Tusculum celebrates the transition to university
More than 300 people attended a celebration barbecue on Thursday, June 28, on the Tusculum campus and shared in the excitement of the transformation to Tusculum University.
The event included an official sign unveiling, remarks from campus and community officials, as well as a community barbecue.
Rep. David Hawk, who attended Tusculum, read a proclamation from the state assembly congratulating Tusculum on the change to university. Greene County Mayor David Crum and Tusculum Mayor Alan Corley also provided words of congratulations.
Tusculum will transition from college to university status on July 1.
“The name will officially become Tusculum University in the 2018-2019 academic year,” said Dr. James Hurley, president of Tusculum. “The change will be primarily in regards to status, helping to distinguish Tusculum from the community college programs that have gained widespread attention through initiatives such as Tennessee Promise.”
The new entrance signs were unveiled by Dr. Hurley, his family and members of the Tusculum University Board of Trustees.
The change to university will allow for strategic structuring of the academic programs currently offered by Tusculum, said Dr. Hurley. This includes the creation of a new College of Health Sciences.
“The decision to transition to university will provide the right structure for new programs being developed, including a School of Optometry and a physician assistant program. This is an exciting new time at Tusculum. Our mission has always been to serve the educational needs of our region. These advances are significant steps in providing additional opportunities in Appalachia.”
The event was well-attended by trustees, alumni & friends as well as faculty and staff members. Additionally, the event is prominently featured in the Greeneville Sun newspaper: Tusculum University: New Name, New Look
Photos from the Tusculum University sign unveiling celebration on June 28, 2018. Also, find more photos from the Celebration on the Tusculum University Facebook page!
The new entrance signs were unveiled by Dr. Hurley, his family and members of the Tusculum University Board of Trustees.
Tusculum University President James Hurley with his wife Kindall and daughter Blayklee at the Celebration in front of Annie Hogan Byrd Fine Arts Building
President Hurley and Mark Williams, Secretary of the Board of Trustees unveil the new entrance sign near the Shiloh Road entrance.
Cupcakes at the TU Celebration event were a big hit with attendees.
More than 300 people attended the barbecue luncheon prior to the entrance sign unveiling and celebration.
Attendees, including Tusculum University faculty and staff, enjoy the barbecue lunch
The new Tusculum University entrance sign
Jill Salyers, vice president for institutional advancement, and Mark Williams, Secretary of the Board of Trustees unveil the sign near Shiloh Road.
Institutional Advancement staff members. (l-r) Michelle Arbogast, Nicole Rader, Jill Salyers, Kim Kidwell and Suzanne Richey
Members of the Office of Institutional Advancement with Patrick Eramo ’55 in front of the new Tusculum University sign.
President Hurley with Patrick Eramo ’55