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Articles by Stephanie Wagner
Two-time MTSU alum named state educator of the year, proceeds to national competition
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Two-time Middle Tennessee State University education alumna and STEM elementary teacher Jenna Burke was recently named Tennessee’s Teacher of the Year by the Tennessee Department of Education and will soon move on to the national stage of the competition.
Full-Service Mobile Food Markets and Dietary Quality in Low-Income Housing Communities : A Randomized Clinical Trial
Supplement 1. Trial Protocol and Statistical Analysis Plan Supplement 2. eFigure. Consort diagram for sites screened and enrolled in the Twin Cities Mobile Market cluster randomized control trial eTable 1. Demographic characteristics of participants lost to follow-up by group eTable 2.
MTSU Thankful Thursday initiative open to help stock campus pantries by Nov. 6
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s annual Thankful Thursday initiative is open once again to offer those looking to give back this holiday season a way to fill the tables of students in need. “National statistics show that almost a quarter of undergraduate students are food insecure,” said Maigan Wipfli, director of the Office for First-Year and Nontraditional Student Engagement, one of the offices that coordinates the initiative.
MTSU ranked among top schools in nation for free speech climate
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University has been named one of the nation’s top universities for respecting and protecting the free speech rights of students and professors, ranking 13th out of 261 colleges and universities across the country on the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression’s seventh annual College Free Speech rankings. “This placement is very encouraging,” said Ken Paulson, director of MTSU’s Free Speech Center.
Hope 100 years after Scopes: MTSU professor pushes trust-centered communication for science’s most contentious conversations
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University biology professor and researcher Liz Barnes’ mission to improve communication and trust between scientists and the larger community shows no signs of slowing, most recently with two published articles in a top scientific journal detailing her research-backed approach of “conflict-reducing” science communication to better convey polarizing science topics.
MTSU Career Center shares preparations for Sept. 24 Big Career Fair on September ‘Out of the Blue’ [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Beka Moore, director of Middle Tennessee State University’s Career Development Center, and Holly Allen, assistant director, shared plans for the upcoming “BIG Career Fair” and their research-backed approach to career counseling on this month’s episode of “Out of the Blue,” the university’s television magazine program.
MTSU’s Musto Tennessee Insurance Hall of Fame to induct Class of 2026 Oct. 1
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Robert E. Musto Tennessee Insurance Hall of Fame, located inside the Jennings A. Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University, will host its Class of 2026 induction ceremony and gala on Thursday, Oct. 1, at the Smyrna Event Center. A reception kicks off the event at 5:30 p.m. followed by dinner and the induction ceremony at 6 p.m. at the venue located at 100 Sam Ridley Parkway E in Smyrna, Tennessee. The registration deadline for the event is Friday, Sept.
From hearth to lecture hall: Mother, daughter receive MTSU education degrees side by side
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The only thing that could make wrapping up their time at Middle Tennessee State University and earning their education degrees sweeter for mother-daughter pair and spring graduates Ayana Samuel and Autumn Claybrooks — walking the commencement stage inside Murphy Center on the same day. “It must have been a month or two before … we both realized we would be graduating together,” Samuel said of experiencing this special moment with her daughter.
Serving It Up: MTSU’s Liz Barnes traveled unlikely path from Denny’s waitress to a national role in demystifying science
by Brian Hudgins, Drew Ruble, and Stephanie Wagner When Liz Barnes researches the most effective ways for faculty members to teach students, she has her own storied personal and educational history from which to draw. Barnes, an associate professor of Biology, dropped out of high school and moved away from home at 16 years old. Her mother was a single teenager when Barnes was born—and Barnes’ mother later struggled with addiction to prescription painkillers.
Serving It Up: MTSU’s Liz Barnes traveled unlikely path from Denny’s waitress to a national role in demystifying science
by Brian Hudgins, Drew Ruble, and Stephanie Wagner When Liz Barnes researches the most effective ways for faculty members to teach students, she has her own storied personal and educational history from which to draw. Barnes, an associate professor of Biology, dropped out of high school and moved away from home at 16 years old. Her mother was a single teenager when Barnes was born—and Barnes’ mother later struggled with addiction to prescription painkillers.
MTSU equestrian trailblazer inducted into renowned Intercollegiate Horse Show Hall of Fame
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Despite hanging up her saddle at Middle Tennessee State University almost a decade ago, Anne Brzezicki, the university’s prolific former director of Equestrian programs, equestrian team coach and horse science instructor, has not pulled back on the reins — inducted into the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Hall of Fame this past weekend.
MTSU’s April 17 Applied Philosophy Lyceum speaker to explore the ‘fractured self’
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s first Applied Philosophy Lyceum of the spring will feature Alexis Dianda, associate professor of philosophy from Xavier University, exploring the unfixed nature of identity through the lens of renowned American psychologist and philosopher William James. Dianda will present at 5 p.m. Friday, April 17, in Room 164 of the College of Education building, 1756 MTSU Blvd.
Let’s walk! MTSU professor, Heart Association member spotlights April 18 Rutherford Heart Walk
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The American Heart Association is gearing up for its annual, signature Rutherford County Heart Walk, and Chandra Story, Middle Tennessee State University professor and association board member, is encouraging the community to take heart and do their part to get active and raise funds for heart-health education and research. “Heart disease is still the leading cause of death in this country,” said Story, a public health professor.
MTSU secures $1.5M Department of Education grant to further fund student support services
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Staff at Middle Tennessee State University’s Student Support Services spared no effort in procuring the $1.5 million “TRIO” federal education grant to ensure continued funding for the university’s key student support services. “Securing this grant underscores both the strength of our proposal and the demonstrated effectiveness of our services,” said Melissa Towe, program director.
MTSU concrete student lands national ‘Sustainability in Concrete’ scholarship
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Brandon Cruz Campero, a concrete industry management student, recently won a top “Sustainability in Concrete” scholarship from CarbonCure, an industry leader in sustainable concrete and building practices. Now in its fourth year, CarbonCure’s scholarship program awarded $2,000 each to Campero and his four fellow scholarship recipients.
MTSU readies to welcome alums, public back to campus with April 9-18 Alumni Spring Showcase
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Middle Tennessee State University Alumni Association is gearing up for its annual Alumni Spring Showcase next month — a 10-day extravaganza of events for both alumni and the public, this year spanning from campus all the way to Nashville with a Nashville Zoo Family Day, multiple theatrical performances, a cooking class, Blue Raider athletic events and more.
Next MTSU Star Party features March 6 lecture on ancient astronomy
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is in the thick of another Star Party season this spring, with monthly lectures and telescope observations slated through the rest of the semester.
February ‘Out of the Blue’ showcases history-making $3M College of Ed grant [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — As data continues to be a growing, dominant part of daily life, Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Education, along with partners across campus, have worked hard to ensure students from MTSU to local school districts are equipped to meet it, most recently landing a $3 million National Science Foundation grant to develop leaders in the field.
MTSU professor, former Olympian ‘leaps’ into World Olympians Association
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Andrew Owusu, public healthprofessor, assistant track and fieldcoach and three-time Olympian, added another accolade to his name in time for the Winter Games this month: election to the executive board of the World Olympians Association. “I am thrilled and honored to join the board,” said Owusu about his new position in the association, more commonly known as the WOA, the representative body for the over 100,000 living Olympians worldwide.
MTSU recognizes 252 employees for their 4,980 hours of service to campus community
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University recently celebrated 252 faculty and staff for their 4,980 combined years of service to the Blue Raider community at its annual Service Awards Luncheon last month. MTSU University President Sidney A. McPhee was on hand at the James Union Building Ballroom to recognize honorees along with several vice presidents from across campus and host Lisa Batey, director of employee benefits.
MTSU psychology students clinch top awards at annual state conference
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Nine Middle Tennessee State University students attended the annual Tennessee Psychological Association’s convention this semester and participated in its research poster session and competition, with three bringing home top awards. “We had undergraduate and graduate students from all over the state come to share their work,” said James Loveless, MTSU associate professor of psychology who organizes the event held at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs.
MTSU STEM professors land $50K to fund peer learning support initiative, increase student success
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University is helping students succeed in first-year STEM courses with one of its most abundant and effective resources — their fellow Blue Raiders. First launched at MTSU in 2023, the Learning Assistant program works with students who have already completed these entry-level courses, such as biology, chemistry and math, to serve as embedded peer supports, better known as “learning assistants,” for current students tackling the challenging coursework.
MTSU to host undergraduate research showcase Nov. 6 at Miller Education Center
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Undergraduate Research Center is hosting its eighth annual Fall Research and Creative Activity Open House from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, to spotlight the high-quality and varied research and creative projects undergraduate students are producing across campus. “Attendees can expect bold, imaginative projects that reflect deep inquiry across all disciplines,” said Casey Penston, the center’s coordinator.
MTSU’s Oct. 29 FIRE lecture focuses on ‘Sifting through the Ashes’ of major U.S. wildfires
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Forensic Institute for Research and Education will host forensic expert Eric Bartelink at its upcoming William Bass-Hugh Berryman Legends in Forensic Science Lectureship event. The public is welcome to attend Bartelink’s free “Sifting through the Ashes” presentation at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 29, in the MTSU Student Union Ballroom.
Sign up now to bring MTSU spirit to Sept. 27 Music City Run for Dyslexia
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Lace up this month for some physical activity, Blue Raider community, and a good cause. Spots are still open to join Middle Tennessee State University’s team for Sept. 27’s Music City Run for Dyslexia at Shelby Park in Nashville. “Please consider registering, joining our team and showing your ‘True Blue’pride,” said Karen Kehoe, director of the Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia at MTSU, which is also a sponsor of the event.
MTSU faculty, students on national forefront of facilitating better science communication
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University associate biology professor Liz Barnes knows good science is inseparable from good communication. Neither students nor the public can deeply engage with critical yet contentious science issues like climate change or vaccine safety if having to first overcome an insensitive or even condescending delivery. “People tend to trust scientists, which is great,” Barnes said, herself an instructor of undergraduate science classes.
MTSU alums “pasta-tively” thrilled to bring new Demos’ location to campus, Aug. 25 grand opening
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University students won’t have to venture far for their Italian food fix this fall — Murfreesboro institution and alumni-run Demos’ Steak and Spaghetti House will open its new campus location Monday, Aug. 25, with a ribbon cutting, prizes, photo ops and plenty to “mangia” (eat!) The grand opening starts at 9:30 a.m. Aug. 25 at the Student Union Building’s first-floor food court.
MTSU rolls out 2025-26 alumni award honorees; ceremony, homecoming recognition slated for Sept. 19-20
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s alumni continue to embody their vibrant True Blue spirit long after departing their campus home. The university’s Alumni Association celebrates these successes annually with the Alumni Association Awards, recently naming this year’s recipients for demonstrating excellence and ability in the areas of education, community service and military service along with comprehensive recognitions of a junior and an overall distinguished alumni.
The 3rd Annual TK Country Fest
The TK Foundation & Country Swag Present: The 3rd Annual TK Fest Come celebrate and honor our dear friend and hero, Timmy Klein, at a special country music event on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at The Rockaway Hotel starting at 2 PM Enjoy live performances by Rock Country Nights and Tommy Cole, along with line dancing, raffles, and more! Your ticket grants you access to the event, a full 5-hour open bar, light fare, and the chance to WIN a trip to Nashville for CMA Fest – including 4-day passes,...
MTSU lands $3M NSF grant to develop area teachers into expert data science instructors
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A cohort of Middle Tennessee State University faculty recently landed a $3 million National Science Foundation grant to develop local middle school teachers in the subject areas of science, technology, engineering and math, also known as STEM, into data science instruction experts and leaders who will go on to develop educators in their communities.
MTSU Dyslexia Center’s new assistant director to boost research efforts
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Tennessee Center for the Study and Treatment of Dyslexia is continuing its mission toward a deeper understanding of dyslexia by bringing on Jennifer Stewart this summer as the new assistant director for research initiatives. “I’m very much looking forward to my new role at the center,” said Stewart, who brings her years of published research experience to the position.
MTSU College of Basic and Applied Sciences presents 3 student research awards
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Basic and Applied Sciencesrecently awarded three students its annual CBAS Research Awards. Amanda Lake Heath won the Distinguished Doctoral Research Award, Joseph May won the Outstanding Masters Research Award and James Evans won the Outstanding Undergraduate Research Award.
Registration open for July 15-19 MTSU special needs summer camp
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Registration is open and spots are still available for Middle Tennessee State University’s Inclusive College Experience camp for people ages 16 to 25 with intellectual disabilities. Hosted at the College of Education, the weeklong camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday-Friday, July 15-19, and the cost is $150.
Summer not slowing MTSU research: students, faculty in national program
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Nine Middle Tennessee State University undergraduates and one faculty member are participating in prestigious National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates, or REU, grant programs this summer. • Elijah Atkins is researching biomedical informatics at Vanderbilt University in Nashville. • Lula Baldriche is researching renewable energy generation and storage at the State University of New York at Binghamton in Vestal.
Registration open for MTSU center’s July educator training academies
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Center for Educational Mediais hosting its annual PK-12 Collaborative Summer Academies — full-day professional development opportunities for teachers of English Language Learners, special education teachers and school counselors. The School Counselors Collaborative Summer Academy is set for July 9, followed by the ELL Collaborative Summer Academy on July 11 and the SPED Collaborative Summer Academy on July 16.
MTSU education alumni wrap year leading awards in local school districts
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Alumni from Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Education made up a majority of this year’s Teacher of the Year winners for Rutherford County Schools and Murfreesboro City Schools. Education alumni were 36 of the 50 winners in the county district and 15 of the 27 winners in the city system.
Six MTSU alumni named CMA Foundation Music Teachers of Excellence
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Six alumni from Middle Tennessee State University were recently named among this year’s 30 total Country Music Association Foundation’s Music Teachers of Excellence. The CMA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the Country Music Association, created the Music Teachers of Excellence program to recognize music educators from across the country who are making the greatest impact on their students and communities, according to the organization’s release.
MTSU closes May 27 for Memorial Day; summer classes resume May 28
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University will be closed Monday, May 27, for the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. All offices will be closed and no summer term classes will be held. The university will reopen and classes will resume on Tuesday, May 28. During the holiday weekend, the James E. Walker Library will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, May 25, and from 1 to 6 p.m. Sunday, May 26, but closed on Monday.
Record 32 MTSU undergrads travel to California to present at national research conference
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A record 32 Middle Tennessee State University undergraduate students presented their wide variety of research projects at a national level at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research in Long Beach, California, this spring. More commonly known as NCUR, the conference provides opportunities for research presentation, peer connections and networking for continuing education for its thousands of attendees, according to the event’s website.
MTSU College of Education honors local mentor teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Students, staff and faculty at Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Education know their top-tier teacher preparation program — ranked the No. 1 producer of Tennessee’s most effective teachers by the state — relies on the hands-on experience education students receive from the mentor teachers who open their doors in local school districts.
MTSU geosciences professors use $260K grant to stoke undergrads’ climate literacy, interest [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University geosciences faculty recently landed a National Science Foundation grant to make the critical, yet sometimes overwhelming issue of climate change more concrete and relatable to their undergraduate students.
MTSU center caps second year of mentorship program for local middle schoolers [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Middle Tennessee State University College of Education welcomed 23 middle schoolers and 19 mentors from the university and the local community for a campus tour, fun at the Campus Recreation Center and more. The group spent Friday, April 12, at MTSU as part of the culminating field trip of the second year of the Emerging Leaders Academy mentorship program coordinated between the College of Education’s Center for Fairness, Justice and Equity and Oakland Middle School.
MTSU education students invited to April 23 Murfreesboro City Schools panel, Q&A
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The College of Education’s Center for Fairness, Justice and Equity is partnering with Murfreesboro City Schools to put on an upcoming Educator Panel and Q&A session for MTSU education students. No RSVP is required for students to attend this free event on Tuesday, April 23, from 5 to 6 p.m. in Room 160 of the College of Education Building.
‘Saddle Up’ for fun, good cause at April 20 ACE Learning Center fundraiser
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Mark your calendars for the 17th annual “Saddle Up” FUN-draiser event on Saturday, April 20, to support Middle Tennessee State University’s Ann Campbell Early Learning Center. Local families are invited to mosey over to the MTSU Tennessee Livestock Center, at 1720 Greenland Drive, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 20 to kick off the morning with a light breakfast from Donut Country and Purity Dairy followed by a center full of activities.
April ‘Out of the Blue’ showcases student research organization, outreach to high schoolers [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Brooke Busbee, a recent psychology graduate, was one of three guests on this month’s “Out of the Blue” television magazine program, sharing her experience as part of the university’s Student Organization for the Advancement as Research, known as SOAR, and as an ambassador for the organization’s high school outreach program.
MTSU College of Education alumni welcomed to April 13 ‘Spring into Education’ showcase event
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The College of Education welcomes all current students, alumni and the community to celebrate education at its April 13 “Spring into Education” event on campus as part of the annual weeklong Alumni Spring Showcase. The free event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, in Rooms 141 and 153 at the College of Education building and out on the front lawn at 1756 MTSU Blvd.
MTSU professor conducts research, joins national conference to improve data science education
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — As the emerging field of data science becomes an everyday part of industry and the modern job market, associate professor and researcher Ryan “Seth” Jones from the College of Education is taking a lead in developing best practices and frameworks for getting K-12 students well-versed in the topic.
College of Education prioritizing student research to better prepare educators, impact change
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Education is working to make student research more of a focus and priority. “Research in education is vital to ensuring that we are giving our children and young people the highest quality of education for their future and to make sure our teachers feel confident in providing that for them,” said Bonnie Barksdale, assistant education professor and active researcher who helps support research within the college.
MTSU students spotlight cancer research, musicality, more at annual research expo [+VIDEO]
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University senior religious studies and nursing double major Eli Ward swept his arm over the five striking, colorful stained glass images depicting the stories of faith and perseverance of the patients he worked with for his research project.
MTSU undergrads present STEM research, meet with state officials at Capitol
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University undergraduate, STEM-based researchers recently got to showcase their talents, meet Tennessee. Gov. Bill Lee and tour the halls of state government at the annual Posters at the Capitol event.
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