 | | Tusculum University students receive an active and experiential education. For too many, their college education was largely passive as they sat in class reading what they were told to read, writing what they were told to write while being treated as a number. The Tusculum experience is different. Staff take a personal and caring approach with our students. Faculty know our students and engage our students in active learning. A great example of active and experiential learning is the multi-disciplinary approach of computer science, art and design, history, and English majors working with USS Greeneville, Inc. to establish a website and social media to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the USS Greeneville, a nuclear submarine named after our city. This project not only involves civic engagement but provides real world experience for our students. On February 17, my wife and I will have the honor of attending the changing of the command in San Diego on the USS Greeneville. Tusculum has provided scholarships for crew members and their dependents for years. This student project strengthens our bonds and service to the USS Greeneville.
| | Morrison ’00 Appointed ERIE Branch Managers | Harrell ’18 Appointed Chaplain at Daviess County Detention Center | | Dyson ’04 Promoted to Senior Vice President, Regional Manager | Potter ’05 ’24 Named Vice President of Operations of the Year at TeamHealth | | The recent establishment of the Col. Jo Anne Kilday ’59 First-Generation Endowed Scholarship Fund is a powerful example of how Tusculum alumni continue to invest in the future of our students. Created in memory of Col. Kilday by Lt. Col. Ginger Jacocks, this scholarship supports first-generation students with ties to the military, students who, like Col. Kilday, are pioneers blazing new trails for their families. This generosity reflects the spirit behind Tusculum’s Every Frontier Needs a Pioneer initiative, which strengthens access, opportunity, and student success through meaningful alumni and donor support. | | Tusculum University Again Providing Free Income Tax Return Preparation for Eligible Community Members | |
Valentine’s Painting Night Set for Feb. 12
Members of the Tusculum community are invited to enjoy an evening of creativity at Valentine’s Painting Night on Thursday, Feb. 12, in the lobby of the Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Center.
The evening will begin with a buffet-style dinner at 6:30 p.m. in the multipurpose room where chapel is held, followed by a guided painting session lasting until approximately 8:30 p.m. A photo booth, hosted by the Center for the Arts, will also be available for participants who would like to capture the evening.
The cost to attend is $40 for individuals and $70 for couples, plus fees. Students may attend free of charge. Participation is limited to 50 guests. Proceeds from the event will support the university’s art program.
Benjamin Conley, assistant professor of art and design, will lead the event, guiding participants through the creation of an Impressionist landscape and offering feedback throughout the evening.
For additional details, please see the full news release.
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Mishi Neubach Returns to Tusculum for Lecture on Israel
Tusculum University will welcome Mishi Neubach back to campus for a lecture:
Date: Thursday, Feb. 19, 2026
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Dr. Nancy B. Moody Lecture Hall inside the Meen Center.
The presentation, titled “Encountering Israel,” will include a question-and-answer session, giving attendees the opportunity to engage directly with Neubach. A longtime friend of Dr. Hummel, Neubach previously spoke at Tusculum in 2022. Both Dr. Hummel and Neubach studied at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, where Neubach focused his graduate studies on the apostle Paul.
Attendees will also learn about opportunities to travel to Israel in summer 2027, including participation in a three-week excavation at Tel Lachish, with the potential to earn three to six hours of credit from the Hebrew University. In 2023, two Tusculum students and a recent alumnus participated in the excavation, gaining hands-on experience in this historic archaeological site.
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Tusculum Alumni Dinner in Nashville!
Join President Scott Hummel and Director of Alumni Engagement Melissa Bryant for a casual evening to reconnect with fellow alumni and hear the latest campus updates.
📅 Tuesday, February 24 | 🕕 6:00 p.m. CST
📍 Maggiano’s Little Italy, 3106 West End Ave, Nashville, TN 37203
Guests will order and pay individually.
RSVP to Melissa Bryant at mebryant@tusculum.edu by February 13.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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Stokes Lecture Series on Theology and Religion Returns to Tusculum
Tusculum University will host the Stokes Lecture Series on Theology and Religion, formerly known as Theology-In-Residence, on the four Fridays in February at 10 a.m in Chalmers.
- Feb. 6 – “Character Begins in Grace: CS Lewis”; “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe”
- Feb. 13 – “Character Grows through Humility and Suffering: JRR Tolkien”; “The Fellowship of the Ring”
- Feb. 20 – “Mysterious Virtues: Dorothy Sayers and G.K. Chesterton”; “Gaudy Night”
- Feb. 27 – “Naming Virtues: Charles Williams and T.S. Eliot”; “The Place of the Lion”
This year’s series explores “Character and Virtue in the Inklings: Practical Wisdom from Fantastic Worlds” and will be delivered by Dr. Martin Dotterweich, director of the King Institute for Faith and Culture and professor of history at King University.
Dr. Dotterweich explained that the series is designed to introduce and deepen appreciation for a group of English authors known as The Inklings, which included C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Charles Williams. The group regularly met at a pub called The Eagle and Child in Oxford to discuss the creation of their fantastic worlds and the ideas behind them.
Each session will focus on a specific subject and reading, giving attendees the opportunity to explore the moral, philosophical, and spiritual themes in the works of these influential writers.
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Alumni are invited to take the field with an alumni team!
Register by emailing Vanessa Fyffe at vfyffe@tusculum.edu and enjoy the opportunity to play again at Tusculum.
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Tusculum University Greeneville Chapter Meeting
📅 Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
🕕 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: Sweet's Sport Tavern & Eatery
Guests will order and pay individually.
Join us for a casual evening to reconnect with fellow alumni!
RSVP to Melissa Bryant at mebryant@tusculum.edu by March 13.
We can’t wait to see you there!
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Join the Celebration!
Golden (’76) & Silver (’01) Pioneers Reunite at Tusculum
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Tusculum alumni celebrating 25 or 50 years since graduation are invited back to participate in Commencement and milestone celebrations.
If you graduated in 1976 or 2001, now is the time to register for these special events! On May 8, enjoy a celebratory dinner, and on May 9, participate in the Commencement Ceremony alongside your fellow alumni. We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you and your guests!
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Knoxville Symphony Orchestra at NPAC!
Date: May 21, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Niswonger Performing Arts Center
Join us for a special evening featuring the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra (KSO)!
As part of NPAC’s Free Community Performance Series, the KSO will present a family-friendly evening of light classics and popular tunes that audiences of all ages are sure to enjoy.
This event is free, and Tusculum will have a reserved alumni section, so please be sure to RSVP by Monday, March 9.
To reserve your tickets, please contact Melissa Bryant at alumni@tusculum.edu.
Feel free to bring your family, friends, neighbors, or fellow alumni—this is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a night out and celebrate the joy of live music together!
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Dates to Remember
Pack The Park
April 18, 2026
Old Oak Festival
April 25 & 26, 2026
Golden Pioneers Reunion (Class of 1976)
May 8 & 9, 2026
Silver Pioneers Reunion (Class of 2001)
May 8 & 9, 2026
May Commencement
May 9, 2026
Homecoming 2026
October 17, 2026
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We mourn the loss of members of our alumni community. Although we may not have all the details, we remember and honor those who have passed away. Each person’s contribution to our community, in their own way, has left a lasting impact that will continue to resonate with us.
Our thoughts are with their families, friends, and all who were fortunate to know them. Their memories will forever be cherished, and their legacies will live on in the hearts of those they touched.
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Tusculum University Magazine
Hey, Pioneers! Please take a moment to click the buttons below to update your contact information and to submit class notes. I would love to include your information in the next digital magazine.
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Share news about new jobs, promotions, graduate school success, weddings and births with your fellow alumni by submitting a Class Note through alumni pages on the Tusculum website.
We are currently collecting TU alumni class notes to be included in the next edition of our magazine.
Please click the orange button above to update your contact information and the orange below to submit a class note.
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Welcome February from Tusculum!
As we begin the month of February at Tusculum University, our campus is energized by the continued momentum of the spring semester. From the classroom to campus events and alumni engagement opportunities, the Pioneer spirit remains strong as we move through a season of learning, connection, and growth.
We are deeply grateful for our alumni and friends whose continued support makes a lasting impact on our students and our mission. Your engagement and generosity help foster a caring, purpose-driven environment where students are encouraged to lead, serve, and succeed.
Looking ahead, we are excited about the opportunities this month and beyond, from upcoming alumni events and campus celebrations to continued progress in the Frontiers Campaign and initiatives that enhance the student experience and prepare future leaders.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Tusculum family. We wish you a wonderful February filled with purpose, connection, and Pioneer pride.
If you have any questions or would like to connect, feel free to reach out to me at mebryant@tusculum.edu or call 423.636.7407.
Warmest regards,
Melissa Bryant '18, '19
Director of Alumni Engagement
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