MIDPOINTS
A look at recent awards, events, and accomplishments at MTSU compiled by Stephanie Barrette, Gina E. Fann, Jimmy Hart, Gina K. Logue, Drew Ruble, and Randy Weiler
Steady Leadership Sidney A. McPhee, MTSU’s 10th president, recently marked his 20th year of leading the University. McPhee has presided over one of the most remarkable periods of growth and progress in the institution’s century-plus years of service. During his tenure, the University has grown in both student numbers and physical facilities, with today’s campus hosting more than 22,000 students, covering almost 1,000 acres, and benefiting from over $1 billion in construction and renovation. Among those projects is MTSU’s state-of-the-art Science Building, a 250,000-square-foot teaching and research facility that opened in fall 2014 with a cost of $147 million, including renovation of Davis and Wiser-Patten science facilities. It represented the largest single investment by the state for an academic building. Since McPhee’s arrival, MTSU has successfully raised admission standards and significantly increased enrollment of high-ability students. McPhee also has overseen the addition of almost 50 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, two colleges (Behavioral and Health Sciences and University College), and more than a dozen institutes and centers.
More Than a Mere Slogan 2021 marks the 10-year anniversary of the slogan “I am True Blue.” MTSU is a community committed to learning, growth, and service— values the University holds dear—and the simple phrase “I am True Blue” has become the mantra that conveys those values. New students at Convocation take the True Blue Pledge. It underscores MTSU’s core values of honesty and integrity; respect for diversity; engagement in the community; and committing to reason, not violence. These words express not only the ideals the University wishes to share with its students but also its devotion to student success. The True Blue Pledge was written by a task force appointed by MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee in 2011. Coming after the tragic death of Lady Raider basketball player Tina Stewart, the pledge encouraged nonviolent conflict resolution within the student body.
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