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Volume 105 | Issue 3
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February 1, 2022
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Phil Oldham Dropped from Faculty Lawsuit MEGAN REAGAN
Guest Contributor
President Phil Oldham has been dismissed as a defendant – in his official capacity – from a lawsuit filed by university faculty members. Andrew Smith, an English instructor, and Dr. Julia Gruber, an associate professor of German, filed suit last fall after allegedly suffering “adverse action intended to chill their speech … that is protected under the First Amendment” and were denied procedural due process. Actions taken against Smith and Gruber came as a result of fliers, allegedly made by Smith, of Andrew Donadio, an assistant professor of nursing and Putnam County commissioner. Sanctions identified in the opinion include not being allowed to participate in study abroad activities, including faculty-led field trips with students; not being eligible for non-instructional assignments; revocation of a grant awarded to Gruber; requiring meetings to discuss classroom behavior; undergoing observation in the classroom; and threat of termination. Smith and Gruber also allege they were denied a $1,000 bonus due to the sanctions, which was decided by Oldham, and that they are also now ineligible for two years of salary increases. Judge Waverly D. Crenshaw, however, stated in his opinion that “a claim for the retroactive payment of a one-time $1,000 bonus that was not awarded for a prior year’s service is simply not a claim for prospective injunctive relief of which the money would be ancillary.”
President Phil Oldham has been dismissed from the lawsuit in his official capacity and may also be dismissed as an individual. Photo provided by Office of Communications and Marketing.
“Rather, it is a request for relief that would serve to compensate the plaintiff for a past injury and is barred by the 11th Amendment,” the opinion said. “Rather, it is a request for relief that would serve to compensate the plaintiff for a past injury and is barred by the Eleventh Amendment,” the opinion said. According to the judge’s opinion, Oldham may be subject to dismissal as well in his individual capacity because “an individual is only liable for his or her own misconduct.” While Oldham has been dismissed from the suit, claims brought against Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Lori Bruce will remain. Crenshaw said, “The ‘thrust’ of the plain-
tiffs’ real claim against Bruce is to right the alleged wrongs and those include non-monetary damages, according to the opinion. The court cannot dismiss the official capacity claim against her.” Bruce is the one who imposed the sanctions that include non-monetary punishment, the opinion said. She allegedly did so in violation of Plaintiffs’ free speech right and without due process. A chief U.S. District Court judge issued his opinion and order in the matter Wednesday after motions were filed last month requesting partial dismissal for all defendants involved. A trial date in this matter has been tentatively set for Feb. 21, 2023.
COVID-19’s Impact Continues to be Felt by Students MADELYN HUDDLESTON
Reporter
Dr. Edward Driggers wears two masks around Henderson Hall as the number of COVID cases on campus decreases slightly from 234 to 199. Photo by Luke Hayslette.
Students on Tech’s campus are feeling the effects of Omicron, the newest variant of the coronavirus. There has been a large, sudden increase of positive cases since the beginning of the semester, according to Tech’s COVID-19 dashboard. Currently, the total number of active cases is 199 cases as of Jan. 31. In response to the overwhelming surge, the Tech Health Department is now allowing students
to self-report a positive case, versus having to show proof of a positive diagnosis. Faculty and professors have also been affected by the new variant, as currently active cases have reached the double digits for the first time since the beginning of the school year. Unfortunately, Health Services are not able to conduct testing appointments for a minimum of two days after scheduling, making it harder for students to get back into the classroom as soon as possible. see COVID-19 pg. 3
Flooding in Henderson Hall Forces Faculty to Relocate SETH JONES
Reporter
Days before the spring semester at Tech, a rainstorm hit Cookeville and caused increased flooding. Henderson Hall began to see leakages. In the basement, multiple offices and classrooms were damaged. The flood is said to have been caused by a combination of a pipe burst and the heavy rainstorm. No person was injured during the flooding. Samuel Masters, director of building maintenance, shared that it happened over multiple days.
“It’s been doing this for months [and] maybe an even longer period than that, so it has progressively gotten worse,” Masters said. Masters and his crew continue searching for the source, but they believe it could take another rainstorm to find it. All carpet had to be torn out of the offices to relieve the building of the water. It revealed the pile-up of mold in the floors. Along with the mold, there was damaged equipment. Almost all personal items had to be thrown out or recovered from the water damage.
Practice, Even the Improv Troupe Needs It The Backdoor Improv Troupe begins rehearsing for their spring semester season. Page 2
see Flooding pg. 2
Dr. Colleen Mestayer cleans up her office after flooding in Henderson Hall. She had to relocate due to the damage. Photo by Seth Jones.
Community service events held for MLK Jr. Day
Tech Women’s Basketball Number One in OVC
The Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Commission on the Status of Blacks held community service events.
Tech is now number one in the OVC for women’s basketball after a win against Austin Peay 59-56 on Jan. 29.
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February 1, 2022
Practice, Even the Improv Troupe Needs It AUDREY WILKINS Reporter
In the hopes of bringing laughter, the Backdoor Improv Troupe is rehearsing for their spring semester season in the Jere Whitson Building every Friday from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The Backdoor Improv Troupe was established in November 2020 by its current president Briley Barnett, a junior communications major at Tech. Barnett has been doing improv since she was nine. “I was lucky enough to study under a handful of different improv instructors in high school and I had attempted to start a troupe my senior year; so, when I got to Tech and saw they had no improv established on campus, I decided I would have to make it happen,” Barnett said. Even though the spring semester season is just beginning for the troupe, Barnett has high hopes about the rehearsals and shows to come. “We have only met once for the spring 2022 semester, but we have some strong return-
ing members,” Barnett said. “I would love to see a few more join and get involved, but we are just glad to be back at all.” Barnett hopes that this season, and all others to follow, will let members as well as audiences have a good time. “I hope that our members get a sense of community, as well as just allow themselves an outlet to be creative and silly,” Barnett said. “In the high stress environment that can be college academia, I think it is important to also make time to destress and have fun.” As of now, it appears that Barnett’s goals are being fulfilled. Wyatt Broome, a student at Tech, has been to several of the Backdoor Improv Troupe’s performances. He thinks the Backdoor Improv Troupe can make people laugh in all sorts of ways. Broome said, “The vastly different perspectives and humor that each troupe member brings to the show draws me into the performances. Through the characters and impersonations of the members, you get a feel-
ing of their personalities. Being in a pandemic, the shows offer a very personal experience of laughter that you’ve missed over the last few years.” Broome also believes the diversity of the troupe extends beyond their shows and into the campus community. “As a small community, it is crucial to uplift local talent and introduce a new artform to peo-
ple that have never experienced it. From creating new audience members to new troupe members, the Backdoor Troupe is critical in diversifying the arts on our campus,” Broome said. The Backdoor Improv Troupe blends community, diversity and fun together for audiences and members alike. With these qualities, the troupe is sure to have a spring season to remember.
Andrew Bynum Mechinical Engineer Senior
Joshua Hillis Computer Science Freshman
Student on the Street
“I think it is a shame to see that much green space be changed, but I think developing the school is good.”
Gloria Uduehi Psychology Freshman
Luke Hayslette Reporter
“How do you feel about Tech putting an engineering building on Sherlock Park?”
Ethan Schlegel, Samuel Loyd, Kat Sexton and Daniel Reagan of the Backdoor Improv Troupe perform an exercise at their rehearsal on Jan. 21. Exercises like these help improve the troupe’s improv skills so they are prepared for their performances. Photo by Audrey Wilkins.
Taylor Knox Computer Science Freshman
“I feel bad at first because that’s really an open space where people can just go and have fun. On the other side of it, I feel kinda glad because it’s a space where engineering can go.”
“With the plan of Tech trying to expand and have more students come in, I think that parking should be more of a priority than the engineering building.”
“I grew up playing there as a kid. Just recently before they broke ground we would go there every week to play soccer. I mean I get, it you gotta build stuff. I’m just kinda sad to see it go.”
Flooding continued from page 1 Dr. Colleen Mestayer, professor of communication studies, had an office downstairs in Henderson Hall that was heavily impacted by the flooding. “I was concerned when I came in. I met with a custodian, and she had taken a whole bunch of pictures ... It was bad,” Mestayer said.
Along with the offices and classrooms, the Information Technology equipment downstairs was damaged. Masters spoke on the expectations for Henderson Hall going forward. “Once you put what you think are the correct measures in place, you have to get addition-
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al rains to, if you will, field test your hypothesis. That will take a period of time,” Masters said. He believes that the best way to find the source of the problem is to wait until another few rainstorms come through. All professors and Tech workers in the basement of Henderson had to either relocate
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or change their office hours to Zoom meetings to continue their work. It is unclear how long it will take to finish repairing the basement. “Before we know for sure, it will have to rain four or five times to make 100% [sure] it is not continuing to be an issue.”
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February 1, 2022
Community Service Events Held for MLK Jr. Day
Community service events included organizing and restocking Tech’s food pantry, and donating books to the Cookeville Head Start program. Photo by Bethany Goodman.
SAM VESELY
Co-managing Editor In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Commission on the Status of Blacks (CSB) held two community service events on Jan. 21 and 28. “A lot of the events that we are doing focus on MLK’s philosophy of service and looking at how do we help people be suc-
cessful and to grow, and pretty much looking at what he called ‘the beloved community’,” Director of Multicultural Affairs Charria Campbell said. Campbell explained that while Martin Luther King Jr. Day is only one day, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and CSB want to create a week of service allowing students, faculty and staff a greater opportunity to give back to the community and live out
King’s philosophy of service. The first community service event, which was held on Friday, Jan. 21, benefitted Tech’s food pantry. Established in 2012, the food pantry serves students, faculty and staff facing food insecurity. The service focused on assessing, organizing and restocking the inventory of the pantry. Campus members signed up to assist in organizing the pantry or help shop for needed food items. Last year, the Office of Multicultural Affairs and CSB were able to sort through and donate hundreds of books to all Upper Cumberland Region Head Start programs. On Friday, Jan. 28, they donated books to the Cookeville Head Start program. These programs are a federal service that promote school readiness for children of low-income families. “Dr King’s initial goal was to push for equality for black people who were not receiving, or not being extended to, their full rights of citizenship, and this was in a number of different areas,” Arthur Banton, assistant history professor at Tech and CSB chairperson, said.
“Over time, as he mentioned in his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech in 1963, this included other ethnic minorities, such as Chicanos – using the term of the day – Jews, and even working-class whites.” Banton explained that current and future generations can help carry out King’s legacy by not only serving their own communities, but also others that might be in need. Volunteering, caring for neighbors, and addressing civic and social issues are some of the ways that Banton believes King’s legacy can be continued. Fifty-four years after King’s death, Campbell believes his philosophy of serving others and caring for the beloved community continues to live on. She hopes that these service opportunities act as a reminder to students of the importance of being a servant to those around you. “It’s always important that we remember to give back. None of us can get to where we are, or where we’re going, without the help of somebody,” Campbell said.
Tech Players Present Spring Production of “The Wolves” CASSANDRA PRATT
Copy Editor
The Tech Players will debut their production of “The Wolves” on Feb. 3 at the Backdoor Playhouse. Directed by Joe Clark, “The Wolves” features an all-female cast and follows the lives of a soccer team as they prepare for their matches. The characters, who are all referred to by their team numbers, are the main focus for the play. According to artistic director Mark Creter, “[The premise] is the conversation that happens when these team players are warming up for a game. It’s very human. It’s about their concerns and all of the things that are going on in the lives of the women in this soccer team.” The production introduces controversial and relevant topics such as racism, genocide, and the border. “Through their conversation, you sort of learn more about them as the play goes on. You learn about their own traumas and their own issues and complications they deal with … The show is not really about soc-
cer, it is about them,” Clark said. For the actresses, the conversations are reminiscent of those they had in high school. “I think that because the show is so real and human it can be a little uncomfortable, and I think I like that,” said Harley Dodson, who portrays #11. “I want you to feel a little squirmy about it.” There are moments where something [the characters] say might make you cringe, or something they went through is something you could go through or have been through,” Alanah Smithson, who plays #7, said. “You can’t escape these real people and this real-life thing that is going on. I think it’s really cool that you are just immersed in their world.” Compared to other shows Clark has directed, he believes the actresses were given more freedom to be involved and come up with ideas. “They know their characters really well, and so I want them to be able to feel like they can make this show their own,” Clark said. “I can guide them, but they can really do the steering.” Smithson said that although
The cast of Tech’s production of “The Wolves” are to begin performing Feb. 3. Photo provided by Mark Creter.
it can be difficult to notice the chemistry between the individual actors in some plays, it wouldn’t be an issue for this production. “We all get along super well. I can’t think of a better cast to have for this show,” Smithson said. The cast is comprised of Kennedy Campbell (#00), Elise Hilpert (#2), Alanah Smithson (#7), Lex Edwards (#8), Harley Dodson (#11), Miranda Davis
(#13), Lilly Cunningham (#14), Emily Graham (#25), Ashley Hale (#46) and Emily Amonett (Soccer Mom). Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for senior citizens and $5 for all students. Performances will run from Feb. 3 to Feb. 12 at varying dates and times. For more information about the production, visit tntech.edu/bdph/index.php.
a 10-day quarantining period. The current crisis continues to affect students personally. Daniel Frost, a junior business major, said, “I’ve had so many classes canceled so far this semester because my professors have come down with COVID. In one day, I’ve had four classes canceled. While it would not be first choice, I’m starting to wonder if it would be best to close the campus for a week or two to slow down the spread.” Amelia Greer, a senior communications major, shared her frustration by saying, “My roommates and I had symptoms starting on Wednesday, so we called Health Services to make a test appointment, but they said they would not be able to see us until Friday. It made us realize how overwhelmed with cases
Tech must be right now.” Bailey Ricketts, a junior education major, said, “It’s a shame to see people not wearing masks on campus anymore, especially seeing as there has been such a storm of cases in the past week. I haven’t caught the virus yet, but I have seen many of my friends struggle to find anywhere to get tested in the Cookeville area. I wish students would be more conscientious about how not wearing masks is affecting our campus.” As Omicron runs rampant at Tech, the school is advocating for students, professors and staff to follow the rules set by the CDC. If you feel that you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, Health Services says to self-report and schedule a test appointment.
COVID-19 continued from page 1
Students are encouraged to get vaccinated, wear masks and frequently wash their hands. Photo by Sarah Aku.
Omicron is not only affecting students and Tech staff, but also those who live in Cookeville. An alternative for students who wish to be tested sooner would be clinics and pharmacies, but these establishments are also
feeling the pressure of Omicron and can no longer perform same day testing. Tech is continuing to urge students to stay home and schedule a COVID test with Health Services if they have any symptoms and are encouraging
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February 1, 2022
Sports
Austin Peay Defeats Tech in Close Game AVERY NETTLES Sports Editor
Keishawn Davidson and Amadou Sylla execute strong defense skills against SIUE at the Hooper Eblen Center on Jan. 20. Tech defeats SIUE 94 to 76. Photo by Sarah Aku.
Austin Peay defeated Tech 5855 on Jan. 29. The leaders of the game for Tech were for points. Jr.Clay, Tech’s guard, scored 18 points and had a 50% field goal and a 87.5% free-throw. With rebounds, John Pettway, Tech’s guard, had five rebounds. Four of the rebounds were defensive and one was offensive. Keishawn Davidson, Tech’s guard, had four assists and zero turnovers in 33 minutes of playing. Elijah Hutchin-Evertt, APSU’s center, had 18 points, 70% field goals and 80% free throws. Hutchin-Evertt also had eight rebounds, with four being defensive and the other four being offensive. Alec Woodard, APSU’s center, had six assists and three turnovers in 33 minutes of playing. Tech’s field goal percentage was 40.4 while APSU’s was 45.3. The three-point percentage of Tech was 31.6. APSU’s was 26.3. Tech had 13 turnovers and 29 rebounds while APSU had 18 turnovers and 37 rebounds.
Since December, Tech’s men’s basketball team has played 15 games; six games were at home and nine were on the road.Over winter break, Tech went 3- 10. Tech played Evansville, a Missouri Valley Conference team, on Dec. 4. The final score was 59-51, which resulted in a loss for Tech. On Dec. 8, Tech played Western Carolina, a Southern Conference team. In another loss for Tech, the game went into overtime and the final score was 74-69. On Dec. 11, Tech played Troy, a Sun Belt Conference team. The final score was 75-72. While it was a close game, it was still a loss for Tech. The game on Dec. 16 against Kentucky Christian was canceled due to Covid-19. After a five-game losing streak, Tech defeated Montreat College, an Appalachian Athletic Conference team on Dec. 16. The final score was 117-60. However, the winning streak did not last long because on Dec. 18, Tech lost to Wright State, a Horizon conference team. The final score was 72-63.
Tech Women’s Basketball Number One in OVC After Win AVERY NETTLES Sports Editor
Jada Guinn (24) moves the ball around her opponent in the Ohio Valley Conference women’s basketball game at the Hooper Eblen Center on Jan. 20. Tech defeats SIUE 75 to 60, carrying on their winning streak. Photo by Ronald Metz.
Tech is now number one in the OVC for women’s basketball after a win against Austin Peay (APSU) 59-56 on Jan. 29. Anna Jones, Tech’s point guard, was the game leader for Tech with 16 points scored, a 30% field goal percentage and a 44% free throw. Jones was also the leader in rebounds and assists for Tech with nine rebounds, three defensive rebounds and six offensive rebounds. She also had four assists, with seven turnovers in 35 minutes of playing time. APSU’s leaders were Lyric Cole, APSU’s forward, with 13 points, 80% field goal and 20% free-throw. Cole
was also the leader in rebounds with nine rebounds. Five rebounds were defensive and four were offensive. APSU’s assist leader was Ella Sawyer with four assists and four turnovers in 36 minutes. Tech’s field goal percentage was 36.2 while Austin Peay’s was 41.5. For threepoint,Tech was 35 while APSU’s was 25. Tech had 11 turnovers and 31 rebounds while APSU had 17 turnovers and 39 rebounds. Since December, Tech’s women’s basketball team has played 14 games. Seven were at home while the other seven were on the road.Tech won 10-3. Tech lost against Tennessee 76-48 on Dec. 1. On Dec. 5, Tech defeated
Western Kentucky 76-72. In another win for Tech, Tech played Western Carolina on Dec. 9. The final score was 67-50. The winning streak continued in the game against Tennessee Wesleyan on Dec. 16. The final score was 8434. On Dec. 30, Tech went head-to-head against Tennessee State for their first OVC game. The final score was 96-93, resulting in Tech’s first loss in three games and first loss against an OVC opponent. For their first OVC win of the season, Tech played Murray State on Jan. 1. The final score was 65-62. Tech will be on the road against Morehead State Feb. 3 at 4 p.m.
DeKalb County Standout Issac Knowles Commits to Tech
Isaac Knowles (6) dives for a touchdown for the DeKalb County Tigers in 2021. Knowles committed to Tech in January. Photo provided by Braden Wall.
BRADEN WALL Contributing Writer
DeKalb County High School’s Isaac Knowles committed to play football at Tennessee Tech University Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022. “Honestly, [committing] is a burden lifted off my shoulders knowing I’ve finally found a home and place to further my
athletic career,” Knowles said. “Tech felt like home when I visited. I’m super excited to further chase my dreams.” The DeKalb County Tigers finished the 2021 season with a 7-5 overall record and 3-2 in Region 4-4A play. The Tigers fell 40-14 in the second round of the Class 4A State Playoffs to Upperman High School. “He’s definitely an all-around
threat,” DeKalb County’s head coach Steve Trapp said. “He was crucial in what we were able to accomplish not only this year but in the past couple of years.” Tennessee Tech’s football team holds two other graduates from DCHS in Isaac Cross and Evan Jones. The Golden Eagles finished the 2021 season 3-8 overall and 1-5 in the Ohio Valley Conference. “He has that blue-collar work ethic where you just roll your sleeves up and get the job done,” Trapp said. “I think he has the capability, the skill set and the work ethic to be somebody that they can rely on. Hopefully that will be sooner rather than later.” Knowles tallied 154 receptions in his high-school career for 2,308 yards and 15 touchdowns. On the ground, he had 109 rushes for 893 yards and 15 touchdowns. He functioned as the Tigers’ main returner, catching 109 kicks for 1388 yards and two touchdowns. Knowles capped out at 4,744 total yards.
“I’m extremely ready to sign and get to work with the amazing coaching staff at TTU and can’t wait till my first day on campus,” Knowles said. “ He received selections to the 4A All-State team in 2020 and ‘21. He is a 4-time All-Region, first team selection. In 2019 and ‘20, Knowles was named as his team’s Most Outstanding Defensive Back. He was the Tigers’ Most Valuable Player in 2018. In 2021, he was named as his region’s Offensive MVP and as the DTC Communications Player of the Year. Knowles caught 74 passes in the 2021 season. DCHS’ record for receptions is 76. “There’s a process to everything,” Trapp said. “He understands the jump of talent that will be around him and the level of work that he has to put in. I’d love to see him go down there and get some playing time right off the bat. Ultimately, that’s something he has to earn and deserve.”