After walking across the
stage I will be heading back home to the Tri-cities to work during my gap
year before hopefully attending Quillen College of Medicine in pursuit of
becoming an Anesthesiologist. In order to gain more experience in the field,
I will be working in a hospital as an anesthesia tech. I will also be taking time
to study for the newly formatted MCAT. I look forward to being able to take
everything I have learned from the Niswonger Foundation and apply it to the
next chapters of my life. GO VOLS!
10
Alumni Scholar News
OUR MISSION:
To create opportunities for
individual and community
growth through education
DR. KATIE BAKER
(Class of 2007) is a
CORE Champion Award
recipient by Greeneville
City Schools Education
Foundation in the category
of Outstanding Young
Alumni, Greeneville High
School class of 2003.
PATRICK BROWN
(Class of 2009) has joined
Ross/Fowler Landscape
Architects as a project job
captain in Knoxville.
and other sustainable projects.
For more information regarding
our Foundation, contact:
The Niswonger Foundation
Tusculum College
P.O. Box 5112
Greeneville, TN 37743
423.798.7837
www.niswongerfoundation.org
BOARD OFFICERS AND
FOUNDATION STAFF
SCOTT M. NISWONGER
President and Founder
NIKKI L. NISWONGER
Secretary
DR. NANCY DISHNER
Executive Vice President
KATHY O’DELL
Office Manager
BARBARA BATES
Executive Assistant
NICK DARNELL
(Class of 2006) has been
named middle school
“Teacher of the Year” for the
first Tennessee region. He
was voted teacher of the
year at East Ridge Middle
School where he is a teacher.
He was named Hamblen
County middle grades
teacher in February. He will be representing the
region at the state level.
CASEY JACKSON
FRANTZ
(Class of 2008) and
her husband Jared are
expecting their first child
in August.
ELIZABETH JONES
(Class of 2013) has
accepted a promotion
at Eastman Chemical
Company. She is now
Staff Engineer in Fibers
Manufacturing – Acetone
Recovery Area.
SEAN MCCULLOUGH
(Class of 2011) has
been named Innovation
Business Partner at Nielsen
BASES Innovation
Analytics in Chicago,
Illinois.
TREY RELIFORD
(Class of 2010) completed
an externship with
the Nashville District
Attorney’s office, where he
won his first jury trial. He
has secured a Tennessee
Supreme Court Clerkship
with Justice Jeffrey S. Bivins
and has formally accepted a
position with Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton &
Garrison, LLP in New York.
ABIGAIL RICICA
(Class of 2010) became
engaged to Brett Daniels.
They are planning their
wedding for November.
IAN SAMS
(Class of 2011) has
accepted a position on
the communications
team in the New York
headquarters for Hillary
Clinton's presidential
campaign.
BRANDI RICKER
SHELNUTT
(Class of 2008) and
her husband Jeremy are
expecting their first child
in July.
TODD SKELTON
(Class of 2010) has
accepted a position as
Assistant Deputy Counsel
to Governor Bill Haslam.
KAYLA WILLIAMS WEST
(Class of 2014) was
recently certified in Pediatric
Advanced Life Support.
She continues her work
as a registered nurse at
Niswonger Children’s
Hospital. Her husband,
Justice West, will be
graduating in May with his
Master of Arts in Church Ministries from the
Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
11
Niswonger Scholars Shine!
HOPE ADKINS
(Carson-Newman
University, freshman)
has been selected to
serve as a Student
Ambassador. She will be
a Freshman Orientation
staff member in the fall.
SAM BRASHEARS
(Wake Forest
University,
sophomore) has been
awarded a summer
Research Fellowship by
Dr. Kim Shapiro in the
Physics Department at
Wake Forest University.
TREY DODSON
(Vanderbilt University,
junior) is completing
an internship this
spring semester in
London, England.
He was selected as
VUceptor for the
coming school year at
Vanderbilt University.
He has been elected president of Project
I Am. Trey will be working as a Human
Capital consultant For Deloitte in San
Francisco, California this summer.
JORDAN FRYE
(University of
Tennessee, senior)
has been accepted
to the advanced
standing Master of
Science in Social Work
(MSSW) program
for Management
Leadership and
Community Practice at University of
Tennessee-Knoxville. She will begin the
program in June. She received a Chancellor’s
Citation for Excellence in Academic
Achievement and the Top Collegiate Scholar
Award at the University of Tennessee.
MATTHEW GRIMM
(University
of Tennessee,
sophomore) has
been accepted into
the Nursing Honors
Program at the
University of TennesseeKnoxville.
DUSTIN HOWSER
(Vanderbilt University,
sophomore) has
accepted a full-time
summer internship
with the Domtar
Corporation in
Kingsport. He has been
selected for a one-year
research position at
Vanderbilt University in a Biomechanics and
Assistive Technologies Lab which will begin
in the fall. He has been selected as a design
team mentor for a 3D printing laboratory on
the Vanderbilt campus. He has been named
president of Vanderbilt Circle K.
ALORA RICKER
(University of
Tennessee-Chattanooga,
freshman) will be
transferring to Milligan
College in the fall to play
volleyball. She is on the
Dean’s List at UT-C.
IVORY SHELTON
(Wake Forest University,
junior) has been selected
as 1 of 3 undergraduate
students in the nation
to present her work on
religion in advertising at
the G. Howard Miller
Conference in Religious
Studies at the University
of Texas, Austin, in April. She received a
grant from the Wake Forest Willis Fund
for travel to the conference. She has been
elected as vice president of the Wake Forest
Chapter of Health Occupations Students of
America (HOSA). At the HOSA Leadership
Conference Ivory placed first in the state in
the collegiate division of the Transcultural
Healthcare knowledge test. She has been
selected to the Wake Forest Delight Women’s
Ministry leadership and discussion team.
KATIE SHIELDS
(University of
Tennessee, sophomore)
received the Future
Farmers of America
American Degree in
November 2014 at
Louisville, Kentucky.
DILLAN SHULTS
(Tennessee
Technological
University, freshman)
has been selected for
a summer internship
at Jarden Zinc in
Greeneville.
RICHARD
VRADENBURGH
(Tennessee
Technological
University, junior)
has been selected to
participate in a summer
undergraduate research
program at University of
Tennessee-Chattanooga
this summer. He will be doing research with
Dr. John Graef on differential equations/
number theory. He is completing a study
abroad program as Kings College in London,
England this spring semester.
Niswonger Foundation
Tusculum College
P.O. Box 5112
Greeneville, TN 37743
Niswonger Foundation
2015 Spring Newsletter
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