"Organizational Change for Better or Worse"

As an organizational leadership major, I found this article in The Gazette pretty interesting. Despite the prevalence of organizational changes, we often overlook the work behind the scenes by leaders to ensure smooth transitions. This article discusses how to successfully involve staff in organizational changes. This information is applicable to global brands, small businesses, and nonprofits alike.

A Conflicted Past: "Mississippi Burning" through the Conflict Perspective

In a Sociology course I took this semester, we were asked to use a sociological perspective to explore a film. I used the conflict perspective to analyze "Mississippi Burning," which is based on the 1964 real-life murder of three Civil Rights activists and the subsequent investigation by FBI agents to uncover the truth. I created a Digitized Text of my essay, which provides a more visual experience for readers. I encourage you to read it and learn more about the upsetting realities during the Civil Rights movement.

"Rewinding History, Bush Museum Lets You Decide"

A recent New York Times article by Peter Baker discusses a new museum that has opened in honor of former President George W. Bush. The major theme of this museum is the array of struggles that Presidential leaders face in making decisions. However, the magnitude of the decisions the former President faced are not your everyday managerial issues. As the article puts it: "Invade Iraq or leave Saddam Hussein in power? Deploy federal troops after Hurricane Katrina or rely on local forces? Bail out Wall Street or let the banks fail?" At this interactive museum, guests are faced with hypothetical exercises such as these and asked how they would respond. As someone very interested in politics (and not the biggest admirer of the the former President), I would really enjoy visiting this museum and facing these dilemmas myself (hypothetically, of course). You can learn more about this interactive museum model here.

Photo courtesy of www.whitehouse.gov

Matthew Amelung's Professional Resume

Matthew E. Amelung

mea3w@mtmail.mtsu.edu

                                                                                  

PROFILE AND SKILLS

·         11+ years’ experience in the commercial/residential landscaping field

·         Independent worker and leader

·         High foreign language proficiency (fluent in Spanish, French, and Italian) 

·         High physical endurance

·         Proven work ethic

·         Creative, solutions-oriented team member

·         Strong verbal and written communication skills

·         Determined self-learner

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Cheekwood Botanical Garden & Museum of Art     Gardener                                                 June ‘12 – Present

Maintain Japanese and Color Gardens, including planting, pruning, mowing, and hardscaping

 Support installation of outdoor art throughout gardens

Nashville Pet Products Center, LLC                         Sales Associate                                      Aug. ’11 – Present

 Provide exceptional customer service experience

Possess extensive knowledge of all products, tailoring recommendations to customer and pet needs

Outdoor Creative Design & Landscape, LLC                      Landscaper                               March ’10 – July ‘11

Managed and facilitated turf maintenance program, including mowing, chemical application, aeration, and over-seeding

 Experience in all facets of landscaping, including yard cleanups, bed preparation, mulching, plant identification, correct pruning techniques, hardscaping (retaining walls, drainage issues, rockscapes, etc.)

 Frequent interactions with clients, including answering questions, explaining projects and future maintenance requirements, and tailoring jobs to meet clients’ needs

The U                                      Delivery Driver/Prep Cook                                                         Feb. ’10 – March ‘10

 Prepped produce, meats, cheeses, and breads

 Cleanup duties, including dishwashing, trash removal, and bussing tables

Thumbs Up Telemarketing                 Customer Service Representative                                Sep. ’09 – Dec. ‘09

Performed cold calls for Citi Mortgage bi-weekly payment plan program and Lutheran Family and Children Services Collection Drive

University Gardens, LLC                  Landscaper/Crew Chief                                                    June ’02 – Aug. ‘09

Managed 6-person crews on job sites

Managed and facilitated turf program, including mowing, chemical application, aeration, and over-seeding

EDUCATION

Middle Tennessee State University – Murfreesboro, TN                                                            2012 – Present

International Organizational Leadership

Forest Park Community College – St. Louis, MO                                                                          2010 – 2011

General Studies, International Option

University City Senior High School – University City, MO                                                           2000 – 2004

ACADEMIC HONORS

             

• Forest Park Community College Dean’s List (Fall 2010, Spring 2011)
• Valedictorian – University City Senior High School (2004)

Biography of Matthew Amelung

Charlie (left) and Frankie (right) are the two rambunctious dogs.

A native of Saint Louis, Missouri, Matthew Amelung currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee. He is pursuing his BA in Professional Studies with a concentration in International Organizational Leadership from Middle Tennessee State University. Concurrently, he works full-time as a Gardener at Cheekwood Botanical Garden and Museum of Art. There, he maintains the Japanese and Color Gardens. His professional interests include horticulture and nonprofit management. Matthew recently married his wife Sarah in January 2013, and they are proud parents of two rambunctious dogs, Frankie and Charlie.

Matthew and Sarah at their January 2013 wedding.