Vol. 1 (2011)

As Middle Tennessee State University celebrates its first 100 years, it is truly an exciting time to be here as a student.  From humble beginnings, MTSU has grown into one of the largest and most important academic institutions in the state and region.

Because of this, we are excited to publish the inaugural issue of Scientia et Humanitas: A Journal of Student Research. It serves to highlight some of the wide spectrum of demanding research and scholarship being conducted by students here.

As managing editor, I have seen the journal grow over the last year from little more than a name and a good idea into the publication you see here. This would not have been possible without the hard work and persistence of the entire staff. Not only have they done exceptional jobs as editors and reviewers, often on very short notice, but they have been tireless advocates and spokespeople for our publication. In short, their hard work has enabled us to make Scientia et Humanitas a reality, and it would not be so without each one of them. Thank you for your dedication, for your patience, and for your belief in me and in the journal itself.   A special thanks to Production Editor Lindsay Gates; the task, quite frankly, seemed impossible, and would have been, if not for the many hours of hard work you put in.

I would also like to thank Dean Vile for his support, his guidance, and for taking a leap of faith that we could bring this publication to fruition. And last but most certainly not least, Marsha Powers, whose relentless patience, optimism, and unshakeable belief in Scientia et Humanitas are at the foundation of its success. I could not have learned to do this job without you.

And so, in the centennial year of Middle Tennessee State University, we present Scientia et Humanitas: A Journal of Student Research. It is my hope that, in the university's next century, the journal will grow to become a showcase of MTSU academics, of the diversity and scholarship of students here, and an ambassador of the university itself.

Matthew Bennett Managing Editor