MTSU’s Summer Reading Program
Welcome to MTSU’s Summer Reading Program
MTSU’s Community Summer Reading Program was created in 2002 under the direction of the Distinguished Lecture Committee. The objectives of the program are to:
- provide a unifying experience for the entering class of students,
- partner with Murfreesboro community organizations,
- encourage intellectual interaction among students,
- provide students with the opportunity to read and personally interact with critically-acclaimed authors, and
- affirm the importance of reading for a successful and fulfilling life.
2025
Our Summer Reading Program choice for 2025 is Healing Wounds, A Vietnam Combat Nurse’s 10-year Fight to Win Women a Place of Honor in Washington, D.C. by Diane Carlson Evans and Bob Welch.
Evans and Welch recount her time in Vietnam, alongside other brave men and women, as a time of sacrifice and fortitude. Her grit and loyalty allowed her to persevere during hard times and the unforeseen horror of the battlefield. Healing Wounds depicts how a major life event invigorated the author into advocacy for her fellow service women. Much like becoming a college student, Evans had to navigate obstacles to pursue her personal goals. The story of her inspiration and hope is motivating and provides valuable insight into the service women of the Vietnam era.
We hope you will join us in welcoming author Bob Welch to MTSU on Saturday, August 23, 2025. As the university’s 24th Summer Reading keynote speaker, Welch will address MTSU’s incoming class at this year’s Convocation.
Information adapted from www.dianecarlsonevans.com and www.vietnamwomensmemorial.org.