On September 2, Joe Henican, a current MBA student at Loyola University in New Orleans, enrolled in several courses at Tech in order to continue his graduate studies. Joe had purchased the last seat on a Sunday, August 28, Southwest flight from New Orleans to Nashville as he fled the coming of hurricane Katrina. He is currently staying with his girlfriend, Melanie Long, and her family in Carthage, having escaped with only five changes of clothes.

When MBA Director Bob Wood and Dean Niebuhr requested permission from Provost Marvin Barker and President Bob Bell to admit Joe as a student, both responded quickly with, “Admit him, and we’ll work out the details later!”

Beginning this year, undergraduate students are being offered a four-year professional development and training program to assist them in the transformation process from business student to business professional.

This non-credit personal development program includes the nation's first university version of Zig Ziglar's "Polished Performer" training. The program also provides a free Business Week subscription to all seniors thanks to a generous gift from one of our alumni.

Charlie Hawkins, alumnus from Signal Mountain, has provided numerous “Golden Eagles” to people both on campus and to Tech graduates. Charlie recently donated a newly carved eagle for placement in Johnson Hall 208, a classroom renovated with funds he provided through a generous gift. The classroom was upgraded with carpeting, new ceiling and walls, and all new furnishings, including individual student electrical power and Internet connection capability. To date, five rooms in Johnson Hall have been renovated and gifts or pledges have already been received for six additional rooms.

Nineteen students and three faculty members participated in the College of Business' first "Study Abroad" class during last winter break. The students spent two weeks learning about the people, culture, and economy of Brazil.

Tennessee Tech University’s Student Government Association officers for the 2005-’06 academic year include, from left, Rachel Burks of Cookeville, Amy Campbell of Dickson and Craft Hayes of Hendersonville. Not pictured is Alathea Thompson of Wautaga, Texas. Hayes, a senior business major, will serve as president; Campbell, a senior psychology major, will serve as vice president; Burks, a sophomore business major, will serve as secretary; and Thompson, a senior finance major, will serve as treasurer.