{"id":48,"date":"2024-04-30T18:47:36","date_gmt":"2024-04-30T18:47:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/?page_id=48"},"modified":"2026-04-06T12:23:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-06T12:23:33","slug":"exec","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/exec\/","title":{"rendered":"Executives at MTSU"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list is-style-compact-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#mcphee\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#mcphee\">Dr. Sidney A. McPhee: President<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#byrnes\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#byrnes\">Dr. Mark Byrnes: University Provost<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#bales\" href=\"#bales\">Mr. William J. Bales: Vice President for University Advancement<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#clark\" href=\"#clark\">Ms. Yvette Clark: Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#floyd\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/exec\/#floyd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/exec\/#floyd\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><u>Mr. James C. Floyd:\u00a0Vice President for Legal Affairs,\u00a0University Counsel, and Secretary to the Board of Trustees<\/u><\/a><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#thomas\" href=\"#harpool\"><\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/exec\/#harpool\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Mr. Drew Harpool: Vice President for Business and Finance<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#kelley\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#doss\">Dr. Danny Kelley: Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#oppmann\" href=\"#oppmann\">Dr. Andrew Oppmann: Vice President for Marketing and Communications<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-lightgray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-lightgray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"mcphee\">Dr. Sidney A. McPhee: President<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/12\/McPhee-Sidney-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, MTSU President, headshot\" class=\"wp-image-146\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/12\/McPhee-Sidney-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/12\/McPhee-Sidney-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/12\/McPhee-Sidney-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/12\/McPhee-Sidney-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/12\/McPhee-Sidney.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, the 10th president of Middle Tennessee State University, has presided over one of the most remarkable periods of growth and progress in the institution\u2019s more than 110 years of service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since McPhee\u2019s presidency began in 2001, the university has been successful in completing almost $2 billion in improvements in academic, athletic and campus facilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those new facilities include the $40.1-million, 54,000-square-foot building for our School of Concrete and Construction Management, which opened in October 2022; a $39.6 million, 91,000-square-foot Academic Classroom Building for the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, which opened in the summer of 2020; and the $147 million Science Corridor of Innovation, and includes the 250,000-square-foot Science Building, which opened in August 2014, and the renovation of Wiser-Patten and Davis science buildings.&nbsp;In summer 2025, we celebrated two more exciting openings: The $74.8 million Applied Engineering Building, which houses our Mechatronics Engineering and Engineering Technology programs, and the $66 million Stephen and Denise Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center, which provides premier training, nutrition, and sports medicine amenities for our student-athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With an enrollment of more than 20,000 students, MTSU has been recognized for offering the greatest return on investment in Tennessee higher education. It is the No. 1 provider of college graduates to the greater Nashville economy; the third-largest producer of college graduates in the state; and one of the top producer of low-income (Pell Grant-eligible) graduates in Tennessee (in all, over 40% of MTSU\u2019s undergraduate population receives Pell aid). MTSU\u2019s standing as a destination of choice for first-generation students and its long success in helping underserved students overcome obstacles often posed by&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mtsu.edu\/tuition\/index.php\">tuition<\/a>&nbsp;and fees are well established. MTSU is also a top choice of the state\u2019s transfer students and is home&nbsp;to the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center,&nbsp;one of the largest academic support centers&nbsp;of its kind in the nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since McPhee\u2019s arrival, MTSU has been successful in raising admission standards, which resulted in an increase in enrollment of high-ability students. He has overseen the addition of about 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, two colleges, and about 20 institutes and centers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He has also worked to strengthen MTSU\u2019s international initiatives on the Murfreesboro campus and abroad. MTSU boasts about 40 university partnerships in 17 different countries and enrolls more international students than any other university in the state of Tennessee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>McPhee earned his bachelor\u2019s degree (with highest honors, summa cum laude) from Prairie View A&amp;M University in Texas; a master\u2019s degree from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Fla.; and a doctorate in applied behavioral studies in education from Oklahoma State University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>His work as an academic has appeared in numerous local, national, and international professional journals. His scholarly pursuits include international lectures and presentations in numerous countries, including China, Japan, South Korea, Israel, Belgium, Canada, England, Brazil, Ethiopia, Kenya, and the Bahamas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>McPhee was recently elected to a third term on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors, representing Conference USA. He was on the board from 2010 to 2013 as the Sun Belt Conference\u2019s representative and also served from 2003 to 2007. In addition, he has served on the NCAA Executive Committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>McPhee was named Outstanding American University President of 2002 by the American Football Foundation. In 2003, he was listed by Nashville Post business magazine as one of Tennessee\u2019s 100 Most Powerful People and, in 2004, he was ranked by Business Tennessee magazine as one of the state\u2019s Top 50 Most Powerful African Americans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>McPhee is married to retired educator Elizabeth McPhee, and they have two adult children, Dr. Seneca McPhee and Dr. Sidney-Anthony McPhee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-lightgray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-lightgray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"byrnes\">Dr. Mark Byrnes: University Provost<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/09\/Byrnes-Mark-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Mark Byrnes\" class=\"wp-image-94\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/09\/Byrnes-Mark-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/09\/Byrnes-Mark-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/09\/Byrnes-Mark-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/09\/Byrnes-Mark-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/09\/Byrnes-Mark.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Dr. Mark Byrnes has served as provost at Middle Tennessee State University since 2017, following a year as interim provost, and is the longest-tenured chief academic officer among Tennessee\u2019s public universities. As MTSU\u2019s chief academic officer, he provides leadership for academic affairs, research, enrollment management, student success, and international education initiatives.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Byrnes leads the Division of Academic Affairs, which serves students across 10 colleges, 40 departments, and more than 330 academic degrees and concentrations. During his tenure, MTSU has launched a broad array of new academic offerings, including 27 undergraduate degrees, 5 undergraduate certificates, 13 graduate degrees, and 5 graduate certificates, reflecting the University\u2019s commitment to aligning academic preparation with regional workforce needs and to supporting regional and statewide economic growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Byrnes guided the university\u2019s academic units through the transition from the Tennessee Board of Regents to a locally governed Board of Trustees and led the academic response during the COVID-19 pandemic. He&nbsp;directed&nbsp;the development and implementation of&nbsp;<em>Quest for Student Success 2025<\/em>, MTSU\u2019s comprehensive roadmap for improving retention and graduation,&nbsp;through which undergraduate retention increased&nbsp;by 6%.&nbsp;Under Provost Byrnes\u2019 leadership, his office&nbsp;established&nbsp;leadership development institutes for both faculty and staff, enhanced the faculty tenure and promotion processes, and strengthened academic resource allocation models in support of academic quality and student success.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Murfreesboro native, Byrnes graduated from Riverdale High School before earning a B.S. in political science from MTSU. He also holds a diploma in international and comparative politics from the London School of Economics, as well as a master\u2019s degree and a Ph.D. in political science from Vanderbilt University. He joined the MTSU faculty in 1991 and has served as the interim chair of the Department of Political Science, as an associate dean, and as the dean of the College of Liberal Arts.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Byrnes has been deeply engaged in public service throughout his life. He spent two terms on the Rutherford County Board of Education, where he held leadership roles as both chair and vice chair. He is also a past president of the Tennessee Political Science Association and previously served on the board of&nbsp;ThinkTennessee, a nonpartisan public policy organization. In 2010, he was honored with the MTSU Foundation\u2019s Outstanding Public Service Award.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-lightgray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-lightgray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"bales\">Mr. William J. Bales: Vice President for University Advancement<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"143\" height=\"210\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/image.jpeg\" alt=\"WILLIAM J. BALES: VP for Development &amp; University Relations\" class=\"wp-image-49\" style=\"width:150px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Mr. William J. \u201cJoe\u201d Bales, is the Vice President for University Advancement at MTSU. With&nbsp;over 38 years&nbsp;experience in fundraising and institutional advancement, he leads the University\u2019s efforts in development, alumni relations, corporate engagement and governmental relations&nbsp;programs. Fundraising activities at the University have more than&nbsp;tripled&nbsp;during Bales\u2019 tenure.&nbsp;During his tenure, the University developed a number of new initiatives, including the True Blue&nbsp;Give, Alumni Summer College and Spring Showcase, and the highly successful Senior Gift Challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Under his leadership, MTSU raised more than $105 million in the Centennial Campaign, surpassing the $80 million goal set when the effort was announced in 2012. The $105,465,308 raised during the campaign, which concluded Dec. 31, 2015, represents the largest fundraising effort in University history, surpassing a $30 million campaign mark set in 2001.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bales came to MTSU in 2002 from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, where he spent nearly 15 years in a variety of development and alumni affairs roles. Immediately prior to coming to MTSU, Bales served for more than five years as Assistant Vice President for Corporate Relations. In that role, he was responsible for developing cultivation and solicitation plans for more than 30 major corporations &#8211; and providing leadership to all appropriate colleges and constituent development offices. His accomplishments included the creation of a formal corporate partnership plan, the development of an annual-giving blueprint and the launching of an &#8220;executive briefing&#8221; newsletter for the campus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Earlier, from 1993 to 1997, Bales was director of development for the UT\u2019s College of Engineering. During that time, he directed the college&#8217;s 21st Century Campaign that raised more than $34 million in gifts and pledges from alumni, friends and corporations. The annual average for total giving increased from $2 million to $4.5 million. He also developed a tracking\/management system for the college&#8217;s gift funds composed of more than 200 gift accounts and a $15 million endowment. Before that, Bales served for four years as associate director of institutional advancement for the university&#8217;s Institute of Agriculture, then later became director of development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He earned Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in agriculture from UT-Knoxville and served as a graduate teaching assistant and as an instructor in the Department of Animal Science.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;As a native of this state, I strongly believe in the value of higher education and am committed to working to strengthen our educational system,&#8221; Bales said. &#8220;The chance to assist MTSU in meeting the future needs of Tennessee is an exciting challenge. MTSU is one of the best kept secrets in higher education &#8212; not only in Tennessee, but across the country. It is gratifying to have the opportunity to work with Dr. McPhee, the university community and MTSU&#8217;s students and alumni in moving MTSU to the top tier of America&#8217;s comprehensive universities.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-lightgray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-lightgray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"clark\">Ms. Yvette Clark: Vice President for Information Technology and Chief Information Officer<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"360\" height=\"540\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/image-3.jpeg\" alt=\"Yvette Clark - Associate Vice President for Enterprise Application Services\" class=\"wp-image-53\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/image-3.jpeg 360w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/04\/image-3-200x300.jpeg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 360px) 100vw, 360px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Ms. Yvette Clark was named Middle Tennessee State University\u2019s Vice President of Information Technology and Chief Information Officer in April 2023, following her service as Interim in February 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Recently, in recognition of her leadership, Clark was honored among the state\u2019s top technology executives at the Tennessee Orbie Awards. The Orbie Awards recognize chief information officers who demonstrate excellence in technology leadership across organizations of varying size and complexity. After being named a finalist in the public sector\/government category in 2024, Clark received the top award in 2025: the Corporate Orbie, the category for organizations with up to $1 billion in annual revenue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout her tenure at MTSU, Clark has emphasized meaningful engagement with the campus community and the development of strong partnerships with academic and administrative leadership. Her approach centers on aligning technology initiatives with institutional priorities while fostering a culture of openness, transparency, and shared ownership. She is committed to empowering faculty, staff, and students to envision possibilities, design innovative solutions, and take an active role in advancing the university\u2019s mission.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Within this framework, Clark currently serves as executive sponsor for True Blue Fusion, MTSU\u2019s multi-year enterprise transformation initiative to transition from Banner to Oracle Cloud. This implementation modernizes the university\u2019s core administrative systems through the implementation of Oracle Cloud solutions supporting HR, finance, and procurement, with a focus on long-term sustainability and operational effectiveness. Clark leads this substantial project, ensuring strong collaboration between the Information Technology and Business and Finance Divisions, and provides direction that supports sound decision-making, transparency, and campus readiness throughout the transformation.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In addition to this work, Clark holds a central role in MTSU\u2019s migration to Canvas, one of the university\u2019s most significant recent academic technology initiatives. As a leader on the governance committee, she facilitates close collaboration between Information Technology and Academic Affairs to support a smooth transition that will improve the academic experience of all faculty and students. The initiative emphasizes shared governance, instructional continuity, and coordinated engagement across colleges, departments, and support teams to strengthen the university\u2019s digital teaching and learning environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clark began her tenure at MTSU in August 2021 as Associate Vice President of Enterprise Application Systems. Prior to joining MTSU, she served for four years as Executive Director of Information Technology Services at Tennessee Tech University, where she also held leadership roles as Director of Academic and Client Technologies and Assistant Director of Academic and Client Technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Earlier in her career, Clark worked as a Research and Development Engineer at the Center for the Management, Utilization, and Protection of Water Resources. Her work focused on water resource planning and included managing research projects and implementing technology solutions in collaboration with cross-disciplinary faculty and graduate student teams. She also served as an adjunct instructor for the Civil and Environmental Engineering and Chemical Engineering departments for several years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Clark holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Tennessee Tech University.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-lightgray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-lightgray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"floyd\">Mr. James C. Floyd: Vice President for Legal Affairs, University Counsel, and Secretary to the Board of Trustees<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/02\/Floyd-James-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Mr. James C. Floyd\" class=\"wp-image-388\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/02\/Floyd-James-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/02\/Floyd-James-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/02\/Floyd-James-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/02\/Floyd-James-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2026\/02\/Floyd-James.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Mr. James C. Floyd serves as\u00a0Vice\u00a0President for Legal Affairst, University Counsel, and Secretary to the Board of Trustees at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU).\u00a0As the University\u2019s chief legal officer, he advises the Board of Trustees, the President, and other senior administrators and academic leaders on legal, governance, strategic, risk management, and policymaking issues affecting the University. Floyd leads a team of attorneys that provides legal advice and counsel to the University on a wide range of legal matters, including regulatory compliance, real estate, advancement, student and employment issues, athletics, litigation, Title IX, contracts, intellectual property, privacy, policy, information technology, and sponsored research. In addition to directing the office\u2019s management, Floyd\u2019s principal areas of responsibility in the Office of University Counsel are University governance, open meetings, educational programs, research compliance, ethics, and complex litigation matters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Floyd actively partners with other senior leaders to advance the University\u2019s mission by collaborating on business initiatives and giving sound legal counsel.&nbsp;In his role as Board Secretary, he serves as an officer of the University, supporting and facilitating the business of MTSU\u2019s Board of Trustees.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Floyd\u2019s experience reflects a broad legal background that spans over three decades. He previously served as University Counsel when the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) governed MTSU. In addition, his career encompasses past roles in the executive branch of Tennessee state government, as Assistant Commissioner and General Counsel for the Tennessee Department of Personnel as well as Deputy Legal Counsel in the Office of the Governor.&nbsp;Floyd\u2019s legal journey includes working as Assistant General Counsel at the TBR and as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Tennessee, where he litigated employment, contract, and student matters.&nbsp;Most recently, he was a Senior Associate General Counsel at Vanderbilt University, where he oversaw a range of legal matters across the university.&nbsp;Floyd rejoined MTSU\u2019s senior leadership team in 2021 and was named a vice president in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Floyd received his B.S. in Accounting from The University of Alabama and his J.D. from Tulane University School of Law. He is a member of the National Association of College and University Attorneys and the American Bar Association. Floyd regularly speaks at national conferences on key issues in higher education and compliance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Floyd is a long-time resident of Middle Tennessee. Beyond his professional life, he is active in his community, having served on various boards, mentored students, and coached youth sports. In his spare time, Floyd enjoys spending time with his family, reading thrillers, and cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-lightgray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-lightgray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"harpool\">Mr. Drew Harpool: Vice President for Business and Finance<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/06\/Harpool-Drew-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Mr. Drew Harpool: Vice President for Business and Finance\" class=\"wp-image-234\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/06\/Harpool-Drew-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/06\/Harpool-Drew-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/06\/Harpool-Drew-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/06\/Harpool-Drew-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/06\/Harpool-Drew.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Mr. Drew Harpool serves as Vice President for Business and Finance at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), leading a team responsible for the University\u2019s financial and physical operations, overseeing an annual operating budget exceeding $500 million and a capital footprint valued at more than $1 billion.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>He is responsible for the management of the University\u2019s budget and financial planning; the Office of Business and Finance; Campus Planning; Facilities Services; Human Resource Services; University Police; Administrative and Business Services, which includes the MTSU Post Office, Phillips Bookstore, Vending, Procurement and Logistic Services, Contract Office, Distribution Services, and Receiving and Moving Services; and Events and Transportation, which includes Event Coordination; Parking and Transportation Services; Murphy Center Complex; Tennessee Livestock Center; and the Tennessee Miller Coliseum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Harpool has held multiple leadership roles at MTSU. He was Interim Vice President from June 2025 to March 2026, following his tenure as Associate Vice President, first as interim from April 2023 to September 2023 and then permanently from October 2023 to May 2025, and Assistant Vice President of Compliance and Enterprise Risk Management from November 2021 to March 2023.&nbsp;Before joining MTSU, he served the Tennessee Department of Education in multiple key positions, including Assistant Commissioner of Finance, Director of Internal Audit, Director of Fiscal Strategy, Finance Director, and Grant Finance Manager.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A Vanderbilt University alumnus, Harpool earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science and Communication Studies. He went on to receive his Juris Doctor from Tulane University and a Master of Laws in Taxation from Georgetown University. He has been a licensed Tennessee attorney since 2009.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-lightgray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-lightgray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"kelley\">Dr. Danny Kelley: Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-full is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"428\" height=\"640\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/06\/Kelley-Danny.jpg\" alt=\"Dr. Danny Kelley: Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students\" class=\"wp-image-265\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/06\/Kelley-Danny.jpg 428w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2025\/06\/Kelley-Danny-201x300.jpg 201w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 428px) 100vw, 428px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>Dr. Danny Kelley has been in the field of student affairs for more than 30 years and currently serves as the interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. Prior to this role, Kelley served as the Associate Dean of Students from 2008-2010 and as Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs from 2010-2025. Prior to joining the MTSU family, Kelley has worked in student affairs positions at American University and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. He also worked as a professional staff member for his national fraternity, Phi Kappa Tau.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Throughout his professional career, Kelley\u2019s focus has been on supporting student leadership and engagement. Kelley has presented workshops and keynoted at various regional and national leadership conferences and conventions. He has also taught leadership courses at MTSU. Kelley has been recognized regionally and nationally by several student leadership organizations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Kelley holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication from Wright State University (Dayton, Ohio), a Master of Science degree in College Student Personnel Services Counseling from the University of Dayton; and he earned his Ph.D. in Educational Management and Leadership from American University in Washington, DC. Kelley\u2019s quantitative doctoral dissertation, titled The Impact of Collegiate Men\u2019s Fraternities on Leadership Development: Perceptions of Former Chapter Presidents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-lightgray-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-lightgray-background-color has-background is-style-wide\" \/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"oppmann\">Dr. Andrew Oppmann: Vice President for Marketing and Communications<\/h2>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/08\/AndrewOppmannfull-683x1024.jpeg\" alt=\"Andrew Oppmann VP Marketing and Communications\" class=\"wp-image-85\" style=\"width:150px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/08\/AndrewOppmannfull-683x1024.jpeg 683w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/08\/AndrewOppmannfull-200x300.jpeg 200w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/08\/AndrewOppmannfull-768x1152.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/08\/AndrewOppmannfull-1024x1536.jpeg 1024w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/08\/AndrewOppmannfull-1365x2048.jpeg 1365w, https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/4\/2024\/08\/AndrewOppmannfull-scaled.jpeg 1707w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p>As Middle Tennessee State University\u2019s vice president for marketing and communications, Dr. Andrew Oppmann leads&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mac.mtsu.edu\/services\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the institution\u2019s efforts to tell unique stories on multiple platforms<\/a>. His team shapes and implements organic and paid advertising and communications strategies that serve the needs and&nbsp;priorities of the university\u2019s colleges and units. Also, as the university\u2019s chief spokesman, Oppmann also works with the president and provost to shape executive-level outreach.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oppmann is&nbsp;also&nbsp;executive producer of&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/truebluetv\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MTSU True Blue TV<\/a>, responsible for the university\u2019s premier video platform and public access channel for live broadcasts, campus original programming and event productions. He is host and executive producer of \u201cOut of the Blue,\u201d MTSU\u2019s public service program that airs in 20 states. During his tenure, MTSU&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mtsunews.com\/we-do-it-all-regional-emmy-nomination\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">received its first Emmy Award in 2024<\/a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.tellyawards.com\/?s=Middle+Tennessee+State+University\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">multiple Telly Awards for various projects<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And he has led several special initiatives, such as bolstering MTSU\u2019s ties to higher education entities in several countries and helping launch the MTSU Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. He also established MTSU\u2019s partnerships with major brands, including The Grammys; Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival; Experimental Aircraft Association\u2019s annual AirVenture event; Civil Air Patrol, the U.S. Air Force volunteer civilian auxiliary; Grand Ole Opry; Nashville Predators hockey; Nashville Sounds baseball; Nashville Superspeedway; Borchetta Bourbon Music City Grand Prix; and Middle Tennessee Council of Scouting America.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oppmann worked more than 25 years as executive, editor or reporter for news organizations in Alabama, California, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin. Before joining MTSU in 2010, he was a vice president at The Tennessean in Nashville and president and publisher of Gannett Tennessee\u2019s media groups in Murfreesboro (The Daily News Journal) and Clarksville (The Leaf-Chronicle). He earned his doctoral degree and master\u2019s degree from MTSU&nbsp;(higher education administration and strategic leadership, respectively) and his bachelor\u2019s degree from the University of Kentucky (journalism).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2026, Oppmann was named the MTSU\u2019s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment\u2019s first Professor of Practice. He has taught classes for the School of Journalism and Strategic Media since 2011. He was conferred lifetime membership and&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/mtsunews.com\/oppmann-apme-regent\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">regent status<\/a>&nbsp;by the Associated Press Media Editors for his career as a journalist and educator, as well as&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.newsleaders.org\/2019-conference-coverage\/apme-news-30-\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">the longest-serving editor of APME News<\/a>&nbsp;magazine. He currently serves on the Publisher\u2019s Advisory Board for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/ww2.stripes.com\/about-us#about\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Stars and Stripes<\/a>, which&nbsp;provides independent news and information to the U.S. military community.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Oppmann is&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gocivilairpatrol.com\/media\/cms\/Oppmann_A_BOG_BiographyNovember_2024_e08dd0187c88f.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">a lieutenant colonel in Civil Air Patrol<\/a>,&nbsp;where he serves as a member of its National Board of Governors and previously served as CAP\u2019s interim national chief of marketing and strategic communications. He is an&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usar.army.mil\/Featured\/Ambassador-Program\/Find-an-Ambassador\/Article-View\/Article\/2100283\/andrew-oppmann\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Army Reserve Ambassador<\/a>; and, as an Eagle Scout, a Scouting America volunteer. He lives in Murfreesboro with his wife, Elise. Daughters Emily and Sarah are alumna of MTSU and their youngest, Rachel, enrolled at MTSU in the fall of 2024.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Dr. Sidney A. McPhee: President Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, the 10th president of Middle Tennessee State University, has presided over one of the most remarkable periods of growth and progress in the institution\u2019s more than 110 years of service. Since McPhee\u2019s presidency began in 2001, the university has been successful in completing almost $2 billion [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-bannernosidebar.php","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-48","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v27.3 (Yoast SEO v27.3) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Executives at MTSU - About MTSU<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.mtsu.edu\/about\/exec\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Executives at MTSU\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Dr. Sidney A. 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