Middle Tennessee State University has partnered with Rutherford County High Schools to give students a head start and pave the way to higher education.
Fast Lane Initiative
La Vergne High School produced a group of 29 seniors who graduated with an Associate’s degree through the Early College @ Motlow dual enrollment program. A celebration was held recently to congratulate the students.
Seventeen of the students are committed to attending MTSU, according to officials. Students will benefit from the university’s “Fast Lane” initiative, a program developed to provide focused, intentional counseling and guidance to those wishing to complete a four-year degree at MTSU.
“They’ve set goals, and if we help them achieve those goals, I’m thrilled,” said Hope Bakari, vice-principal of La Vergne High and director of Early College.
MTSU representative Andrew Oppmann, vice president of marketing and communications, congratulated the students.
“You’ll come to MTSU ready to do great things, and a great education already behind you with our partner, Motlow State Community College, our No. 1 transfer partner,” said Oppmann, who handed out MTSU gifts to students.
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Academy of Humanities
The first semester of the Siegel Humanities Academy ended last month with a celebration of scholarship and the partnership between Siegel High and MTSU.
“It gives high school students the opportunity to prepare for college and a career…so they can be successful in their next step in life,” said Leah Lyons, dean of the MTSU College of Liberal Arts.
Lucy Langworthy, assistant to the dean and a pivotal force in establishing the academy, told students they will get the help they need. “We have MTSU people here supporting you guys,” Langworthy said.
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Siegel HighPrincipal Larry Creasy is pleased with the partnership and said it paves the way for career choices in the humanities.
All students entering the academy are required to earn three elective credits in the humanities/fine arts and attend three academy lectures per year on topics such as career opportunities, interview techniques, and education. work etiquette.
Enrollees in the Academy are allowed to choose from four tracks: Fine Arts, Humanities, Fine Arts with Honors, or Humanities with Honors. They must also complete the following:
- Twelve or more credits from Honors, Advanced Honors, Dual Enrollment, and/or Advanced Placement courses.
- Speech lessons, either in double registration or at high school.
- Successful project.
- Participation in at least one school-sponsored campus club each year.
- Twenty hours of community service per year.
- One job shadowing experience per year from grades 10 to 12.
Byrnes said he hopes the program will become a model for other high schools to follow.
“We seek special relationships with each high school here in Rutherford County,” Byrnes said.
Contact reporter Nancy DeGennaro at degennaro@dnj.com.