The All State

APSU’s art department received a phone call last spring from Jim Robertson, a resident of Dover, Tenn., that would change the way photography students learned.

During the phone call Robertson asked if APSU would like to inherit a private collection of original photography by photographers such as Bill Brandt and Bruce Barnbaum.

“I didn’t really know whether to take him seriously when he contacted me,” Bill Renkl, APSU art professor, said.

“I thought a smaller school would probably make better use of it, and maybe display it and use it better than a larger school with greater access and resources,” Robertson said.

He and his wife Nan, had been given the pieces by exhibited artists while they owned the Fifth Avenue Gallery of Photography in Scottsdale, Ariz. The photography pictured landscapes, architecture, interiors, figure studies, portraits and other abstract art.

“One of the featured artists is Andre Kertesz, who is internationally known for his work which was mostly made in Budapest as a young man in the early 1890s, then in Paris in the ’20s and ’30s and then in New York City after moving to the U.S. in the ’40s,” said independent curator and art critic, Susan Bryant.

“I don’t know any university in Tennessee that has an original Kertesz and Bill Brandt,” Bryant said. “For middle America, or the South, this is probably one of the best collections I’m aware of.”

The exhibit “Modern Light: Selections from the Jim and Nan Robertson Collection,” opened Monday, Oct. 5, at 7 p.m. with a gallery talk presented by both Bryant and Robertson. The exhibit will remain open through Wednesday, Oct. 28.

“After the exhibit is closed, the photographs will be used in the classroom,” Bryant said. “I will be able to pull certain photos from the flat files in the gallery storage room and take them to class (or bring the class to the gallery) so that the students can look at them closely to discuss print quality and to encourage a discussion about content.”

Gym class is often students’ favorite class of the day. It’s a chance to get out of the classroom and spend some time playing games like dodge ball and soccer with their friends.
However, most students who are home-schooled miss out on this experience. They lack the company of a classroom full of students, and their parents don’t exactly have a gymnasium in the back yard for their private to use.
However, APSU hosts a physical education class for home-school students ages four to 14 years old. The students of HHP 3210 (methods and materials for teaching elementary education), under the instruction of Marcy Maurer, currently teach this program, which has existed for over 10 years.
Maurer’s students are interested in teaching physical education at an elementary, middle or high school level Maurer said, “We want the Austin Peay students to be able to experience what it’s like to teach students activities and work on class management skills.”
The focus is skill-based learning, not recreational like soccer or basketball leagues that are offered in the community. While these programs focus on a single sport, and are often very competitive, the skill-based learning program focuses more on a wide range of activities and sports, as well as focusing more on camaraderie than competitiveness.
The program, hosted by APSU, is the only educational, or skill-based, program in the community, and “This has been a big success for the home-school students to be in a structured physical education class,” said Maurer. “The feedback has been very positive.”
In order to meet the needs of every student, those enrolled are divided up in to four groups by age. From there, the classes participate in many different basic-skill activities, such as throwing and catching, as well as playing soccer, basketball and volleyball.
Some of the activities are exclusively for certain age groups, such as the rhythmic activities with the younger age groups, while some of the activities are for all ages, such as soccer, throwing and catching.
Classes start on Oct. 7, and will continue for six weeks, ending on Monday, Nov. 9. Registration for the classes starts at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, in the Dunn Center, Room 282. The cost of the class is $10 per student and $5 per additional sibling.
– Erin Upshaw, Guest Writer

By Tangelia Cannon | Features Editor

In a library built in 1967 and renovated in 1986, it is expected there will be issues. Yet how deep are the issues and how can they be resolved? This is the question the library staff proposes to the students, staff and faculty of APSU.

During the LibQUAL+ Survey the library posted in the spring, students were asked about their likes and dislikes of the library and what improvements could be made.

The majority of the results addressed the library staff and service, the availablility of resources, technology and the building itself.

“Overwhelmingly, people commented that the building needs attention,” said Joe Weber, director of Library Services.

“People indicated that they want space for group and individual study, better noise control and a more consistent temperature. One person commented ‘The library is way too small for the ‘fastest-growing university in the state.’”

Although there are no current plans for a new building, Weber said, “We are doing the best we can to make the best use of this building.”

Some improvements that have already been put in place are the vending machines in the downstairs lobby, as well as the improved A-Z list of library periodicals.

The library also plans to add five new computers to the InfoCommons this fall, and hire a new staff person in order to extend the hours of operations on Saturdays.

In order to solve issues students have addressed, the library has decided to put together focus groups. These focus groups will be open to all APSU students, faculty and staff, and facilitated by non-librarian staff from across campus in order to ensure objectivity and open dialogue to find effective solutions.

“Focus groups will meet sometime in late October to early November to learn more detailed information about how the campus community feels about our Library’s services, programs, resources and space, and to see how we can best address these issues,” said Christina Chester-Fangman, assistant professor and instruction librarian.

To join the focus groups, visit the library homepage at www.library.apsu.edu.

“We want to hear what people have to say,” Weber said.

By Tangelia Cannon | Features Editor

Freshman Summer Berry is more than a first-year student who is worried about homework, tests and projects. She is the most recent recipient and the title winner of the Miss Black Clarksville Scholarship Pageant, and a future contender of the Miss Black Tennessee Pageant.

Berry, 18-year-old business management major, is originally from Flint, Mich. She moved to Clarksville when she was two years old, due to her stepfather’s job in the military, and decided to stick around for college.

“I was interested in APSU because I feel it could offer me many opportunities, tuition is not terrible and I am not really away from home,” Berry said.

“I never thought about doing any pageants prior to my ninth grade year until I was approached by the director of Miss Clarkville High School,” Berry said. “I was totally interested when I found how fun and exciting, but yet very expensive, it would be. I have always loved getting dressed up and wearing dresses and also singing. The talent part was another reason why I wanted to do it.”

Although Berry did not win the title, she did not give up. During her senior year of high school, she signed up for the Miss Black Clarksville Scholarship Pageant, due to the high school counselors urging her to do so.

“Miss Black Clarksville Scholarship Pageant was very uplifting. I realized the confidence that I didn’t know I had within myself,” Berry said.

“Meeting the different girls and developing great friendships was also a fun experience. I also loved the idea of Miss Black Clarksville because it was a way of showcasing not only beauty on the outside but the beauty on the inside that consisted of determination, intelligence and most of all, self-respect.”

After winning the title at age 18, Berry has had the opportunity to host and speak at events. She also presents her platform, One Less Fight: a cause to prevent domestic violence/abuse and volunteers around the community.

Although Berry jokes her friends and family have always seen the beauty queen in her, they support that, but they still treat her the same. However, she does note since The Leaf-Chronicle did the story over the pageant that pictured her, more people have recognized her.

Berry says she admires the children on “Toddlers and Tiaras” and their determination and excitement because it will help them in the future, she “disagrees with the parents’ aggression towards making winning a huge ordeal for the little ones. I feel competitiveness also consists of being knowledgeable of the possibility of losing or not getting the title they were hoping for.”

Berry will compete in the Miss Black Tennessee Pageant in October. “It feels really great to know I have great people with good intentions supporting me,” Berry said.

By Tangelia Cannon | Features Editor

In addition to the many opportunities the APSU’s Theater Department has for students interested in theater performance and design, with the assistance of Riley Braem, a senior theater peformance and design major, another avenue has been extended to students.

“I actually had the idea a couple of years ago,” Braem said. “I was disappointed that there wasn’t a lot of opportunities for theater for youth in our department and on campus.”

Braem, along with several other students, spoke with Leni Dyer, the coordinator for the department of theater and dance about the idea. “She encouraged me to continue with it, and T.O.Y.S. was born.”

Although T.O.Y.S., or Theater Organization for Youth by Students, is currently a small organization, the group has produced several plays, including “The Curious Disappearance of Ichabod Crane as told by the Townspeople of Sleepy Hollow,” “The Jungle Book” and “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.”

They are currently working on “Rumpelstiltskin,” which will be performed on Oct. 29 and 30.

“One of the goals of our organization is to provide hands-on experience in all areas of theater production,” Braem said.

“All of the directors, designers, actors, choreographers and technicians for all of our shows are students.”

With a large number of nontraditional students, T.O.Y.S. gives these students and their families a way to be involved on campus.

“It is filling in something that is needed in our campus community,” Braem said.

In addition to working on theater for youth, the group will participate in various other activities, including Mud Bowl, G.H.O.S.T. and Homecoming.

“We are hoping to start a monthly library reading program, hold fundraisers and we are working on traveling shows to Fort Campbell and possibly Hopkinsville,” Braem said.

“We are in the process of building a Web site, www.apsutoys.org, so that you can look us up.”

T.O.Y.S. is open to students with a cumulative GPA of a 2.5 who are interested in theater for youth.
For more information about how to become a member, you can attend one of the weekly meetings on Wednesday at 5 p.m. in Trahern, Room 236.

By Tangelia Cannon | Features Editor

Greg Rabidoux, assistant professor of political science, has been keeping busy during the past months. Not only has he published his first book, “Hollywood Politicos: Now and Then,” provided support to wife Mara, and son Valentin, but he also began his campaign for Tennessee’s 7th Congressional District in June.

A Connecticut native, Rabidoux worked a variety of jobs including clearing brush and trees, splitting and quartering firewood, and fixing fences before entering the world of politics. “My parents instilled in me a very strong sense of hard work and the value in getting a good education,” Rabidoux said, “I took both to heart.”

As a child Rabidoux worked with his grandfather, who was a small business owner and state representative. For years saw his grandmother fill the role as head of the Women’s Political Auxiliary and other political roles.

“Since a very young age, I saw being a public servant and trying to fight on behalf of the common good as a noble and just calling.”

“When my wife and I moved to Tennessee several years ago to both accept positions at APSU, we were quite aware of the politics and reputation of the current incumbent for District 7, Marsha Blackburn,” Rabidoux said.

“We never felt she was neither representative of nor an advocate for us, our friends, our community, or colleagues and the many Tennesseans we grew to know and care about.”

After being approached by several different people, who continued to ask Rabidoux to run for congress, he decided to run for office shortly after the 2008 election. Prior to this decision, Rabidoux had worked for a US member of Congress and the United Nations.

During the last few months Rabidoux has spent his time meeting with a variety of individuals including local, state and national leaders. Rabidoux also had the opportunity to meet and speak to former Vice President Al Gore and current Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen.

“A typical day not too long ago saw us in Nashville, at Fort Campbell, in Perry County and finishing up in the Memphis area,” said Rabidoux.

“It is a geographically large congressional district but I am energized by the opportunity to connect with so many people throughout the district that want caring, moderate, and informed representation which I bring to the table.”

Rabidoux has also taken the time to read several books, while on the road, which include “‘An American Lion’ (President Andrew Jackson), a book on lessons of life by Og Mandino, my personal Bible given to me many years ago by a friend, and for fun just about anything by John Grisham,” Rabidoux said.

In addition to taking some time to read, Rabidoux has had the time to catch some sports, and hopes to see “Vandy, the Vols and the Govs make some noise, and would love to see a strong Memphis Grizzly team for that area.”

Although Rabidoux has not detailed his plans for change, he said “these plans will reflect who I am, essentially someone who believes that the best days for our state of Tennessee are ahead of us and not behind us.”

As a congressman, he does not want to say “no” to everything, “but to roll up my sleeves and seek solutions to our common challenges like creating sustainable jobs, becoming a leader in alternative energy, improving our education’s quality and workforce readiness, and re-tooling our infrastructure to ensure we not only can compete but can be a leader in the 21st century.”

Rabidoux’s team is comprised of many student volunteers who fill the roles of campaign management, advising, fund-raising, event-planning, polling, volunteer coordination, communication and media, and technical services and research, as well as others. If you would like to learn more about Rabidoux’s Campaign For Congress visit www.rabidoux4congress.com.

Correction: In this week’s edition, a story about Greg Rabidoux’s campaign for U.S. Congress gave the title of his book incorrectly. His book is called “Hollywood Politicos, Then and Now.”