NATIONAL NEWS

9,000 seeking degrees online through Tenn. schools The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) has developed two online educational programs with a goal of expanding educational opportunities and enhancing the skills of the workforce. The two programs - Regents Online Degree Programs (RODP) and Regents Online Continuing Education and Workforce Development (ROCE). All TBR institutions are fully accredited and the courses are entirely online, meaning that students do not have to live near a campus. Other programs provided through the RODP and ROCE web site include a virtual library, online tutorials, a virtual bookstore, advisement, and a virtual career center. RODP has been rated one of the top three virtual programs in the nation. More than 9,000 students are now enrolled in coursework or degree programs. To learn more about TBR Campus Collaborative Regents Online Degree Programs and Regents Online Continuing Education and Workforce Development, visit www.rodp.org or call 888-223-0023. Treasury Secretary visits Memphis solar facility Weeks after the Bush Administration’s announcement of the Solar America Initiative (SAI) to boost funding for research and development, Sharp Electronics Corporation today welcomed the U.S. Treasury Secretary John W. Snow to its solar manufacturing facility in Memphis, Tennessee. SAI calls for robust funding for fundamental research, advanced materials and devices and technology development of solar energy. It will also focus on technologies and processes that will bring solar photovoltaics to cost-competitive levels by 2015. “Federal support for research and development to find new and more effective solar technologies is a key factor in driving down the future cost of solar electricity,” said Ron Kenedi, vice president of Sharp’s Solar Energy Solutions Group. “We saw this kind of support in the tax credits and research funding outlined in the 2005 Energy Policy Act, and it continues to gain momentum with Solar America Initiative. These types of progressive policies are vital to the growth of the industry in the U.S.” Ruby Tuesday’s expands to Middle East The Maryville-based restaurant chain Ruby Tuesday, Inc. has announced the establishment of a franchise in Saudi Arabia in an agreement that includes four restaurants planned for the Central and Western provinces of the country. Ruby Tuesday, Inc. currently owns, operates and franchises more than 825 casual dining restaurants in the United States and around the world. There are also Ruby Tuesdays in Salmiya and Kuwait City, Kuwait. Mark Ingram, President - Franchising, said: “Saudi Arabia is one of the fastest-growing casual dining destinations in the Middle East. Many companies have established regional headquarters there.” The first Ruby Tuesday opened more than 30 years ago near the University of Tennessee campus.