WELCOME TO THE OFFICE  FOR COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND SUPPORT

Since 1911, quality education has remained central to the mission of Middle Tennessee State University.  Today, MTSU is home of the largest undergraduate program in Tennessee.  As the university continues to grow and expand its operations to address the demands of the workforce, greater attention must be devoted to strengthening its relationship with the community.  The University has realized a compelling need to focus on engaging the community with the overall mission of the institution to enhance scholarship and outreach opportunities.

In spring 2008, MTSU announced the establishment of the Office for Community Engagement and Support to focus on strengthening commitment to community outreach.  The Office is designed to support the overall mission of the University as it relates to partnering with the community to address growing needs of both entities.

As the Assistant to the President in the Office for Community Engagement and Support, it is a great pleasure to be able to extend a warm welcome to the members of our great community of middle Tennessee and beyond.  I take seriously the charge to facilitate the innovative ways to foster relationships through community engagement.

The mission of the University goes beyond the training of professionals for the workforce to include community engagement and public service.  Additionally, MTSU has a strong tradition of and commitment to instruction and research.  Faculty are engaged in a broad range of research initiatives ranging from basic, empirical research to action-oriented research designed to address quality of life issues.

The current Academic Master Plan, "Building on the Blueprint for Excellence," was designed to provide a framework for future academic-related initiatives.  An important element of the Academic Master Plan is a commitment to creating a culture to build truly collaborative relationships.

According to President Sidney McPhee, "Through the Office for Community Engagement and Support, the University seeks to expand the boundaries of scholarship to the wider community.  Through partnership, research and public service opportunities, we will provide our community with new ways to draw on the intellectual capital of the University's students, faculty and staff."

As you know, MTSU is a valuable resource to the local, state-wide, regional, national, and international community; and our communities are a valuable resource to the University.  As we extend ourselves beyond the campus, I have every confidence that we will be not only a part of a stronger University, but also a part of stronger communities.

We look forward to working with you, and wish to cordially invite you and as many of your colleagues as possible to contact us or visit the office in the Cope Administration Building, Room 114.