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Articles by Mark Byrnes
MTSU forum to explore AI opportunities, responsibilities, data protection Nov. 17
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University faculty, staff and administrators are invited to a Nov. 17 forum exploring artificial intelligence use across campus, including opportunities for adoption, institutional responsibilities and data protection. The event, titled “AI at MTSU: Opportunities, Responsibilities, and Data Protection,” will take place from 2 to 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 17, in Room 102 in the Applied Engineering Building.
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.
‘I’m glad I came!’: True Blue Tour a hit during two West Tennessee stops
MEMPHIS and JACKSON, Tenn. — For Houston High School senior Neya McMurray, Middle Tennessee State University’s True Blue Tour stop in Memphis this year not only brought mascot Lightning to town for some nice selfies with her friends, but it also brought the unexpected benefit of a $2,000 scholarship when her name was the final one drawn as one of several lucky winners that night.
MTSU leads the charge in Focused Baccalaureate Degree pathway
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is taking the lead in Tennessee with a reduced-credit bachelor’s degree designed to prepare students for careers protecting children and supporting vulnerable youth. Earlier this month, MTSU became the first public university in Tennessee to receive permission from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, or THEC, to move forward with a proposal for a Focused Baccalaureate Degree, or FBD.
MTSU raises bar for Employee Charitable Giving Campaign to record goal of $170K [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — True Blue givers are back as Middle Tennessee State University launches its traditional Employee Charitable Giving Campaign to support the critical work of area nonprofits — with MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee again raising the bar by challenging the university to reach a record campaign goal of $170,000.
With ‘Concrete,’ John Wilson Offers a Human Take on a Hard Topic
Source: Magnolia Pictures (Bloomberg) -- isn’t quite what its title suggests. In his first feature documentary, out in theaters Sept.
Buffalo Built a Family-Friendly Stadium for the NFL’s Most Debauched Fans
Photographer: Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images North America (Bloomberg) -- Quarterback Josh Allen, now in his ninth year with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League, is still knocking on the door of his first Super Bowl appearance.
Historic Rutledge Hall ribbon cutting gives MTSU’s University Studies Department an upgraded new home [+VIDEO]
Rutledge reopening marks the transition from dormitory to academic building MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — “Since its earliest existence, this building, much like the university, has adapted to serve the needs of our students and faculty,” said Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee as he welcomed members of the True Blue community to the Wednesday, Sept. 9, ribbon cutting for Rutledge Hall.
MTSU’s College of Liberal Arts receives national grant to strengthen character education
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Liberal Arts has received a $47,399 capacity-building grant from the Educating Character Initiative, a project of The Program for Leadership and Characterat Wake Forest University. The grant will support “The True Blue Character Blueprint: Building Character Education at MTSU,” a university-wide effort that builds on the university’s longstanding True Blue values through a more intentional approach to character development.
MTSU percussion professor expresses gratitude for Career Achievement Award with a heaping helping of humor, humility; 22 other staff and faculty spotlighted
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — After 39 years at Middle Tennessee State University, internationally acclaimed percussionist Lalo Davila has learned that a career milestone deserves a little humor — especially when you’re standing in front of a crowd. “If I were to tell you that I’m not nervous, that would not be true,” Davila said while accepting the 2026 Career Achievement Award at the annual Fall Faculty and Staff Meeting and Foundation Awards held on campus Thursday, Aug. 20, in Tucker Theatre.
As retirement nears, MTSU’s McPhee reflects on tenure ‘focused on purpose, not just growth’
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A reflective Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee praised the steadfast support of his late wife and the teamwork of his many talented colleagues to move the institution forward in delivering his 26th and final State of the University Address at the traditional Fall Faculty Meeting held Thursday, Aug. 20, in Tucker Theatre to kick off the new academic year.
Unveiled restoration, renovation of iconic Kirksey Old Main at MTSU carries past into future [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — It was the year Marie Curie won the Nobel Prize for Chemistry. The Ford Model T was still a novelty, and most Tennessee roads were dirt or gravel. When the Tennessee Normal School opened in 1911, its campus consisted of five buildings on 100 acres, serving 125 students.
MTSU Aerospace Program Connects with Industry and Expands Fleet at EAA AirVenture 2026
OSHKOSH, Wisc. (WGNS) - Leaders and students from Middle Tennessee State University made a major impact on the global aviation stage at the 73rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. Provost Mark Byrnes, Trustee Jimmy Granbery, Aerospace Chair Chaminda Prelis, and Greg Van Patten, dean of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, led a team of students and flight instructors from the Murfreesboro campus to the event held July 20-26.
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.
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 Renews Partnership With Middle Tennessee Scouts Council
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. - Middle Tennessee State University has renewed its longstanding partnership with the Middle Tennessee Council of Scouting America, reaffirming a collaborative effort that university and scouting leaders say continues to shape future generations of civic and community leaders (Scroll down for more photos from MTSU).
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.
May ‘Out of the Blue’ highlights academic growth, student success with Provost Mark Byrnes [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The May episode of “Out of the Blue,” Middle Tennessee State University’s television magazine program, features a conversation about academic growth, innovation and preparing students for the future with Provost Mark Byrnes.
May ‘Out of the Blue’ spotlights campus growth, new studio and alumni success [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The May episode of “Out of the Blue,” Middle Tennessee State University’s television program, takes a closer look at the people and projects helping shape MTSU today: from longtime campus leadership to new creative spaces and successful alumni.
May ‘Out of the Blue’ spotlights campus growth, new studio and alumni success [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The May episode of “Out of the Blue,” Middle Tennessee State University’s television program, takes a closer look at the people and projects helping shape MTSU today: from longtime campus leadership to new creative spaces and successful alumni.
MTSU to launch Grad-AI initiative to boost artificial intelligence integration in graduate education
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University invites the campus community to the official launch of the Grad-AI initiative, a university-wide effort focused on advancing applied, ethical AI integration across graduate programs at MTSU. The kickoff event will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 30, in Room 105 of the School of Concrete and Construction Management Building.
MTSU to launch Grad-AI initiative to boost artificial intelligence integration in graduate education
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University invites the campus community to the official launch of the Grad-AI initiative, a university-wide effort focused on advancing applied, ethical AI integration across graduate programs at MTSU. The kickoff event will be held from 2 to 3 p.m. Thursday, April 30, in Room 105 of the School of Concrete and Construction Management Building.
MTSU Bolt Awards honor ‘True Blue’ student excellence in service, academics
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University Student Government Association and Division of Student Affairs honored its top student leaders and organizations during the 2026 MTSU Bolt Awards, recognizing “True Blue” excellence in leadership, service and campus engagement.
‘It’s an honor and a priviledge’: MTSU associoate professor accepts 2026 John Pleas Faculty Award
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — With a career defined by rigorous scholarship and unwavering dedication to the profession, Middle Tennessee State University associate professor of soil science Samuel Haruna was recently presented the 2026 John Pleas Faculty Award, which celebrates educators who go above and beyond.
In Memphis, an Architectural Oddity From the 1980s Is Ready for a Revival
Photographer: Jon Hicks/Stone RF (Bloomberg) -- When Mud Island Park first opened to the public in 1982, Memphians were wowed.
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 Returns To The Grammys In Los Angeles For 12th Consecutive Year
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.
THEC approves departmental changes to MTSU College of Behavioral and Health Sciences
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University will reorganize several academic programs within the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, creating three new departments and moving two programs into other academic colleges. Approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in 2025, the changes that will take effect July 1 are designed to strengthen academic focus, improve visibility and support future growth.
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-hosted online summit on AI and the Arts advances global dialogue, innovation
By Sara A. Abdoh MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University launched the AI and the Future of Art Summit 2025: Creativity Reimagined earlier this fall, achieving remarkable global reach with virtual participants from 22 countries.
MTSU president addresses SGA questions on AI, DEI changes, Forrest Hall name, more
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Artificial intelligence, renaming of Forrest Hall, DEI changes and food insecurity were among the topics fielded by Middle Tennessee State University administrators during the annual Student Government Association joint meeting held on campus recently. Members of the Student Government Association Senate and freshman council gathered in the Parliamentary Room recently to hear from MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and Provost Mark Byrnes on several student-related issues.
MTSU quantum leader boosts research, workforce development efforts at state conference in Murfreesboro
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Hanna Terletska recently joined a statewide trio of innovation experts during a key research-related panel discussion as part of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s annual Governor’s Conference 2025.
True Blue Tour’s Music City, Gallatin stops yield $124K in awards, strong interest
NASHVILLE and GALLATIN, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s True Blue Tour recently returned to Music City and added a new stop in Gallatin, bringing together prospective Blue Raiders and their families, along with alumni and educators from the region for the annual student recruitment initiative. Each stop held a luncheon for high school counselors and community college advisors, followed by student receptions in the evening, with MTSU President Sidney A.
Quantum Leap: MTSU Launches QRISE Center to Shape the Future
Murfreesboro, TN - Middle Tennessee State University is stepping into the quantum spotlight with the launch of QRISE — Quantum Research Interdisciplinary Science and Education. The center promises to be a world-class hub for quantum discovery, innovation, and workforce development. President Sidney A. McPhee called the moment “a defining one for MTSU,” noting Tennessee’s growing role in the national quantum economy.
With strong partners, grants, MTSU ushers in new quantum era with QRISE Center [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Joined by industry partners, Middle Tennessee State University announced a new quantum center in the College of Basic and Applied Sciences that will be a world-class hub for advancing quantum discovery, innovation, education, workforce and economic development.
Vannatta-Hall appointed director of MTSU’s Center for Teaching and Mentoring [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University has appointed Jennifer Vannatta-Hall as the first director of the new Center for Teaching and Mentoring, a campus resource aimed at strengthening teaching, mentoring and professional development across the university community. The center, also known as the CTM, held a Sept. 24 launch party in Room 348 of the James E.
MTSU sets lofty target of $165K for Employee Charitable Giving Campaign [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee recently called for all #TrueGivers to open up their hearts and financial resources to support this year’s annual Employee Charitable Giving Campaign — with hopes of capturing $165,000 in pledges over the monthlong drive.
Commentator David Brooks offers hope for America in the midst of political discourse at MTSU Constitution Day panel [+VIDEOS]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — America is experiencing political and cultural upheaval, New York Times columnist and PBS contributor David Brooks told an audience gathered recently at Middle Tennessee State University for the annual Constitution Day observance. Brooks participated in a Sept. 17 panel discussion on “We the People: The Place of the U.S. Constitution in Students’ Everyday Spaces,” with students from MTSU’s American Democracy Project, or ADP, at Tucker Theatre on campus.
At MTSU 9/11 ceremony, retired Navy, Secret Service agent tells audience to ‘remember the real heroes’ [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Roy Sexton was with President George W. Bush when the attacks by the extremist group al-Qaida on U.S. landmarks unfolded on Sept. 11, 2001. The U.S. Navy veteran and retired U.S. Secret Service agent led the advance team on Bush’s visit to a Sarasota, Florida, elementary school on Sept. 11, 2001. As the president read to the children, White House press secretary Ari Fleischer and Sexton were learning of the attacks by the extremist group al-Qaida on U.S. landmarks.
Houston’s Alief Neighborhood Center Is a Resilience Hub for a Working-Class Melting Pot
Houston’s Alief Neighborhood Center and Park is the result of the city’s Resilience Hub Plan, launched after Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
MTSU Scholars Academy successfully acclimates new students to campus life
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Addi Andara and Chris Collins joined nearly 150 of their fellow Middle Tennessee State University first-year students in obtaining a jump-start in their college careers by being part of the almost two-week 2025 Scholars Academy. “This is setting me up for success in the long run,” said Andara, 18, of San Francisco, California, who plans to be a commercial songwriting major bitten by the music bug about 18 months ago. “We are getting a lot more of the (campus) resources.
MTSU pair share Veteran Leadership Award at summer Stole Ceremony
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Ross List and Virgil Teter both began their military careers in the 1990s in different branches, and now the soon-to-be Middle Tennessee State University graduates have a new shared experience to go along with working for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Both received the Veteran Leadership Award during the summer 2025 Graduating Veteran Stole Ceremony Thursday, Aug. 7, in the Miller Education Center’s second-floor atrium on Bell Street.
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.
Do world fairs still matter?
IN MID-APRIL, the 2025 World Expo opened in Osaka, Japan. With an estimated US$66 billion price tag and unique setting on an artificial island called Yumeshima, it's the follow-up to the famous 1970 World Expo held in that city - the first such event in Asia, remembered now for its wild futuristic architecture that conveyed the sweeping ambitions of postwar Japan.
Do World’s Fairs Still Matter?
A life-size Gundam robot statue stands outside a pavilion at the 2025 Osaka Expo in the city of Osaka on April 9, 2025. (Bloomberg) -- In mid-April, the 2025 World Expo opened in Osaka, Japan.
The Buffalo Architect Fighting for Women in Design
Kelly Hayes McAlonie entertains kids at a puppet theater event in Ohio. (Bloomberg) -- A name necklace typically refers to somebody close to the wearer: a child, significant other or even oneself.
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