Now retired, Gwendolyn Eagle enjoyed a long career within the Oak Ridge Nuclear Sector - notably at Y-12 National Security Complex.

Gwen was a nontraditional student, earning her bachelors while raising two children and working full-time as an engineering associate. To further her career, she enrolled at Tusculum University and graduated with honors. She used her education to become a leader at Y-12 in the area of nuclear non-proliferation as a Health Physicist.

In 1994, Gwen was selected as one of two women to serve as a uranium recovery agent in Project Sapphire - a US covert operation in Kazakhstan to remove 1,322 pounds of enriched uranium from a former Soviet plant to prevent nuclear weapons proliferation. Thanks to her and the team's efforts, President Bill Clinton announced that the uranium had been recovered on November 23, 1994. She returned to former Soviet bloc nations on numerous occasions for remediation efforts.

In 2004 (at this time a grandmother of three approaching 60 years old), Gwen volunteered for a mission in the Middle East for a site remediation campaign during the Iraq War. She's been on cargo planes and Black Hawks, in 125 temps and -40 temps, she's come home with ringworm from hugging orphaned children, eaten MREs and much more.

Gwendolyn Eagle '91

In addition to all of her professional achievements, Gwen is a talented seamstress, amazing cook, avid traveler, voracious reader, lover of UK murder mysteries, and an avid gardener. She made time to be a scout troop leader, sew clothes, put dinner on the table, and help with homework.

To read more about Project Sapphire, click the orange button below.

A large crowd gathered to honor Dr. Hummel's fifth anniversary as president.

We experienced an outstanding turnout as we celebrated the fifth anniversary of Dr. Hummel’s presidency!

Thank you to everyone who joined us for fellowship and remarks from Dr. Greg Nelson, chair of our Board of Trustees; and Dr. David Cook, provost and vice president of academic affairs. We were also fortunate to have many guests from the community and representatives of local, state and national government.

Most of all, we are grateful to Dr. Hummel and Starr Hummel, our first lady, for accepting the call to come to Tusculum and making a positive difference in the university. We congratulate them on this achievement in their lives and reflect with pride on this milestone in Tusculum’s 231-year history as Tennessee’s first higher education institution.



To learn more about the event, please read this news release. You can see photos in this gallery.

Mentor a Tusculum Student

Are you a Tusculum University alum looking to make a meaningful impact? We are thrilled to announce the launch of our new mentor program designed to connect experienced alumni with current students, creating a powerful network of support and guidance. This program aims to help students navigate their academic journey, explore career paths. and prepare for life after graduation. Join us in building the "Bridge to Success" for future generations of Tusculum Pioneers!

Why Become a Mentor?

Your experience and knowledge are invaluable resources for Tusculum students. By becoming a mentor, you can:

• Share your professional insights and help students explore various career opportunities.
• Provide guidance on academic success and skill development.
• Forge connections with the next generation of Tusculum leaders.
• Give back to the university and support our students in their journeys.
• Connect with the Tusculum community in an engaged and rewarding way.

Who Are We Looking For?

Are You a Good Mentor Candidate?

We’re seeking Tusculum University alumni from all backgrounds and industries who are passionate about supporting students. No formal mentoring experience is required; a genuine desire to share your experience and expertise is what counts! If you’re excited to connect with current students, we encourage you to join our program.



Fill out this form if you want to be a mentor: Mentor Form

FUGE Camps, an organization of Lifeway Christian Resources, will hold a camp for middle school and high school students from June 9-13 at Tusculum.

Students who have completed sixth grade through 12th grade will enhance their understanding of the Bible, enjoy multiple activities and participate in ministry. The organization will attract groups of churches. The students from those churches will participate in one of the two types of camps – Centrifuge and MFuge.

Both types of camps incorporate Bible study and quiet time in the morning and worship and church group time in the evening. The difference is Centrifuge participants engage in recreational activities, called tracks, in the afternoon, while the MFuge groups spend that time at ministry sites.



To register for FUGE Camps’ week at Tusculum, please visit https://bit.ly/4glOBW8. Additional information about FUGE Camps is available at https://fugecamps.lifeway.com/. 

In recognition of Dr. Nancy Moody’s service as Tusculum president, the university plans to hold a ceremony Friday, May 9, to name the Meen Center lecture hall after her.

As part of the preparation for this event, Tusculum is seeking any photos people have of Dr. Moody. People can send them to Kim Collins, executive assistant to the president, at kcollins@tusculum.edu.

We thank everyone who participates in this project.

If you would like to donate in memory of Dr. Nancy Moody, please click the orange button.

Planned Giving. Are you a Baby Boomer? Boomers are those born between 1946 and 1964. In college terms, that’s roughly the graduating Classes of 1968 – 1986. It’s forecast that in the years ahead Boomers will transfer $30 trillion to the next generation. First and foremost, of course, are assets bequeathed to family and to others whom you wish to bless in gracious and generous ways. But as circumstances permit, Planned Charitable Giving also provides gracious and generous ways to bless causes and institutions which continue to advance the worthy purposes you valued and supported in life. We greatly appreciate your considering Tusculum University in your Estate Planning. If you would like information about TU’s Planned Giving opportunities, please contact our Institutional Advancement Office at 423-636-7303 or call Planned Giving Specialist Richard Raum directly at 701-226-2084.

Richard D. Raum

PCUSA Pastor, retired

Planned Giving Specialist, Tusculum University

rdraum2@gmail.com

We are pleased to share the news that we have renamed the Theologian-In-Residence series in memory of Mark Stokes, who served at Tusculum for 26 years and was serving as chaplain at the time of his passing in 2015.

Effective immediately, the popular and highly informative series will be known as The Stokes Lectures on Theology and Religion. Dr. Hummel shared the news during the final session of this year’s series, which focused on Christianity in the Middle East. Jeanne Stokes who was married to Mark, for 38 years when he passed gave her blessing to the change when she met with Dr. Hummel and Chris Shumate, assistant vice president of student affairs and campus minister.

Mark Stokes was a beloved member of the Tusculum family and was commissioned as our chaplain in 2014. That appointment followed his three years of study and commissioning as a ruling elder in the Holston Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (USA).

When Mark Stokes became chaplain, he oversaw weekly chapel services and served as advisor to the student religious organizations. He also held many leadership roles at Tusculum during his 26 years of service. Those included heading the Office of Admission, the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Institutional Advancement. He also served as the vice president of administration, overseeing such diverse areas as the museums, information systems and building projects.



You can read more about the new name and about Mark Stokes, including comments from Jeanne, in this news release. Jeanne served with us for 31 years, including 29 years as director of TRIO programs, before retiring in 2020.

The Stokes Lectures on Theology and Religion will hold its next series in February 2026.

It takes $25,000.00 to create an new endowed scholarship. Let's keep the momentum going as we are very close!

Marion Edens

Institutional Advancement is coordinating with an anonymous donor to start a scholarship in the name of Marion Edens, a 1932 Tusculum graduate, who was heavily involved in our Athletic Department and student recruitment.

If you would like more information, please email Edward Roberts, vice president of institutional advancement, at eroberts@tusculum.edu or Cheryl Fehl, senior director of grants and development, at cfehl@tusculum.edu or call 423-636-7303.



A Message from the Division of Education

Students and faculty in the Education Division are all continuing their professional development.

Sammy Jimenez (a Junior and K-5 Elementary Education major) will present a Math Quilts session at the Upper East Tennessee Council of Teachers of Mathematics regional meeting on March 11. Sammy will discuss the math concepts that are the foundation of artistry of quilt designs.

Dr. Peggy Rochelle, Dr. Miriam Stroder, Dr. Jessica Bucholz, Dr. Bruce Ewing, Dexter Lim, Michelle DeFord, Stephanie Efird, and Lillian Burchnell attended the Spring 2025 Tennessee Association of Colleges for Teacher Education (TACTE) conference, which included an update from the TN Education Commissioner, meetings with the TN Dept. of Ed and the TN State Board of Ed, TN Regional meetings, and Professional Development breakout sessions.

Dr. Miriam Stroder, as a member of the TACTE executive board, co-organized and co-facilitated the virtual TACTE February 10, 2025 conference and, as the East TN Regional Representative, led the East Regional Session discussing State and Federal legislation recently passed, legislation soon to be voted on, changes to initial licensure requirements, and conversation to raise awareness regarding video and audio recordings of minors.

Dr. Jessica Bucholz has been elected to be president of the Eastern Educational Research Association (EERA) (she is currently serving as "President Elect"). 

All of us in Education are looking forward to the following spring 2025 celebrations:

·        April 16, 2025 – The Alpha Iota Zeta chapter of Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) will host our spring 2025 induction ceremony from 6:00 to 8:00 PM on in the Brotherton Boardroom in the Meen Center. The event will include the formal induction of our new members, a delicious meal and our Alpha Iota Zeta chapter meeting.

·        April 23, 2025 – The Virtual Spring 2025 Education Honor Awards Convocation will be held on Zoom for 6:00 to 7:00 PM. We would love for you to attend as we celebrate the academic excellence of students in all of our Education programs: https://tusculum.zoom.us/j/84958879421

May 10, 2025 – Spring 2025 Commencement Ceremony at 10:00 AM. It is with great pride that we invite you to join us in celebrating the graduation of our Education students.

FREE INCOME TAX PREPARATION AVAILABLE FROM TUSCULUM

UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Those who qualify for free tax return preparation services include:

·        People who generally earn $70,000 or less a year

·        Anyone older than 65

·        People with disabilities

·        Limited-English-speaking taxpayers

·        People who have earned income in the United States but are not American citizens

In light of the damage Hurricane Helene caused, Dr. Branstrator wants to be sure those who might have sustained casualty losses know they also qualify for a free tax return preparation.

“The VITA program is exceptional and further strengthens our connections with the community,” said Dr. Scott Hummel, Tusculum’s president. “It is also an outstanding active and experiential learning method for our students and helps those who want to attain full-time jobs in this field become career-ready. Dr. Branstrator has performed marvelously in this leadership role and has positively influenced people’s lives. We thank him for his commitment to this initiative.”

Free preparation of income tax returns will be available from Tusculum students and community volunteers beginning in February and continuing through April. Friendly service provided by these well-trained individuals under the supervision of Dr. Harold Branstrator, a former Internal Revenue Service revenue agent, will be available at the Meen Center on the Tusculum campus as well as Westminster Presbyterian Church in Johnson City and the Washington County Public Library in Jonesborough.

This is the ninth year Tusculum has participated in the VITA program. In 2024, Tusculum students and community volunteers prepared a record 1,017 returns, and Dr. Branstrator said he is focused on the program providing a high level of service again this year.

The dates and times when tax preparation services will be available are:

·        Mondays, 5-9 p.m., Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2343 Knob Creek Road, Johnson City – Feb. 10, Feb. 24, March 3, March 10, March 24, March 31 and April 7

·        Thursdays, 5-9 p.m., Meen Center – Feb. 13, Feb. 20, Feb. 27, March 6, March 13, March 27, April 3 and April 10

·        Saturdays, 9-1, Washington County Public Library, 200 E. Sabine Drive, Jonesborough – Feb. 15, Feb. 22, March 1, March 8, March 29 and April 5

The schedule includes off days in observance of Presidents’ Day and Tusculum’s spring break.

Appointments are scheduled in one-hour increments, but more time is available for clients who need extra assistance. Tusculum can accommodate as many as 12 clients for each time slot at Westminster and the Meen Center and eight clients for each time period at the library. Walk-ins are welcome, but they might need to wait for an opening.

Clients should bring their W-2 and 1099 forms, dividend and interest statements, tax documents related to their small business or rental property and any other items required for a complete filing.

Those who want to complete the tax return on their own are welcome to come to one of the three sites when tax return preparation is occurring and use a laptop provided by Tusculum. The university began offering that option in 2024.

To schedule an appointment, please visit https://bit.ly/3WCpDKD or call Dr. Branstrator at 423-636-7414.

2025 Homecoming is November 1!

Frontiers, A Campaign for the support of First-Generation Students

Since our founding in 1794, Tusculum University’s core mission has been to provide an outstanding education on the frontier that prepares students for their lives and careers.  Even from our earliest days, providing education to First-Generation Students has always been at the heart of what we do. Two hundred and thirty years later our mission remains the same; only the frontiers have changed.

Today, Tusculum’s student body includes 58% first-generation – meaning neither of the student’s parents or guardians have completed a bachelor’s degree.  In addition, more than 98% of our traditional undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid.  Earning a college degree is vital for young men and women to develop into career-ready professionals, but various costs can be an obstacle on the path to graduation. This is where a special scholarship supporting first-generation students can have a significant and lasting impact.

We are proud to announce the launch of a special campaign focused on raising scholarship support for our first-generation students. Frontiers, A Scholarship Campaign for the support of First-Generation Students, will run throughout 2025.  In the months to come, we will be highlighting this unique part of our history and sharing stories from many of our first-gen students and alumni. Our Goal is $125,000.

EVERY FRONTIER NEEDS A PIONEER! Make a gift; share your story; answer the call……YOUR FRONTIER AWAITS!



Exciting news for any TU alums who live in or near the Knoxville, TN area. A TU Knoxville Chapter is coming soon! Make plans to join us at Calhoun's on the River for lunch on March 27 at 12:00 pm. Our time will be spent enjoying each other, good food, and exciting chapter opportunities. Please email Jolin Hawk at jhawk@tusculum.edu to RSVP.

Many Tusculum family members attended the African American Read-In

Keyon'Dre Twells reads a poem during the event. 

Facilities staff members receive the President’s GEM Award

During the President’s Coffee, Dr. Hummel honored Chad Grindstaff, Brian Armstrong, Matt Bible and Bill Fitzpatrick based on nominations from the Tusculum family. He highlighted many of their strengths as detailed by those who have observed their work.

The group is praised as amazing problem-solvers and displays teamwork and an ability to accomplish tasks no matter the time of day or night. This quartet is plugged into Tusculum 24/7 and take great pride in performing their duties to the best of their ability. All of them take turns being on call and show up in the middle of the night or on weekends to take care of problems. People credit them with being an excellent example of the word “family,” taking care of the entire facilities team personally and professionally.

Dr. Hummel also cited comments about the group that were posted on social media,

“You guys are AMAZING. Tusculum is blessed by all of you!! A special thank you to Matt for getting me to and from work the last 2 days!! Love each and everyone of TU facilities.”

“Tusculum University and its students are so blessed to have you. You are so dedicated to your job and do it very well! And your team is some of the best around!!! Thanks for all you for our TU kids. I know many parents are thankful for you guys!”

Individually, Grindstaff was credited with being a great community, Fitzpatrick with going above and beyond and Armstrong and Bible with always being willing to help.

These four are outstanding family members and deserve the recognition they have received. We are grateful for their service to Tusculum.

A win against Carson-Newman University is always reason to celebrate! Our men’s basketball team brought smiles to everyone’s faces with a 90-88 overtime win. Akeem Odusipe, shooting in this photo, came up big with 18 points and notched some key rejections down the stretch. 

The women’s softball team continues its hot start to the season. The Pioneers were 10-0 entering the action. In this photo, Graduate student Danielle Jason, who began with a .618 average and 17 stolen bases, slides into third base against West Virginia State University.

Photo from the Office of Athletic Communications

Freshman setter Riley Wisniakowski, middle, prepares to send the ball skyward so freshman middle blocker Caleb Hammann can go for the skill as freshman outside hitter Aiden Roper watches during the men’s indoor volleyball team’s four-set victory against Bluefield University Tuesday, Feb. 18. The Pioneers have won three of their last four matches. Photo from the Office of Athletic Communications

Freshman Kai Poelchau rips a forehand in his match against King University Tuesday, Feb. 18. The Pioneers won 6-1 in their home opener at Nichols Tennis Complex. Photo from the Office of Athletic Communications

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