Rutherford County in Higher Learning for Paving Pathways
Middle Tennessee State University has partnered with Rutherford County high schools to give students a head start and a pathway to learning more.
Fast Lane initiative
La Vergne High School produced a group of 29 seniors who earned an associate’s degree through the Early College @ Motlow dual enrollment program. A celebration was held recently to congratulate the students.
According to MTSU, the students of Seventeen are attending. The students will benefit from the university’s “Fast Lane” initiative, a program developed to give focused and purposeful advising and orientation to those who wish to complete a four-year degree at MTSU.
“They have set goals for themselves and if they are achieving those goals, I’m excited for them,” said Hope Bakari, assistant principal at La Vergne High and director of the early college.
Representing MTSU, Andrew Oppmann, vice president of marketing and communications, students congratulated.
“You will enter MTSU poised to do great things, and a great education already behind you with our partner, Motlow State Community College, 1 transfer partner, ”said Oppmann, who handed out MTSU swag to students.
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Humanities Academy
The Siegel High and MTSU between the Siegel Humanities Academy concluded last month with a celebration of scholarship and partnership.
“It gives high school students the opportunity to prepare for college and career … so that 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 the academy’s creation, told students they will need assistance. “We’ve got MTSU people here that are supporting you guys,” Langworthy said.
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Siegel HighPrincipal Larry Creasy is pleased with the partnership and said it opens up career choices for avenues.
All students who enter the academy are required to complete three humanities / fine arts elective credits and attend three academic topics such as career opportunities, interview skills and work etiquette.
Academy enrollees are allowed to choose from four pathways: fine arts, humanities, fine arts with an endorsement or humanities with an endorsement. They must also complete the following:
- Twelve or more credits from honors, advanced honors, dual enrollment and / or advanced placement classes.
- Speech class, either dual enrollment or high school.
- Culminating project.
- At least one academic school-sponsored club at Involvement.
- Twenty hours of community service per year.
- 10th through 12th grades in one job-shadowing experience.
Byrnes said he hopes the program will become a model for other high schools to follow.
“We are looking for special relationships with every high school here in Rutherford County,” Byrnes said.
Reach reporter Nancy DeGennaro at [email protected].