The University of Tennessee at Martin Faculty and Staff Newsletter | October 3, 2016

addendaHomecoming 2016 to celebrate school spirit, pride

Event ScheduleOct. 4

• Volleyball vs. Southeast Missouri; Skyhawk Fieldhouse; 7 p.m.

Oct. 6• PRSSA “Womanless Beauty Revue”; Watkins Auditorium; 7 p.m.

Oct. 7• University choirs dessert evening; Fine Arts Building; 7 p.m.; admission $18 for adults, $12 for UT Martin students and children under 12

Oct. 8• Letterwinners’ Breakfast and Athletics Fall of Fame inductions; Student Life Center; 7:30 a.m.•Chancellor’s Brunch and Awards Program; Paul Meek Library; 9:30 a.m.• Quad City opens; quadrangle; 10:30 a.m.•”Skyhawk Walk”; outside Paul Meek Library; 11 a.m.• Football vs. Austin Peay State University; Hardy M. Graham Stadium; 2 p.m.; admission $15 per person• Black Alumni Council reception; Skyhawk Fieldhouse; 5:30 p.m.• Young Alumni Council reception; The Stables; 7 p.m.•National Panhellenic Council step show; Elam Center; 7 p.m.• University choirs dessert evening; Fine Arts Building; 7 p.m.; admission

Oct. 9•Skyhawk homecoming brunch; Skyhawk dining hall; 10:30 a.m.; admission $11.48 for adults and $5.43 for children under 10 years old

Traditional rope pull, lip sync and pyramid events will also take place throughout the week. For a complete schedule, visit utm.edu/homecoming.

UT Martin will host its annual homecoming week festivities Oct. 3-9, featuring the homecoming football game against Austin Peay State University at 2 p.m., Oct. 8, in Hardy M. Graham Stadium. This year’s activities focus on the theme “Superheroes.”

Quad City, which opens at 10:30 a.m., Oct. 8, and closes just before the football game, will include the traditional organization tents, petting zoo, pet show and Skyhawk Walk.

Quad City festivities will also feature the “Ivory Tower of Power,” sponsored by the

UT Martin Office of Alumni Relations.

Artwork for this year’s homecoming apparel and promotional items (below) was created by members of the UT Martin League of Striving Artists. This is the second year for students to provide accompanying graphics for the homecoming theme.

Homecoming T-shirts, football tickets and meal tickets for Quad City are on sale through the Office of Alumni Relations. Call 731-881-7610 or visit utmforever.com to make a purchase.

Welcome, SACSCOC visiting team, Oct. 4-6

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YoUTMs faculty, staff and student excellence

The Addenda newsletter is published weekly during the academic year. Send your Addenda news to Erin Chesnut at

echesnut@utm.edu by noon on Thursdays.

Applications for the 2017 Giving Circle grant program must be submitted to the UT Martin Office of Research, Grants and Contracts via

Evisions by Oct. 28 for review. For more information, contact Jennifer

Cooper at 731-881-7011.

apply for a givi g circle gra tn n

UT MARTIN REPRESENTATION – Four members of the UT Martin chapter of the Student Tennessee Education Association attended the STEA fall conference Sept. 23-34 in Nashville. The students attended professional development workshops on classroom management, the TEAM rubric and other topics. They were also able to network with practicing teachers and more than 125 STEA members from across the state. Pictured during the conference are (l-r) Dr. Clinton Smith, UT Martin chapter adviser; students Ashley Andrews, Areli Aguilar, Michaela Frederick and Danielle Bennefield; and Mark Hewitt, chapter adviser.

Jason Stout, associate professor of art, has had work included in multiple exhibits across the country in recent months. Currently running or recently closed exhibits include “Politics and Power” at the Ann Street Gallery in Newburgh, N.Y.; “The FL3TCH3R Exhibit” at the Reece Museum in Johnson City, Tenn.; “NAEA Member Exhibition” at the NAEA Gallery in Alexandria, Va.; “Four Painters, Four Walls” at the Circuitous Succession Gallery in Memphis, Tenn.; “State of the Union” at the Cole Art Center in Nacogdoches, Texas; “Second Alabama National Biennial” at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, Ala.; and “University of Tennessee at Martin Faculty Group Show” in the Fine Arts Building on the UT Martin main campus.

Skyhawk Venture Development

workshop series open to the

publicThe Skyhawk Venture

Development Workshop Series, featuring speakers on a variety of business topics, is open to the public beginning Oct. 6.

Workshops will be held at 6 p.m., Thursdays, Oct. 6-Nov. 10, in UT Martin’s Business Administration Building, room 33. There is no charge to attend.

This series is designed to assist students and community members who wish to start or purchase their own businesses.

UT Martin alum William Donnell (‘96), owner and founder of design firm Sodium Halogen, will speak Oct. 6 on the purpose and strategy of starting a new business.

Subsequent speakers will address topics such an intellectual property, due diligence, target markets, competitors and leadership skills.

A light meal will be provided each night. Interested parties should register to attend at utm.edu/entrepreneur.

The series is sponsored by the UT Martin Tom Hendrix Chair of Excellence in Free Enterprise and the Gil Parker Chair of Excellence in Agriculture in partnership with the Northwest Tennessee Entrepreneur Center and the Northwest Tennessee Angel Fund.

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Closing the Loop

This feature recognizes offices and departments that have gathered data and used it to make informed decisions for the positive impact of their area.

Office of Environmental Health and Safety

Until the 2015-16 academic year, student workers with the Office of Environmental Health and Safety inspected a total of 980 fire extinguishers on the main campus each month using a printed check sheet. They then needed to manually input the gathered information into a filing system in the main office. Observations showed this system to be too time-consuming and inefficient to continue.

During the 2015-16 year, a digital system was implemented to allow student workers to scan QR codes on each fire extinguisher with an iPad, which then automatically uploads the information into the computer system. This significantly decreased the time needed to inspect the extinguishers each month and allowed student workers time to complete other necessary tasks. New student workers can also be trained faster and more efficiently to take over inspection duties.

This system also allows office employees to determine the number and approximate cost of extinguishers requiring 6-year maintenance and 12-year hydrostatic testing each year.

The inspection and maintenance of campus fire extinguishers is a vital component of the overall safety of university employees and property.

Dr. Karoline Pershell, of Zenti and Service Robotics & Technologies; Bobby Goode, of the USDA Rural Development for Tennessee; and David Murphy, of Murphy Funeral Home, will receive alumni awards during the University of Tennessee at Martin’s homecoming festivities Oct. 8.

Dr. Bob Smith, UT Martin interim chancellor, will present the awards during the Chancellor’s Brunch and Awards Program in the Paul Meek Library, slated to begin at 9:30 a.m., Oct. 8. The individual awards are as follows:

•Dr. Karoline Pershell, Outstanding Young Alumni Award, recognizing outstanding achievement in the recipient’s chosen profession (recipient must not be more than 40 years of age);

•Bobby Goode, Outstanding Alumni Award, recognizing an alum for outstanding achievement in his or her chosen profession;

•David Murphy, Chancellor’s Award for University Service, recognizing exemplary service to the university.

HONOREES – (l-r) David Murphy, owner of Murphy Funeral Home and Florist, Inc.; Dr. Karoline Pershell, director of research and strategy for Zenti and Service Robotics & Technologies; and Bobby Goode, state director for USDA Rural Development for Tennessee, will receive the 2016 UT Martin alumni awards.

UT Martin to present 2016 alumni awards

Pershell is director of research and strategy for technology startups Zenti, a machine- learning software company based in Silicon Valley, Calif., and Service Robotics & Technologies, a Virginia-based robotics software company.

Pershell graduated from UT Martin in 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. She holds both master’s and doctoral degrees in theoretical mathematics from Rice University in Houston, Texas.

After graduating, Pershell became an assistant professor of mathematics at UT Martin.Prior to her current position, Pershell was awarded a diplomacy fellowship through the American Association for the Advancement of Science, and later joined the Foreign Service Institute.

During this time, she co-wrote a policy to change the way diplomats receive training and helped establish a Center for the Study of the Conduct of Diplomacy.

Goode serves as state director for the USDA Rural Development for Tennessee

and has led efforts to invest in jobs, infrastructure, community development, homeownership and affordable rental housing across the state since his presidential appointment in 2009.

The Crockett County native graduated from UT Martin in 1979 with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture. Goode is also a graduate of Leadership Weakley County, the WestStar Regional Leadership Program, the Delta Regional Authority Leadership Institute and the Harvard Kennedy School: Leadership for the 21st Century.

Murphy, a third-generation funeral director, owns and operates Murphy Funeral Home and Florist, Inc., in Martin. After graduating from UT Martin in 1961 with a bachelor’s degree in education, Murphy remained involved with the campus and community.

He has served on numerous UT Martin athletic search committees and on the university’s national alumni association board of governors.

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First Generation Voices is an online project featuring the stories of students who are the first in their families to attend college.

If you have a first-generation student with a story to tell, please contact the Office of University Relations at 731-881-7612 or send his/her information to Erin Chesnut at echesnut@utm.edu.

wa ted: stude t stories for ‘first ge eratio voices

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Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Clint Ary

Dr. Clint Ary, assistant professor of animal science

A few years in veterinary practice will quickly teach you there is more to the job than what you learned from a textbook.

“We talk a lot about education, but experience is the real teacher,” said Dr. Clint Ary, assistant professor of animal science. “As a student, having hands-on learning opportunities (at UT Martin) makes you a little uncomfortable, but later on down the road you’ll thank

yourself for going somewhere that had that opportunity.”

Ary, a Greenfield native, graduated from UT Martin with a bachelor’s degree in agriculture and a major in animal science, and later received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in 2013.

After returning to Northwest Tennessee, Ary worked at a clinic where UT Martin veterinary health technology students volunteer and observe. Working closely with these students is what inspired Ary to teach. “Just seeing people when they learn something and get it, I think that’s pretty satisfying,” he said.

During his time in graduate school and private practice, Ary learned his job required several unexpected skills, including confidence, communication and salesmanship.

“Some people expect you to be an expert and, coming fresh out of school, you know a lot more than most people on this subject, but you have to learn confidence,” said Ary.

His goal is to provide students with realistic expectations about what they will encounter in their first jobs. “I would like them to learn things that are going to be useful and that they will take forward with them into their future opportunities,” he said.

When Ary is not in the classroom, he spends his time gardening, hunting and playing music. At a young age, Ary took advantage of opportunities he had to learn the new skills that are now his hobbies. Whether he was growing an okra patch in high school or learning basics of guitar in college, he never wasted a moment.

One of his unique interests is that he enjoys singing and even helps lead the singing at his church. He once had a composer tell him, “You’ve got a voice that would make a lot of people happy.”

One thing is for sure: Realistically preparing students for what to expect in their future careers will make a lot of people happy.

A DIFFERENT DRUM – The UT Martin Percussion Ensemble’s fall 2016 Roots of Rhythm Tour, Sept. 19-20, included five performances for more than 1,700 students and community members in western Kentucky and Tennessee. The program combines history, geography and music to illustrate the transformation of musical styles around the world. This year's tour stops included Southwest Calloway Elementary and East Calloway Elementary, in Kentucky; and Dyersburg State Community College, Halls Elementary and Trimble Elementary in Tennessee. The ensemble is directed by Drs. Julie Hill and Josh Smith, Department of Music.

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The Addenda is looking for contributors to a new bi-monthly column. October’s topic is:

Travel Stories or adviceSubmissions of approximately 400 words should be sent to Erin Chesnut at echesnut@utm.edu. The editor reserves the right to edit for space, grammar and AP style. Submissions will be chosen at the discretion of the University Relations staff and should not contain inflamatory content. Depending on interest and submission quality, this article will run on the second and fourth Monday of the month.

We wa t your voices!n

GOLDEN GRADUATES – Members of the University of Tennessee-Martin Branch class of 1966 returned to campus Sept. 24 to celebrate their golden class reunion. Attendees toured the UT Martin campus and watched the Skyhawks face Tennessee Tech from the new academic/press box building at Graham Stadium. UTMB officially became the University of Tennessee at Martin in 1967. Pictured in the Dunagan Alumni Center are (front row, l-r) Gail Sykes Blair, of Alcoa; Janet Dowdy Daugherty, of Fairview; Carol Warmbrod Avens, of Germantown; Sandra Carney, of Nashville; Ida Bonner Newman, of Lexington; Jerrie Conley, of Martin; Eileen Mitchell Lowery, of Williamsburg, Va.; Emily Pyron Martin, of Cornersville; (back row) Nancy Adams Jones, of Murray, Ky.; Jerry Carpenter, of Martin; Ronnie Armstrong, of Savannah; Paul Blount, of Savannah; Dr. Jim Byford, of Martin; Dr. David Pitts, of Martin; Sam Nailling, of Union City; and Clare Nell Chandler Breeden, of Decatur.

Oct. 3, 6:30-8 p.m.Set up your tables by 6 p.m.

to meet potential students and their families.

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•Oct. 3-4 – Golf at Skyhawk Fall Classic; Paris Landing State Park, Buchanan•Oct. 3 – Parent and Family Reception; Duncan Ballroom; 6:30 p.m.•Oct. 3 – Academic Speaker: Dr. John Geer; Campbell Auditorium, Andy Holt Humanities Building; 6:30 p.m.•Oct. 4-6 – SACSCOC committee visit•Oct. 4 – Volleyball vs. Southeast Missouri; Skyhawk Fieldhouse; 7 p.m.•Oct. 6 – Softball vs. Dyersburg State Community College; Bettye Giles Softball Field; 4 p.m.•Oct. 7-8 – University choirs’ dessert evening; Blankenship

CalendarRecital Hall; 7 p.m. nightly; admission•Oct. 7 – Midterm progress reports due•Oct. 7 – Don Quixote musical presentation; Blankenship Recital Hall; 2 p.m.•Oct. 8 – Homecoming festivities; see page 1 or visit utmforever.com for a complete schedule•Oct. 8 – Percussion ensemble drum circle; Quad City; 12:30 p.m.•Oct. 8 – Football vs. Austin Peay State University; Hardy M. Graham Stadium; 2 p.m.•Oct. 9 – Concert series: Brian Ray, visiting Russian pianist; Blankenship Recital Hall; 3 p.m.

Published weekly during the academic year and biweekly during the summer by UT Martin, Martin, TN 38238Dr. Joseph DiPietro – President, University of Tennessee System • Dr. Robert M. Smith – Interim Chancellor

Erin Chesnut – Addenda Editor UT Martin is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA/ADEA employer. E05-0425-00-001-16

addenda

UT Martin Q&A

•Question – How are the homecoming award winners selected each year?

•Answer – The university recognizes three accomplished alumni with the Outstanding Young Alumni Award, the Outstanding Alumni Award and the Chancellor’s Award for University Service each homecoming. Nominations are accepted throughout the year, and the homecoming awards committee begins the selection process each February. The committee pays close attention to nominees who are highly engaged in promoting higher education and UT Martin. Once a person is nominated, he or she remains on the active consideration list for 10 years.

Submit your questions to the Suggestion Box link at www.utm.edu.

You Tell Me

RETIREES HONORED – Retired UT Martin faculty and staff were honored during the annual Retired Faculty and Administrative Staff Dinner held Sept. 27 in the Duncan Ballroom. Recent and longtime retirees were hosted by the chancellor’s staff and college deans. The event included a university update from Dr. Bob Smith, interim chancellor. Pictured are recent retirees who received additional recognition: (front row, l-r) Dr. Sue Byrd, Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; Kristy Crawford, Office of Education Graduate Studies; Nancy Yarbrough, Division of Finance and Administration; (back row) Vachik Lazarian, Office of International Programs and International Admissions; and Dr. Jimmy Butler, Department of Agriculture, Geosciences and Natural Resources. Chancellor Smith is pictured with the group.