One of Tusculum’s new Freedom Center students focused on transforming the sports footwear industry
First class will enroll this fall. Applications now open.
Tine Bowman, a senior at Providence Academy in Johnson City, will begin his collegiate studies at Tusculum University in the fall as one of the Freedom Scholars at the Center for Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, better known as the Freedom Center. Freedom Scholars will have the opportunity to be mentored by entrepreneurs and become part of close-knit cohorts of ambitious students ready to make their mark in business.
Bowman’s start-up is designed to transform the sports footwear industry. He has been a consumer of sports footwear throughout his life, playing basketball, football, baseball as well as golfing and wrestling. Bowman will also be a member of the Tusculum baseball team as a student.
“I’m excited to help Tine transform the $100 billion sports footwear market,” said Matt Sweeny, the Freedom Center’s Director. “We welcome Tine and others already accepted as Freedom Scholars, and we invite determined students and founders interested in starting their own business and learning about freedom through the Great Books of the Western World to apply for this program.”
One of the most distinctive features of the Freedom Center will be the opportunity for the Freedom Scholars to pitch their ideas to potential investors. Tusculum has eyed spring 2026 to hold the first Pitch Day to give investors the opportunity to back the most exciting start-ups in the Appalachian region.
Pitch Day, which will be an annual event, will also be open to community members who are taking courses at the Freedom Center to give them additional knowledge they need to start or grow a business. The other groups that will be eligible to participate in Pitch Day are high school students and students at universities who are part of the Appalachian College Association.
Already, Tusculum has secured $200,000 for the Freedom Center to cover student scholarships and all of the costs associated with the program. Dr. Scott Niswonger, Dr. Larry Brotherton, Dr. David Baker, and Kelly Vogt, all of whom serve on Tusculum’s Board of Trustees, have donated significant funds toward the Freedom Center. The university has received additional generous donations from others.
Applications for the Freedom Center’s program are now open to new students, existing students, and members of the community wishing to start or grow a business. They can express interest by email to freedom@tusculum.edu. Investors who would like to learn more about Pitch Day and how they can support the Freedom Center can also email freedom@tusculum.edu
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