|
As alumni, you have many fond memories of Tusculum, however, I suspect taking exams were not among them. Taking exams was not just a necessary evil of attending college; they revealed what you had learned and the progress you had made. Your very preparation for the exam was a major part of your learning. Putting together your notes, reorganizing the material, and summarizing the information were all important parts of the process. Studying with others helped to supplement your knowledge and sharpen your preparation.
Students are not the only ones who take exams, so do universities. An exam for a university is called accreditation. Every ten years a university goes through an extensive process of reaffirming their accreditation. Tusculum is currently submitting its Fifth-Year Interim report. The report will be about 2500 pages and will cover many aspects of the university, including learning assessments and student services. While a lot of work, accreditation helps ensure the university is providing the high-quality education students deserve. In addition to preparing for Tusculum’s 5th Year Interim report, I also serve on on-site accreditation visits at other universities. In a couple of weeks, I will be evaluating a university in Virginia. Every month I go to Atlanta to serve on the Principles Review Committee, which is essentially a committee to rewrite the “test” for university accreditation. As a result, I have a pretty good idea of how Tusculum compares on its “test” relative to other universities in the country. I am pleased to report Tusculum continues to provide an outstanding and high-quality education. You should be proud of your alma mater.
| | Jones ’06 Named 2026 TCSS Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient | | Greer ’15 Named Vice President of Institutional Advancement at Tusculum University | | |
Alumni Night at The Wizard of Oz on Ice
Thank you to our wonderful alumni who joined us for The Wizard of Oz on Ice at the NPAC! It was a fun and memorable evening as we experienced this beloved classic brought to life in a unique and dazzling way on the ice.
Your presence and enthusiasm made the night even more special. We are also grateful to the NPAC for hosting our group and providing such a beautiful venue for this incredible performance.
What a magical evening down the Yellow Brick Road!
| Dr. Hummel enjoyed dinner and engaging conversation with Tusculum alumni Carmen Brown '01, Tariq Jenkins '20, and Mason Bierster '23 while visiting the Atlanta area. It was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect and hear their inspiring stories. | Drs. Hummel, Cook, and Bryant enjoyed dinner and engaging conversation with Tusculum alumni Katie Reen-Sandidge '00, Cindy Matheny '96, Jim Owen '60, and Jim Durham '79 while visiting the Nashville area. An inspiring opportunity to reconnect and share stories. | Strengthening Ties: University Recognizes USS Greeneville’s Legacy | | Tusculum University Again Providing Free Income Tax Return Preparation for Eligible Community Members | | |
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.
| | |
Join Us for the Appalachian AI Summit
Complimentary Registration for Alumni
March 11 | 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Tusculum University is proud to host the Appalachian AI Summit, bringing together local business leaders and educators to explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence across our region.
As a valued member of the Tusculum alumni community, you are invited to attend with complimentary registration. We encourage you to share this opportunity with colleagues who may benefit from participating.
The Summit will feature:
- A regional panel discussion on AI
- Insights from a global AI agency working with manufacturing and retail organizations
- Practical examples of how AI is being applied, taught, and scaled throughout Appalachia
This program is designed to provide relevant, actionable insights for organizations navigating AI’s influence on operations, workforce development, and strategic leadership.
We hope you will join us for this timely and impactful event.
| |
TU alum and business partners please use this registration Code:
Tusculum Partner
| | |
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!
| |
Pioneer Pitch 2026
Tusculum University is excited to host Pioneer Pitch 2026, a dynamic event designed to help student and community entrepreneurs turn ideas into momentum.
Students and community members will pitch innovative business concepts, connect with experienced builders and leaders, and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit thriving in our region.
Event Details:
📅 Date: April 18, 2026
⏰ Time: 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
📍 Location: Meen Center, Room 007 – Tusculum University
🏆 Prizes: Cash Awards & more
We invite our alumni community to attend, support, and help spread the word. Events like Pioneer Pitch highlight the creativity and ambition of today’s Pioneers, and your presence and encouragement make a meaningful difference.
If you would like to attend the event OR pitch your idea, register below:
| | |
Join the Celebration!
Golden (’76) & Silver (’01) Pioneers Reunite at Tusculum
| | |
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!
| | |
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!
| | |
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
| | |
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.
| |
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.
| | | |
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.
| | | | | |
Welcome March from Tusculum!
As we enter March at Tusculum University, our campus is alive with the energy of the spring semester. From engaging classroom experiences to exciting alumni opportunities, the Pioneer spirit continues to thrive as we embrace a season of learning, connection, and growth.
This month, we are especially excited to offer opportunities for alumni to reconnect and engage with our community. Join us for a fun evening of Line Dancing on Thursday, March 5, at Chalmers, or attend the Appalachian AI Summit on March 11, where local business leaders and educators will explore the growing impact of artificial intelligence across our region. Later in the month, our Greeneville Chapter Alumni Meeting on Tuesday, March 24, provides a casual evening to reconnect with fellow alumni and celebrate the Pioneer spirit.
We are deeply grateful for our alumni and friends whose continued support enriches the Tusculum experience and helps foster a caring, purpose-driven environment where students are encouraged to lead, serve, and succeed. Your engagement and generosity make a lasting impact on our students and our mission.
Thank you for being an essential part of the Tusculum family. We look forward to seeing many of you at our March events and wish you a month 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
| | | | | |
