Midpoints

A look at recent awards, events, and accomplishments at MTSU

compiled by Gina E. Fann, Jimmy Hart, Gina K. Logue, Drew Ruble, and Randy Weiler

Day on the Hill

MTSU trustees, administrators, and faculty turned the state capitol in Nashville “True Blue” during its annual legislative outreach Feb. 25. The delegation included President Sidney A. McPhee, Board of Trustees Chair Steve Smith, Trustee J.B. Baker, and former House Speaker Beth Harwell, who now serves as an MTSU Distinguished Visiting Professor. The group met with Gov. Bill Lee, Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, and House Speaker Cameron Sexton, along with other legislators. Several lawmakers and key aides attended a lunch hosted by the University to recognize students serving as legislative interns through the College of Liberal Arts and student journalists covering the General Assembly for a College of Media and Entertainment class. Among other topics, MTSU reported on the progress of its many ready-to-work programs and success in producing college graduates for the state’s economy.

Connecting Flight

Provost Mark Byrnes led a team from MTSU to Delta Air Lines’ world headquarters in Atlanta to layer veteran outreach and adult degree completion opportunities upon the already substantial partnership between the two organizations. Byrnes was joined by retired Army Lt. Gen. Keith Huber (pictured above), MTSU senior advisor for veterans and leadership initiatives; Hilary Miller, director of MTSU’s Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center; and Peggy Carpenter, associate dean of University College. The University officials and others in support roles met with leaders of Delta’s Propel program, which provides select MTSU Aerospace students with “qualified job offers” that detail a defined path and an accelerated timeline to become a pilot for the airline. MTSU was one of eight universities selected by Delta to participate in Propel.

MTSU Connect

MTSU Connect—essentially an exclusive “LinkedIn” just for the MTSU community—is a new career and mentorship network where students, alumni, faculty, and staff can find fellow Blue Raiders in their local area or chosen industry, share ideas on a discussion board, and post job opportunities. Visit mtalumni.com/mtsuconnect to join.

More Grammy Gold

MTSU alumni gave Grammy gold a “True Blue” tint on Jan. 26 when two graduates’ talents took them straight to the Staples Center stage in Los Angeles to accept Grammy Awards as the year’s best in music engineering and songwriting. Recording Industry graduate F. Reid Shippen (’94) hauled home his fifth career Grammy, this time for engineering Gloria Gaynor’s Best Roots Gospel Album, Testimony. And Aaron Raitiere, a 2009 M.F.A. alumnus, won his first Grammy for co-writing “I’ll Never Love Again” for A Star is Born in the Best Song for Visual Media category. Nine MTSU graduates in all were nominated for their work at the 62nd annual Grammy Awards. MTSU now has 11 winners with a total of 32 Grammys since 2001 in multiple categories and genres. Alumni, former or current students, and faculty from across the University have been a part of more than 75 Grammy Award nominations in the last decade. Nominees were honored during MTSU’s seventh annual Grammy weekend gatherings, where alumni and former students are saluted and current students travel with faculty and staff to learn firsthand about the awards in backstage and pre-show events.

Good Stats

MTSU student-athletes made the University proud with their work in the classroom during the 2020 spring semester. Even though they had to adjust to life without sports and away from campus, the Blue Raiders responded by excelling at remote learning, finishing the spring semester with an overall department GPA of 3.407 and the school year with a 3.216. Ten teams finished the semester with GPAs better than 3.5, and all but one had above a 3.2.

Something Borrowed, Something True Blue

Best in the Nation

After COVID-19 changed their wedding plans, College of Media and Entertainment alumni Abigail Stapler (’20) and Jared McDonald (’18), chose MTSU’s Walnut Grove to tie the knot. With only a few family and friends (as well as pets) present, the couple invited others to attend the May 15 ceremony via Zoom. The couple met while attending separate classes across the hallway from each other, so decided the campus was a perfect place to hold the ceremony.

MTSU’s insurance degree was ranked No. 1 in the nation among industry professionals, according to a survey by global ratings agency A.M. Best. The Risk Management & Insurance program in the Jones College of Business transitioned from a concentration to a full major four years ago. “We’ve been the best kept secret. . . . But we’re trying to change that. The secret, it seems, is out,” said MTSU Professor Dave Wood, who holds the Martin Chair of Insurance.

Striking Match

Match Records, the Department of Recording Industry’s student-run record label at MTSU, relaunched its imprint. Match Records gives Music Business majors an opportunity to use their professional skills by supporting artists in a real-world, label-services model. They showcase and develop artists with efforts that include singles releases, marketing events, and social media management alongside business foundation elements such as booking, management, and merchandising. A sampling of activities includes “tiny dorm concerts” and bookings at local venues like MTSU’s on-campus Chris Young Café.

Friend of the Educator

MTSU College of Education Dean Lana Seivers, a former state commissioner of education under thenGov. Phil Bredesen, retired June 30. During her tenure working at her alma mater, Seivers led the development of MTSU's one-of-a-kind Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree, reorganized and improved the student teaching program, improved relationships with school districts statewide, and dealt adroitly with the seemingly unending challenges facing public education and those who prepare our future teachers. Associate Dean Rick Vanosdall was appointed to serve as interim dean.

Real-World Experience

Thirteen students from MTSU’s Department of Media Arts honed their skills by working as pre-show or telecast crew members for the 53rd annual Country Music Association (CMA) Awards. The students, who are all studying multi-camera television production, were selected from the crew that did ESPN+ telecasts of Blue Raider volleyball and soccer games last fall. Eight students worked the CMA Awards show on ABC at Bridgestone Arena last November as talent production assistants. Five others helped on the red carpet show, produced by WKRN-Channel 2 in Nashville using MTSU’s mobile production truck and shared with 30 ABC affiliate stations.

True Blue Give

Almost 700 MTSU alumni, friends, faculty, and staff—and even some current students —donated more than $450,000 toward scholarships, student emergency funds, academics, and athletics during the annual True Blue Give, a 72-hour online donor drive Feb. 12–14. Three out of every four MTSU students receive some sort of financial aid.

Voting Drive

Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett presented MTSU with its top award Feb. 12 in the 2019 Tennessee College Voter Registration Competition. The award is given to the top four-year university in the voter registration challenge, which took place last September during National Voter Registration Month. Hargett was joined by state Sen. Dawn White and state Rep. Mike Sparks in the presentation.

Tuition Free

MTSU is spreading the message to prospective students and families about MT Tuition Free. With the lowest tuition and greatest value of the state’s three major comprehensive universities, tuition and fees at MTSU can be covered by federal aid and other scholarships, such as the HOPE scholarship, for students who fall within the income and academic criteria set by state and federal governments.

MTSU Daniels Center namesake, legend dies at 83

by Randy Weiler

HOME

Country music legend Charlie Daniels was a passionate advocate for military veterans and had described the honor of his name upon MTSU’s veterans center as greater than his selection in the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Daniels, called a “great patriot” by MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, died suddenly on July 6 at age 83 following a stroke.

“Charlie’s love of life and country was radiant and inspiring,” McPhee said. “And we at MTSU shall work every day to sustain and extend his legacy through the good works of the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. Charlie will live on, not only through his music, but also through the lives lifted through his generosity.”

Through Daniels and his nonprofit Journey Home Project, at least $350,000 has been raised and donated in the past four years to the Daniels Center. One of the nation’s largest, the veterans center is home to 1,000-plus military-connected students and family members. It was renamed to honor Daniels and his wife Hazel a year after its 2015 opening. “Charlie’s support will forever continue and live at MTSU as veterans and their precious military families nationwide seek the transition assistance of the center,” said retired U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Keith M. Huber, MTSU senior advisor for veterans and leadership initiatives. The International Entertainment Buyers Association also established an MTSU scholarship in Daniels’ honor in 2013.

“He was a big man with a larger-than-life personality and an even bigger heart,” said Beverly Keel, dean of MTSU’s College of Media and Entertainment. MTSU

A CIVICS C ENTER

Reliable information when we need it most.

Protect freedom of the press. freespeech.center

Reliable information when we need it most.

Protect freedom of the press. freespeech.center

Reliable information when we need it most.

Protect freedom of the press. freespeech.center

Reliable information when we need it most.

Protect freedom of the press. freespeech.center

Reliable information when we need it most.

Protect freedom of the press. freespeech.center

MTSU’s new Free Speech Center gains its footing at a critical time in American discourse

by Drew Ruble

If there was ever a man for his times, it’s Ken Paulson.

One of America’s preeminent free speech scholars, Paulson routinely appears in articles across the nation as an authority on the First Amendment. He’s even testified before Congress on the matter.

A former editor-in-chief of USA Today, Paulson joined MTSU as dean of the then-called College of Mass Communication in 2013. In addition to renaming the College of Media and Entertainment, he took the college to new heights during his tenure, revamping the media programs and changing the format of WMOT, a National Public Radio-affiliated radio station, among other achievements.

But Paulson stepped down as dean in 2019 to create and helm MTSU’s new Free Speech Center—a First Amendment advocacy hub that aims to provoke thoughtful discussion and discourse at college campuses across the nation. It’s not his first rodeo.

Paulson served as president of the Freedom Forum’s First Amendment Center on Vanderbilt University’s campus in nearby Nashville for more than a decade.

Paulson’s expertise serves as a needed antidote for the current social malaise featuring a puzzling dichotomy. On one hand, people need accurate news to ensure not just their health but their very lives. On the other hand, the president of the United States berates news outlets on a daily basis, accusing them of promoting falsities. Within this media storm, Paulson’s lifetime crusade to protect the freedom of press and his accompanying new venture at MTSU arguably could not be happening at a more relevant or critical time.

“When unthinking people let phrases like ‘fake news’ roll off their tongues, they fail to consider what ‘no news’ would look like,” Paulson said.

“Those of us who work to help the public understand and appreciate the value of a free press are often left to abstract arguments about accountability and transparency, with frequent mention of James Madison. . . . But today, Americans are facing an unprecedented threat, and the information you provide is saving lives.”

According to Paulson, that’s a story that needs to be told. It’s why one of the first major initiatives of the Free Speech Center at MTSU is a national campaign featuring a diverse group of Americans with a muchneeded message about the value of journalism in the COVID-19 age.

A New Hub Non-partisan and nonprofit, the Free Speech Center is dedicated to building awareness and support for the First Amendment through education and information. In its first

Ann Patchett

MY FREE PRESS.

Freedom of press protects my right to read and engage with diverse viewpoints just as freedom of speech protects my ability to write and express myself through books without restraints. The First Amendment allows us to be who we are, freely. Freedom of speech, press, petition, and assembly. Five freedoms of expression. Protect one. Protect them all. Learn more at www.1forall.today.

year of existence, the MTSU center has partnered with more than 40 universities across the country. The Free Speech Center launched with a national “1 for All” campaign (piloted in Tennessee) that features prominent Americans talking about how the First Amendment is pivotal to their personal and professional lives. Such a campaign is particularly relevant at a time when America also is grappling with rising tensions following the death of African American George Floyd at the hands of a white Minneapolis police officer, which has resulted in ongoing nationwide protests. “Over the past few weeks, we’ve seen the First Amendment in action. Citizens using their freedom of speech, right to assemble, freedom of the press, the right to petition, and freedom of faith have changed America for the better,” Paulson said. “In a polarized society, we see people yelling at each other and mistaking that for the free exchange of ideas.

The real power of free speech comes when we speak our minds but also demonstrate a willingness to listen to the views of others. The 1 for All campaign encourages civility, trust, and mutual understanding. “A lack of understanding is dangerous,” Paulson added. “If we don’t know that these five freedoms were demanded by the American people at the birth of the nation and that they are inextricably linked, then it’s easy for people in power to denigrate or threaten a free press or ‘fringe’ religions. And if one freedom falls, they all will.” The Tennessean, Tennessee Press Association, and Tennessee Association of Broadcasters are among the center's founding partners, along with Gannett/USA Today. The

Aubrie Sellers

MY FREE press.

Freedom of press protects my right to read and engage with diverse viewpoints, not only those I agree with, just as freedom of speech protects my ability to write and express myself through music without restraints. The First Amendment allows us to be who we are, freely. Freedom of speech, press, petition, and assembly. Five freedoms of expression. Protect one. Protect them all. Learn more at www.1forall.today.

Becca Stevens

MY FREEdom of faith.

Faith is at the core of our Thistle Farms project, bringing hope and help to women in need, just as the other freedoms of the First Amendment empower us to make a difference every day. Each of us is different, and these five freedoms allow you to be the special person you are. Five freedoms of expression. Protect one. Protect

Billy Ray Cyrus

From Some Gave All through Old Town Road, I’ve had the freedom to express myself in music, television and film. But as I wrote and sang on my very first record, “many just don’t understand about the reasons we are free.” The First Amendment gives us five freedoms—speech, press, religion, petition and assembly. “We don’t dare take them for granted.” Learn more at www.1forall.today.

Photo: Danny Clinch

them all. Learn more at www.1forall.today.

Jason Isbell

MY FREE SPEECH.

My free speech allows me to sing and say whatever I believe, petition and assembly. Five freedoms of expression. Protect one. Protect them all. Learn more at www.1forall.today. Ketch Secor

just as the First Amendment protects freedom of faith, press,

MY FREE SPEECH.

My Free Speech works best when I also endeavor to listen. The First Amendment provides each of us the right to share our opinions, but in order for it to work we need to respect that this right is given equally to ALL Americans, even ones we may disagree with. That makes the First Amendment not only a radical concept—but a revolutionary one! Five freedoms of expression. Protect one. Protect them all. Learn more at www.1forall.today.

Photo: Danny Clinch

Ruby Amanfu

MY FREE SPEECH.

My freedom of speech allows me to lift my voice to add to the magnificent chorus of voices who have gone before me, singing of hope, courage, liberty and justice for all. Learn more at www.1forall.today.

Tennessee author Ruta Sepetys

The photo credit is Kacie Lynn Wheeler.

My freedom of the press allows me to write and publish books about hidden history and those who were affected by it. I’m thankful for the First Amendment and its five freedoms of expression—speech, press, religion, petition and assembly. Protect one. Protect them all. Learn more at 1forall.today.

Photo: Anna Haas

Associated Press is also a very active supporter. Musical celebrities who have recently lent their support include Kane Brown, Darius Rucker, Loretta Lynn, Brad

"When unthinking people let phrases like ‘fake news’ roll off their tongues, they fail to consider what ‘no news’ would look like.”

Paisley, and Michael W. Smith. In addition to his role as Free Speech Center director, Paulson is teaching classes as a professor at MTSU. He has found that many younger Americans are torn between protecting freedom of speech and ensuring that people aren’t offended by what they hear.

Indeed, the Free Speech Center's mission is to instill in young Americans an unprecedented understanding and respect for the First Amendment through education, information, and engagement. Paulson sums it up in a few words: “There's work to be done.” MTSU