Category Archives: Uncategorized

I believe a transformative college experience goes beyond the classroom. While academic success remains a priority, true student success is rooted in meaningful engagement—broadening horizons, exploring new ideas, and forming connections that last a lifetime.

Research consistently shows that the first six weeks of college are critical for establishing a foundation for student achievement. That’s why, alongside academic support, MTSU places strong emphasis on out-of-classroom experiences designed to help students feel connected and supported.

This summer, our staff emphasized that message during the New to Blue Orientation sessions by introducing incoming students to Connection Point—MTSU’s signature engagement program. New students are encouraged to attend at least four Connection Point events in their first semester as part of their transition to campus life.

Connection Point events serve as a vibrant introduction to MTSU’s community. From themed social activities to academic celebrations, each event provides students with an opportunity to meet peers, explore campus life, and earn collectible buttons commemorating each experience. Students use their MTSU IDs to track their participation, allowing our staff to monitor engagement and reach out proactively to students who may need additional support in getting involved.

This fall’s Connection Point series launches on Friday, Aug. 22, as we kick off the semester with the annual President’s Party—a festive gathering complete with food, entertainment, and an author meet-and-greet with Bob Welch, co-author of Healing Wounds, A Vietnam Combat Nurse’s 10-Year Fight to Win Women a Place of Honor in Washington, D.C.

Welch will also deliver the keynote address at the University’s 24th annual Convocation on Saturday, Aug. 23, at Murphy Center.

To learn more about the Connection Point program and upcoming events, visit mtsu.edu/connection.

Looking ahead, Homecoming events will be held Sept. 15–20, and Family Weekend will be Nov. 7–9.

Homecoming at MTSU saw a remarkable turnout in 2024, with one of the largest crowds in recent history participating in the Homecoming parade. This festive event brought together students, alumni, faculty, and community members, all celebrating the University’s spirit and traditions. The parade featured colorful floats, spirited performances, and a palpable sense of pride that resonatedthroughout the campus. Homecoming events fostered a sense of belonging and nostalgia, strengthening the ties between current students and alumni.

Finally, we are pleased to welcome Danny Kelley as the interim vice president of student affairs and dean of students. Kelley brings significant experience to the Student Affairs Division at our University. He served as associate dean of students in 2008–10 and assistant vice president for student affairs since 2010.

Overall, these events reflect MTSU’s commitment to enhancing student life by addressing immediate needs, providing professional development opportunities, and nurturing community spirit. Through such initiatives, MTSU continues to create a supportive environment that empowers students to thrive academically and socially.

As the University looks to the future, these successful events set a positive precedent for ongoing engagement and support within the MTSU community.

Facilities growth represents an investment in areas of study that will solve problems, improve the social good, and supply a skilled regional workforce. Here are the most recent updates on capital projects:

Applied Engineering Building

• $74.8 million project

• 89,000-square-foot facility

• Designer: Wold Architects and Engineers

• Contractor: Denark Construction Inc.

• Open for Fall 2025 semester; ribbon-cutting ceremony held Aug. 6

• Home to Mechatronics Engineering and Engineering Technology programs

• Enhanced student opportunities for faculty-led research and labs for student teams, including the Experimental Vehicles Program and robotics competitions

• Finishing touch to MTSU’s Science Corridor of Innovation, which also includes the $40.1 million Concrete and Construction Management Building, two renovated science buildings, and the 250,000-square-foot Science Building, which opened in 2014 as the single largest investment by the state for an academic facility

Stephen and Denise Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center

• $66 million total project cost

• Designer: GMC

• Contractor: The Parent Co.

• 85,000 square feet

• Ribbon-cutting ceremony held July 30

• Includes training spaces, strength and conditioning, locker rooms, team meeting spaces, and offices to serve MTSU Athletics and MTSU student-athletes

• Adds small section of outdoor loge seating to north end of Floyd Stadium

• Named after the Smiths as recognition for their extensive contributions following a formal request in April from former Gov. Bill Haslam and former U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon

• Represents the first phase of development envisioned in the MTSU Athletics Master Plan, which includes future renovations and additions to the Murphy Center and development of a multisport indoor training facility

Renovations of Kirksey Old Main and Rutledge Hall

• $54.3 million total project cost

• Designer: Anecdote

• Contractor: Messer Construction

• Estimated project completion: summer 2026

• KOM and Rutledge Hall both original buildings dating back to the institution founding in 1911; KOM was first building on campus

• KOM to remain home of MTSU’s Mathematics, Computer Science, and Data Science departments

• Rutledge transforming from a dormitory to an academic building housing University College/University Studies

• Small additions on both buildings to allow for new entries and vertical circulation

• Includes major changes to HVAC, plumbing, data/IT, and electrical systems; re-planning of building layouts to accommodate future use; accessibility improvements; window replacement; and exterior building improvement

Aerospace Shelbyville Project

• $62.2 million total project cost

• Designer: TMPartners

• Contractor: Hoar Construction

• Estimated completion: fall 2027

• Project site along Highway 231 and just west of the Shelbyville Municipal Airport

• Includes facilities for the Professional Pilot concentration:

-50,000-square-foot Flight Operations Building with classroom, dispatch, faculty/staff offices, and flight briefing

-28,000-square-foot hangar to maintain Professional Pilot aircraft fleet

-Site and utility improvements for 20-acre parcel including parking and aircraft apron and taxiway

New Parking Structure

• $27 million total project cost

• 182,000 square feet

• Designer: Anecdote

• Contractor: Barton Malow

• Estimated completion: spring 2027

• Construction of a parking garage on a portion of the existing Womack Lane housing site

• Includes demolition of Womack Lane housing complex

• Provides approximately 550 parking spaces

ITD provides students, faculty, and staff the resources needed to deliver and receive instruction and to do our jobs on a day-to-day basis.

Here are some recent highlights:

True Blue Fusion: In June, we launched the True Blue Fusion enterprise resource planning (ERP) project, a new initiative to upgrade our digital infrastructure. This project will replace Banner HR and Finance systems with the modern Oracle Cloud Fusion ERP platform, unifying human resources, finance, payroll, planning, budgeting, and reporting into a single system. Focused initially on finance and human capital management, True Blue Fusion reflects MTSU’s commitment to innovation, aiming to streamline operations, enhance data access, and support a more efficient, responsive academic environment. Visit mtsu.edu/fusion for the latest information.

Science Building Wired Network Refresh: This summer, ITD completed a wired network refresh project in the Science Building—the largest building on campus. This initiative modernizes the facility’s network infrastructure with Cisco SD Access fabric technology and future-proofs it to meet evolving academic and operational needs. The project involved the successful deployment of 59 network switches with 2,736 data ports and nine enterprise uninterruptible power supply systems across 10 data closets spanning all three floors.

Security Camera System Upgrade: This summer, in partnership with University Police, ITD completed a major software upgrade of the campus security camera system. This project upgraded 28 servers supporting 1,288 security cameras and 193 client devices running the security camera software. This update brings enhanced analytics and reporting capabilities to the security camera ecosystem along with improved user experience.

Our alumni base and friends of the University always answer the rallying call for our Blue Raider family to invest in the people and programs that define the character of MTSU.

Here are some highlights from this past year:

Alumni support for the University reached a 10-year high with 7,984 total donors, an increase of 350 over the previous year, led by the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, which had an increase of 103 donors.

Our True Blue Give exceeded $1 million in support for the first time, with gifts from more than 1,450 donors. The College of Liberal Arts led our academic colleges, securing more than $275,000 for its programs.

More than 1,000 graduates this spring participated in our Senior Gift Challenge—a 43% participation rate. Their gifts were directed to 74 unique accounts on campus, with a number of gifts made in honor of influential faculty and staff.

Faye Brandon (Class of ’49), who played women’s basketball for the institution before MTSU’s official intercollegiate teams after Title IX, left a generous bequest to the University, funding two undergraduate scholarship funds.

The Tennessee legislature approved a state appropriation increase for MTSU in the 2025–26 General Appropriations Act. The final budget included net operating funds of $319,100, partial funding for a salary pool of $3.2 million to be distributed at the discretion of the University, and $1.4 million to cover increases in employee benefits for a partial year.

At the June Board of Trustees meeting, the board approved my recommendation to provide a 1.8% cost of living allowance salary increase, with a $750 minimum. Raises were effective July 1 for administrative and classified staff and Aug. 1 for faculty. I may recommend additional salary increases based on the availability of funding from additional resources this fall.

The University received recurring funding of $1.4 million to provide continued financial aid for the Medical School Early Acceptance Program jointly administered by MTSU and Meharry Medical College.

In addition, the state budget included $3.5 million in capital maintenance funds for one of the 13 capital maintenance projects submitted for funding. The approved project is for multiple building envelope components and structural repairs.

At the June quarterly meeting, the MTSU Board of Trustees approved a 6.49% increase in tuition and mandatory fees for the 2025–26 academic year.

In other news, Drew Harpool was appointed interim vice president for business and finance in June, following his tenure as associate vice president since October 2023. Harpool leads a team responsible for the University’s financial and physical operations, overseeing an annual operating budget exceeding $500 million and a capital footprint valued at more than $1 billion. He is responsible for the management of the University’s 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 (Event Coordination, Parking and Transportation Services, Murphy Center Complex, Tennessee Livestock Center, and Tennessee Miller Coliseum).

The Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) is part of our ongoing effort to support student learning and success.

The QEP process is designed and mandated by our University’saccrediting body as a data-driven and grassroots undertaking.

It is an opportunity for us to collaborate, innovate, and make a positive impact on our campus community.

Past QEPs have established programs and initiatives that are now part of the academic fabric of MTSU, including Experiential Learning (EXL) and the recently rebranded Engage.

MTSU’s new Quality Enhancement Plan, determined by the campus community, is Career EDGE (Excellence, Development, Growth, Experience).

Career EDGE prepares our students for meaningful professions through enhancing career development, self-development, and professionalism.

The Career EDGE program development committee, comprised of faculty, staff, and students across campus, has developed specific goals over the past year.

• Goal 1 is to support students through enhanced career advising and mentorship opportunities.

• Goal 2 is to support students through enhanced integration of coursework and National Association of Colleges and Employers career readiness competencies.

Potential initiatives being discussed to support these goals include:

• Assisting students in career progression

• Integrating two key National Association of Colleges and Employers competencies in coursework (career and self- development, and professionalism)

• Providing incentive grants for students, faculty, and staff to innovate around Career EDGE goals

A pilot program and Faculty Learning Community will be launched this fall.

If you wish to provide input on further Career EDGE progress, please attend our next town hall, at 3 p.m. Oct. 1 in BAS S102.

To provide feedback or learn more about Career EDGE, email [email protected] or complete the form at mtsu.edu/careeredge.

We look forward to hearing from you!

The MTSU Planning Committee, Board of Trustees, and I approved the 2035 MTSU Strategic Plan last spring.

The plan includes initiatives focused on three institutional priorities:

• Increase the institution’s creative and research profile and be a top choice for students.

• Strengthen the community so all learners and workers thrive.

• Cultivate sustainable partnerships.

Mark your calendars for the Strategic Plan Implementation Launch Event, scheduled for 3 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 9. During this event, plan leaders will discuss key upcoming implementation actions and will be available to discuss how departments and divisions can assist in achieving institutional priorities.

I also encourage you to keep updated on plan-related news on the Strategic Plan 2035 website at mtsu.edu/strategicplan.

Sept. 16 Shelbyville

Sept. 18 Cookeville

Sept. 23 Wilson County

Sept. 25 Chattanooga

Sept. 29 Nashville

Oct. 2 Clarksville

Oct. 15 Johnson City

Oct. 16 Knoxville

Oct. 23 Gallatin

Oct. 28 Nashville

Oct. 30 Huntsville, Alabama

Nov. 4 Memphis

Nov. 5 Jackson

Nov. 11 Middle Tennessee (@MTSU)

Nov. 13 Williamson County

Register at mtsu.edu/rsvp

MTSU’s annual Charitable Giving Campaign is a monthlong effort by our faculty and staff to support worthy causes.

The campaign is fueled largely by monthly payroll deductions from employees over the next year but also allows one-time, lump-sum gifts at the donor’s discretion. MTSU employees showed strong support for charitable giving in 2024, setting a record with more than $161,000 in pledges. This incredible amount reveals the caring nature of our faculty and staff and reflects a collective acknowledgment that it’s important to give back to this great community.

During the upcoming Oct. 1–Nov. 1 campaign, we hope to break last year’s record giving amount and, in fact, to reach $165,000 in giving.

Participants can designate gifts to organizations from a list of 10 independent charities and three federated groups of charities, including Community Health Charities, Community Shares, and local United Way organizations.

This campus wide effort shows what it really means to be True Blue.

Students enrolled at MTSU today represent the future workforce for the regional economy.

MTSU produces more graduates than any other local university (approximately 5,000 each year). One in every six college-educated individuals in the greater Nashville area holds an MTSU degree.

We continue to work extremely hard to ensure that we are attracting the best and the brightest new undergraduate students from across the state of Tennessee and the region. Our recruitment team, MT One Stop, advising staff, academic department chairs, deans, and faculty work very hard all year round to deliver results.

2025, however, is the year we in higher education have been warned would come. We have arrived at the promised “enrollment cliff.”

The “enrollment cliff” refers to a projected 15% decline in U.S. college students between 2025 and 2029. This is due to a drop in birth rates following the 2008 recession, which will lead to fewer traditional college-age students.

I am pleased to be able to tell you that projections show our state in a better position than most. While the number of high school graduates in Tennessee is expected to decline in the coming years, it will do so far less than the national average.

There is even better news for MTSU. Our office of Institutional Effectiveness, Planning, and Research took a deeper look at the numbers and concluded that the Tennessee counties from which MTSU draws most of our students will in fact show a small increase in high school graduates.

As a result, we have committed to a renewed emphasis on recruiting in our own backyard. Our annual True Blue Tour, which launches again this fall, is a time when Provost Mark Byrnes, admissions recruiters, advisors, other staff, and I travel to cities across the region to recruit future Blue Raiders for 2026 and beyond. It’s a chance for prospective students and their parents to meet and talk with representatives from practically every department at MTSU right in their own hometown.

With the enrollment cliff in mind, we will continue to hold two tour stops in Nashville, as well as in Shelbyville and Wilson County. But this year, for the first time, we will host True Blue Tour stops in Gallatin and in Cookeville as well.

Although our official headcounts won’t be available for a couple of weeks, early numbers indicate that we will be up in first-time freshmen for the third consecutive year. As of Aug. 1, we were showing an increase of more than 4% in new freshmen.

This is a feat that took the collaborative efforts of the entire campus. I’d like to extend my thanks again to our undergraduate recruitment team, MT One Stop, advising staff, academic department chairs, deans, and faculty.

Not resting on their laurels, members of the recruitment staff are already out in the high schools working with the incoming class for fall 2026!

Because of all of you, when I get a chance to personally meet these prospective students, I am confident in telling them that if they come to MTSU, they will get the attention of faculty and staff that they will need to be successful in college.