President - ETSU National Alumni Association

ETSU Foundation Officers & Directors
Mr. D. Roger Kennedy ’69, Chairman of the Board
Mr. M. Thomas Krieger, Vice Chairman of the Board
Mr. J. Daniel Mahoney ’66, Secretary
Dr. Steve Conerly, Treasurer
Mrs. Leslie Parks Pope, Immediate Past Board Chairman
Mr. Wayne G. Basler, Past Chairman
Mr. Donald R. Raber, Investment Committee Chairman
Mr. Dennis T. Powell, Planned Giving Committee Chair
Dr. Brian Noland, ETSU President
Dr. Richard A. Manahan, Foundation President/CEO
Dr. David D. Collins ’96, Foundation Chief Financial Officer
Mr. Frederick “Pal” Barger, Jr. ’55
Mrs. Sharon Boles ’69, ’80
Mr. James Brinkley ’60
Mr. Walter Lee Davis
Mrs. Betty DeVinney
Mrs. Janey Diehl ’50
Dr. James W. Gibson
Mr. Richard L. Green ’73
Dr. Roberta T. Herrin ’70, ’72
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ron Hite ’64
The Honorable William L. Jenkins
Mr. Dale Keasling ’70
Dr. Stephen Kimbrough
Mrs. Sonia M. King ’63
Mrs. Theresa K. Lee ’74
Mr. Paul Montgomery
Mr. Scott Niswonger
Mr. David A. Ogle ’79
Mr. Art Powers
Mr. Stan Puckett
Mr. K. Newton Raff
Mr. James W. Reel ’58
Mrs. Sally R. Simonds
Mr. Robert T. (Rab) Summers
Mr. Gerald R. Thomas ’71, ’72
Mr. Raymond R. Thomas ’59
Mr. Dennis L. Vonderfecht
Dr. Susan Gentry Williams ’67, ’68
Mr. Guy B. Wilson, Jr.
ETSU National Alumni Association Board of Directors
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Ronald V. Hite ’64, President
Mr. Jeffrey C. Taylor ’85, President-Elect
Ms. Renee Bays Lockhart ’87, ’89, Vice-President
Mr. Lawrence F. Counts ’79, Secretary
Ms. Eleanor E. Yoakum ’65, Treasurer
Mr. Gary D. Poe ’68, Past-President
Ms. Linda Buck ’80,’84
Mr. Brian Daniels ’95,’97
Ms. Pauline Douglas ’84, ’87
Mr. D. Roger Kennedy ’69
Dr. Tony Katras ’84, ’89
Mr. Larry La ’84
Ms. Theresa Lee ’74
Ms. Ann Mooneyhan ’65
Mr. Don Raines ’71
Mr. Mark W. Thomas ’84
Ms. Diane T. Wear ’90
Mr. Andrew Whetsel ’77
Mr. Dalton Collins, SGA President
Mr. Zack Walden ’13, SGA Vice President
Dr. Brian Noland, ETSU President
Dr. Richard A. Manahan, Foundation President/CEO
Mr. Robert M. Plummer ’84, ’87, Executive Director
Tennessee Higher Education Commission
Robert White ’96, Chair, Johnson City - 1st Congressional District
Charles Mann, Vice-Chair, Santa Fe - 4th Congressional District
Cato Johnson, Vice-Chair, Bartlett - 7th Congressional District
A C Wharton, Jr., Secretary, Memphis - 9th Congressional District
Tre Hargett, Secretary of State
Justin P. Wilson, State Comptroller
David H. Lillard, Jr., State Treasurer
Gregory P. Isaacs, Knoxville - 2nd Congressional District
Jon Kinsey, Chattanooga - 3rd Congressional District
Sue Atkinson, Nashville - 5th Congressional District
Charles W. Bone, Hendersonville - 6th Congressional District
Sharon L. Hayes, Brownsville - 8th Congressional District
Dr. Gary Nixon, non-voting ex-officio, Executive Director, State Board of Education
Zachary Ross Walden, voting ex-officio, East Tennessee State University
Gregory Alan Frye, non-voting ex-officio, University of Tennessee, Martin
Richard G. Rhoda, Executive Director
Tennessee Board of Regents
The Honorable Bill Haslam, Governor
John S. “Steve” Copeland, DVM, 6th Congressional District, 2009 - 2012
Gregory Duckett, Vice-Chair, 9th Congressional District, 2006-2012
John Farris, At-Large West Tennessee, 2008-2014
Lee Gatts, Student Regent 2011-2012
Tom Griscom, 3rd Congressional District, 2010-2011
The Honorable Kevin S. Huffman, Commissioner of Education
The Honorable Julius Johnson, Commissioner of Agriculture
Jonas Kisber, 8th Congressional District, 2008-2014
Fran Marcum, 4th Congressional District, 2010-2016
Paul W. Montgomery, 1st Congressional District, 2007-2013
Richard Rhoda, Executive Director, Tennessee Higher Education Commission
Howard Roddy ’74, At-Large, East Tennessee, 2010-2016
Emily J. Reynolds, At-Large, Middle Tennessee, 2010-2012
Robert P. Thomas, 5th Congressional District, 2009-2015
Danni B. Varlan, 2nd Congressional District, 2010-2013
Linda Weeks, Faculty Regent 2011-2012
Vacant, 7th Congressional District
Editors, Photographers & Contributors
· Senior Editor ·
· Photographers ·
Richard A. Manahan Jim Padgett
Jim Sledge, ’87
· Managing Editors · Larry Smith, ’78
Caleb Tull, ’10
Robert M. Plummer, ’84, ’87
Charles Warden, ’82
Jennifer Barber, ’05
Credits
•Page 3-PreMedLife cover courtesy of PreMedLife magazine
•Page 6-Layla Wright courtesy of Layla Wright and the White House
•Page 6-Jeff Bivins photo courtesy of the State of Tennessee
•Page 6-Dr. Kellie Brown photo and story courtesy of Milligan College
•Page 6-Jeff Bivins courtesy of the State of Tennessee and
Tennessee State Courts
•Page 7-Jonathon King story and photo courtesy of the
Johnson City Press
•Page 7-Scott named Johnson City Fire Chief, excerpts courtesy
of the Johnson City Press and photo courtesy of Tony Duncan
and the Johnson City Press
· Contributors ·
Anthony Aiken
Jeff Anderson
Pat Barcel
Laure Craddock
Lee Ann Davis
Ben Daugherty
Noah Edwards
•Page 7-Jonathan Calloway photo courtesy of Jonathan Calloway
•Page 7-J. Michael Pate photo courtesy of J. Michael Pate
•Page 8-David Worth photo and story courtesy of David Worth
•Page 8-Marie Porterfield photo courtesy of Marie Porterfield
•Page 8- Val Lyle story and art courtesy of Val Lyle
•Page 9-Gene Morrell featurette and photo courtesy of Gene Morrell
•Page 9-Maxine Smith courtesy of Maxine Smith and Southeastern
Air Services, Inc.
•Page 10-Barry Blair photos courtesy of Barry Blair
•Page 10-Scott Boruff photo and story courtesy of Miller Energy
•Page 10-Patty Duncan photos courtesy of Patty Duncan
Pat Elledge
Carol Fox
James Ford
Tisha Harrison
Leisa Harvey
Donald Harvill
Jennifer Hill
Pat Holland
Brad Lifford
Ashley Martin
Lurelle Maxey
Peggy McCurry
Guillermo Mendoza
Jo Anne Paty
Cyndi Ramsey
Shea Renfro
•Page 10-Rick Mullins photo courtesy of Eark Neikirk and the
Bristol Herald Courier
•Page 10-Col. Frank McCauley photo courtesy of Col. Frank McCauley
•Page 11-Liv Morrow photo courtesy of Paul Bishop
•Page 11-Tom McCormack photos courtesy of the Johnson
City News & Neighbor and Tom McCormack.
•Page 11-Aleisa Bloom story and photo courtesy of Tennessee
Tech University Office of Communications
•Page 17-Tom Raymond photo courtesy of Tom Raymond
•Page 18-Aaron Schoenfeld photo courtesy of the Columbus Crew
•Page 23-Dr. Anne Abbot photo and article courtesy of
Jeremy Ross
Fred Sauceman
Carol Sloan
Joe E. Smith
Karen Sullivan
Anthonique Tubbs
Caleb Tull
Mike White
•Anne Abbott and Hailey Richardson/UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSINSTEVENS POINT: EMPLOYEE WELLNESS NEWSLETTER
•Page 23-Mike Elbers photo courtesy of Mike Elbers and
Katz Americas
•Page 24-Mary Ellen Miller photo courtesy of MarketingMel
•Page 24-Michael Bowen’s Book cover courtesy of the University
of North Carolina Press
•Page24-Jeremy Shaffer courtesy of Coulter and Justus, PC
On the Cover: A view of Carter Hall Women’s Residence from the Pedestrian Mall.
East Tennessee State University is one of 45 institutions in the Tennessee Board of Regents system, the sixth largest system of higher education in the nation. The Tennessee Board of Regents is the governing board for this system which is
comprised of six universities, thirteen community colleges, & twenty-six Tennessee Technology Centers. The TBR system enrolls more than 80 percent of all Tennessee students attending public institutions of higher education.
East Tennessee State University is fully in accord with the belief that educational & employment opportunities should be available to all eligible persons without regard to age, gender, color, race, religion, national origin, disability, veteran
status, or sexual orientation.
East Tennessee State University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges, Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866
Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, telephone 404-679-4500, or Web site: www.sacscoc.org with any questions regarding the accreditation of East Tennessee State University.
ETSU TODAY
Spring
2012
Brian Noland
University President
Richard A. Manahan
Vice President for University Advancement
ETSU Foundation President/CEO
Robert M. Plummer
Associate Vice President – University Advancement
Executive Director, ETSU Alumni Association
Contents
President’s Welcome
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·1
Campus Briefs
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 4
Unique Alumni
··························· 6
Advancement
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 12
Athletics
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 18
Alumni Events
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 20
Class Notes
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 22
Obituaries
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · ·27
Tell Us Your Story
· · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · · 33
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PresidE
Welcoming
Dr. Brian Noland
It is my honor and privilege to serve as ETSU’s ninth within two miles of campus. I see big-time athletics with
president. I would like to take a few moments to reflect our men’s and women’s basketball teams in the Sweet
upon where we have been as an institution, to examine Sixteen. I see a foundation with an endowment of over
our position in 2012 and to dream collectively on what 175 million dollars. I see Johnson City and Kingsport
we may look like in 2020.
painted blue and gold. I see an engaged student body
with more than 60 percent graduating on time. New
Let’s step back to the year of 2000; Dr. Stanton had just
businesses flourishing at Valleybrook and hopefully I’m
begun his third year as president. We had avoided the
still seeing myself running up and down the court with
collapse of the banking and data system that many had
the Roan Scholars.
projected because of the rollover in our data systems.
Frank Wycheck thrilled us all with the Titans as they This spring, we will be meeting with our faculty and
advanced to the Super Bowl. And we in Tennessee Higher staff across our 11 colleges and our 48 academic units.
Education were going through yet another round of This effort is gauged toward listening and beginning
coordinated master planning.
a conversation about the future of ETSU. Later this
year, we will launch a vision initiative and will create
The following data points provide a snapshot of ETSU at
a blueprint for ETSU at our 125th anniversary. As we
the turn of the century:
move and as we grow, I hope that we do not lose touch
• Our enrollment stood at 11,000 students.
with our history, our mission and our heritage. There
• Our full-time enrollment (FTE) was 9,100.
is much to be proud of across campus.
• We had a budget of $182 million—59% of which came
Did you know that every program on campus that is
from the State of Tennessee.
accredible is accredited? Did you know that GI Jobs for
• We had 62,000 alumni.
the third year in a row rated us as one of the Veteran
• Our endowment stood at $43 million.
friendly campuses in America? Did you know that we are
• Our research and sponsored programs were right
an All-Steinway school? Did you know that our physiaround $28 million.
cians see over 45,000 patients on an average month and
• The baseball Bucs opened their home season with a
in Kingsport we handle 50% of the unattached care in
5-3 loss to Xavier.
the unattached cases? U.S. News and World Report ranks
• And we accepted our first class of Roan Scholars.
the Quillen College of Medicine third nationally for rural
Now let’s take a look at some of the same data points in 2012 medicine and 19th for family medicine. Johnson City was
rated as one of the top ten places in the country to go
• Our enrollment is at 15,536, an all-time high.
to med school and, in fact, we were the editors’ choice.
• Our FTE is at 12,418 another all-time high.
Fourteen of our alumni have gone on to attain the rank
• Our total budget is $343 million, however, only 31%
of general or admiral. There are great things happening
comes from the state, 69% is generated from revenues
and our faculty and staff should be applauded for all of
from our students.
their work and their accomplishments.
• Our graduates have increased to 85,000.
• Our endowment has increased 121% to $96 million With your support, ETSU is a vehicle that opens doors
because of the hard work of the friends of the university. of opportunities for first generation students. We are the
• The baseball Bucs opened their season this spring institution of choice for our region’s doctors, teachers,
at home at Thomas Stadium with a win over Eastern artists and entrepreneurs. We are an institution that
Kentucky.
serves the hard-working people of Tennessee. We are
• And lastly, our Roan Scholars who in 2000 were just not a city on the hill. We’re the people that built the hill.
starting are now playing their first intramural season We go to work every day with one goal in mind - to
with the president as a member of their team.
make a better future for our students. It is my honor to
be part of this effort and to be part of this family. I look
With these data points in mind, I would like to ask forward to celebrating with you our mutual accomplisheveryone to think about the progress of ETSU for a ments in 2020.
second and dream. A lot of people say that dreams are
Once again, thank you for all that you do for our stufoolish and belong only to children and to those with
dents. Thank you for all that you do for this institution.
idle minds. I disagree. I dreamed of coming back to East
Godspeed.
Tennessee so that my family could be near our parents.
That dream came true. When I close my eyes and think
of ETSU in 2020, I see 18,000 students. I see concerts
in our fine arts center. I see men and women’s athletics
being performed in our new convocation center. I see Brian Noland
40 percent of our students living either on campus or University President
Johnson City named one of the nation’s
best for attending medical school
Campus
Alumni
Briefs
CampusBriefs
New major scholarship initiatives
announced for fall 2012
More scholarship opportunities than ever before will be available to students awarded $3,000. A $2,000 APS award is available to those with a 3.5 GPA and
attending East Tennessee State University beginning in the 2012 fall semester, ACT/SAT scores of 25 and 1130.
school officials have announced.
Applicants are not required to take both the ACT and SAT exams in order to be accepted
Dr. Bert Bach, ETSU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, says the to ETSU or receive the APS scholarship. Students are considered for the APS upon
new initiatives provide scholarships for eligible current and incoming students, applying to ETSU and are automatically awarded the scholarship if they meet the
including new freshmen and transfer students, out-of-state students, and gradu- criteria. However, students must apply for admission by Dec. 15 to be considered for
ate students.
the scholarship.
“We are fortunate to have such a high caliber of students who, each year, choose ETSU
as the pathway to their careers,” Bach said. “These new scholarships and the many others we already offer allow us to reward these outstanding students for their academic
achievements and support them by helping ease the financial costs of higher education.”
Incoming freshmen, transfer students and graduate students will be eligible for
ETSU’s new Regional Scholarship program. These awards are only available to
new students who are not receiving any university scholarship or out-of-state
tuition assistance other than federal aid programs like Pell Grant.
Beginning next fall, the award amount of the Academic Performance Scholarship
(APS) will be increased for freshmen from Tennessee and approved border counties who present high ACT or SAT scores and grade point averages. The APS
provides funds that can be applied toward tuition and other fees. Current APS
students receive $3,000 for the academic year, and next fall, the award amount
for new recipients will be $5,000 for those with a minimum GPA of 3.9 and
ACT/SAT scores of 30 and 1320, respectively. Those with a minimum GPA of
3.5 and minimum ACT scores of 27 and SAT scores of 1210 will receive $4,000,
and students with 26 and 1170 scores along with a minimum 3.5 GPA will be
The Regional Scholarship will be considered for students who reside in the
counties of Bell, Floyd, Harlan, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, Perry and Pike in Kentucky;
Alexander, Alleghany, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Henderson,
Jackson, Lincoln, McDowell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania and Wilkes
in North Carolina; Bland, Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Smyth, Tazewell, Wise
and Wythe in Virginia; and McDowell in West Virginia.
Prestigious Honor for Edwards
Dr. Joellen Edwards, professor
and associate dean for research
in the College of Nursing, has been
inducted into the American Academy
of Nursing (AAN). Fellowship in the
AAN is considered one of the most
prestigious achievements in the
profession.
Only 1,800 nurses have achieved
AAN fellowship status, and Edwards
is the first person to ever be inducted
while a faculty member at ETSU. Dr.
Wendy Nehring, dean of the college, is also an AAN fellow and
earned the distinction prior to her arrival at ETSU in 2009.
Edwards was inducted during a ceremony held Oct. 15 in Washington,
D.C. She is one of only four Tennesseans in the 2011 fellowship class.
Edwards came to ETSU in 1989 and served as dean of nursing
from 1994-2004. As associate dean for research, she mentors
faculty in grant writing and publishing, teaches quantitative
research methods in the Ph.D. in nursing degree program and
leads evaluation processes for the college. She also has been a
strong leader in the development of community-based health
professions education at ETSU.
2
CAMPUS BRIEFS | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
For more information on these and other scholarship opportunities, visit www.
etsu.edu/scholarships or call (423) 439-7094.
ETSU’s James H. Quillen College of Medicine has landed on the top 10 list of a national magazine
that named Johnson City one of the best cities in the United States to attend medical school.
For its January/February issue, PreMedLife researched and compiled the “Top 10 Cities for
Medical School.” Published in New York City for pre-medical students, PreMedLife not only
ranked Johnson City among its top 10 but also christened it to be the magazine’s “editor’s choice.”
The PreMedLife story based its rankings on cities that offer medical students the best overall experience outside the classroom. Students at the Quillen College of Medicine, the magazine wrote,
benefit from a low cost of living, affordable housing, a nice climate, free arts and music festivals
and good public transportation. It specifically cited BucShot, the ETSU transit system that serves
the greater campus area, as a perk. The article also wrote that “…Johnson City is considered an
economic hub which is largely fueled by East Tennessee State University and what’s called the
Med-Tech corridor, linked by Johnson City Medical Center, Franklin Woods Community Hospital,
ETSU’s Gatton College of Pharmacy and ETSU’s Quillen College of Medicine.”
Alumni,
Foundation &
Advancement
take home
CASE award
The ETSU Alumni Association, ETSU
Foundation, and the Office of University
Advancement were recently honored by the
Council of Advancement and Support of
Education (CASE) Southeastern District for
an ETSU PRIDE public service announcement
that aired in the Tri-Cities market during
July and August 2011. The announcement ETSU’s College of Business and Technology is listed among the
was a joint project with McVey Multimedia, nation’s most outstanding business schools in the Princeton Review
operated by ETSU alumnus Rick McVey 2012 edition of “Best 294 Business Schools.”
(BS ’04).
The Princeton Review, is a New York City-based education services
company. To create this volume, the organization interviewed
19,000 students through an online 80-question survey during a
period of three years.
Business & Technology
in Princeton Review
ETSU enrollment again tops 15,000
Commissioners of Health gathering for lecture
Final census figures from ETSU report enrollment for the fall 2011 semester at 15,536, an increase of
approximately 1.95 percent, or 302 students, from the fall 2010 semester.
ETSU’s College of Public Health presented a remarkable glimpse into the past, present and future of the
Volunteer State when six commissioners of health gathered in March for a roundtable discussion that is
part of the “Leading Voices in Public Health” lecture series.
The university welcomed its largest class of transfer students this fall – a total of 1,220 and an increase of
143 from one year ago. The number of first-time freshmen is 2,087, which is approximately 40 students
more than fall 2010.
ETSU begins new Cochlear Implant Clinic
The Department of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology at ETSU has begun a new clinic that gauges
whether a person is a candidate for cochlear implant, a device
that can offer a sense of hearing to those who previously
could not hear and were not getting much benefit from
traditional hearing aids.
The ETSU Cochlear Implant Clinic is a new service of the
department, which is housed in the College of Clinical and
Rehabilitative Health Sciences. A cochlear implant is an
electronic device that bypasses damaged parts of the ear
and directly stimulates the auditory nerve, which passes
along external signals to the brain so they can be processed
as sound.
Dr. John Dreyzehner, the current commissioner of health, and five of his predecessors will participate in
the lecture, which is free and open to the public. It begins at 7 p.m. in the Martha Street Culp Auditorium,
located on the lower level of ETSU’s D.P. Culp University Center.
The experience of the commissioners spans more than 30 years and dates to 1978. The participants and their
years of service include James Word (1978-88), J.W. Luna (1988-91), Fredia Wadley (1995-2003), Kenneth
Robinson (2003-07), Susan Cooper (2007-11) and Dreyzehner, who was appointed to the office in 2011.
First bluegrass major graduates
Brent Burke is the
first person to receive
ETSU’s bachelors of
arts degree in bluegrass, old time and
country music studies.
He is from Pell City,
Ala., and is the first
person in the country
to have a major in
bluegrass.
There are currently
more than 60 students majoring in
bluegrass, old time
and country music
and more than 70
students minoring
in the program.ETSU
began expanding on the curriculum of the minor that already existed
for the program in 2006, offering it as a major finally in 2010.
ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | CAMPUS BRIEFS
3
ETSU announces
newest members of
Roan Scholars class
Five high school seniors from the region have been selected as the
newest members of the Roan Scholars Leadership Program at ETSU.
The Roan Scholars program accepted its first class in 2000 and was
founded by Johnson City businessman and entrepreneur Louis
Gump. Selection criteria include demonstrated leadership, character, intellectual curiosity and physical vigor. Awards are based
on performance and merit as noted in nominations submitted by
the students’ high school principals. Candidates undergo personal
interviews by panels of regional community leaders before being
selected to participate.
College of Business
& Technology
The Lifetime Achievement in Business Award is presented to alumni of the College of Business and Technology
who have recorded significant accomplishments in business or public service, and demonstrated exemplary
service to the community and a commitment to the college and university.
D. Roger Kennedy
D. Roger Kennedy enrolled at ETSU in 1965 and participated in four years of
Army ROTC. When he graduated in 1969, he had a degree in marketing and
management and a commission in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant.
In the early 1980s, he became a market analyst for AFG Industries, a fairly
new entry into the field of glass production. He rose rapidly to the position of
vice president of marketing.
Kennedy became president and chief executive officer of AFG in 1999, until his retirement in 2004.
Welcoming
the
incoming
Roan
Scholars
Bradford ‘Brad’ Mary Madeline
Sterling Fisher, ‘Maddie’ Gilmer,
Sevierville, Tenn.,
Gatlinburg-Pittman
High School
Bristol, Tenn.,
Tennessee
High School
Fleetwood, N.C.,
Ashe County
High School
Department of Family
Medicine shares in
$8.3 million grant
The Department of Family Medicine at ETSU’s James H. Quillen
College of Medicine is sharing in a federal grant of $8.3 million
to institute a program intended to curb substance abuse through
early detection and intervention.
ETSU will receive $1.7 million in funding over five years, with
Meharry Medical School and Nashville-based Centerstone Research
Institute sharing in the grant as partners. The program is designed
to allow access to more comprehensive substance abuse screening
and referrals to treatment for people at higher risk.
4
CAMPUS BRIEFS | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
John E. Seward, Jr.
LaPorte entered the banking business under his father’s tutelage at Citizens
Bank in Elizabethton.
From 1975-1984, Seward was vice-president and then president of Paty
Lumber Company in Elizabethton, a family-owned business founded by his grandfather. He transferred
to the Piney Flats Paty headquarters, where he was chairman and chief executive officer and then
president from 1984-2000.
Charles O. Steagall
A. Richard Wilson
Canton, N.C.,
Pisgah
High School
Rector was also employed by Eastman as a secretary, starting in 1948.
Seward received a commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army,
Quartermaster Branch, through the Vanderbilt ROTC program, and he was
discharged from the reserves as a captain.
During his 45 years with the firm, Steagall has provided accounting, consulting, and tax services to a wide variety of clients. In addition, he specializes in business valuations and
litigation support services.
Abingdon, Va.,
Abingdon
High School
Her college career was abruptly curtailed when Pearl Harbor was attacked.
Rector decided to follow her brother’s example and joined the U.S. Marine
Corps. She enlisted in 1942 and served at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, until
1944. She was secretary to Lieutenant General Lewis Chesty Puller, the most
decorated Marine in U.S. history, and the only Marine to receive five Navy crosses.
Stephen J. LaPorte
The new graduate became a revenue agent for the U.S. Internal Revenue Service,
but left later that year to join the Johnson City accounting firm of Blackburn
and Childers, eventually becoming a partner.
William ‘Austin’ ‘Sierra’ Elizabeth
Wike,
Wilson,
Martha Butler Rector attended what was then East Tennessee State Teachers
College from 1941-1942.
Stephen J. LaPorte began his education at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville,
but graduated from East Tennessee State University in 1978 with a degree in
management.
LaPorte is currently the Managing Director of Trading and Banking, and works
closely with his brothers Chris, who is also in Houston, and Sam and Joe, who operate from Elizabethton.
A. Richard Wilson attended what is now University School on campus and earned
a bachelor’s degree in economics and finance from ETSU in 1963, followed
by an M.B.A. in real estate finance from the Harvard Business School in 1969.
After his graduation from Harvard, he joined Alodex Corporation in Memphis
as vice president of joint ventures. In 1979, Wilson joined the Harry R. Jones
Company in Houston as a vice president, and a year later, Wilson accepted
a position with the Horne Company Realtors as a senior investment broker.
Currently, Wilson is president, chief executive officer and founder of The Property Group, a real estate
investment and development firm working with corporations and sophisticated investors.
The Excellence in Business Award is presented to individuals whose work has brought distinction to the
College of Business and Technology. Although they may not be ETSU graduates, recipients must have significant accomplishments in business or technology, exemplary service to the community, and a demonstrated
commitment to the College of Business and Technology and East Tennessee State University.
J. Lane Latimer, III
J. Lane Latimer, III is a member of the East Tennessee State University Class of
1959, although he transferred and graduated from the University of Alabama.
Latimer’s first employment was in sales at WJHL-TV, and then he worked as a
stockbroker at Shearson, Hammill, and Company in Orlando, Fla.
Several years after graduating, Latimer became the owner and president of
Oak Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery in Kingsport.
ROTC announces latest
Hall of Fame inductees
Martha Butler Rector
John E. Seward, Jr. attended Vanderbilt University, earning a bachelor’s degree
in economics in 1970 and a Master of Management degree in 1972.
Charles O. Steagall attended what was then East Tennessee State College and
graduated in 1966 with a degree in accounting.
‘Audrey’ Lee
Smith,
2011 Hall of Fame
Inductees
P.C. Snapp
P.C. Snapp received his bachelor’s degree from ETSU in 1961 and continued
his education at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, earning a master’s
degree in city and regional planning in 1967.
Snapp served as a Johnson City Commissioner for 12 years, and for two of
those years he was the city’s mayor. His term of office saw many improvements in sidewalk creation, the first curb-side recycling in Tennessee, five
new schools, library construction and two parks. During his tenure, the city
was recognized by the Tennessee Municipal League for the city’s pre-eminent environmental leadership
among all of the state’s cities and towns.
Snapp retired earlier this year after 50 years of public service.
The Business Horizon Award is presented to graduates of the ETSU College of Business and Technology
who are establishing noteworthy careers and display significant accomplishments in business as well
as a commitment to the college and the university.
Bryan Daniels
Bryan Daniels is a two-fold ETSU alumnus who earned both a bachelor’s degree
in communications and computer science in 1995 and a master’s degree in
manufacturing engineering technology in 1997.
In 1997, Daniels accepted the position of Economic Development Planner
for the firm of Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon in Nashville. From 2001
through 2010, Daniels was Executive Vice President with Blount Partnership.
Daniels was named president and chief executive officer of Blount Partnership in 2010.
Jerry L. Pelphrey
Jerry L. Pelphrey may be most familiar to the ETSU community for his skills on
the hardwood. From 1989-1993, he was an integral part of the East Tennessee
State University men’s basketball team.
After receiving his Bachelor of Business Administration degree in marketing in
1994, Pelphrey remained at ETSU as a graduate assistant coach. He went on
to a career as an assistant coach at Milligan College, Gardner-Webb University,
ETSU and Eastern Kentucky University.
From 2009 until the present time, Pelphrey has been employed by TruPoint Bank. Currently a commercial
lender and vice president, he has seen the average loan size increase to $700,000 over the past year.
The U.S. Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corp (ROTC) at ETSU has announced
new members of the campus ROTC Hall of Fame, which recognizes alumni, former
cadre members and others who have distinguished themselves professionally
and have made significant contributions to the ROTC program.
The new Hall of Fame members include:
Mr. Ray Abner joined the U.S. Navy out of high school and served his
country from 1944-1946 during World War II. Entering ETSC (East Tennessee State
College) a few years later, he soon proved to be an outstanding student, athlete,
Cadet, and trailblazer.
ETSC’s first-ever Army ROTC Cadet Battalion Commander and Distinguished
Military Graduate, Mr. Abner graduated from ETSC with a degree in Business
Administration and a master’s degree in Economics, Mr. Abner soon began a long
and successful career with IBM. Following his 1991 retirement from IBM, Mr. Abner
spent five years with Gemini Consulting Corporation in New Jersey.
In 1996, he began yet another career - as an independent consulting contractor. He now helps his clients improve the effectiveness and efficiency of their work.
MSG (Ret.) Glenn Greanya, Jr. entered into service in 1988 and
attended basic training at Ft. Benning, Georgia, as an Infantryman. After completion
of basic training and AIT, he went on to Airborne School and was promptly assigned
to the 82nd Airborne Division at Ft. Bragg, NC, with the esteemed 1/504 Parachute
Infantry Regiment — “Devils in Baggy Pants.”
He was deployed to Panama for Operation Just Cause. He also served
in Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm and Operation Enduring Freedom.
MSG (Ret.) Greanya held positions as a Rifleman, Squad Leader, Platoon
Sergeant, and First Sergeant of a forward deployed infantry company in combat,
and as Senior Military Instructor of the infamous “Buc” Battalion.
MSG (Ret.) Greanya retired from the Army in 2010, after 22 years of service,
and is currently pursuing a degree in Natural Resource Management.
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Fred McCorkle graduated from ETSU in 1966 and
completed Officer Candidate School the following year before attending The Basic
School and Naval Flight School, and being designated a Naval Aviator in January 1969.
During a distinguished career spanning 35 years, he served throughout
the United States and overseas, to include numerous key command assignments.
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) McCorkle is a graduate of the Marine Corps Test Pilot School,
the Marine Corps Command and Staff College, and the National War College; he
also earned a master’s degree from Pepperdine University.
He retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in 2001.
Lt. Col. (Ret.) Richard Measner began his military career at the
United States Military Academy in 1966. Upon graduation as a Field Artillery officer
in 1970, his 22-year military career encompassed assignments throughout the
United States, Germany, and Turkey.
He commanded four different units, including an 8-inch artillery battery in the
3rd Infantry Division, and two different nuclear weapons sites. His final assignment
was as Professor of Military Science at East Tennessee State University.
His second career as a Quality Engineer encompassed 12 years in the aerospace industry, where he worked with Howmet Corporation manufacturing blades
and vanes for jet aircraft engines in both the civilian and military sectors. Capt. James Eddie Reed entered active duty military service in
January 1965; he graduated from the Infantry Officer Basic Course, Airborne School,
and Ranger School, then served for two years as an Advanced Infantry Training
Officer, Platoon Leader, and Company Commander at Fort Ord, California. In July
1967, he was promoted to Captain and reassigned to Long An Province, Vietnam,
as Company Commander of a counter-insurgency unit: Co A, 3rd/39th Infantry, 9th
Infantry Division. He commanded the company for seven months, until February 1,
1968, when he was killed in action during a heavy artillery attack as part of the Tet
Offensive. His final actions earned him the Silver Star and Purple Heart.
ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | CAMPUS BRIEFS
5
Soldier pays surprise visit
Unique
Alumni
Alumni Alumni
UniqueAlumni
The Wright Way
On June 6, 2011, Layla Wright (BS ’01, MED ’03) participated
in the 100 Round Table Youth Engagement Initiative debrief at
the White House with President Obama and his Senior staff. She
attended as a representative for YouthBuild in Kingsport. After
Layla attended the debrief, Appalachian Social Advancement Project
(ASAP) was created. She currently serves as the director of ASAP.
ASAP’s mission is to orchestrate civic engagement to create political awareness and action in Appalachia. The group’s focus areas
include increasing health education and awareness in the areas of
obesity and substance abuse, supporting local entrepreneurs and
breaking negative cultural cycles.
Layla Wright is a native of Northeast Tennessee. Employed by the
Alliance for Business & Training for five years, she specializes in workforce development and strategically facilitates streamlined approaches
to increase economic growth in the Local Workforce Investment
Area 1. In her position as YouthBuild Kingsport AmeriCorps case
manager, she enjoys giving back to her community and enhancing
opportunities for underserved youth in Appalachia.
This official White House photograph is being made available only for publication by news organizations and/or for
personal use printing by the subject(s) of the photograph. The photograph may not be manipulated in any way and may
not be used in commercial or political materials, advertisements, emails, products, promotions that in any way suggests
approval or endorsement of the President, the First Family, or the White House. (Official Photo Taken by Pete Souza)
Jeff Bivins (BA ’82) has been appointed to the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals, Middle Section
of Tennessee, by Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam. Jeff currently serves as Circuit Court Judge for the 21st
Judicial District which includes Hickman, Lewis, Perry, and Williamson counties.
Prior to his judicial service, Bivins was a partner with Boult, Cummings, Conners, and Berry. He served
as assistant commissioner and general counsel for Tennessee Department of Human Resources during the
Sundquist administration and was the executive vice president and general counsel for the Parker Bath
Corporation in the private sector. Bivins also served as a county commissioner in Williamson County.
A Kingsport native, Bivins received his bachelor’s degree from East Tennessee State University, where
he graduated magna cum laude, and he received his law degree from Vanderbilt University. He and his
wife, Gail, have two daughters and live in Franklin.
Grad honors Auschwitz orchestra
conductor Alma Rosé
Dr. Kellie Brown presented her research on orchestras in con- November 2009, Brown’s article, “Remembering Alma Rosé and
centration camps at the American String Teachers Association the Women’s Orchestra at Auschwitz,” was published in American
(ASTA) National Conference in Kansas City, Mo., in March 2010. String Teacher.
Kellie’s session is titled “Alma Rosé and the Women’s Orchestra at
Auschwitz: Lessons for Our Students on Tolerance and the Triumph
of the Human Spirit.” Her research focuses on Alma Rosé, a woman
whose music brought comfort to hundreds of Auschwitz prisoners
and even saved the lives of some of the musicians.
Kellie’s lecture focused on the historical details about Alma Rosé
and the Women’s Orchestra at Auschwitz. She discussed the importance of incorporating this topic into the orchestra curriculum. In
UNIQUE ALUMNI | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
Students in teacher Mary Archer’s class appeared
to tolerate the Press’ presence, but when their role
model, hero and long-distance pen pal, U.S. Army
National Guard Lt. Johnathon King (B.S. ’09),
bounced through the door fresh from Kuwait,
they went berserk.
“This is a method we used to learn to write,” Archer
said. “They’ve each been writing him, and he’s
taken the time to write them all back and more.
The students have talked to him on a cell phone,
and he even made a DVD for the class. It’s become
very personal. It has connected students to real
life, and it has made them more aware of what’s
going on around them.”
King, 25, who said he plans to begin training in
the police academy, is a Johnson City native who
went to Cherokee Elementary, Science Hill High
School and East Tennessee State University. He
picked up a stack of letters that had been sent by
the students and thumbed through them with a big
smile on his face. Meanwhile, outside the classroom
hung a long line of pictures and letters on the wall
that had come from the opposite direction.
Haslam Appoints Bivins to Court of Criminal Appeals
6
By Gary B. Gray - Johnson City Press
The Johnson City Press dropped in on secondgrade students Friday at Woodland Elementary
School to observe them doing their “clock time”
math exercises — or so they thought.
Kellie serves as chair of the Milligan College music department and director of the strings program and conductor of
the Milligan College Orchestra. She is a frequent clinician and
performer, and serves as the assistant conductor of the Johnson
City Symphony Orchestra and assistant concertmaster for the
Symphony of the Mountains.
Archer displayed a book in which each student
related to their friend in their own personal way,
mostly done with crayon and pencil, but thoughtful
and expressive nonetheless. King also showed the
students a DVD he’d made during his deployment.
The kids chattered and launched out shouts when
“These kids mean the world to me,” he said later.
ships, weapons, troops in and around tanks, a huge
“This is only my second day back. I could be doing
airplane and other sights appeared.
just about anything, but this is where I want to
be. My hope is they can serve as an example to One popular display was King sitting on a camel.
someone when they get older. That’s what I got The camel was staring straight ahead into the camera.
out of this — being able to answer their questions King was holding a handcrafted sign that read, “Do
and to help them learn and experience things they you like my ride?”
wouldn’t otherwise be able to. It’s a great feeling.”
J. Michael Pate (BSN ’76) has traveled the
world as a part of the U.S. Department of
State’s Foreign Service. He is a Clinical Nurse
Specialist and a Family Nurse Practitioner.
Michael administers health care to the American
diplomatic community serving overseas.
He provided primary care services, which includes diagnostics and
treatment. He has served in the following countries:
Lima, Peru, 1985 to 1988
Mexico City, 1988 to 1991
Hong Kong, 1991 to 1995
Moscow, 1995 to 1998
Tokyo, 1998 to 2001
Washington, DC, 2001 to
2004 as the Chief of Medical
Student Noah Cook said he knew King was going
to come back to Johnson City at some point, but
he was so excited after King appeared that he had
big-time trouble staying in his chair.
One guess as to what Cook wants to be when he
grows up. Yep, a “military man.”
Calloway essay capitalizes
on prestigious award
Pate cares
worldwide
•
•
•
•
•
•
“This was a pretty neat surprise,” said Madysen Quay,
who leaned over her desk in the classroom’s front
row. “I learned a lot about what it’s like overseas.
He sent us a stuffed camel and it cost $200 to ship.
He asked me in one letter what I wanted to be when
I grow up. I want to be a teacher.”
•
•
•
•
Informatics (computers and
medicine)
Frankfurt, 2004 to 2006
Washington, DC, 2006 to 2009 as
the Chief of Medical Clearances
for the Department
Kuwait, 2009 to 2011
Baghdad, 2011 to 2012
He was promoted into the Senior Foreign Service (Senior Executive
Service) and is one of three NPs that hold this title. He was most recently assigned to Baghdad, which is a one-year
assignment. He is at the American Embassy providing primary
care services and is included in a team of only two NPs, two MDs
and three RNs at the Medical Unit in the Green Zone.
Michael also holds a master’s degree in nursing from Emory University.
Jonathan Calloway (B.S. ’11) was selected as the 2011 first prizewinner of the Elie Wiesel Prize In Ethics Essay Contest. He won
$5,000 for his efforts. At the time of his selection Jonathan was a
senior in the psychology department. His winning essay is titled
“Rocks in the Sun: Sous le ciel d’Haiti.” It details two of his visits
to Haiti. He describes some of the people he met and some of the
atrocities he saw through reprints of his emotional journal entries.
Jonathan currently resides in Morristown, Tenn.
Grad named
Johnson City
fire chief
Mark Scott (BS ’86) was named Johnson City’s
new fire chief in September. He has worked
with the fire department since 1987. He was
promoted two years later to sergeant, and
again in 1994 to lieutenant. He was named
a fire captain in 1997 and was appointed
interim chief in February of this year. Scott
has two bachelor’s degrees, in Engineering
Technology and Fire Protection Technology/
Fire Administration. He has earned numerous professional certifications and completed
several management courses at the National Fire Academy.
ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | UNIQUE ALUMNI
7
Worth It
David Worth (B.S. ’07) recently set a new record for running the Appalachian Trail seven minutes at Newfound Gap. For
through the Smoky Mountains, running 72 miles in 14 hours 50 minutes and 22 the first 40 miles I was sitting on
seconds. David works as an interpretive park ranger for the Smoky Mountain National a total time of 8hr40min.
Park, and he and his wife, Caitlin (B.A. ’07), live in Gatlinburg, Tenn. Below is an
“Leaving Newfound Gap, I knew I had
excerpt from David’s blog about his experience during his record-breaking run.
a little over seven hours left to lower
“For years I’ve contemplated the possibility of running the Appalachian Trail through the previous record of 15hr57min.
the Smokies in a single attempt. I’d hate to know the amount of time spent gazing As I left, my competitive side got
at the Smokies map, wondering if it is even possible, much less a good idea. For the best of me. I decided that I not
quite a long time now its been just that; a day-dream... a notion... something I’ll only wanted the record, but I wanted the next record setter to have to work for it.
do “someday” when the time is right.
“Reaching Peck’s Corner my energy levels were still high and dancing along the
“An absurd journey begins at an absurd hour. We woke at 1AM and left the house crest of the Smokies was still surprisingly fun. Unfortunately though, all good
about fifteen til’ 2. We reached Fontana Dam a little later than planned, but still things must come to an end. The section from Peck’s to the summit of Guyot
managed a respectable start time of 4:15AM.
was nothing more than a forced march, with the cumulation of about 60 miles of
rugged trail taking its toll on my body.
“Running from the morning dark to dawn was one of the most enjoyable parts of
the journey. I spent most of the dawn bird chorus doing a little birding on the fly, “Luckily as the evening light settled in my body began to feel rejuvenated, I would
naming off species and natural history as I went.
even go so far to say I was in some sort of strange Zen state. Near the Davenport
Gap shelter I met Caitlin who had hiked up to run out with me. She stayed with
“I knew quick exchanges at the aid stations would be critical for a fast traverse time.
me for a few strides, but the excitement of being so close pushed me into what
In reading others reports, it seems this is where the most time is lost. At Clingmans
was an unsustainable pace for her on this steep technical trail. I hit Davenport
Dome I gladly traded my dad my 100oz Camelbak for two bottles of Gatorade, an
Gap at 7:05PM, a little over my goal of sub 6 hours for the final 31miles, but good
odwalla bar, and an ibuprofen. Within three minutes I was on my to Newfound
enough for a 14hr50min22sec overall finish, effectively lowering the old record
Gap, with my time for the journey so far totaling 7hr2min52sec.
by a little over an hour.
“Reaching my second aid station at Newfound Gap was awesome. Dad already had
“I was fortunate to have such a good crew. My Dad especially deserves a big thanks
the rear hatch of the Jeep open in a spot right next to the trailhead. I stuffed my
for getting up at 1AM, driving to Fontana Dam, Clingmans, Newfound, and
face with potatoes and mountain dew, then reclaimed my Camelbak and began
Davenport Gap all in one day just so some goofballs can go for a run.”
walking towards Davenport Gap. I only had to halt my forward progress for about
David blogs about his experiences at abackofbeyond.blogspot.com
Alumni
Alum Receives
Fulbright Award
Marie Porterfield Barry (BFA ’08) was awarded a Fulbright U.S. Student
Program scholarship to Turkey in Design, which was recently announced by
the United States Department of State and the J. William Fulbright Foreign
Scholarship Board.
Marie is one of over 1,600 U.S. citizens who is traveling abroad for the 2011-2012
academic year through the Fulbright U.S. Student Program. She is studying
traditional tile painting.
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange
program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual
understanding between the people of the United States and the people of
other countries.
Marie blogs about her experiences in Turkey at www.kutahyailluminated.wordpress.com
Grad’s artwork exhibited in Boone, NC
Val Lyle (MFA ’01) released “Sanctuary,” a powerful
and unique site-specific arts installation, which was
displayed at The Turchin Center for the Visual Arts
in Boone, NC. The exhibition comprises large-scale
textiles, sculpture and paintings designed especially for the Mayer Gallery’s towering 28-foot-high
atrium. The distinctive installation is the eighth
solo incarnation of the artist’s meditation on her work in museum, corporate and private collections
native mountain heritage, with each version add- and has received extremely positive national reviews.
ing new works.
Lyle has received funding for this exhibition in part
During her career Lyle has produced more than a by The National Endowment for the Arts and The
dozen major series of works using non-traditional Tennessee Arts Commission.
materials. Pushing figurative abstraction in a variThe exhibition began on September 2, 2011 and ran
ety of media has given the opportunity for several
through January 21, 2012.
permanent outdoor sculpture installations. Lyle has
Flying High
ETSU Grad is the new
President of ADPi
Dr. Tammie Pinkston (BBA ’85, MBA, ’87) is now the
International President of Alpha Delta Pi. Before her
appointment, she had been active in the sorority’s leadership and service as the International Vice President of
Finance, as well as in other roles such as the Expansion
Team and Grand Council Task Force. Aside from her
education from ETSU, she holds a PhD. in strategic
management from University of Georgia.
She has worked in several capacities. She has been a
lecturer and professor at several universities, including Georgia State University, the University of Georgia,
and the University of Oklahoma. In 1994, she began
working as a partner at Accenture, which is a consulting firm. While she was there, she gained experience
consulting for senior management executives at Fortune
500 companies. Since 2009, she has been president of
TSPinkston, Inc., an independent consulting company
that focuses on process effectiveness. In 2010, she also
became the National Director of Sales for Professional
Services for Philips Healthcare.
During her time at ETSU, Tammie was also a featured
twirler.
ETSU grad is stage manager
on London’s West End
The musical Jersey Boys became an overnight
hit on Broadway in 2005 and remains one
of the top-selling shows on the Great White
Way. Three years later, these contagious
tunes spread to London’s West End – the
equivalent of Broadway – where Jersey Boys
continues to mirror its New York success.
East Tennessee State University graduate
and Knoxville native Tabatha Williams (BA
‘05) has made it to the West End.
During a weekend trip to England, she visited Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of
William Shakespeare, and took in a production at The Royal Shakespeare Company.
“It was the most amazing production I had ever seen, and the quality of the production was wonderful,” Williams
said. “That was when I decided I wanted to move to England and work in a country that had theaters in every town.”
In May 2005, she graduated from ETSU with a degree in theater and minor in philosophy. By autumn, London
had become her home.
The Kali Theatre Company “took a chance on a little lady from Tennessee,” Williams says, and hired her as an
assistant stage manager for an upcoming production.
Between shows, she worked at a drama school as a support tutor for stage management students and later accepted
a similar position at London’s Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, where she has been the past four years.
An “opportunity of a lifetime,” Williams says, came when she was asked to be on the stage management team of
the Laurence Olivier Awards ceremony, held at the Drury Lane Theatre in Covent Garden.
“ETSU gave me the quality training I needed to be a successful professional in what is a very competitive industry,”
she said. “It was an excellent learning environment with fantastic professionals who care about students and give
individual attention. The ETSU theater facilities are exceptional, and I loved the Amphitheatre.”
“The saying that ‘if you work hard enough, you can make it in this industry’ has proven true for me,” she said.
“Whether you are a performer, writer, technician, or director, stay positive.
“If you find yourself sleeping on the floor and eating crackers for dinner, it may not be forever. If you believe in
yourself, you can make it happen. Break a leg!”
UNIQUE ALUMNI | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
Maxine
was previously employed as
Assistant Director of Marketing
for Jekyll Island Authority, where
she worked for more than ten
years, and is currently providing
contract marketing & public relations services in the Golden Isles
area. She serves on the board of
directors of the Georgia Southern
University Public Relations
Advisory Board and is a trustee
of the Middle Georgia College
Foundation. In 2007, Smith was
inducted into the East Tennessee
State University Communications
Department Alumni Hall of Fame
and is a native of Bristol, VA.
She and husband, Billy, reside
on Saint Simons Island, GA.
The Morrell of
the Story
While a college student, she participated in
an exchange program and spent a semester
in Amsterdam, describing this time as “one
of the greatest experiences in my life.”
After the awards, she was asked by a producer and a friend to help stage-manage the West End production of
Jersey Boys. This past April, she became part of the team.
8
Maxine H. Smith (BS ’78) has
been promoted to Senior Vice
President of SouthEastern Air
Services, Inc. (SEAS). In her
new position, she will continue
her previous
duties as
director of
marketing and
also conduct
all affairs of
the corporation
at any time the
president is
unavailable.
Gene A. Morrell (BS, 68; MA 74;
BA 78) recently donated a collection of World War II photos and
postcards to the ETSU Archives
of Appalachia for inclusion in
the Edward Cross Collection. Mr.
Cross was a WWII veteran who
fought in the European Theater.
He gave the postcards and photos to Mr. Morrell about 50 years
ago, and Mr. Morrell decided that
the best way to preserve these
historical artifacts was to donate
them to ETSU. Mr. Morrell is
also the author of a book titled,
“Heroes Among Us: World War II
Veterans of Montgomery County
and Radford, Virginia.” The book
contains interviews with
more than
100 veterans,
along with
hundreds of
previously
unpublished
photos. ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | UNIQUE ALUMNI
9
Clarke Ascends
the Ladder
Sharon Clarke (BA ’86) is the Vice President
of Global Initiatives at the Xtra Mile Group
specializing in management consulting. She
has progressively moved up the ladder. She
began her career after graduation with Carter
Wallace in which she worked as a Director
of Training and Development. Remaining at
Carter-Wallace, in 1989 Clarke was promoted
to Manager, Training and Development in New Jersey. With a
desire to get back to the Southeast, Clarke and her husband moved
to Orlando where, for four years, she managed a sales team in
Florida. Clarke then accepted a promotion to become the Director
of Training and moved with her family to the Princeton, New Jersey,
area. In 2003, she began working for MedPointe Pharmaceuticals
as the National Sales Director. Clarke was named Vice President
of Sales in 2005. She was named one of the Healthcare Business
Women’s Association’s “Rising Stars” in 2006. In 2008, when Meda
AB purchased the company, Clarke was promoted to her current
position as President of Meda Pharmaceuticals and enjoys the role
of leading a multimillion dollar organization. She has also served
as a trustee for the HealthCare Institute of New Jersey.
Duncan pens book
Patty Duncan (BS ’74) recently wrote a novel
titled Ellen’s Eye. The book is set in rural
Tennessee in 1954. Patty grew up in East
Tennessee in the fifties, and she drew from
her life on a dairy farm to fill in some of the
rural scenes in the novel.
While she was at ETSU in the 1970s, she
worked with the Mockingbird, and the publication won All-American Honors from the
American Collegiate Association.
After her time at ETSU, she began a career
in public relations and advertising, which
spanned twenty-five years and includes a stint
as press secretary in the Tennessee Legislature.
When she retired, she was finally able to
pursue her passion of writing.
Patty now lives in Cape Coral, Fla., with
her husband, Joe, and two cats, Al and Legs.
COACH OF THE YEAR
Rick Mullins was selected as the 2011 Bristol Herald Courier Coach
of the Year and the Virginia High School Coaches Association Coach
of the Year. He coaches high school football for the Clintwood High
School Greenwaves in Clintwood, Va. Under Rick’s leadership,
Clintwood won its first state championship since 1978, when he
was a freshman on the team. His son, Chandler was a freshman on
the team this time at the state championships, leading to a second
generation state championship in the Mullins family.
Blair Unwinds
Barry Blair (BS ’78) recently
wrote his first novel, Unwound.
The book is about Skip Bailey,
who has just led the New
York Yankees to the World
Series Championship and
is named the Most Valuable
Player. Although it seems
as though his life could not get any better, his life
begins to unravel as he returns to his East Tennessee
farm for the offseason.
Alumni
When they do, things escalate rapidly. A team of NYPD
investigators, led by veteran Sean Harrington, soon
find out that everything in Bailey’s life is not what
it seems. What follows is a trail of deceit, murder,
off-shore money laundering, and even his unwitting
involvement in a major international incident.
Blair is originally from Roanoke, Va. He retired from
Clyce Distributing Company of Johnson City and
currently works for Lowe’s when he is not writing.
He and his wife, Debra, have two grown daughters,
Mary and Laura.
An Executive Portrait
Scott M. Boruff (BBA ’85) is a seasoned executive with a diverse
business background that includes proven entrepreneurial ventures, a track record of successful development projects and vast
deal-making experience. Over the past two years, he has been a
licensed investment banker and director with a New York investment banking firm responsible for closing transactions totaling
$150 million to $200 million. He specialized in investment banking consulting services that included structuring direct financing,
recapitalization, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic planning
with an emphasis on the gas and oil industry.
Scott has developed a nationwide network of investors in gas and oil, business, real estate
and investment properties. As a commercial real estate broker for more than 20 years, he
developed condominium projects, hotels, convention centers, golf courses, apartments
and residential subdivisions. Prior to his career in real estate development, he created
several start-up ventures that grew into multimillion-dollar companies. As a consultant
to Miller Energy Resources, he has led the last three major financial transactions completed by the company.
Commanding Colonel
Colonel Franklin “Frank” C. McCauley, Jr. (BS
’85) has been named the tenth commander of
the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment for the
Tennessee Army National Guard, which is the
state’s largest National Guard unit. He will be
responsible for 3,700 soldiers. Frank has served
the 278th since 1981. He joined as a private in
Bristol’s Troop F and served through two tours of
duty in Iraq as a lieutenant colonel and a deputy
commander.
Resilient Dreams
Lindsay “Liv” Morrow, (BFA ’08) is living her dream and working as an aerialist, contortionist, and painter. She
has always had a natural talent for performing. She began taking gymnastics classes when she was only four years
old, and continued throughout her childhood. While she was a student at ETSU in 2006, she was invited to New
York City to the New York Circus Arts Academy to intern. After her graduation, she joined Pendulum Dance
Theatre in Portland, Ore. Pendulum opened up several opportunities for Liv. She was booked for events with
Cirque Du Soleil, Portland Art Museum and others. She has toured with Aerial Experience Production, and
recently appeared in commercials for LG, which aired in Portugal.
Currently, Liv is a master instructor with Quixotic School of Performing Arts. She teaches six days a week.
Quixotic specializes in contemporary dance, ballet, trapeze, and other theatre and dance-related courses.
Liv has most recently been selected to perform in Yeosu, South Korea for the full run of the World Expo 2012.
Liv comes from an “ETSU family.” Her father, Lee Morrow earned a master’s in education at ETSU and is
a coordinator in the athletic weight room. Her mother, Janet Hartsell Morrow, earned a bachelor’s degree
and a master’s in education at ETSU.
ETSU alumna named 2012
Technologist of Distinction
Aleisa Cummins Bloom (M.S. ’94) has been named the 2012 Technologist of
Distinction by Tennessee Technological University.
She was honored during an Engineering Banquet in February 2012 at
TTU. This event concluded the TTU College of Engineering’s annual
Engineering Week. TTU students organize E-week events every year to
give the public a chance to see and touch engineering concepts in action.
Bloom, a resident of Kingston, is a group leader for sustainability and
technology deployment at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Environmental
Sciences Division. She supports various Department of Defense environmental
restoration, compliance, infrastructure and energy programs.
Bloom began her career as a quality engineer at Raytheon Missile Systems Division,
and then moved to the Oak Ridge Gaseous Diffusion Plant. In her work at ORNL, she
managed environmental programs at Dover Air Force Base, which was named the DoD
Environmental Restoration Base of the Year as a result. That success led to Bloom receiving $25 million for an
ARRA (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009) Energy Project.
Irish Brigade runner breaking records
Tom McCormack (BS ’78) has been breaking records for road races in his age group. In May 2011, he ran a 5k in 18:05 and in October
2011 he completed a 5k in 17:37. In November 2011, he ran a mile-long race and finished in 5 minutes flat. In all three races, he was
in the top five finishers. He was a member of the Cross Country team in the 1970s, known as the “Irish Brigade,” coached by Dave
Walker. Originally from Mullingar, Ireland, he was a runner in high school and was offered a scholarship to attend ETSU. He and
his wife, Teresa (BS ’77, MS ’80), whom he met at ETSU, live in Johnson City. Tom works as an engineer and Emergency Medical
Technician for the Johnson City Fire Department, where he has worked since 1986.
Front row (L–R): Ray Flynn, Mark Finucane, Kevin Breen, Frank Greally, and Mark Brown.
Back row (L–R): Neil Cusack, David Ritchie, Tom McCormack, Mike Fields, Ray McBride and Coach Dave Walker.
Frank received a master’s degree in Criminal
Justice from Eastern Kentucky University in 1987.
He received his commission as an Armor Officer
from ETSU ROTC in 1983. His military education
includes the Armor Officer Basic Course, Fort
Knox, KY, in 1987, the Armor Advanced Course
Fort Knox, KY, 1996, Command and General
Staff College, Fort Leavenworth, KS, 2002 and
the U.S. Army War College, Arlington, VA, 2008.
Frank works for the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
in Sullivan County, Tenn.
10
UNIQUE ALUMNI | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | UNIQUE ALUMNI
11
Distinguished President’s Trust
welcomes new members
Advancement
Alumni
Advancement
Robert and Nita Summers receive
TBR Chancellor’s Award
Robert T. “Rab” and Nita Wilkes Summers were presented the Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor’s
Award for Excellence in Philanthropy on February
17th by Regent Paul Montgomery during the East
Tennessee State University Distinguished President’s
Trust Dinner.
They were nominated for this award by ETSU.
“Your steadfast, generous stewardship and leadership for the university certainly have enabled the
university to provide critically needed resources
for the students of our region and academic and
athletic programs as well,” ETSU President Dr. Brian
Noland wrote in a congratulatory letter.
In presenting the award, Montgomery noted that
Rab Summers is a native of East Tennessee and the
third-generation owner of Summers-Taylor Inc., a
leading highway construction firm in the region.
Nita, a native of South Carolina, was educated in
speech therapy. They have two children – Grant,
who graduated from Duke University, and Lena, a
graduate of ETSU who played soccer and ran track
at the university.
The letter of nomination to the TBR noted Mr. and
Mrs. Summers “provided … leadership and support
to develop what we believe is the finest intercollegiate
soccer stadium in the Atlantic Sun Conference.”
Summers-Taylor Stadium, named in their honor,
provides game and practice facilities for the Buccaneer
men’s and women’s soccer teams. The facility was built
through the Reaching Higher campaign and fulfills
a major component of the university’s master plan. Rab and Nita Summers have been recognized by
the university as President’s Trust Gold Society
Rab and Nita Summers’ support of ETSU athletics
members for their lifetime giving, and they were
also includes membership in the Buccaneer Athletics
also named Honorary Alumni by the ETSU Alumni
Scholarship Association and the Hoops Club, as
Association in 2006.
well as giving to the men’s and women’s golf teams.
Summers-Taylor was a key philanthropic partner Both the TBR Chancellor’s Award and the Regents’
in the development of the Warren-Greene Golf Award recognize people and organizations that
Center at ETSU.
have clearly demonstrated generosity of time and
resources to TBR institutions, encouraged others,
In addition to their support of intercollegiate athletpromoted higher education, and provided examples
ics, Mr. and Mrs. Summers have made significant
of ethical leadership, civic responsibility and integrity.
gifts to the prestigious Roan Scholars Leadership
Program at ETSU, including the funding of annual The TBR is the nation’s sixth largest higher education
scholarships that provide full tuition, room and system, governing 45 post-secondary educational
board, and books for worthy student leaders. They institutions. The TBR system includes six universihave also supported the Division of Theatre and ties, 13 two-year colleges and 26 technology centers,
Dance, the Rondal Cole Research Laboratory, the providing programs to over 180,000 students in 90
Bill Gatton College of Pharmacy, nursing scholar- of Tennessee’s 95 counties.
ships, and more.
Past Chancellor’s Award Recipients
Chancellor’s Awards are presented at select occasions hosted by the nominating entity. Previous ETSU award recipients include Rolland and Sharon Boles
(2011), James Martin and the late Mary B. Martin (2010), Janette “Janey” Campbell Diehl (2008), Dr. May Louise Votaw and the late Dr. Charles L. Votaw (2007),
Dr. Guy B. Wilson, Jr. (2006), Louis H. Gump (2005), the late Stuart E. Wood, Jr. (2004), and Eastman Chemical Co. (2003).
12
ADVANCEMENT | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
Seventy-six new members of East Tennessee State University’s Distinguished serve as sterling examples for future donors to follow in annual giving and
President’s Trust were welcomed by ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland during significant gift planning – joining together to build the ‘Margin of Excellence’
a formal dinner held at MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention for our students, faculty and staff at the university.”
Center February 17th.
Noland described this group of more than 1,350 contributors as the backbone
Distinguished President’s Trust (DPT) members consistently rank among the of the university’s scholarship and educational efforts. “This group of donors
most loyal supporters of the university through the ETSU Foundation. The has distinguished itself by providing, over many years, critically needed
DPT point of entry for individuals, organizations and businesses is cumulative resources for student scholarships and for faculty and staff support,” he said.
giving in excess of $10,000, usually the result of annual giving or combinations “I am deeply grateful for the continued leadership and the tremendous spirit
of significant major or planned gifts.
of giving demonstrated by these outstanding donors. For 100 years, alumni
and friends have given to build an outstanding institution of higher educaDr. Richard A. Manahan, vice president for University Advancement and
tion at ETSU.”
president/CEO of the ETSU Foundation, noted that DPT members have
contributed over $203 million to benefit the university.
D. Roger Kennedy, chairman of the ETSU Foundation board of directors, stated
that, “The ETSU Foundation continues to benefit greatly from the leadership,
“Your continued generosity has enabled ETSU to provide scholarships and
support and service of these new members and all Distinguished President’s
educational support for our students, and resources for our faculty and staff,
Trust members. They each provide an outstanding example of support for
too,” he told the gathering.
ETSU to empower the university to provide access to high-caliber educational
“The recognition of our new, as well as existing, Distinguished President’s Trust opportunities for our students and resources for our faculty and staff.
members is certainly a privilege for the university and the ETSU Foundation,”
“I encourage other alumni and friends to join the Distinguished President’s
Manahan said. “We are always very pleased and so honored to add these
Trust in the future to enable ETSU to continue its legacy of service for our
individuals, businesses and organizations to our Trust membership. They will
region, nation and world.”
The newest DPT members include:
Bristol •Anderson Compounding Pharmacy/Cleve
Anderson
•Carl R. and Elliott Moore
Elizabethton •The Dr. S. Martin Bronson Trust
•Dr. David H. & Catherine L. Mills
Gray •Theresa E. Burchett
•Mary Margaret Miller & the late Wayne L. Miller
Johnson City •Appalachian Pain Rehab Associates
•Axis Security/Jon Phillips
•Gary F. Clayton
•Cathy Essin
•Lucille B. Frizzell
•Dr. Rosalind R. & Rev. Joseph Gann
•Dr. George L. Granger
•Donald & Leigh Ann Harvill
•Ralph & Sarah Isenberg
•Dr. Dan M. & Karol Johnson
•Dr. Kenneth R. & Susan Sholes Kelly for the
Family of the late Dr. Dillard & Mattie Sholes
•The Estate of Gordon William Ludolf
•Dr. Deborah Harley-McClaskey & David
McClaskey
•Dr. Sam W. & Carolee P. McKinstry
•Sarah V. McVeigh, Moody Dunbar Inc./Stanley
& Christy Dunbar
•The Estate of Reva Noble
•Lynn & Linda Palmer
•Dr. Joshua S. & Dianna C. Puhr
•Fred & Jill Sauceman
•Dr. Jeff & Brenda Wardeska
•Widener Insurance Agency/Cindy & Sterling
Winn
Unicoi Jonesborough Golden, Colo. •The Blackthorn Club at The Ridges
•M. Banks & Judith Camak
•LTC Richard Dean & Malinda Measner
•Dr. Thomas Raymond & Dr. Cynthia Reynolds
•R. David & the late Nancy S. Robinson
•Dr. Rebecca A. Pyles & Dr. James R. Stewart
•Dr. Chad & Cindy Thomas
•Col. William G. Sikes
Kingsport •Justine (Tina) & the late D.C. (Dee) Brummitt
Buena Park, Calif. •Dr. Lee E. Brown
Riverview, Fla. •Norma Jane Fadial
Carrollton, Ga. •Dr. Charlie & Deirdre Rouse
Commerce, Ga. •Jack C. McKinney, II
•The Morrow Mader Foundation
•NutrienTech L.L.C./Dave Kossor
•Donna and the late Marvin Williams
Joliet, Ill. Knoxville Louisville, Ky. •Judy Morrell Flynn
•The Estate of Leon L. McIntyre, III
Mount Juliet Silver Springs, Md. •R.D. and the late Kathy Ikenberry
•Craig G. & Marianna Kate Duncan
Piney Flats Bakersville, N.C. •Denis & Jerry Brock
•Larry & Elizabeth (Shea) Renfro
Nashville North Charleston, S.C. •William “Big Kenny” Alphin
•Mandy Pottorf
Springfield Abingdon, Va. • Dr. Thomas W. Onstott
•The Jack & Judy Smith Foundation Inc.
•Howard & Lois Walker
ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | ADVANCEMENT
13
Distinguished
President’s
Trust
Alumni
DistinguishedPresident’s Trust
14
DISTINGUISHED PRESIDENT’S TRUST | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | DISTINGUISHED PRESIDENT’S TRUST
15
McKinstry Law Scholarship Endowment Encourages ETSU
Students and Honors a Legacy and a Teaching Legend
TOM RAYMOND: The Guy You
Know and…The Guy You Don’t
Beginning in 1973 and thru 2009, many ETSU students in the Department of
Political Science were indeed fortunate to experience the exemplary, professional
teaching environment created by Faculty Emeritus Dr. Sam W. McKinstry.
His caring, legendary, life-shaping influence has been greatly appreciated not
only by scores of students whom he prepared for law school, but by others
interested in South Asian Studies and other aspects of government and politics,
too. Sam also served the Sigma Chi Fraternity as faculty and chapter advisor.
It was August 1978 and Thomas L.
Raymond, Ph.D., was recruited to a brandnew medical school in East Tennessee. A
Virginia native, he held degrees from the
University of Tennessee, East Carolina
and a Ph.D. from Wake Forest’s BowmanGray School of Medicine. Tom had a
scholarly record of achievement in biology,
zoology and biological chemistry and
pathology. He was just what a fledgling
medical school needed—a high caliber
researcher to augment the talented physicians to lead the new college into life.
For Tom, the ETSU department of internal
medicine was a new venture during
an exciting time. As a researcher, he
worked side-by-side developing and
instructing physicians, partnering with
other specialists to help raise the level
of inquiry and understanding for the
aspiring medical doctors.
Dr. McKinstry and his wife, Carolee P. McKinstry, recently endowed the “Dr.
Sam W. and Carolee P. McKinstry Law Scholarship Endowment” in the ETSU
Foundation. The purpose of this new endowment is to provide scholarship
assistance to senior undergraduate students who are preparing to attend law
school after graduation from ETSU.
Commenting on this new endowment, Dr. Richard A. Manahan, Vice President
for University Advancement/CEO-President of the ETSU Foundation stated
that, “We are truly grateful that Sam and Carolee have generously funded this
new endowment. They both are sterling examples of community service in
so many ways for our university, our region, and beyond. Sam and Carolee
are outstanding champions for higher education, and this new scholarship
endowment will carry forth the McKinstry legacy of teaching, research, and
service for ETSU in perpetuity.”
Notes
Alumni and friends who wish to honor the impact that Dr. and Mrs. McKinstry
have had in their lives and careers may do so with tax-deductible gifts for the
McKinstry Law Scholarship Endowment mailed to the ETSU Foundation, PO
Box 70721, Johnson City, TN 37614 or by contacting the Office of University
Advancement, (423) 439-4242.
ETSU Foundation honors top contributors
Top donors from the private sector were honored by East Tennessee State academic areas, and know the many other cultural and economic benefits
University for generous contributions to the ETSU Foundation during the ETSU has given to our region and its people.
Distinguished President’s Trust (DPT) dinner at MeadowView Conference
“These honorees enable ETSU to be the best regional university in the nation.
Resort and Convention Center February 17th.
I am very grateful to these and all donors, and encourage other alumni and
The DPT – comprised of more than 1,350 contributors whose individual friends to join the ETSU Foundation President’s Society Wall of Honor in the
cumulative gifts to the ETSU Foundation have surpassed the $10,000 level – days and years ahead with their current and estate gifts to build together an
welcomed 76 new members at the dinner.
even better university.”
“East Tennessee State University is about transforming lives and dreaming
bigger dreams, and the support from our Distinguished President’s Trust
members and other donors helps makes that possible,” ETSU President Dr.
Brian Noland said. “These generous individuals allow ETSU to raise the bar
even higher as we serve our students, our faculty and staff, and our community.”
The Platinum Society, Level IV, honors donors with cumulative gifts of $4
million. James C. Martin, Johnson City, and the late Mary B. Martin were
honored at this level for their generosity. James Martin gave the initial gift that
established the Mary B. Martin School of the Arts at ETSU in memory of his
wife, and has given numerous subsequent gifts to support the work of the school.
Most of these donors are permanently recognized on the President’s Society
Wall of Honor located on the main ETSU campus in Johnson City. The second
floor of Burgin E. Dossett Hall administration building features engraved
portraits of President’s Society members whose significant lifelong contributions to the ETSU Foundation exceed $50,000.
Dr. Mary Jane Gibson-Valk of Johnson City is the newest member of the
Platinum Society, Level II. This level recognizes those donors whose cumulative contributions total $2 million.
The newest members of the Platinum Society, Level I, recognizing donors whose
cumulative gifts to the university total $1 million, include the Department of
Dr. Richard A. Manahan, vice president for University Advancement and Surgery in ETSU’s James H. Quillen College of Medicine, along with Gerald
president/CEO of the ETSU Foundation, said that President’s Society members and Cassandra Thomas, Johnson City, and R. David and the late Nancy S.
have cumulatively given more than $185 million to the university, including Robinson, Jonesborough.
planned and estate gifts.
The Gold Society honors contributors whose cumulative gifts total $500,000.
“This year’s honorees for the ETSU Foundation Wall of Honor join with other C.L. and the late Wanda R. Butler of Gray were honored at this level.
President’s Society members to continue the outstanding legacy of leaderWith cumulative contributions of $100,000 to $500,000, new Silver Society
ship that provides the ‘Margin of Excellence’ for private support,” Manahan
members are the Dr. S. Martin Bronson Trust, Elizabethton; Dr. James W. and
said. “Their continued gifts – especially now – assure a promising future for
Dottie Gibson, D. Roger and Martha G. Kennedy and Drs. Thomas Raymond
the quality of education at ETSU. And, as the ultimate beneficiaries of this
and Cynthia Reynolds, Jonesborough; the estates of Gordon William Ludolf
generosity, the university’s students, faculty and staff are always grateful for
and Reva Noble and In Memory of Christa Thyson Hungate, Johnson City;
this stellar record of giving.
LeConte Medical Center/Covenant Health, Sevierville; Justine (Tina) and the
“With $9.8 million in current and planned gifts this past fiscal year, together late D.C. (Dee) Brummitt, Unicoi; Cardinal Health, Dublin, Ohio; and the
with past years of generous support from ETSU’s alumni and friends, these Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, Charlottesville.
achievements will continue to make the future even brighter for ETSU and
The Bronze Society recognizes donors with cumulative contributions of $50,000
for those we serve in our region and around the world.”
to $100,000. New members are Dr. Frank and Betty Anderson, Dr. M. Keith
Noted D. Roger Kennedy, chair of the ETSU Foundation board of directors, Ellis, Theresa K. and Anthony B. Lee, Martha Nan and the late Bill Meredith,
“On behalf of the members of the ETSU Foundation, it is once again an honor Dr. Allan D. and Cecilia M. Spritzer, and Bedford and Carol Transou, Johnson
to recognize these donors on the Foundation’s Wall of Honor for the President’s City; the Blackthorn Club at The Ridges and Carolyn S. Dunbar, Jonesborough;
Society. These individuals, businesses and other organizations have generously Judy Morrell Flynn, Knoxville; the Hope Through Healing Hands Foundation,
invested in the people and programs of the university. They are confident in Nashville; Walgreens, Deerfield, Ill.; and the Virginia Surveyors Foundation
the quality educational experience that ETSU provides in so many Ltd., Richmond.
16
ADVANCEMENT | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
Earn
Your
Degree
Online!
Tom’s high point at ETSU was when he
learned of a National Institutes of Health
grant in 1984 for a quarter of a million
federal dollars. The first homegrown,
ETSU-based grant for research by the
new college started here and would
play out here. The moment could only be made better by sharing the news with his family.
Tom called his parents, Dr. Bernard Harold Raymond and Margery Cohen Raymond.
They were elated by the news of their son’s achievement. In the glow of such wonderful news, Tom’s father passed away that evening as a result of a heart attack.
Ironically, Tom’s research was part of the global investigation of heart disease, and the
illness he studied touched him directly. With a three-year NIH grant to fulfill, our Dr.
Raymond had time to think about his life ahead.
There was another guy.
East Tennessee State University’s
School of Continuing Studies and
Academic Outreach provides an array of
online programs.
Today’s Tom Raymond is the one most known to many in the Tri-Cities, the national
sports world and professional photography circles. Advertising agencies, corporations,
as well as national publications seek after Tom’s work and that of his unique company,
Fresh Air Photo. Some of his most notable work includes photos of NASCAR standout
Jeff Gordon during his time driving the #24 DuPont Chevrolet. DuPont was one of Fresh
Air’s longest-held clients during their sponsor run in motorsports.
Sports Illustrated has used Raymond’s work for select projects. Guideposts used some of
his photos with a story featuring University of Tennessee’s renowned women’s basketball coach, Pat Summit. Time, National Geographic, New York Times, and Smithsonian
magazine are among his list of clients. Tom was witness to a sad turn of events which ended in tragedy. He was working at East
Carolina University at Fickley Stadium on the sidelines November 14, 1970. He shot
game action from the visitor’s sideline beside the green and white clad Marshall University’s
Thundering Herd. The date was later marked forever as news of the team’s plane crash
changed history in college athletics. Tom’s photos of their last contest are now part of
the Marshall Memorial Collection at the university.
Johnson City has become home to Tom regardless of his travels. He is married to Dr.
Cynthia Anne Reynolds, who has operated a chiropractic medicine clinic for the past
34 years. ETSU has become a special part of their lives.
As fans and photographers, Tom and ETSU graduate and Ad Man Sam Barnett collaborated on a series of the most sought after ETSU sports collectibles. During the “Four and
More” men’s basketball run of the late ’80s and early ’90s, Tom’s images and Sam’s design
became posters that portrayed the basketball team seniors in memorable fashion from
Mister Jennings in his gunslinger western look to the high-flying images of Calvin Talford.
Tom Raymond still believes in medical education, the work of the Quillen College
of Medicine, and what brought him to these mountains in 1978. This year, The
Raymond Family Medical Scholarship Endowment has been established. As a tribTo learn more about earning another degree from ETSU without leaving your
ute and legacy for his parents, Tom is helping a new generation of physicians with
hometown, call the School of Continuing Studies and Academic Outreach at
financial assistance and some relief of the long-term burden of debt for their education.
(423) 439-8300 or visit www.etsu.edu/scs.
17
ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | ADVANCEMENT
Thomas family honored for baseball stadium donation
Athletics
The ETSU Department of Intercollegiate Athletics hosted a luncheon earlier
this week, recognizing the Gerald Thomas family and Thomas Construction
Company, Inc. for their generous donation to the new on-campus baseball
facility set to open this season and officially announced the naming of the
stadium — Thomas Stadium.
The luncheon, which was held at the Carnegie Hotel, included the Thomas
family and several members of the ETSU Athletics Department. Guest speakers included Dr. Paul E. Stanton (President), Dave Mullins (Director of
Intercollegiate Athletics), Tony Skole (Head Baseball Coach) and Matthew
Scruggs (ETSU senior outfielder).
Coach Walker ready Bucky 2.0
new Bucky mascot made his debut during
to enjoy life at slower pace Ahalftime
activities at the Buccaneer men’s
Coach David Walker is retiring after
50 years of service at ETSU. Coach
Walker has been a fixture in athletics
throughout his coaching career. During
his tenure, Walker has developed
a number of world-class runners,
including Kevin Johnson, a ninetime All-American; Seamus Power, a
five-time All-American; and Robert
Rovere a four-time All-American.
Walker also coached Ray Flynn, who
became one of the five top milers
in the world; and Neil Cusack, the
1972 NCAA cross country national
champion and the winner of the
Boston Marathon in 1974.
Walker is probably most well known
for the tradition of recruiting Irish
runners for ETSU. He coached the
well-known “Irish Brigade,” which
won second place at the 1972 NCAA
Cross Country Championships. The
team which included five men from
Ireland (Neil Cusack, Ed Leddy, P.J.
Leddy, Ray McBride, and Kevin Breen)
earned ETSU’s highest national ranking in the sport.
Notes
Walker’s 1975 squad was also impressive.
They finished fifth at the NCAA Cross
Country Championships and won
the U.S. Track and Field Federation
(USTAFF) Championship. Every
member of the team earned AllWalker has been honored by his peers
America honors.
throughout his successful career. He
Since 1969, Walker’s men’s teams have has earned some 20-plus Coach-ofwon 22 conference championships, the-Year honors and has been named
finished second seven times and third District Coach-of-the-Year 10 times.
once. His squads have finished in the
Walker was inducted into the ETSU
top-10 11 times.
Sports Hall of Fame in 1996, and the
Walker has groomed three Olympians U.S. Track Coaches Association Hall
(for Ireland) in Flynn, Ed Leddy, and of Fame in 2003. On May 19, he’ll be
Cusack. Leddy and Cusack both com- part of the new class to be inducted
peted in the 1972 Olympics while into the Tennessee Sports Hall of
Flynn competed in 1980 and 1984. Fame in Nashville.
Alum goes to Major Leagues
Aaron Schoenfeld (ALND
’11) recently signed with the
Columbus Crew, a Major
League Soccer Team out
of Columbus, Ohio. He
had been drafted by the
Montreal Impact, but was
let go. He played for the
Crew during several games
as an audition, and they
signed him in March 2012.
At ETSU he finished with
20 goals and 10 assists in
72 games.
For more information or to sign
up, please visit etsubucs.com
18
ATHLETICS | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
basketball game against Appalachian State
in November.
This new mascot for the Department of Intercollegiate
Athletics steps in for the recently retired Bucky,
who made his final appearance the previous
week and is now reportedly enjoying an extended
vacation in the Hawaiian Islands.
“We are extremely grateful to the Thomas family for their contributions to
ETSU as an institution, and to ETSU athletics in particular,” said Mullins.
“Their generosity was the key to proceeding with this new baseball stadium
project, and without them none of this would have been possible. They are
a true Buccaneer family.”
The Thomas family generously provided the stadium site development, labor
and materials valued at approximately $500,000. The family has contributed
over $1.3 million to East Tennessee State University over the years, including
site work for Betty Basler Field and gifts to the Quillen College of Medicine,
Gatton College of Pharmacy, Buccaneer Athletic Scholarship Association
(BASA) and the Hoops Club.
wearing the Blue and Gold. Our coaching staff and our players are extremely
excited about opening this season at “The Thom.” With Opening Day only
64 days away, we are looking forward to welcoming the new traditions that
this stadium will bring to our program. It is going to a wonderful facility that
will change our program forever.”
“Everyone that is associated with our university, and especially those who
Thomas Stadium is set to open on February 17, for the start of the 2012 basehave been associated with ETSU Baseball, will be forever grateful to Gerald
ball stadium, when the Bucs host Eastern Kentucky in a three-game series.
and Sandy Thomas and their wonderful family,” said Skole. “Their generosity
will have an eternal impact on our university, our community, our baseball For more information on ETSU Athletics, please visit ETSUBucs.com.
program and on the lives of all those young men who have the privilege of
To learn more on the history of ETSU’s mascots
and the Buccaneer nickname, visit www.etsu.
edu/alumni/involvement/etsumascots.aspx.
Sollazzo named
Div. I-AAA ADA
Scholar–Athlete
of the Year
ETSU senior Adam Sollazzo has earned his
share of honors during the past four seasons
as a Buccaneer basketball player, but he was
awarded with arguably his most prestigious
recognition recently.
The Division I-AAA Athletics Directors
Association released its 22 members of the
10th Annual DI-AAA ADA Scholar-Athlete
Teams, and not only was Sollazzo selected to
this group, but he received the highest number
of votes on the squad. He was subsequently
named the nation’s men’s scholar-athlete of
the year.
Basketball players from all Division I-AAA
ADA member institutions are eligible for these
prestigious awards. There are a total of 99
schools represented in this group, including
programs from conferences such as the Big
East, Conference USA, Colonial, Atlantic Sun,
Southern, Ohio Valley, and others.
Sollazzo was selected because he led the ETSU
men’s basketball team in scoring and assists
during the 2011-12 season, he posted strong
academic accomplishments throughout his
four years at ETSU, and has consistently
been involved in community service efforts
and campus life.
ETSU’s Radio Heads
On radio, online, on our sports television show or on our
media briefs for radio, television or web site…they are talking!
Jay Sandos and John Stevens bring a world of experience and
military precision to presenting the ETSU Buccaneers to the
world for ETSU’s Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
Sandos is Assistant Director for Media Relations/Broadcast
Operations. As an Adjunct Instructor for ETSU’s Department
of Communications—Radio, Television and Film—Sandos
pulls double duty leading The Buccaneer Sports Network
properties including “Inside Buc Sports” and “ETSU Courtside.”
As the “Voice of the Buccaneers,” the Hendersonville, North
Carolina, native is most familiar on The Buccaneer Sports
Network, which offers opportunities for RTVF students to
get hands-on experience. And their work is viewed locally
in partnership with Charter Media and heard on Cumulus Media Flagship
stations WXSM and WJCW. Sandos was pulled into active in the U.S. Army
in Iraq in 2004 included in twelve and half years of Reserve service. He graduated from ETSU in 2000.
Stevens is Media Relations/Network Assistant. Originally from Charleston,
South Carolina, he was a broadcast journalist with military, collegiate and
professional experience. His primary role is to produce the television versions of ”Inside Buc Sports” and “ETSU Courtside” as well as produce the
radio show, “Inside Buc Sports.” From U.S. Navy journalist to undergraduate
broadcaster, he is ranked among the best in the country. Stevens, who earned
an ETSU degree in 2011, has measured up nationally in the Sportscasters
Talent Agency of America All-America Program’s, Jim Nantz Award which
is considered the sports-casting equivalent of a Heisman Trophy. He ranked
No. 5 of 1200 candidates receiving All-America status and was finalist for
Jim Nantz Award, 2010.
ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | ATHLETICS
19
1. Another huge crowd turns out for the ETSU PRIDE Bluegrass on Broad Street event 5. It’s good to see friends again at the Alumni Return to the Classroom Breakfast, 8. Our Spring Weekend Reunion Brunch attendees enjoy a special power point
sponsored by the ETSU Alumni Association, TK’s Big Dogs and Girls Inc of Kingsport.
sponsored by the ETSU Alumni Association.
presentation just for their classes.
Alumni
2. This office built an ETSU Robot to represent their PRIDE!
Alumni
3. The class of 1961 wore golden caps and gowns to lead in the class of 2011
at commencement.
Events
AlumniEvents
1
6. The ETSU PRIDE Community Showcase, sponsored by the ETSU Alumni Association
and the JC/Washington County Chamber of Commerce, is always popular with
students, faculty and staff. Businesses give out thousands of dollars worth of
produce, beverages, and other items at this event.
4. Jamie Burleson Harber, her husband Dr. Walt Harber and their friends Rick and
7. Students taking part in the Homecoming Parade.
Ann Jaeger from Naples, Florida, enjoy a day on the links at the 45th annual
ETSU Alumni Golf Tournament.
2
9. These majorettes still have what it takes to twirl a baton. Former ETSU Majorettes
have begun a tradition of reuniting. If your affinity group would also like to start
this tradition, please contact the ETSU Alumni Association. We would love to help.
10. Some well-deserved relaxing time before hitting the next hole.
11. Dr. Noland attends his first Alumni association board of directors meeting.
12. The “Best of the 70’s” Reunion group met for the second year.
6
3
7
8
9
10
4
5
20
ALUMNI EVENTS | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
11
12
ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | ALUMNI EVENTS
21
Class
Alumni
Notes
ClassNOTES
2000s
Alexis Hodge (BS ’10) & Seth Duty (BS ’10) were married
on January 6, 2012, in Costa Rica. Alexis is working at
Caroline Lauren Bowery (BS `11) married Tyler Graham Niswonger Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Cabell of Kingsport on January 7, 2012, at St. Luke Methodist and Studio Dance. Seth is working at Johnson City Medical
Church. She is employed as an insurance producer at J. Center in the Ortho, Neuro, and Trauma Intensive Care Units.
Mark Bowery Insurance Inc.
Jonathan Leichliter (BS ’10) married on Saturday, October 15,
William P. Clark (BSW `11) married Selina Elizabeth Call 2011, to Taylor Cooter at First Baptist Church of Johnson City.
on July 23, 2011, at Surgoinsville United Methodist Church,
Amanda McCall (Pharm.D, ’10) has been elected to serve as
Surgoinsville, Tennessee. He is employed by State Farm
president of Region Nine of the Georgia Pharmacy Association.
Insurance. Selina is a graduate research assistant at ETSU,
As president, she will serve on the board of directors and
pursuing a master of public health degree. The couple resides
facilitate and serve her region members. She is currently
in Johnson City.
practicing pharmacy with East Marietta Drugs in Marietta.
Jennifer Clements (MBA ’11) is the Director of Marketing
Darren Caldwell (BBA ’09) married Kortney Goulds on October
for Online Programs at ETSU. She was hired in November
8, 2011, at the Blackthorn Club at the Ridges in Jonesborough.
2011. Previously, she worked as an account manager at
Caldwell is a 2009 graduate from ETSU with his bachelor’s
Moody Dunbar, Inc.
degree in finance and is now employed by Express Courier.
Beth Davis Crouch (MSN ’11) has been added as a new
Heather N. Rhodes Johnson (BA ’09) & Ryan Johnson
faculty member for Milligan College. She will serve as the
(BFA ’08) live in Columbia, Mo. Ryan is working with Sunshine
assistant professor of nursing. She has been a member of
Graphics as a graphic designer. Heather received a Master
the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing
of Arts in folk studies from Western Kentucky University. She
since 2009.
is now working on a Ph.D. in folklore and medieval studies
Valisa Griffin (BS `11) was appointed in August as coordinator at the University of Missouri.
of the Tusculum Fund at Tusculum College.
Tracy Garside (BS ’08) & James Dobes (BS ’08) were
Lauren Grim (PharmD ’11) & Philip Musick (PharmD ’11) married on May 7, 2011, at Kill Devil Hills.
were married August 20, 2011, at First Broad Street Baptist
Emmalea Griffith (BSN ’08, MSN ’10) & Chambless R.
Church of Kingsport. Lauren and Philip graduated from ETSU
Johnston (BS ’01 & MD ’09) were married on September
Gatton College of Pharmacy cum laude.
10, 2011, at King Centre. Chambless received his M.D. in
Morgan Hood (BSN ’11) & Daniel Armentrout (BS ’10) were 2009 and Emmalea earned a MSN in 2010.
recently married on June 4, 2011, at the ETSU Amphitheatre.
Kristen D. Guinn (BS `08) & Daniel Grindstaff were married
Shanna Leish Pilkton (BS `11) & Johnny Ray Lovelace at Borderview Christian Church in Elizabethton on October
(BS `10) were married at Agota Spings in Kingsport on August 29, 2011. Following the ceremony, a reception was held
20, 2011.
at Carnegie Hotel.
Yesenia Sanchez (BA `11) attained a job at the Morristown Ryan Naegele (BS `08) married Meghann Claire Naber at St.
Police Department. She was recommended by the Morristown Jude Catholic Church, Chattanooga on Oct. 15, 2011. He is
Police Chief, Roger Overholt, and unanimously approved by program manager for the Adventure Guild of Chattanooga
council members.
and a branding consultant. Meghann is a teacher at St.
Jude School.
Julia Depew (BSED ’10) & Joshua Moore (BBA ’05) were
married October 22, 2011, at First Baptist Church in Fall Branch. Stephanie Brooke Allen (BS `07) & Christopher Brandon
Julia is a teacher for Fall Branch Elementary School. Joshua Jones were married at Ridgeview Baptist Church in December
is employed by American General Insurance of Kingsport. 2011. She is employed as a radiographic technologist at
JCMC. He is employed by the Kingsport City Police Department.
Anna Edwards (BSN ’10) has married Joseph Harrison in
a private ceremony on October 8, 2011.
Tyler Steven Campbell (BBA ’07) married Robyn Hager on
June 11, 2011, at Mountain View United Methodist Church.
Nakeisha Geisler (BS ’10) recently married Joshua Fields
on October 22, 2011, at The Centre in Bristol, TN. She is Alex Cox (BS ’07, MS ’09) married Sarah Hoover on November
currently employed at Kuban Elementary School, Phoenix, Ariz. 11, 2011, at Fairview United Methodist Church of Jonesborough.
He received a degree in technology and digital media.
Jennifer Hedrick (BBA ’10) married Joe Holifield (BBA ’10)
in April 2011. Jennifer has joined the Mid-South Long Term Michelle Hughes (BBA ’07) & Leslie Smith (BS ’98) married
Care Insurance Group with Genworth Financial in Johnson City. on October 1, 2011. Michelle is working for Wellmont Health
22
CLASS NOTES | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
PRIDE
Week 2012
Will take place August 23-31, 2012.
Visit www.etsu.edu/alumni to keep
up with the latest PRIDE events,
including local baseball games,
Bluegrass on Broad, PRIDE Night
at the Fair, PRIDE Night at Bristol
Motor Speedway, and more!
46th Annual
Alumni Golf Classic
Friday,
Sept. 21, 2012
Cattails at
Meadow View
Resort in
Kingsport
Visit
www.etsu.edu/alumni
for more information
System as a human resources generalist. Leslie is currently Gina Davis (BS ’03) is currently working as marketing director
employed by Regal-Beloit as a telecommunications manager. for global security and technology programs at the Y-12
National Security Complex. She operates a web site that
Austin Poole (BA `07) has wrapped up four years of service
promotes Y-12 technology. She lives in Knoxille, Tenn.
in the Marine Corps and has now decided to follow his love
of music at the Recording Workshop in Chillicothe, Ohio. It Cheryl Mathes (BBA, BA ’03) is working as a Business Growth
was not until Poole won 88.3 FM WCQR`s “Rap to Win Toby`s Strategist at J & L Marketing, Inc. out of Louisville, Ky. She
Mac” recording contest in 2010 that he decided to get serious holds a master’s in global business from the University of
about music. The victory prompted Poole to begin work on Westminster.
his first full-length album, “Synthesia.” Eventually, Poole is
Marcos Pavlovich (BBA ’03) has been named the enterprise
hoping to become a music supervisor.
risk manager for the Bank of Tennessee. Since joining the
Haley N. Poore (BSN `07) married Kevin Robert Shipley on bank, he has served as relationship manager and credit
Oct. 8, 2011, at Christ Fellowship Church. She is a registered administration/special assets. He will be responsible for
nurse and clinical manager at the Chattanooga Heart Institute. monitoring, managing, and reporting all business risk for
Kevin is a health-care recruiter for Maxim Health Care in the bank.
Chattanooga.
Nicholas A. Jackson (BS ’02) is working as a Senior Geospatial
Caroline Ross Williams (BBA ’077) passed the Tennessee Analyst at Courage Services, Inc., which specialized in human
Bar Exam. She was sworn in to practice law in November geography and socio-cultural analysis. He has previously
2010. She is now an associate at Hunter, Smith, and Davis. worked as a cartographer at the Library of Congress as well
She and her husband, Jason D. Williams, love in Kingsport. as a geospatial information systems analyst for government
agencies. Nicholas lives in the Arlington, Va. area.
Whitney Leigh Beard (BSED `06) married Justin Andrew
Coffey on July 23, 2011, at The Foundry at World`s Fair Park Susan E. McClellan (BBA `02, MBA `06) married Ned Stanley
at Knoxville, Tenn. She is a kindergarten teacher in the Knox Zieler on Sept. 3, 2011, at First Presbyterian Church, Bristol,
County School System. He is employed by the National Park Tenn. The bride received a bachelor of business administration
Service. They are both members of Cokesbury Methodist Church. degree in marketing, and a master of business administration
degree from ETSU.
Raven Moody (MACC ’06) has recently been named the
associate director of Budget and Financial Planning. She has Curt Rose (BBA ’02) was recently elected as president of
been working in the Office of the Provost and Vice President the board of directors of the Susan G. Komen for the Cure
for Academic Affairs since she was a student worker, graduate Tri-Cities Affiliate. Curt has been a partner at West & Rose in
assistant, and coordinator, and then became the assistant to Kingsport where he practices insurance defense litigation. He
the provost for Budget and Personnel.
is also a past president of the Kingsport Bar Association, CASA
for Kids Inc. and the Kingsport Jaycees. Curt is also on the
Sarah Rogers (BBA ’06) & Jason Johnson (BSN ’03) were
board of directors of the First Presbyterian Child Center and
married on July 30, 2011, at the First Broad Street United
an avid member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church.
Methodist Church of Kingsport. Sarah is currently employed
by DPKY Management and Jason is employed by Bristol Dr. Gabriel Hommel (BS ’01, MD ’05) is an orthopedic surgeon
Medical Center.
who has recently joined the Appalachian Orthopedic Associates
and Bristol Regional Medical Center’s medical staff. He provides
Mark Newland (BS ’05) of Kingsport married Jessica Gaylor
specialized care in sports medicine, treats orthopedic trauma,
on August 6, 2011, at the Corinthian Ballroom in Roanoke.
fractures, and performs arthroscopic surgery and total joint
Mark is employed by Bristol Broadcasting.
replacements.
Brandi Quinn (BBA ’05) was married to Matthew Christian
Jessica Hommel (MD ’01) has recently joined Bristol Regional
on September 10, 2011, at Asbury United Methodist Church
Medical Center’s medical staff as a pediatrician. Jessica is
of Greeneville, TN. Following their marriage, the couple took
board certified in pediatrics and joined the Bristol Pediatric
a wedding trip to the Dominican Republic. She is currently
Associates and is a member of the American Academy of
employed by ETSU.
Pediatrics.
Amanda Teague (BS ’05) was married on October 16, 2010,
Misty Dunn Key (BS ’01) recently was promoted to executive
to Robert Davenport at Colonial Heights Christian Church.
director of the Life Care Center of Greeneville, Tenn., which
She was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi and is currently
is a nursing and rehabilitation center. Previously, she worked
employed at Eastman Chemical Co. and a member of IAAP.
as an admission director at Life Care Center for eight years.
Sara E. Barnes (BSN `04) married Loyal Benjamin Andies, She has worked in the industry for over 10 years. She also
III on Friday, October 14, 2011, at The Gazebo at Mill Spring serves on the Greeneville Kiwanis Club board of directors.
Park, in Jonesborough, Tenn.
She currently lives in Greeneville with her husband, Lee, and
their two daughters, Jada and Kayla.
Gena Cochran (BS ’04) & Wesley Haynes (MA ’03) were
married on October 1, 2011, at Carolina Point Young Life Deana Arwood (BS ’00, Med ’03) received grant money from
Camp in Brevard, N.C.
the Washington County, Tenn., QUEST Foundation (Quality
Education Support for Tomorrow). QUEST distributes funds
Joshua Turner Hommel (BS `04) married Kasey Lynette
from community organizations to classrooms to make up for
McGee during a private ceremony in Jonesborough on Friday,
government budget cuts. Deana received $4,998 to implement
October 21, 2011. After a honeymoon in Maui, Hawaii, the
the use of specialized Kindles in the classroom.
couple is residing in North Johnson City.
Dr. David Linville (MD ’00) has recently been named as
Anna Zabriskie (BS `04) & Lance Pearcy (BS `05) were
associate vice president/executive director for Rural and
married November 27, 2011, at The Grand Plaza Hotel in St.
Community Health. He is currently the assistant dean and
Pete Beach, Fla. The bride is employed by Murfreesboro City
director of operations for James H. Quillen College of Medicine.
Schools, and the groom is employed by Williamson County
Schools. The couple now resides in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
John Lowry (BS `00), Johnson City Police Chief, has announced
he will end his law enforcement career in May after more than
Anita Ashby (MSN `03) has been appointed to the Southwest
30 years with the city. He has worked with the department
Virginia Emergency Medical Services Council board of directors.
34 years, having served as police chief since 2003. He began
She is system director of flight services for Wellmont Health
service nearly 40 years ago with the rescue squad.
System.
Health Promotion
Pioneer Retiring
Dr. R. Anne Abbott (BS ’69) is retiring
after more than 30 years spent
teaching, the majority of that at the
University of Wisconsin at Stevens
Point. She has been dedicated to
teaching integrative and alternative
health care techniques to reverse
disease, improve wellbeing and assist
in developing communities. Abbott was
the first female exercise physiologist
certified as an American College of
Sports Medicine Cardiac Rehabilitation
Program Director, a Founding Fellow
of American Association of CardioPulmonary Rehabilitation. Abbott was
a pioneer in the interdisciplinary
approach to behavior change in
cardiac rehabilitation, wellness
and health promotion.
Under her leadership as the
Director of Health Promotion/Health
Protection from 1987-1997 UWSP
has become nationally recognized
by the Association of Worksite Health
Promotion and the National Institute
of Occupational Safety and Health for
its unique approach to cross-training
professionals. The Health Promotion
and Wellness Program was the first
undergraduate program to receive
Academic Program Accreditation (APA)
by the National Wellness Institute.
Coasting Along
Mike Elbers (BS ’00) works with
Katz Americas, which designs and
manufactures drink coasters. Mike is
responsible for all operations within
Katz Americas, including finding
innovative ways to increase capacity, increase product quality, and to
oversee all processes. Katz America
produces unique coasters that offer
customers a different way to present
their message.
ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | CLASS NOTES
23
Account for That
Jeremy Shaffer (BBA
’05) has joined Coulter
& Justus, P.C. in the Audit
Department. Jeremy has
two years professional
accounting experience
with a local firm in
Knoxville.
Coulter & Justus began
in 1993. The firm has
grown to become a large
regional firm with offices in West Knoxville.
With a group of 14 Principals and an
exceptional staff of over 70, Coulter
& Justus provides accounting, audit
and tax services as well as business
valuations, transaction advisory and
financial planning.
Marketing Mel
Mary Ellen Miller, Founder
and CEO of MarketingMel,
recently attended the
Inbound Marketing Summit
in Boston, Mass. Miller
says she brought back
new knowledge to help
her professional business
clients. While at the conference
Miller was interviewed
by Tyler Pyburn and featured on The
Pulse Network where she talks about
how attendance at the 2008 Inbound
Marketing Summit influenced her to
create her own personal brand. MarketingMel, in business since February
2009, is a marketing, public relations
and social media strategies firm operated in Johnson City, Tenn. The firm
represents business professionals by
developing and implementing innovative communications strategies while
focusing on personal branding and
differentiation. Bowen writes on GOP
Michael Bowen (BS ’97,
MA ’99) recently authored
a book The Roots of
Modern Conservatism:
Dewey, Taft, and the
Battle for the Soul of the
Republican Party. In the
book he discusses the
history of the Republican
Party and how a rift
between Thomas Dewey
and Robert Taft threatened to split the group. He focuses on
how the battle shaped the future and
political identity. Michael is a visiting
professor of history at Westminster
College in New Wilmington, Pa.
24
1990s
Debra Howell (BBA ’93) recently joined Bank of Tennessee
as relationship manager and has been named senior vice
Angela Carrier (MCM ’99) was recently named Johnson president. Howell has 35 year of banking expertise in the
City’s first Development Services Department director. The Tri-Cities area. She lives in Jonesborough and is a member
position was created in order to consolidate the city’s planning, of the United Methodist Church.
community development, codes enforcement and geographic
Chad Whitfield (BS ’93) has been listed in the 2011 Midinformation systems departments. She has served as a town
South Super Lawyers rankings of Rising Stars in the business
administrator for Dandridge and worked as an assistant
and corporate practice category. town administrator and city recorder. She started her city
management career in Maryville in 1999.
Bryan Booher (BBA ’92) has been promoted to senior vice
president and senior lending officer at Highlands Union Bank.
Stephen Loyd, (M.D. ’99) has recently been named the
He has worked with HUB since 2004. He is responsible for
Associate Chief of Staff for Education at James H. Quillen
directing loan policies, managing the profitability of the loan
VA Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tenn. He has received
portfolio and supervising staff.
eight Internal Medicine Outstanding Teacher Awards and
has been the College of Medicine’s “Mentor of the Year” Joshua Lowe (BS ’92) is now the Director of Membership
three times.
for the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases
in Alexandria, Va.
Beth Cunningham (BS ’98, MEd ’00) received grant money
from the Washington County, Tenn., QUEST Foundation (Quality Melissa A. Price (BS `92, AAS `97), RN, has been named
Education Support for Tomorrow). QUEST distributes funds nursing instructor at the Tennessee Technology Center at
from community organizations to classrooms to make up Elizabethton. She has 15 years experience in nursing.
for government budget cuts. Beth received $1,653, which
Carol Wheelock (MBA ’92) has been awarded the 2011
will allow her students to have more hands-on experiments
Outstanding Service Award by the Tennessee Physical Therapy
in science class.
Association. She has served as an adjunct faculty member
Angela Hilton-Prillhart (MED ’98) will be serving as assistant at ETSU as well as chair of the Tennessee Physical Therapy
professor of education at Milligan College. She has published Board of Examiners from ’97-’03, and as a Tennessee Delegate
several articles for Psychology in the Schools and Journal of for American Physical Therapy Association.
Evidence-Based Practices for Schools. She has presented
Brian Woods (BS ’91, BA ’94) is now working as the new
many peer-reviewed national and regional presentations.
administrator of Grace Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center
She has recently been a school psychology intern with
in Abingdon, Va. Brian has been a Licensed Nursing Home
Frontier Health Systems in Kingsport, Tenn.
Administrator since 1999. Previously, as executive director,
Sheri McLaney (BBA ’98) was married on June 18, 2011, he helped Life Care Center of Gray achieve Joint Commission
to Patrick Tao. Following the wedding reception, the couple Accreditation.
took a wedding trip to Hawaii.
Chris Bell (BS ’90) has been sworn in as the new Emergency
Jeffrey Powell (BS ’98) celebrated his 25th wedding anniversary Management Agency Director for Hamblen County. He will
with his wife Lisa Ann Price with a reception hosted by their be responsible for maintaining contact with all emergency
families. The couple was married in 1986 at Sullivan Baptist medical service agencies and first responders in the county
Church. Jeffrey is employed with Eastman Chemical Co. Lisa so that the EMA may stay prepared and well trained. Bell
Ann is employed by Cassidy Methodist Preschool.
also serves as Pastor for Connection Fellowship.
Heather A. Clever (BS `97) has achieved the U.S. Chamber`s
Institute for Organizational Management designation along
with three other local chamber staff from the East Tennessee
Chambers of Commerce.
Dr. Tatum Kinder (BS `97), an associate at Family Dental
Center, Tri-Cities since 2003, has now become partner with Dr.
David Kirby and Dr. Lawrence Luber. The Center is observing
its 33rd anniversary this year.
Harvey Mitchell (BGS `90), senior vice president of State
of Franklin Savings Bank, was re-elected to the board of
directors of Areawide Development Corp. at its annual meeting.
Suzanne Stryk (MA, `90) & Ann Ropp joined their artistic
abilities for an exhibition with partnerships between ETSU
Department of Art & Design and Slocumb Galleries. “Two
Characters in Search of a Title” was unveiled at the Tipton
Gallery exhibition.
Julie W. Short (BS `97), president and CEO of Girls, Inc. of
Kingsport, Tenn., was presented the Charlie Keener Citizenship
Award at a meeting of the Kingsport Evening Civitan Club.
Barbara Mentgen (BBA `89, MBA `92) has achieved the
She was nominated by club President Bill Debusk.
U.S. Chamber`s Institute for Organizational Management
Linda Spitzer (MED `96) attended the Heritage Day Festival designation along with three other local chamber staff from
in Banner Elk, N.C., which had a theme this year of ‘Turn the East Tennessee Chambers of Commerce.
of the Century Arts and Crafts.’ Linda provided storytelling
Lt. Col. James Parrish (BS ’87) took command of the
during the course of the event.
Department of Defense Criminal Investigation Task Force
Tammy Albright (BSN ’94) has been recently named the new of Fort Belvoir, VA. He is the seventh commander of this force.
chief nursing officer at Takoma Regional Hospital.
He received a degree in criminal justice at ETSU. Parrish
also served as chief deputy of the Carter County Sheriff’s
Jerry Pelphrey (BBA ’94) was an active member of the
Department from 1999 to 2006.
Buccaneer men’s basketball team from ’89 to ’93. His
basketball career led him to become an assistant coach B.J. King (BBA ’86, MACC, ’95, Ed.D ’07) has been named
at Milligan College, Gardner-Webb University, ETSU, and the new senior associate vice president for Finance and
Eastern Kentucky University. Jerry is currently employed Administration. She has been working at ETSU since 1997
by TruPoint Bank as a commercial lender and vice president. in various positions including: internal auditor, systems
accountant, financial reporting, and associate vice president
Lynn Egan (BBA ’93) has been named the new retail credit
for financial services. She was also awarded the Distinguished
manager for the Bank of Tennessee. He has worked for the
Staff Award in 2010.
bank since 2005 in the Mortgage Division.
CLASS NOTES | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
1980s
Vincent M. Dial (BS ’85) celebrated his 11th year as in his TCAP tests. He made a 100 in the social studies Dr. Carol Whaley (BS `79) has been named one of the
pastor of Bethel Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). section and maintained an “A” average during his middle top three education supervisors in the state during the
The church held the celebration for Dial on Nov. 6, 2011. school career.
Tennessee Department of Education`s annual Leadership
Conference banquet in Nashville on September 19. Dr.
Franklin McCauley (BS `85) took command of the Ricky D. Feezell (AS, ’81, BS ’83) retired from law
Whaley is special education supervisor for the Carter
state’s largest National Guard unit. He’s served for enforcement. He is currently a Christian Counsel and
County School System.
three decades with the Knoxville-based 278th Armored a reverend. Hi has one daughter, Crystal.
Cavalry Regiment. He is the regiment’s 10th commander,
Phyllis Nottingham (MA ’78) & Clarence Nottingham (BS
John Hardy (’81) has directed over 100 plays and
responsible for 3,700 soldiers.
’73) have celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Mr.
recently directed The Barter Players’ “The Call of the
Nottingham is a retiree from ETSU and Mrs. Nottingham
Jeffrey J. Schrick (BA ’85, MS ’88) is living is Conroe, Wild.” He said, “…I have never directed anything like
has retired from the Sullivan County School System. The
Tex., with his wife, Robin. He has worked for Lexicon this. This play is that interesting, exciting and unusual.” couple was married September 20, 1961.
Pharmaceuticals for 11 years as a senior scientific
Beth Ledbetter (BS `81) has been elected second vice
group leader. He is currently serving as Grand Knight
Dr. David Reagan (BS `78) has served as the chief of staff
president of the International Chapter of the P.E.O. Sisterhood
with the Conroe Knights of Columbus.
for the VA Medical Center in Johnson City, but became
at the organization’s recent biennial convention. She
the chief medical officer for the State of Tennessee
Dr. Lyle Ailshie (MAT ’84, EDD ’96) was elected to the AASA graduated magna cum laude from ETSU and in 1985
Department of Public Health on January 3, 2012.
Governing Board to represent the state of Tennessee. He opened her own real estate appraisal firm in Johnson City.
is currently a Board member of the Tennessee Association
Margaret Pate (BBA ’81) has recently
of Independent and Municipal Schools and member of
become the new budget officer for ETSU,
the Tennessee Organization of School Superintendents.
as well as the associate vice president
He has also served as adjunct professor for ETSU. Ailshie
for Budget and Financial Planning. She
was named 2005’s Tennessee Superintendent of the Year.
been a loyal member of the university
David Saddler (BBA ’84) has joined the Abingdon, Va., family since ’82, serving as assistant
branch of AXA Advisors LLC as a financial professional. internal auditor, accountant, auxiliary
Saddler has been a CPA with over 20 years of experiences services manager, and associate director
in corporate, small business, and personal finance.
of budget. She earned a BBA degree
• Do you need to receive a lifetime income?
from ETSU and also served a president
Margie Collins (BS ’83) is the Board of Probation and
of the Staff Senate.
• Do you desire to benefit students and faculty
Parole’s First Judicial District deputy district director
and recently received the 2011 Mary Walker Award in Patsy Stout (BS `81, MED `88) & Ronnie
through the ETSU Foundation?
Nashville. She is the first winner to receive this award Stout (BS `79) celebrated their 43rd
from Upper East Tennessee in a 24-year history of the anniversary on October 23, 2011.
award. Collins graduated from ETSU with a degree in She is a teacher at Andrew Johnson
In exchange for an irrevocable gift of $10,000
criminal justice where she began her work, full time, Elementary School and he is retired
or more, the ETSU Foundation will make payin the department working with law enforcement and from Eastman.
criminal justice agencies, and supervising countless
ments
to you for life with a Charitable Gift
Jennifer Bauer (BS `80) is the author of
criminal justice projects.
Roan Mountain, History of Appalachian
Annuity contract. A portion of the payments
Nancy Hopson (MED ’83), a teacher in Hampton Elementary Treasure. This is her second book about
may be tax-free.
School Computer Lab has won first place in a national the history of the mountain. Though
teaching grant competition. The goal was to provide not a native, Bauer has dedicated her
For more information, please contact Richard
supplies for students. She won the Epson’s Teacher’s time to writing about Roan Mountain
Grant through We Are Teachers. The items will go to and its inhabitants because of her
A. Manahan, CPA, or Jeff Anderson, J.D., at
helping students in the classroom to provide them with love and interest in it. Many residents
(423)
439-4242, or email [email protected].
the same experience that students have in larger systems. have been inspired by her to tell of their
ancestors’ knowledge of the history of
Rates are subject to change. Please call for
David Hensley (MD ’83) has joined the Medical Associates
Roan Mountain.
of Church Hill as a family practice physician. Dr. Hensley
rates for gift annuities based on two lives. This
is a Kingsport native. He delivers primary care to pediatric Larry McClanahan (BBA ’80) McClanahan
is not an offer or solicitation in states where
and geriatric patients.
and his wife are owners of RE/MAX
Checkmate Inc., which was recognized
the
ETSU Foundation may not be registered to
Francis G. Reynolds (BS ’83) has recently been promoted
by J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Home
to the position of credit administrator at Highlands
issue charitable gift annuity contracts.
Buyer/ Seller Study SM for providing the
Union Bank. With this new position, he is responsible for
highest overall consumer satisfaction
the overall credit quality of the banking system’s loan
for homebuyers and sellers.
Age %Rate
portfolio. Reynolds has been employed by Highlands
Union bank since 2006. Reynolds is a current resident Joseph A. “Magnete” Ward (BS ’80)
of Kingsport and a retired colonel in the Virginia Army works as a sales representative for
National Guard.
Currituck Sand Company in Mayock,
NC. He currently lives in Chesapeake, Va.
Joseph “Joe” Clement, Jr. (B.S. ’82) is the athletic
director of Terrebonne High School in Houma, Louisiana.
In 2009, he was chosen District 3 – Athletic Director of
the Year. In 2010, he was selected to the Louisiana High
Marjorie Lynn Thomas (BS `79) married
School Athletic Director Association Executive Council.
Gary Derrick on February 14, 2012.
Cay Greer (BBA ’82) was the GrandMaster female winner
Ronald G. Toby (B.S. ’79) lives in Jefferson
of the Turkey Trot, a Thanksgiving Day 5K road race in
City, Tenn. He has written his second
Johnson City. She ran the race in 22:13.
published poem. It was featured in
Richard Parker (BBA ’82) & Robin Parker (MAT ’89) Famous Poets of the Heartland. The
have a son, Noah. He is a freshman at Volunteer High poem is titled, ‘The Birdhouse by the
School and has received the Presidential Academic Brook.’ Ronald says that it is an honor to
Award from the U.S. Department of Education for his be published. He hopes that he can have
Rates subject to change. Please call for rates
excellence in Academic performance for the 2010-2011 one of his four novels or his compilation
for annuities based on two lives.
school year. Noah scored in the advanced categories of short stories published.
With a Charitable Gift Annuity,
you can give while your receive.
1970s
ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | CLASS NOTES
25
Loomis: Distinguished Teacher
Dr. Kim Loomis (BS ’85) was honored as
the 2011 recipient of the
Kennesaw State University
Distinguished Teaching
Award. Kim is currently
a professor of science
education. She teaches
science and education
courses in the middle
school and high school,
as well as the undergraduate and graduate levels. She has
authored several publications dealing
with education strategies. Currently she
and a colleague at KSU are working on
a new textbook for science education
methods, Best Practices in Middle Grades
and Secondary Science Education: A
Constructivist Approach.
The
Alumni
Association works
hard every semester
to provide alums with
the latest alumni
news and class notes.
However, the rising
cost of paper and
postage makes it a
challenge to keep
printing ETSU Today.
Help support ETSU
Today and the Alumni
Association Programs
with your voluntary
subscription of $25.
Call 423-439-4218
or visit
www.etsualumni.org
to make a gift.
Judge Penny White (BS ’78) has served in many courts of
record in Tennessee. She is the youngest member to have
joined the Tennessee Supreme Court, in which she has
been extensively involved in making decisions concerning
Tennessee law. She has recently authored benchbooks for
the Municipal Court Judges, General Sessions and for the
Tennessee Circuit.
Ned Irwin (BS ’77) was appointed as the first archivist for
Washington County, Tenn. He worked as the archivist for
ETSU for 17 years and has been a specialist in the archiving
field for 25 years.
blessings to all the wonderful friends they have made during
the past 40 years.
Jack A. Hudson (BS `72) has been promoted to Chief Financial
Officer of The United Company. He has been with United
since 1982, and has held various positions over the years,
including Corporate Accounting Manager, Corporate Controller
and Vice President of Finance.
John “Bill” Wilson (BS ’72) was the playwright of “Miracle
on the Mountain,” which is a new outdoor drama in North
Carolina as past of the Institute of Outdoor Drama. He lives
in Morganton, N.C. with his wife, Sharon.
Tony Treadway (BS ’77) was recently inducted as Southeastern
Peggy McConnell (BS `70, PCER `97), an associate professor
Food Processors Association president. He is the founder
of nursing in graduate programs at ETSU, received the
and president of Creative Energy of Johnson City, Tenn. He
Tennessee Nurses Association award for Excellence in
has also had experience as a communications manager
Advanced Nursing Practice at the TNA 2011 Convention.
for Nuclear Fuel Services and news anchor for WJHL-TV.
Robert A. Hamlett (BA ’76, MA ’80) retired from the Federal
Bureau of Investigation after 25 years of service. He currently
works as a private investigator and volunteers with a child
advocacy group. He lives in Johnson City.
1960s
Steve Droke (BS `75) has joined First Community Bank as
executive vice president and director of special assets. He
has a 41-year banking career, which has been primarily
focused on bank management and lending. He is a member
of the Tennessee Bankers Association.
Clarence Mabe (MA ’67) was named the new chairman for
the Washington County Board of Education. He is a long-time
board member and served as vice chairman for two years.
Gene A. Morrell (BS, 68; MA 74; BA 78) recently donated a
collection of World War II photos and postcards to the ETSU
Archives of Appalachia for inclusion in the Edward Cross
LTC David Larry Revell (BS ’76) is serving as the leader
Collection. Mr. Cross was a WWII veteran who fought in the
of the San Marcos Academy JROTC (Junior Reserve Officer
European Theater. He gave the postcards and photos to
Training Corps) in San Marcos, Tex.
Mr. Morrell about 50 years ago, who decided that the best
Johnny “Darrell” Wilson (BS ’76, MA ’80, EdD ’99) is an way to preserve these historical artifacts was to donate
assistant professor at Bluefield State College in Bluefield W. Va. them to ETSU.
Jane Bowlin (MA ’74) has recently been named as recipient of
the 2011 Roberta P. Smallwood Excellence in Adult Education
Award. After her retirement, she joined the Regional Adult
Education Program where she has enrolled students in the
adult education courses of Scott County as well as evaluating
them in math and reading abilities. She also helped develop
and lead the six-month PluggedIn Program.
Thomas Harris (BS ’74) has retired from being the director
of sales and marketing for the Johnson City Press for nearly
40 years. He began his career in the newspaper industry
after his graduation when he went to work at the Johnson
City Press-Chronicle. He also served on the Erwin National
Bank’s board of directors from ’93-’06, was a former chairman
of the Economic Development Board of Unicoi County and
the town of Erwin, and is a member and former chairman
of the Dawn of Hope Foundation Board.
Kenneth C. Hill (BS ’74) is the new chairman of the Tennessee
Regulatory Authority (TRA). He will exercise administrative
and executive functions. Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey appointed
him to the TRA in 2009.
Miriam Judy (BS ’73) & Raymond Judy (MA ’64) celebrated
their 50th wedding anniversary with a reception in Jonesborough.
Raymond was a teacher and coach for over 40 years at
Science Hill High School as well as in Georgia. Miriam was
also a teacher for 26 years at Lamar in Washington County.
Gary M. Mabrey, III (BS `73, MCM `74), president/CEO of the
Johnson City/Washington County/Jonesborough Chamber
of Commerce, has been reappointed to four U.S. Chamber
of Commerce committees.
Onno Robert “Bob” Post (BS ’67) was featured in the
Summer 2010 edition of Indian River magazine. Indian
River is a magazine for St. Lucie, Martin, and Indian River
Counties in Florida. The article details Bob’s and his family’s
lives throughout their time in Port St. Lucie as one of the
first families that lived in the area. Bob currently operates
Post Insurance and Financial.
Priscilla Estes Sarvadi (MA `64) is still teased about being
Miss Honey-Krust almost fifty years ago. While a student
at ETSU, she was asked to be the public figure for HoneyKurst bread known today as Rainbo Bread. She is now
working as director of the Christian Life Center at Munsey
Memorial Church. She worked at ETSU for 24 years teaching
contemporary and ballroom dance.
Doris Higgins Shelton (BA `64) retired from 41 years of
state employment as a speech/language pathologist and
now works in a local therapy center. Her husband, Joseph
Randall Shelton (BA`62), is a sole practitioner with 45
years of active practice as a lawyer.
John Shockey (BS ’63) & Judy Shockey (BS ’63) are both
recently retired teachers having taught for over 33 years of
service at Clintwood High School in Dickenson County, Va.
Richard Campbell (BS ’61) and his wife have just celebrated
their 50th wedding anniversary on September 4, 2011, at
First Christian Church of Elizabethton, Tenn. Richard is retired
from Zurich-American Insurance.
Arlen Hensley (MA ’61) was featured in the Johnson City
Press on November 11, 2011. Hensley was a Marine during
the Korean War. He served from late 1952 into 1953 with
the 1st Marine Division, Fox Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th
Regiment. The 5th Marines is the one of the most decorated
units in Marine Corps history.
Larry Barr (BS ’72) received the honor of being one of
Washington County’s teachers of the year for 2011-2012.
Carolyn Maden (BS `61) & James Maden (BS `60) celebrated
Barr is a teacher at Daniel Boone High School working with
their 50th wedding anniversary on December 4, 2011. Mr.
grades 9-11 and has 38 years’ experience.
and Mrs. Maden are retired from Phillips Corporation and
James Childress (BS `72) & Linda Childress (BS `72) Washington County School System respectively.
celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Wishing God`s
David Ornduff (BS ’61) was honored by the Planning
Commission for his 42 years of service to Elizabethton
26
CLASS NOTES | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
Children Services. He was a dedicated member of Liberty
and the Planning Commission. Ornduff is retiring after Janece Reid (BBA ’03) was a member of the Jefferson
Hill United Methodist Church. On September 7, 2011.
serving Elizabethton for 42 years.
High School class of 1999 and graduated from ETSU in
2003 with a BBA. She was a devoted member of St. Luke
Charles Snapp (BS ’61) recently retired after serving
1980s
Baptist Church. On August 19, 2011.
as regional director of the Upper East Tennessee State
Lisa Spears (BSN `89) was a nurse practitioner with
Planning Office and a Johnson City commissioner for Tracy Lynn Dishner (BS `02) had been fighting
Spartanburg Orthopedics and was of the Southern Baptist
12 years, two of those years as the city’s mayor. He a courageous battle with cancer. She was employed by
faith. She began her career in the treatment of cancer
has become the chairman of the Johnson City Power Lake Pointe Advertising. She attended Grace Fellowship
patients where her selfless and caring nature flourished.
Board. He was also an adjunct instructor in the ETSU Church. On January 12, 2012. As a colleague and College and Sunday School Teacher,
city management program for seven years. He is a
Nathan Jones (MA `02) worked as a counselor she was an inspiration and joy to those around her. On
veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He is also a member
for Highlands Community Service at Virginia High February 14, 2011.
of the ETSU Foundation.
School. He was an avid musician, husband, and father.
Karen Fay Arnold (AS `87) was a registered nurse
On January 29, 2012.
and had worked in several medical facilities throughout
Spencer Matthew Tate (M.A. ’00) was a fifth her career. She lived in Kingsport. On February 28, 2012.
James G. “Buddy” Jones (BS ’59, MA ’69) was inducted grade teacher at Rock Springs Elementary School. He
James Fann (MA `86) served for 20 years in the U.S.
into the Carter County Imagination Library Educators earned a master’s degree in Elementary Education. On
Army in the intelligence field. Mr. Fann taught at various
Hall of Fame in October 2011. Buddy taught for 35 October 31, 2010.
local colleges and universities, as well as working at
years. He began teaching in Buchanan County and then
went to Carter County. He also coached basketball and
1990s multiple local agencies. On April 8, 2011.
served as a principal for part of his career.
Dennis Tweed (BBA `86) lived in Limestone, Tenn.,
Brian T. Wood (BBA `98) was an avid baseball
and worked for Magnavox for 13 years and Jarden Zinc
Charles Dempsey (BS `58) and his wife, Grace, celebrated pitcher. He was an All-District pitcher at Karns and
Products for 30 years. On February 25, 2012.
their 60th wedding anniversary on November 26, 2011. later pitched at Roane State. He was a devoted Christian
Charles served two years in the Navy and is retired from and was a member of Cedar Ridge Baptist Church. On Richard D. Stevens (BS `86) was ordained as
the Social Security Administration, where he worked for 31 October 12, 2011.
a priest of the Old Catholic Church of North America.
years. The couple has two children, three grandchildren
He was serving as assistant minister to the Grace North
Aaron Biddix, Jr. (BS ’96) went on to earn a
and four great-grandchildren.
Congregational Church in Oakland. On October 21, 2011.
PhD in Clinical Microbiology. He worked as a Medical
Frances H. Bryan (BS ’52) was inducted into the Georgia Technologist for the Blue Ridge Hospital Systems for Dr. Houston White (MD ’86) was an anesthesiologist
Athletic Directors’ Hall of Fame (GADA) in March 2011 and over 25 years. On November 5, 2011.
at St. Thomas Hospital. He had a love for the outdoors
honored for her many achievements. Aside from years
and was a member of the Cedar Creek Yacht Club. He
Dennis M. Butler (MA `96) retired in 2004 from
of teaching, Frances served as the Physical Education
also attended St. Mary’s of Seven Sorrows Church in
the State of North Carolina in the Alcohol and Drug
and Athletics Administrator for Atlanta Public Schools,
Nashville. On October 27, 2011.
Rehab program in Asheville. On February 24, 2012.
where she developed the physical fitness curriculum for
Daniel Carmichael (BBA ’85) graduated from
the system’s middle and high schools. While a student Craig Anderson (MA ’93) was commissioned
ETSU with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration
at ETSU, she was a majorette and involved with Pi as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army in 1972 and
and was a member of the football team. Mr. Carmichael
Sigma sorority. She currently lives in Tucker, Ga., with continued to serve in the Army Reserves until ’84. He
was the owner and operator of Carmichael Appraisal
her husband, Kenneth Bryan (B.S. ’53). Kenneth was joined the active duty Army with assignments as an
Service of Dothan, Alabama, for many years. He loved
a co-caption of the ETSU football team in ’51. They Assistant Professor of Military Science at ETSU. After 32
playing golf and attending Rainbow-Meadows Baptist
have one son and two grandsons.
years of service, he retired from active duty as a Colonel
Church where he was saved. On July 28, 2011.
in 2004. Anderson also had a love for golf, music, and
reading. On August 13, 2011.
Bartley Ford (BS ’85) went on to get his Doctor of
Dental Surgery degree at UT Center of Health Sciences.
Charles Ray Whitaker (BS `93) served in
Ford started a dental practice in Gray and then continued
the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army in WWII.
his work in the Tri-cities. On July 26, 2011.
He received numerous awards including 1 Silver Star,
2000s 3 Bronze Stars for Heroism, 2 Presidential Citations, William A. Frazier (BA `85) was a devoted worker
5 Battle Stars, French Citation, Belgium Citation, and at Mac’s Medicine. He was active in the Kingsport Theatre
Troy A. Clifton (BS `11) worked as a radiology
the Combat Infantry Badge. In 1950, he was recalled Guild, having appeared in more than 30 productions.
technician for JCMC and Indian Path Hospital. He was
and served as a master sergeant in the Korean War. He On October 15, 2011.
a member of Kappa Sigma Lambda Beta. He attended
retired as postmaster of Mountain Home, TN, after 39
the Church of God. On October 23, 2011.
Lynn Kelly Hensley Sr. (B.S. `85) was commemorated
years of federal service. On January 9, 2012.
by the American Legion Hammond Post #3/#265 along
Staff Sgt. Theodore Pierce, Jr. (AS ’09)
Richard Burnette (BS ’92) was a native of with the VA Army National Guard. He was from the Yuma
passed away on October 24, 2011. He will receive military
Virginia. He practiced law as a personal defense attorney community. On Sept. 27, 2011.
honors by the Tennessee Army National Guard and
in Tennessee until his death. On November 18, 2011.
Military Honors Team.
Randal Buffalo (BS ’91) was a veteran of the U.S.
Mary Hopson (BSN ’05) was a dedicated member
Army. He was a work participation coordinator for ETSU
of Ridgedale Baptist Church. She was employed with
in Jefferson County and a social worker for Run Away
Chattanooga State as a nursing instructor and had worked
Shelter, the Hamblen County Child and Family Service,
previously for Erlanger Hospital and the offices of Dr.
the Holston Home for Children, and the Department of
Dodson for many years. On April 13, 2011.
1950s
obituaries Heather Myers (BA `04) had lived
in the Bristol area most of her life and
was a producer for Channel 5 News. On
February 22, 2012.
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ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | OBITUARIES
27
Let your Legacy Live
forever at
ETSU
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Dr. Linda Miller (EDD ’80) graduated
from ASU with a master’s degree and went on
to receive her Doctor of Education from ETSU.
She retired from teaching in the Watauga and
Gaston county school systems. She was an avid
member of First Presbyterian Church of Gastonia.
On August 27, 2011.
Scott White (BBA ’85) was originally from
Spartanburg, SC. He was a devoted member of
the Baptist Church. He was the owner of White
1970s
Appraisal Service of Kingsport for 20 years. He
had a love for sports and played football for ETSU. Claudia Zilla Clark (BSN `79) worked
On April 23, 2011.
as an operating room nurse at Bristol Regional
Medical Center. She was then a first assistant
Donald McKinley Huff (BS `84)
in surgery at Cosmetic Surgery Associates. On
was self-employed as an architectural designer
July 8, 2011.
and surveyor. He was a U.S. Army veteran. On
Bequest in last will & testament May
25, 2011.
Boyd Thomason (MA `79) served for 35
as a teacher and coach. He was a member
Charitable remainder trust/char- Phyllis Long (MED `84) enjoyed the art of years
of Fairview Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
presentation and fulfilled a life goal of teaching
itable gift annuity for
Marine Corp League, and the American Legion
at the college level in the graduate school at ETSU.
Post #64. On January 28, 2012.
lifetime income
She also worked as career counselor at Career
Development Services. On November 26, 2011. James R. Huskins (BS `78) was employed
Life insurance policy
by Dr. Reddy`s Labs, formerly GlaxoSmithKline.
Richard Dillow Bailey (BS `84) retired
He was a member of Avoca Christian Church. He
the Tennessee Eastman Safety Department with
Remainder gift from retirement plan from
enjoyed music, golfing, and being with his wife
over 40 years of service as the senior professional
and two daughters. On July 3, 2011.
safety representative. He was past President and
Real Property / Farmland
Director of the Kingsport Area Safety Council of Mary Kensinger (MA ’78) was a librarian
which he received the Guy Isenburg Founders for 12 years at H.B. Stamps Memorial Library.
Visit www.ETSU.edu/Advance Award
for outstanding service. On April 4, 2011. She wrote and acted in the outdoor drama Davey
Click on “Planned Giving” for gift- Rev. Timothy Bennett (BS ’83) went Crockett. She was a member of the Hawkins County
Genealogical and Historical Society. She received
planning resources
on to Southern Baptist Theological Seminary
the ETSU Outstanding Alumna award in 2004,
and graduated in 1986 with his master’s degree
also established the J.C. Kensinger Memorial
We welcome the opportunity to work with in Christian Education. He attended Calvary
Scholarship Endowment at ETSU. On August
you and your financial advisors.
Baptist Church and served as a Youth Minister
3, 2011.
and Associate Pastor for 22 years. July 1, 2011.
Please contact Dr. Richard A. Manahan or
Ken Hurdle (BS `76) served four years
Jeff Anderson. J.D., at :
Steven J. Hartmann, (MD `83) was a
in the U.S. Air Force as a loadmaster. He also
(423) 439-4242
board certified psychiatrist at Park Nicollet Clinic
worked for 26 years with DeKalb County Parks
ETSU University Advancement
from 1991-2009. He was admired for his quiet
& Recreation Department as Safety Coordinator.
P.O. Box 70721, Johnson City, TN 37614-1710 competence. On June 1, 2011.
On June 29, 2011.
or email: [email protected]
Robert Morehead (BS ’82), after receiving
Wayne Edward Cook (BS, `73) served
his Certificate of Apprenticeship as a machinist,
in the U.S. Air Force and Army Reserve. He was
enlisted in the Merchant Marines in which he served
a licensed realtor and owner of 1st Choice Real
during WWII. He worked in several positions
Estate. He attended Notre Dame Catholic Church
throughout his life, but retired as General Manager
for 20 years and was an active member of the
for Dresser Industries in ’82. He loved boating
Knights of Columbus. On June 7, 2011.
woodworking, landscaping, and his dogs. He
was an avid member of St. Thomas the Apostle Deborah Jean Davis (ADH `73) worked
Church. On December 7, 2010.
as a Print Technician at Science Hill High School
and the Johnson City Press at varying times. She
Donna Clark Taylor (BSN `82) was
was a member of Southwestern Baptist Church.
a loving mother, daughter, and sister. She was
On July 27, 2011.
an avid animal lover and motorcyclist. On Feb.
18, 2012.
Charles Cross (BS ’71) was a dedicated
member of Liberty Hill United Methodist Church
Nellie Ruth Basinger (ASN `81) was
of Morristown. He devotedly acted as song leader,
the owner and operator of Bonton Beauty Salon
lay leader and a Sunday School teacher. He was a
and was an LPN at Greeneville hospital and then
member of the Hamblen County School Board
received her RN at age 60. She was a member of
and retired after 36 years of employment with
Trinity U.M. Church. On January 31, 2012.
Berkline. On August 29, 2011.
Timothy Paul Counts (BS, `81) received
Donald Wayne Spivey (BBA ’79) was
his bachelor`s of Business Administration from
born and raised in Kingsport, Tenn. He was a
ETSU. He played basketball in high school and
insurance executive for BB&T/KDC Insurance
college. He was Regional Sales Director, Europe, of
Services. He loved announcing sports and being
Advanced Solutions International, IMIS, Software
the voice for the Indians and also was the public
for non-profits. He traveled abroad. On October
address announcer for the Kingsport Mets. He was
15, 2011.
an ardent golfer and coach for youth basketball
Susan Small (BS `81) was a manager in the for 30 years. On October 12, 2011.
food service industry. She was born in Knoxville,
Bernice Phillips (BS ’78) graduated from
Tenn. On January 16, 2012
ETSU in 1978 with her bachelor’s degree in History.
Dennis A. Hoback (M.A. ’80) was an avid On January 23, 2012.
reader and loved the arts. On August 13, 2010.
Give a planned gift:
ӰӰ
ӰӰ
Carolyn B. Sandidge (ASN `85) was a
singer, accomplished oncology nurse and devoted
wife, mother, and grandmother. She led a 20-year
nursing career at Northside Hospital in Johnson
City, TN. On October 15, 2011.
OBITUARIES | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
He devotedly acted as song leader, lay leader and a Sunday
Mark Phillips (BS ’78) was a paper carrier for
School teacher. He was a member of the Hamblen County
Kingsport Times-News. He received his bachelor’s degree
School Board and retired after 36 years of employment
in Economics and History from ETSU. On June 20, 2011.
with Berkline. On August 29, 2011.
Julius C. Brown Sr. (MS ’77) graduated from
Farris Kabool (BS ’71) had retired as a Food
ETSU with his master’s degree and had a 30-year career
Regulatory Specialist for the North Carolina Department
dedicated to research and teaching at the University of
of Agriculture. On November 27, 2011.
South Carolina and Midlands Technical College. He was
a member of the USTA(United States Tennis Association), John Lowe (BS ’71) was from Carter County and
ACS (American Chemical Society) and AOPA (Aircraft employed by the Carter County School System. He taught
Owners and Pilots Association). Tennis and aviation art for 30 years. He was a dedicated member of Watauga
were passions of his. On April 18, 2011.
Valley Free Will Baptist Church, where he served as a Sunday
School Teacher and Choir member. On July 23, 2011.
Stanley Carter, (MA `77) was honored with a military
graveside service in Treadway, Tenn. On October 7, 2011. Terry L. Parsons (BS `71) was the co-founder of
the Boat Owners Association of Tennessee and was the
Reva Noble (BS `77) worked for United Intermountain
editor of its newspaper for 16 years. He retired from
Telephone and later became a teacher having taught in the
Leon-Ferenbach after 36 years. On May 19, 2011.
Kingsport City School System. On September 17, 2011.
William Tramell (BS ’71) was a lifelong member
Bleve Elkins (BS ’75) was a veteran of the U.S. Army,
of Central United Methodist Church in Knoxville, Tenn.
serving in WWII and is one of the oldest members of
He spent a career in social work and sales. He had an
Joseph Rogers VFW post 9543. He was a member of the
extreme love for sports, including coaching basketball
Overton Masonic Lodge #5F&AM. He was also a member
for his church. On September 15, 2011.
of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in St. Clair. He
served as song leader for Mt. Zion and Gills Chapel Louise A. Trivett (BS `71) retired as a specialBaptist Church for over 60 years. On November 6, 2011. education teacher at Bluff City Elementary. She was
a member of the Piney Flats Methodist Church. On
Lloyd W. Watson, Jr. (BS ’75) was a native of
June 7, 2011.
Carter County and a graduate of ETSU. He was employed
by the Waste Water Treatment Plant as a Treatment Larry Chatman (BS `70) was a U.S. Air Force
Operator. He enjoyed drawing, traveling, and watching veteran having served in Vietnam. He retired from R.J.
cartoons. On April 29, 2011.
Griffith Co. in Nashville. He was a deacon at First Baptist
Church of Fall Branch. On January 31, 2011.
Kathryn Robinson (MA `74) was a retired speech
pathologist from the Greene County School System. A Johnny Clark (MBA ’70) was a Lieutenant Colonel
loving mother, she was an avid reader and player of in the Army Reserves, a member and past president of the
bridge and rook. She was a member of First Presbyterian 125th ARCOM Alumni Association. He was also a local
Church. On January 26, 2012.
VFW member. He retired from the General Accountability
Office of the federal government. On April 6, 2011.
Josephine Catron Carson (BS `73) was a
writer and storyteller whose works included plays, short Judy T. Fanis (BS `70) retired from teaching after
stories, and children’s books. Some of her works are 30 years of service. She started as a teacher and coach at
taught widely in Appalachian Literature Courses. Also, Orange County High School in Va., and then continued
she received many recognitions and honors including on to Castlewood High School after which she retired
the Joseph Kesselring Prize for the Best New Play in from teaching but continued coaching at Abingdon High
America in 1989. She will be well remembered by family, School. On May 11, 2011.
friends, and colleagues from around the nation. On
George W. Johnson (MA `70) served for 57
September 19, 2011.
years in ministry. He was a pastor in numerous Southern
Wayne Edward Cook (BS, `73) served in the U.S. Baptist churches in Hamblen and surrounding counties.
Air Force and Army Reserve. He was a licensed realtor He also served as missionary in Alaska and Brazil. On
and owner of 1st Choice Real Estate. He attended Notre June 5, 2011.
Dame Catholic Church for 20 years and was an active
Robert Zvolerin (MA `70) served his country
member of the Knights of Columbus. On June 7, 2011.
in Vietnam with the U.S. Marine Corps. He received
Martha K. Gasteiger (BS `73) was a recently the Navy Commendation Medal for his valor as an air
retired teacher from Town Acres Elementary. She was a traffic controller during the Tet Offensive in January of
part-time consultant for Longaberger Basket Corporation. 1968. Afterward, he served as a teacher for 36 years. On
She was an active member of Edgefield United Methodist November 3, 2011.
Church and lived in Johnson City. On March 10, 2012.
James Spraker (BS ’73) was employed by Fresenius
Medical. On October 30, 2011.
1960s
for other manufacturing plants in Illinois and Tennessee.
He proudly served on many charity boards during his
lifetime upon retiring in his 80s. On September 28, 2011.
Ernest Rhoton (MA ’68) was a veteran of the U.S.
Navy, in which he served in the Korean War. He worked
in the Scott County School System for over 42 years
as principal of Clinchport, Duffield, and Shoemaker
elementary schools. On November 30, 2011.
Curtis E. Sluder (BS ’68) was born in Mountain
City, Tennessee and resided in Shady Valley, Tenn. For
over twelve years taught school as well as serving as
principal during this time also. On two different terms,
Sluder served as County Executive and Mayor of Johnson
County. He was considered a beloved public servant and
advocate for his community with a profound love for
Johnson County. On August 27, 2011.
Jack Carpenter (BS `67) was an Attorney and
served as counsel for ETSU, with the District Attorney`s
office and as a Public Defender. He was a member of
Lambda Chi Alpha and the Vietnam Helicopter Pilots
Association. On September 8, 2011.
Janice Greene Smith (BS `67) taught in Wise
County, Va., Gate City, Va., and retired from the Sullivan
County School District, teaching at Holston Middle
School. She was a member of Indian Springs Baptist
Church. On December 13, 2011.
Rosalind Tweed (BS ’67) was a teacher for the
Greene County School System for 33 years. She was a
member of many organizations including: the Greeneville/
Greene County Retired Teachers Association, Tennessee
Retired Teachers Association, National Retired Teachers
Association, the Andrew Johnson Heritage Association and
Women’s Club, and Phi Delta Kappa. On August 4, 2011.
William A. Alexander (BS `66) worked for
Provident for 6 years and taught at Ringgold Intermediate
School, before practicing law in Ringgold for the past
30 years. On October 12, 2011.
Rev. Clifford Greer (BA ’66) was a minister for
the Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church
for over 25 years. He was the pastor for Smith Chapel
UMC, Bloomingdale UMC, Max Meadows UMC, Riner
UMC, and Sulphur Springs UMC. On November 22. 2011.
Larry John Hardin (ASN `66) was a talented
musician and singer, using his talent in leading church
choirs and singing in nursing homes. On February 1, 2012.
Madeline Johnston (BS `66) was a teacher for
20 years at Gravely Elementary School. Mrs. Johnston
was also a Sunday school teacher for 32 years while a
member of Glenwood Baptist Church. On Feb. 5, 2011.
Gail Rowland (BS ’66, MA ’77) was a retired teacher
from the Washington County School System. She also
taught at Mary Hughes School in Sullivan County for 27
years. She was a devoted member of Piney Flats United
Methodist Church. On November 5, 2011.
Mary Ann Berry (BS `69, MA `76) was a gifted
musician, which led her to be a church organist, a violinist Linda Barnes (BS ’64) was a native of Sullivan County
Charles Hendrix, Jr. (BS ’72) was a veteran of
in the Johnson City Symphony Orchestra, and to form and a ’64 graduate of ETSU. She was a dedicated member
the U.S. Navy in which he served his country in Vietnam.
the Cantable Chamber Ensemble. She also followed a of First Baptist Church of Kingsport. On August 4, 2011.
He received the National Defense Service Medal and
career to teach music and reading in the Elizabethton
Vietnam Service Medal, serving on the USS Sperry and
Tyrone Paul Frye (BS `64) set a standard of excellence
City Schools. On Sept. 28, 2011.
USS Albert David. He was a member of the Southside
and led one of the most well-respected insurance agencies
Christian Church and a past elder. On November 23, 2011. Dr. Charles Grindstaff (BS ’69) served as in the Tri-Cities area as president of Frye-Shaffer Insurance
teacher, professor, and administrator in the Tazewell for 28 years. In 1971, he was appointed a Kentucky Colonel
Harry E. Lucas Sr. (MBA `72) was a United States
County Public Schools, Horry County, S.C. Schools, and by Governor Louie B. Nunn for his community service
Air Force veteran, where he worked on the National
Concord University in Athens, W. VA. On December 2, 2011. as president of the Carrollton Jaycees. On May 21, 2011.
Security Service. He was the former senior vice president
of finance for Sprint. On October 2, 2011.
Millard Winston Redford (MBA ’69) was a William Nitschke (BS ’64) moved to Kingsport
native of Franklin, Va. He worked for 20 years at American to work with Dr. John Munal at the Munal Clinic. He
Charles Cross (BS ’71) was a dedicated member
Viscose Corporation and became the plant manager at the became Associate Administrator from 1965-67 and then
of Liberty Hill United Methodist Church of Morristown.
closing in 1958. He successively became plant managers Executive Director from 1968-81 at the Munal
ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | OBITUARIES
29
Clinic. He was a member of Concordia Lutheran Church. member of Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church. On
On June 20, 2011.
Jan. 30, 2012.
in the Russell County School system and was a respected
farmer and businessman. On December 13, 2011.
Freda Sharpe (BS, `64) was a member of First Baptist Bobby Luttrell (BS `62) served honorably in the
Church of Concord and was lovingly devoted to her Savior. U.S. Air Force. He was a member of the Christian Church.
She left behind a loving family. On October 24, 2011.
An accomplished gardener, he received the Kingsport
Beautification Award. On November 28, 2011.
Peggy Sims (BSN ’64) received her BSN from ETSU
and worked as a nurse for a short time before becoming Lester O. Quarles (BS ’62) earned a bachelors of
a pre-school teacher at Colonial Heights Baptist Church Science degree from East Tennessee State University in
for 25 years. She loved reading and teaching children, 1962. He was married to Kathryn Quarles for 51 years. She
cross stitching, and knitting. She was a past Honor Club passed away two weeks after Lester. On August 16, 2011.
President of the Optimist Club of Colonial Heights and
Najla Showker (BS `62) taught French, Spanish,
a devoted member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church.
English as a second language, and linguistics at ETSU. Born
On August 19, 2011.
in Lebanon, she moved to Kingsport with her husband.
Donna Troutman (BSN ’64) was a member After becoming a U.S. citizen, she helped in starting
and past President of the Elizabethton Business and the League of Women Voters Chapter in Kingsport and
Professional Women’s Club. She opened and trained later became the state’s president of the organization.
the staff of the first Intensive Care Unit at Carter County She worked at ETSU until her retirement and in 2000
Hospital. She retired as Associate Chief of the Nursing moved to Washington D.C., to be closer to family. On
Service at James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical January 20, 2012.
Center after 30 years. On July 31, 2011.
Clarence Blackburn (MA ’61) was born and
Kenneth Clark (BA `63) was commissioned in raised in Blountville, Tenn. He served as a Tennessee
the U.S. Army and completed his service with the rank State Legislator and retired from the Sullivan County
of captain in 1965. He retired from Raytheon in 1990 School System. He was a devoted member of Blountville
where he worked in corporate management. He received United Methodist Church. On August 31, 2011.
the National Alumni Award of Honor in 1999. He was a
Judge David L. Brand (BS `61) served as Sessions
member of Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity at ETSU. On
Judge and kept a legacy of keeping the docket current. He
February 14, 2012.
was a Mason from 1966 until his passing. Judge Brand
Clyde Meade (BS ’63) served in the U.S. Army took pride in coming from humble beginnings and went
for two years. He was a devoted member of Tusculum on to be educated and become a judge. On May 18, 2011.
Baptist Church and had retired from Magnavox-Philips
Robert J. Hurley (BS ’61) served in the U.S. Air
Consumer Electronics. On January 22, 2012.
Force during the Korean War. He loved talking about
Leon L. McIntyre, III (BS `63) served in the such topics as the Civil War, WWII, Japanese culture and
U.S. Army where he attained the rank of Major. He did economics just to name a few. As a successful salesman,
overseas tours of duty including the Vietnam War, the he served as president of the Tennessee Plant Food
Federal Republic of Germany, and the Republic of Korea. Association for two terms. More than anything else,
Afterward, he worked for the U.S. Coast Guard and the he loved his friends and family. On October 23, 2011.
Department of Defense until his retirement. He loved
Loyd T. Roberts, II (MA `61) was a Physical Education
Bluegrass music, being active in the International Bluegrass
Professor at ETSU, where he worked for over 30 years.
Music Association. On April 28, 2011.
During his time, he was selected the Southern Conference
Richard Morgan (BS `63) taught in Avery Coach of the Year twice. He was a member of Central
County, NC, and then went on to work in screen printing Baptist Church. On June 2, 2011.
at Trophy and Sports World. He enjoyed helping others.
Benny L. Skelton (BS `61) retired from Tennessee
On September 24, 2011.
Eastman in the Technical Services Department after 38
Paul Overbay (BA ’63) was self-employed for over years of service. He was a member of St. Matthew United
20 years as a Computer Systems Contractor. He was a Methodist Church, where he was teaching the Keystone
veteran of the Air Force, an Eagle Scout, and a member Sunday School Class. On February 29, 2012.
of the First Broad Street United Methodist Church. On
Wayne Whitson (BS `61) served four years in
August 15, 2011.
the U.S. Navy, and retired after 32 years in the Norfolk
James J. White, III (MS `63) was the world-renowned School System. While at ETSU, he played for the golf
Curator of Art for Botanical Documentation at the Hunt team. On November 28, 2011.
Institute, Carnegie Mellon University for over 30 years.
Barbara S. Woods (B.S. `61) was a graduate of
He was also past President of the Greater Pittsburgh
ETSU who also attained a master’s degree in Counseling.
Museum Council and founding member and recipient
She ran a counseling firm called “Change and Growth
(2007) of The American Society of Botanical Artists
Consulting” until her retirement in 2004. On September
Award for excellence in the Service of Botanical Art.
29, 2011.
The award has now been renamed as the James J. White
award. Mr. White was an avid world-traveler and parrot James W. Bowery (B.S. ’60) was the vice president
enthusiast. On April 12, 2011.
of Arcata Graphics. He was a resident of East Tennessee
throughout the years. On October 3, 2010.
Frances Fowler (BS ’62) graduated with a BS
from ETSU in 1962. She taught elementary school for George W. Byers (BS `60) retired as Associate
36 years in both Mantee County, Fla., and Washington Director of Vocational Education for the Commonwealth
County, Tenn. She retired in 2001 and began working of Virginia. He proudly served in the U.S. Air Force
as a CNA. Mrs. Fowler was a member of Borderview during the Korean War. He was an active member of
Christian Church and of T.O.P.S. On August 29, 2011.
Parkview United Methodist Church. On May 24, 2011.
James C. Hamlett (MA `60) was a member of Sigma
Alpha Epsilon and Gamma Theta Epsilon fraternities. He
taught geography at ETSU and then later retired from
Frontier Health with more than 15 years of service as an
Alcohol and Drug Therapist. On July 8, 2011.
Ray Everett Leonard (BS `62) retired from
Eastman Kodak as a Research Chemist, served in the
United States Air Force during the Korean War, was a
OBITUARIES | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
Donald W. Gilmer (BS `60) was a United States
Army veteran, having served two years overseas and
earned several commendations including the National
Defense Service Medal. He was a teacher and principal
Billy J. Morrison(BS `60) served in the Army
as 1st Lieutenant at Anniston Army Depot in Anniston,
Alabama, and later became Captain in the Army Reserve
in Charlotte, NC. He retired after 35 years of service as
a manufacturing engineer at Siemens/Westinghouse.
On October 24, 2011.
Ruby M. Payne (BS ’60) lived in Knoxville, Tennessee.
She received a Bachelors of Science degree from East
Tennessee State University. She was also a Baptist. On
September 2, 2011.
1950s
George B. Hamrick, Sr. (BS `59) entered the
U.S. Marine Corps in 1950 and served during the Korean
War with the 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. He retired with
over 30 years as a pharmaceutical representative for
Schering-Plough Corporation. On April 7, 2010.
Selma Hartley (BS `59) passed away at her Johnson
City residence. On October 6, 2011.
Paul Nelson (MA `59) was superintendent of the
Sullivan County school system, principal, teacher, coach
and bus driver. He retired from the Bristol, Tenn. school
system. On January 22, 2012.
John Wallis Sr. (B.S. ’59) was a Lt. Colonel in the
United States Army Reserve. He was a retired teacher
and coach, and a tour guide. On September 30, 2010.
Harry Conner (BS ’58) served as Captain in the
U.S. Army Reserve and was employed by K-25 and Y-12
for Union Carbide and Martin Marietta. He graduated
from ETSU with a degree in Business Administration.
Harry had a love for boating, fishing, hunting, golfing
with his dad and friend, gardening, reading about history
and building projects. On August 6, 2011.
Claude H. Hager, Jr. (BS ’58) was an employee
for the Kingsport Press for many years and eventually
moved on to AFG Industries where he stayed until his
retirement in 1990. He was a devoted member of Victory
Apostle Church. Claude also had a love for golf and flyfishing. On October 21, 2011.
Robert Harkleroad (BA ’58) taught 7th grade
science at Lake City Junior High for 12 years and was
director of finance for Columbia County Board of Public
Instruction. He was a life-long member of Lake City Elks
Club in which he served as Exalted Ruler from 1968-69
and Elk of the Year in 1970. He was a member of Wesley
Memorial Church since 1977. On August 4, 2011.
Joy Gail Tilson Hensley (BS `58) was a retired
school teacher with 40 years of service. She was a member
of Bowmantown Baptist Church. On July 16, 2011. William C. McIver, Jr. (BS ’58) was a resident
of Gastonia, NC. He was a retired air traffic controller.
On January 28, 2011.
Edwin C. Neeley (BS ’58) born on July 1, 1936,
was an avid outdoorsman who loved to garden and travel.
Until his retirement in 1994, he was a systems analyst at
Eastman Kodak. On Sept. 22, 2011.
Phyllis Sargent (BS ’58) was a native of Bristol,
VA. She was a retired secretary for the Marumsco Hills
Elementary School. She enjoyed reading, working crossword
ETSU Today · Spring 2012 | OBITUARIES
31
puzzles, and never missed her favorite game shows. On
October 18, 2011.
He was a member of the Messiah Lutheran Church. On
Dr. Ballard H. Blevins (BS `54) served in the
November 1, 2010.
U.S. Air Force as a Medical Doctor attaining the rank of
Buron (Jack) Carter (BS ’57) of Kingsport, Captain. Dr. Blevins was a practicing psychiatrist at the Stewart Cannon, Jr. (BS ’49) was the Judge for
earned a master’s degree in Math from Union College, VA Medical Center, Mountain Home for many years. He Washington County General Sessions Court for 29 years.
Barbourville, KY (1975). He was retired in 1986 from came to Kingsport in 1973 to continue a family practice He was an avid member of Central Baptist Church in
the Sullivan County Board of Education with 30 years of office in Green Acres, retiring in 1998. He was a member which he served as organist for 8 years, assistant organist,
service as a Mathematics Teacher. Jack was a member of of St. John’s Episcopal Church in Johnson City. On May and taught Sunday School. He also served as organist at
Colonial Heights Christian Church and was a veteran having 11, 2011.
St. John’s Episcopal Church and choir director of First
served in the U.S. Air Force. He was also a member of the
Baptist Church in Erwin. On August 2, 2011.
Dwight Lyons (BS ’54) was a member of the fraternities
American Legion Hammond Post #3. On July 17, 2011.
Sigma Phi Epsilon and Alpha Psi Omega. He went on to Mary Dannenburg (BS ’49) was as a dedicated,
Dr. Floyd H. Edwards (MA `57) served as a pursue degrees from the Southern Baptist Theological loving, caring and giving wife, mother, grandmother and
teacher and principal in North Carolina public schools Seminary. He served in several campus ministry positions great-grandmother. She is survived by her husband of
prior to tenure at ETSU. He taught and served as Associate at Eastern Kentucky University and the University of 62 years, three children, seven grandchildren, and two
and Acting Dean in the College of Education. He served Louisville. On September 11, 2011.
great-grandchildren. On August 18, 2011.
as chairman of over 200 evaluations in the U.S. as well as
Clyde Brooks (BS ’53) was a veteran of the U.S. Grace Henderson (BS `49) was the office
South and Central America. On July 15, 2011.
Army. He taught in the Hawkins County School System manager for West Virginia University Graduate Center
Marjorie B. Wallis (B.S. ’57) traveled extensively. for 39 years. He also coached football at Church Hill in Shepherdstown, W. Va. On January 16, 2012.
She moved 22 times over the years, which included 20 Elementary School and High School. On July 4, 2011.
Samuel Sherwood, Sr. (BS `49) was a Librarian
different cities, 12 states and two countries. She lived in
Mary Decker (BS ’53) was a member of Mountain with the U.S. government until his retirement. Then, he
Decatur, Ga. On August 3, 2010.
View United Methodist Church. Mary attended Holston continued on with the Law Offices of Sherwood and Pate,
Nina Sue Castle Pressley (BS `57) served for Institute in Sullivan County where she graduated as P.C. He served as Private in the U.S. Army Air Corps
30 years as a teacher at the Tennessee Technology Center valedictorian in 1949. She was a teacher of American and was a member of First Baptist Church in Erwin. On
at Knoxville. She was a faithful companion to her husband History at Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Ala., November 7, 2011.
of 55 years, Johnny Pressley. On January 11, 2012
for over 30 years. On October 26, 2011.
Jack D. Young (BS `49) worked for over 30 years at
Kathryn W. Brookshear (BS `56) was a Madeleine Gregory (BS ’53) was born in Lenoxdale, Eastman Chemical Company until retirement. He was a
homemaker. Katie was a lifelong resident of Johnson Mass., and then later moved to Erwin, Tenn., in 1947 with U.S. Army veteran of WW II, having served as squad leader
City. On October 9, 2011.
her late husband Lonnie Gregory. She enjoyed playing with the rank of Sergeant in the Chemical Corps. He
golf, reading, traveling, and spending time with friends was an avid hiker and photographer. On June 19, 2011.
Mary Katherine Broyles (BS ’56) was born
and family. She was an avid member of Erwin Women’s
in Washington County. She was an active and dedicated
Betty M. Crider (BS `48) began employment with
Club, helped serve with the Unicoi County Memorial
member of Fairhaven United Methodist Church, including a
the Corpus Christi Independent School District and retired
Auxiliary, and was a devoted member of Johnson City’s
member of the gospel choir group The Broyles Family. After
after working over 35 years. She returned to work for
St. Mary’s Catholic Church. On September 18, 2011.
45 years of commitment, she retired from the Washington
another 10 years for the Parenting Education Program
County School System. On October 27, 2011.
Elizabeth Morrell (BS `52) served for 40 years before retirement again. On October 22, 2011.
as an educator in the Greene County School System. She
Ben Childers, Jr. (BS `56) was executive director of
Chloe Eads (BS ’48) was a member of the Christian
had a passion for teaching, and enjoyed traveling in the
the YMCA of Waycross from 1961 until his retirement in
Women’s Club and the Music Club of Bristol and Bluff City
U.S. She is co-founder of the West Greene Tennessee
1992. He was appointed business development coordinator
for over 40 years. She was a devoted member of First Baptist
Tomorrow Club. On November 21, 2011.
for Waycross Bank and Trust. He was an active member
Church of Bluff City in which she served as Sunday school
at First Baptist Church, serving as deacon for 41 years. Martha Phelps (BS ’52) grew up in Elizabethton, teacher, and sang in the choir. On September 13, 2011.
On July 23, 2011.
Tenn., was married in 1954, and lived ever since on the
Roma Henley (BS ’48) worked within Cleveland
east coast of Florida. She taught Sunday School for over 50
Billy H. Hyder (BS ‘56) served Clermont Northeastern
City Schools for over 35 years. She was also a teacher of
years, and she was active in church missions and faithfully
High School and Deer Park High School as a principal,
Sunday school at First Presbyterian Church, in which
sang in the choir. She loved music and for more than 20
teacher, athletic director and coach. He was an avid Senior
she has been a devoted member for over 61 years. On
years she was a children’s choir director in Miami Shores.
softball player winning a World Championship in 1995
June 22, 2011.
In Miami, Martha was actively involved in many leadership
at age 65. On January 17, 2012.
roles with the Christian Womens Club including serving as Elizabeth Jo Miller (BS ’48) was a retired business
Raymond George Antrican (B.S. ’55) was the President for one term. She was also a leader in Bible teacher and lived in Nashville, Tenn. On August 25, 2011.
a resident of Morristown, Tenn. On October 31, 2010.
Study Fellowship in Melbourne. On November 26, 2011.
Charles Fleming (B.S.’ 47) was a member of Bluff
Billy Joe Clark (BS `55) retired from landscaping. Glenn Nickels Barker (BS `51) was an ETSU City Baptist Church where he led music, taught Sunday
He attended Calvary Baptist Church in Johnson City. On graduate. He was manager of a family store and family school and served as a deacon for many years. He was a
January 16, 2012.
owned rental property. He enjoyed traveling, and visited member of the East Tennessee State University Athletic
many states, national parks and foreign countries. Glenn Hall of Fame and Science Hill Athletic Hall of Fame. He
Phyllis Holloway (MA ’55) received her master’s
was a member of Crossroads United Methodist Church. was a former teacher and coach at Bluff City High School
degree at ETSU. She was a teacher for 25 years in the Sullivan
On January 19, 2012.
and Sullivan East High School. On August 11, 2010.
County School System. Mrs. Holloway had a steadfast
faith in the Presbyterian Church. On August 15, 2011. Eunice McCoy (BS, `51) was a schoolteacher in Leah Green (BS ’47) graduated from ETSU with a
Arlington, Va., and Jonesborough. She was an avid reader degree in Home Economics and pursued a brief teaching
Cecil Frye (BS `54) served in the U.S. Navy during
and supported the Washington County Library where she career. She then focused on her faith and family life. She
the Korean War. He worked for Foote Mineral Company
was a member of the Friends of the Library. On October was a devoted member of Munsey Memorial United
for 36 years in Duffield, VA. He was a member of the
12, 2011.
Methodist Church in which she served as a past President
American Legion, Hammond Post 3 and did volunteer
and was a member of the UMW and Circle Leader for over
work for Meals on Wheels and VITA (Volunteer Income Thomas Hill (MA `50) was a veteran of the U.S. Air
10 years. She later joined First United Methodist Church
Tax Assistance). On October 21, 2011.
Force. He taught in Kingsport City Schools for 14 years,
of High Point, NC. On August 4, 2011.
and finished his work career in an administrative position
Joseph H. Rominger (BS `54) served in the Army
in the superintendent’s office. He was an active member Anna Marie Irish Miller (BS `47) worked as
Medical Corps during WW II, and was in the first group
of Gray United Methodist Church. On February 28, 2012. a teacher in the Knox County School System. She served
drafted from Carter County. He served as a teacher for
for many years as a volunteer for the Washington County
approximately 27 years in the Carter County School
1940s
Election Commission. She was a member of First United
System. He was the oldest active member of Blues Springs
Methodist Church. On January 17, 2012.
Christian Church. On November 2, 2011.
Robert D. Blazer (B.S. ’49) was a veteran of World
War II. He was a teacher at Lamar School and also worked Elizabeth Ponder (BS ’47) was a lifelong and
for the Social Security Administration in Johnson City. dedicated member of First Christian Church. She was
32
OBITUARIES | ETSU Today · Spring 2012
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formerly employed by the Coca-Cola Bottling Company Jane Berry (BS ’42) was an avid member of the
1930s
of Johnson City, as well as the Johnson City Cardinals and Rogersville Presbyterian Church. She graduated from
the Johnson City School System. On November 21, 2011. East Tennessee Teachers College, which is now ETSU. She Marguerite Vance Warden (BS `38) taught
taught in the Hawkins County School System for many school for 40 years. She was a member of Bethel Presbyterian
Lillian J. Burdick (B.S. ’45) was a member of
years. She had a love of playing bridge and most of all Church. On March 7, 2011.
Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church. She was
spending time with friends and family. On November
a member of the John Sevier Chapter D.A.R. and the
Dorothy Scholl (BS ’37) was born and raised
2, 2011.
Monday Club of Johnson City. On August 11, 2010.
in Johnson City, Tenn. Mrs. Scholl was an active member
Lois Turbyfill Robertson (BS ’41) graduated of First Presbyterian Church of Johnson City, involved
Hazel McCulley (BS `43) taught school in Washington
with a degree in Home Economics. She was originally as president of Women of the church, Circle Leader, and
County and Johnson City School systems before retirement
from Green Mountain, Yancy County, N.C., but lived most a Sunday school teacher. More than anything, she loved
in 1973. In addition to her teaching career, she was an active
of her life in King, N.C. She taught in Yancy, McDowell, her family, spending time with friends, and traveling.
member of Boones Creek Christian Church, serving as
Surry, and Stokes counties in N.C., and at Bowman Gray On August 31, 2011.
Sunday School teacher, a choir member and a member the
School of Medicine, in Winston-Salem, NC.
Missionary Society. She was an active member volunteer
at JCMC, Emmanuel School of Religion Library, and
Boones Creek Elementary School. She was a member
of Alpha Delta Kappa. On July 13, 2011
ETSU
MAJORETTES
Let’s Get Together!
The Alumni Office is looking for ETSU Majorettes! Call us if you were a majorette while
attending ETSU, and tell your majorette friends we’re trying to find them, too. A majorette
reunion is being scheduled for August 18th from 11:30 am – 3:00 pm @ The Firehouse
Restarurant. You can email us at [email protected] or you can call us at (423) 439-4218.
If you graduated
in ’62 or ’67
this is
for you!
Spring Weekend
Circle the weekend on
your calendar, and join
us for the Golden Fifties
Club Events & the Alumni
Awards Ceremony!
at ETSU
May 4th & 5th
ETSU Today · Spring 2012
33
ETSU TODAY
East Tennessee State University
Alumni Association
807 University Parkway Box 70709
Johnson City, TN 37614
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Nashville, TN
Permit No. 485
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