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Articles by Andrew Oppmann
MTSU presidential finalist visit, public forum set for Nov. 17
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Presidential Search Committee will hold a public forum session on Tuesday, Nov. 17, with Dr. Steven G. Holley, the finalist in the search for the institution’s next leader. The forum session will be held from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Parliamentary Room, located on the second floor of the Student Union Building, 1768 MTSU Blvd. Space is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
MTSU, Civil Air Patrol renew partnership as military leaders applaud university’s commitment to veterans ahead of Opry’s ‘Salute the Troops’
MURFREESBORO and NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The assistant secretary of the Air Force, Richard Anderson, along with commanders from the Tennessee Air National Guard and Civil Air Patrol, visited Middle Tennessee State University on Tuesday, Nov. 10, to tour the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center and join a special “Salute the Troops” event at the Grand Ole Opry.
MTSU Board of Trustees announces new members, committee chairs
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Board of Trustees announced Tuesday, Nov. 10, the appointment of two new trustees and reappointment of another by Gov. Bill Lee and the naming of two new committee chairs. Trustees Chair Stephen B. Smith made the announcements at the beginning of the board’s committee meetings, held prior to the full board meeting scheduled for Dec. 2.
MTSU earns notice on Forbes, Money magazines’ lists of top U.S. colleges
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University was recently included on the Forbes Magazine’s listof the 500 Top Colleges in the U.S., one of only four public institutions in the state to make the 2027 ranking. MTSU also recently made the Money’s Best Colleges Profile, one of five public institutions in Tennessee earning a spot on the magazine’s annual list.
MTSU alumni take musical spotlight at ‘MTSU Night at the Opry’ Nov. 5
NASHVILLE, Tenn. —Alumni from Middle Tennessee State University’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment will be front and center on the Grand Ole Opry stage Thursday, Nov. 5, as part of a special show that will highlight the partnership between MTSU and the iconic country music venue.
MTSU lands multiple national, regional rankings by U.S. News & World Report for 2026
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s academic undergraduate programs in applied engineering, business, nursing, computer science and psychology gained national rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2026 list of the nation’s best colleges and universities. MTSU tied with Louisiana State University for the magazine’s No. 6 spot for Top Public Schools in the South, and also earned regional notice for service to veterans, best value for in-state students and social mobility.
MTSU lands multiple national, regional rankings by U.S. News & World Report for 2027
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s academic undergraduate programs in applied engineering, business, nursing, computer science and psychology gained national rankings in U.S. News & World Report’s 2027 list of the nation’s best colleges and universities. Dr. Sidney A.
MTSU Board of Trustees updates presidential search process
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The search for Middle Tennessee State University’s next president remains on track and on time, members of the search committee said Monday, Sept. 28, with the expectation that more applicants will emerge by the mid-October deadline to express interest in becoming the university’s 11th chief executive. “The goal is to have a smooth transition and I think that’s likely going to happen,” said Chair Stephen B.
MTSU’s Lt. Gen. Keith Huber honored with Outstanding Eagle Scout Award [+VIDEO]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives at Middle Tennessee State University, was honored by the Middle Tennessee Council of Scouting America with its Outstanding Eagle Scout Award for his 38-year military career and his service to the university.
MTSU football team to honor Dolly Parton with jersey patch for season opener [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Blue Raider football team will honor the life of country music icon and beloved humanitarian Dolly Parton by wearing a special commemorative jersey patch for the home season opener against Murray State on Saturday, Sept. 5. Athletics Director Chris Massaro and Beverly Keel, dean of MTSU’s Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment, unveiled the jersey patch design Friday, Aug.
Civil Air Patrol cadets experience ‘full scope’ of MTSU at engineering technology academy [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Almost 60 Civil Air Patrol cadets from 31 states were selected to attend this year’s CAP National Cadet Engineering Technology Academy hosted and organized by Middle Tennessee State University’s colleges of Basic and Applied Sciences and Behavioral and Health Sciences, featuring majors ranging from aerospace to public health and mechatronics to criminal justice.
MTSU Aerospace makes connections with flight industry at EAA AirVenture in Wisconsin
OSHKOSH, Wis. —Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Aerospace connected with aviation alumni from across the nation and industry leaders from around the world at this year’s Experimental Aircraft Association’s 2026 AirVenture, known as the world’s largest aviation experience.
State legislative committee recommends 4-year extension of MTSU Board of Trustees
NASHVILLE, Tenn. —The Tennessee Government Operations Joint Evaluation Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday, June 17, to recommend extension of the Middle Tennessee State University Board of Trustees for another four years. Board Chair Stephen B. Smith and President Sidney A. McPhee appeared before lawmakers for a sunset hearing, during which the committee reviews and approves the continued operation of state-funded agencies, programs and boards.
MTSU trustees outline presidential search process
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Board of Trustees on Tuesday, June 16, outlined the process it will follow to hire a new president to replace Sidney A. McPhee, who will step down from his leadership role at the end of this year. Board Chairman Stephen B. Smith said a Presidential Search Committee will be appointed by July and will engage key stakeholders for input on the position profile, to be released by September.
Heat, rain, mud, music: MTSU’s 10th Bonnaroo classroom another success
MANCHESTER, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University celebrated this weekend the 10th year of its partnership with the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival with all the feels — amazing music, unexpected twists and turns, and more real-world experiences for our students. The Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment has long touted that Bonnaroo was a classroom for its students in video production, audio engineering and journalism.
MTSU, Middle Tennessee Scouts Council renew partnership [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee State University has renewed its longstanding partnership with the Middle Tennessee Council of Scouting America, reaffirming a collaboration that leaders said continues to shape future generations of community and civic leaders. MTSU Provost Mark Byrnes joined former Council President J.B. Baker, a member of the university’s Board of Trustees, and Council Scout Executive and CEO Robert Johnson, who signed the renewal document at a recent campus ceremony.
Nashville Sounds, MTSU honor Armed Forces, raise money for veterans [+VIDEOS]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Nashville Sounds baseball club is again auctioning specialty game-worn military jerseys to benefit the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University. The game-worn jerseys debuted Sunday, May 17, during the team’s Salute to Armed Forces Day and True Blue Day at First Horizon Park, sponsored by MTSU and the Daniels Center. The auction will run through Monday, July 13.
MTSU, Middle Tennessee Scouts Council renew partnership [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – Middle Tennessee State University has renewed its longstanding partnership with the Middle Tennessee Council of Scouting America, reaffirming a collaboration that leaders said continues to shape future generations of community and civic leaders. MTSU Provost Mark Byrnes joined former Council President J.B. Baker, a member of the university’s Board of Trustees, and Council Scout Executive and CEO Robert Johnson, who signed the renewal document at a recent campus ceremony.
Nashville Sounds, MTSU honor Armed Forces, raise money for veterans [+VIDEOS]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Nashville Sounds baseball club is again auctioning specialty game-worn military jerseys to benefit the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University. The game-worn jerseys debuted Sunday, May 17, during the team’s Salute to Armed Forces Day and True Blue Day at First Horizon Park, sponsored by MTSU and the Daniels Center. The auction will run through Monday, July 13.
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee to retire at end of year after quarter century leading institution
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, president of Middle Tennessee State University for more than a quarter century, announced Tuesday, March 17, he will retire as the institution’s chief executive officer when his contract ends in December. McPhee, who has served as MTSU’s leader since January 2001, formally delivered his decision through a letter presented to Board of Trustees Chairman Stephen B.
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee to retire at end of year after quarter century leading institution
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, president of Middle Tennessee State University for more than a quarter century, announced Tuesday, March 17, he will retire as the institution’s chief executive officer when his contract ends in December. McPhee, who has served as MTSU’s leader since January 2001, formally delivered his decision through a letter presented to Board of Trustees Chairman Stephen B.
MTSU students wrap up trip to 68th annual Grammy Awards in LA
LOS ANGELES — Middle Tennessee State University students and faculty from its Recording Industry Department are back home after wrapping up their time in Los Angeles at the 68th annual Grammy Awards, marking the program’s 12th consecutive trip to celebrate the work of former students up for honors as well as network with alumni and professionals in the industry.
MTSU students at Grammys 2026 take a red-carpet turn
LOS ANGELES — Middle Tennessee State University students and faculty, visiting Southern California as part of the university’s 12th annual trip for the Grammy Awards, took a turn on the red carpet before working Friday, Jan. 30, at the MusiCares 2026 Person of the Year gala honoring artist Mariah Carey. MTSU President Sidney A.
MTSU returns to the Grammys in Los Angeles for 12th consecutive year
LOS ANGELES — Students and faculty from Middle Tennessee State University are again in Southern California for the music industry’s biggest weekend, celebrating former students whose work has been nominated in the 68th Grammy Awards, which will be presented Sunday, Feb. 1. President Sidney A.
MTSU’s Marketing and Communications Division lands 33 awards for content work
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Storytelling in digital and video formats earned Middle Tennessee State University’s Division of Marketing and Communications recognition from several industry and higher education professional organizations in 2025 for its promotional work on behalf of the institution. The division captured 33 awards at national, regional and state levels.
Visitation set Tuesday, funeral Wednesday for MTSU First Lady Elizabeth McPhee
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The family of the late MTSU First Lady Elizabeth McPhee announced Saturday that her visitation services will be held Tuesday, Jan. 13, and the funeral will follow the next day, Wednesday, Jan. 14, both at Murfreesboro’s Belle Aire Baptist Church. McPhee, 72, the spouse of MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, died Jan. 8, after a brief illness. Visitation for Mrs. McPhee will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Belle Aire Baptist Church, 1307 N. Rutherford Blvd., in Murfreesboro.
MTSU trustees advance new graduate degree proposals in health care, film/TV
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. —The Middle Tennessee Board of Trustees took initial actions Wednesday, Dec. 3, to create new graduate degree programs in Health Care Administration as well as Film and Television. Trustees unanimously approved consideration of a Master of Health Care Administration, or MHA degree, in the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, the first regulatory step necessary in the process.
Government leaders, alums join MTSU trustee committee to help guide Murphy Center renovations, Lightning Zone district
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Rutherford County elected leaders and prominent alumni joined Middle Tennessee State University trustees to form a committee to guide renovations to historic Murphy Center and create a nearby “Lightning Zone” district to encourage retail and entertainment development. Stephen B.
MTSU enrollment up 2.2% as trustees reelect chairs, OK degree proposals, welcome 3 new members
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Three new members of Middle Tennessee State University’s Board of Trustees attended their first quarterly meeting Tuesday, Sept. 9, where trustees selected board leadership, endorsed three new graduate degree proposals, and learned of an enrollment increase putting fall student headcount at just over 21,000 students. “I’m happy to report we are once again the largest LGI (Locally Governed Institution) in the state,” MTSU President Sidney A.
MTSU named to Forbes ‘America’s Top Colleges’ list for 2026
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. —Middle Tennessee State University was again included on the Forbes list of the 500 Top Colleges in the U.S., one of only four public institutions in the state to make the 2026 ranking. Forbes, a global media company best known for its financial and business reporting, bases its annual America’s Top Colleges list on several factors, including average student debt, return on investment, enrollment and outcomes for low-income students.
MTSU among five Tennessee institutions on The Princeton Review’s Best Colleges list
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is among 391 colleges and universities recognized among the nation’s best by The Princeton Review, one of the nation’s leading education services companies. The ranking is based on data from the company’s surveys of 170,000 students at the 391 schools. Students attending the schools rate their own colleges on dozens of topics and report on their campus experiences at them.
MTSU named to ‘Best Colleges in the U.S.’ lists by Colleges of Distinction
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is among only four public institutions in the state named to the Colleges of Distinction 2025-26 “Best Colleges in the U.S.” MTSU also made several of the organization’s best-of lists, including Best in Tennessee, Best Public Institutions, Business, Education, Nursing, Most Affordable, Career Development and Military Support.
MTSU Aerospace returns home after navigating EAA AirVenture aviation showcase
OSHKOSH, Wis. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Aerospace wrapped up Sunday a weeklong opportunity at the massive 2025 EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, representing the university at the world’s largest aviation experience and spending time with industry leaders and prospective employers. Held July 21-27, the event attracted almost 700,000 people and 10,000-plus aircraft.
MTSU Aerospace lands again at EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh to network, showcase ‘great flight program’ [+VIDEOS]
OSHKOSH, Wis. — True Blue returned to Wisconsin’s EAA AirVenture this week, as students and faculty from Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Aerospace are taking part in the weeklong event best known as the world’s largest gathering of aviation enthusiasts.
MTSU Board of Trustees approve tuition, fee increase for new academic year
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved Tuesday, June 17, a 6.49% increase in tuition and fees for undergraduate and graduate rates starting this fall. The action sets the combined total for tuition and fees per semester to $5,328.50 for in-state students taking more than 12 credit hours. It is within the binding range for such increases set by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Murphy’s Law: MTSU Bonnaroo crew packs up after rainout
MANCHESTER, Tenn. — The almost 50 Middle Tennessee State University students crewing at the 2025 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival learned another lesson Friday night, June 13, about the unpredictability of live event production. After heavy rains forced festival organizers to cancel the remainder of the four-day festival, students and faculty began disconnecting gear, drying off video and audio gear and winding down their work at the farm in Manchester.
MTSU Board of Trustees votes to name new student-athlete center in honor of board chairman, wife
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Middle Tennessee State University Board of Trustees unanimously voted Friday, June 6, to name the soon-to-be-completed Student-Athlete Performance Center in honor of Board Chair Stephen Smith and his wife, Denise. Trustees, convening in a special meeting, approved a recommendation by President Sidney A. McPhee to add the Smiths’ names to the $66 million building, which is connected to the north end of Floyd Stadium and set to open before the football season this fall.
MTSU’s Daniels Center helps Nashville Superspeedway honor troops, veterans at NASCAR event
LEBANON, Tenn. —The Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center at Middle Tennessee State University helped the Nashville Superspeedway honor active-duty troops, veterans and their families during opening ceremonies of the three-day 2025 NASCAR racing weekend. MTSU’s retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber was an honorary track official at the May 30 Rackley Roofing 200.
Leaders with MTSU, other community groups fly with Marines to celebrate corps birthday [+VIDEO]
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The U.S. Marine Corps, celebrating its 250th birthday with events in Nashville and four other major cities, took to the skies Tuesday, June 3, with several area community leaders. Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, along with leaders from the Nashville Superspeedway, the Nashville Sounds and other community groups, flew from the John Tune Airport to downtown aboard a Marine UH-1 Huey and escorted by an AH-1 Cobra.
MTSU, Bahamas sign pact opening student pipeline to Blue Raider Aerospace program [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University and the Commonwealth of The Bahamas have signed an agreement that will foster academic ties and collaboration between the country’s aviation ministry and MTSU’s Department of Aerospace. The agreement signed Friday, May 30, by MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper, who also leads the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, will create cultural and academic exchanges in education and research.
MTSU Board of Trustees clears way for possible naming of new student-athlete center
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee University’s Board of Trustees, in a special meeting Tuesday, May 27, approved a procedure that could lead to the naming of the new Student-Athlete Performance Center at Floyd Stadium, which is set to open this fall. Alan Thomas, vice president for business and finance, told trustees at the called meeting that the university received a request from former Gov. Bill Haslam and former U.S. Rep.
MTSU’s Daniels Veterans Center helps Opry celebrate Army’s 250th birthday
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center on Tuesday, May 20, helped the Grand Ole Opry celebrate the Army’s 250th birthday. Retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber, who serves as MTSU’s senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives, was the Opry’s guest announcer at the annual Salute the Troops show. Huber, along with Army Maj. Gen.
THEC approval moves MTSU’s new Legal Studies master’s degree to final review
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s proposed Master of Science in Legal Studies, set to be taught in partnership with the Nashville School of Law, has earned approval by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, the largest remaining hurdle in launching the new degree, the university announced Friday, March 28. THEC, which reviews new academic degree programs among the state’s public universities, unanimously approved the program on March 19.
McPhee: MTSU freshmen admissions trending higher amid increased recruiting efforts
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s undergraduate admissions efforts to date has resulted in a 14% increase in admitted freshmen compared to last year, according to figures presented to the institution’s Board of Trustees at its quarterly meeting Tuesday, March 18. MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee told trustees the university has admitted 10,154 freshmen and transfers for the Fall 2025 semester as of March, which compares to 8,919 last year at the same time.
MTSU alum Brandon Bell captures Grammy for engineering work on best bluegrass album
LOS ANGELES — Multiple-winner and nominee Brandon Bell, a 2004 Department of Recording Industry alum from Middle Tennessee State University, captured another Grammy Award during music’s biggest night held Sunday at Crypto.com Arena. An audio production engineer, Bell was honored among the winners at the 67th annual Grammy Awards for his mixing work on “Billy Strings Live Vol. 1” by artist Billy Strings, which won for Best Bluegrass Album. Strings captured the same award in 2021.
MTSU celebrates Grammy-nominated alums Alexander, Roberts at special Los Angeles event
LOS ANGELES — Middle Tennessee State University gathered alumni, supporters and friends Saturday, Feb. 1, in Los Angeles to honor its six former students with nominations in the 2025 Grammy Awards, which will be presented Sunday, Feb. 2. Six MTSU-trained professionals received eight Grammy nominations this year.
MTSU students volunteer, network, learn while soaking in pre-Grammy experiences
LOS ANGELES — Middle Tennessee State University spent Friday night, Jan. 31, volunteering at the Recording Academy’s premiere and pre-Grammys fundraising event, the MusiCares Persons of the Year Gala, which pivoted this year to support artists impacted by the Southern California wildfires. MTSU President Sidney A.
MTSU returns to the Grammys, extends focus of its LA gatherings to fire relief efforts
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University students and faculty return to Southern California this week to not only celebrate six former students nominated for Grammys but also show support for alumni and friends affected by the area’s devastating wildfires. President Sidney A.
MTSU Trustees OK three new master’s programs pending state, accrediting approval
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Board of Trustees unanimously approved Wednesday, Dec. 4, the addition of three master’s degree programs. Trustees approved a recommendation by the Academic Affairs, Student Life, and Athletics Committee to add Master of Science degrees in Biomedical Sciences in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences; Digital Media in the College of Media and Entertainment; and Legal Studies.
Civil Air Patrol national commander visits MTSU
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The national commander of Civil Air Patrol, the volunteer civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, recently paid a visit to Middle Tennessee State University to celebrate the decade-long partnership between the two institutions. Maj. Gen. Regena Aye Maj. Gen.
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