14 minute read
State of the University
Rising Higher
A reflective discussion with President Sidney A. McPhee about the past, present, and future of MTSU
Interview by Drew Ruble
As MTSU’s 10th president, you recently marked your 20th academic year leading the University. What are your thoughts as you hit this incredible milestone?
I have been blessed to preside over one of the most remarkable periods of growth and progress at our institution. During my tenure, the University has grown in both student numbers and physical facilities, including more than $1.4 billion in recent construction and renovation.
In addition, almost 50 cutting-edge undergraduate and graduate degree programs, two new colleges (the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences and University College), and more than a dozen research institutes and centers of excellence were launched on my watch.
Our campus continues to change and grow. A new building for Concrete and Construction Management will open this fall. A new Applied Engineering Building has received state funding and has an anticipated 2024 completion.
We also continue to build on our stellar academic offerings, with timely new degrees in Data Science and Supply Chain Management and a master’s in Physician Assistant Studies, among others.
Serving as proof of the quality of our programs and general excellence as an institution of higher learning, MTSU returned to The Princeton Review’s annual list of the nation’s best colleges in the U.S. for a third consecutive year in 2022. And MTSU remains the only locally governed institution in Tennessee recognized by the organization. Newsweek also lists MTSU among America’s Top Online Colleges 2022, and U.S. News & World Report ranks MTSU 72nd nationally for uplifting students’ social mobility.
Our original Quest for Student Success strategy, implemented in 2013, led to significant improvements in student retention and graduation rates through revamping academic advising, reworking general core courses, and developing customized graduation maps for each student. Its successor, Quest 2025, focuses on student success marked by a deeper and broader academic and student life experience that extends learning beyond graduation.
One focus of my tenure at MTSU has been to prepare ready-to-work graduates who become engaged citizens. As such, MTSU's academic offerings have grown not only in quantity but also in quality to better serve the needs of the middle Tennessee region and support the state’s economic growth and development.
Speaking of that, MTSU continues to be a powerful economic engine for the region and entire state of Tennessee. Talk about your view of MTSU’s massive role regionally.
According to a 2022 report by the Business and Economic Research Center (BERC) in the Jones College of Business, MTSU was responsible for more than $1.42 billion in economic impact and almost 11,500 jobs statewide in 2021. The report also showed that the University, as Murfreesboro’s second-largest employer with 2,270 jobs, generates $143.6 million in local, state, and federal tax revenue— a significant rise since 2017’s $88 million.
MTSU takes great pride in our institution’s economic impact on this community, region, and state as we fulfill our mission of preparing the next generations of community leaders, entrepreneurs, and highly skilled professionals across the workforce. The University not only attracts highly acclaimed scholars from across the state and nation, but our graduates overwhelmingly remain in our region and state to give back to their communities and, in turn, their local economies.
For example, in 2021, MTSU graduates accounted for nearly two in every five adults with bachelor’s or above educational attainment in Rutherford County, and one in every six adults with bachelor’s or above educational attainment in the Nashville MSA. Seventy-nine percent of MTSU alumni live in Tennessee.
MTSU is the No. 1 provider of college graduates to the greater Nashville economy and the second-largest producer of graduates in the state among public universities. MTSU provides the vibrant Music City economy and workforce with more graduates than all other local universities combined—approximately 5,000-plus each year.
The BERC study additionally showed MTSU brings nearly 300,000 people to Rutherford County each year. Spending by visitors accounts for more than $60 million, and that translates to almost 800 jobs. These results happened despite the impact that the pandemic had on travel and cancellation of events.
Clearly, MTSU not only adds educational and cultural value to Tennessee but also stimulates a vibrant business environment for the region.
Now in your third decade as MTSU’s president, what are some of your plans for the near future?
New and distinctive achievements are within our grasp. I would start by highlighting the incredible success of MTSU’s Aerospace program, which is ranked in the top five in the nation, which in turn has led to an enrollment growth in the Professional Pilot program. This growth has been further accelerated by Delta Air Lines’ selection of MTSU as one of just a few university partners nationally with a hiring pathway initiative. Student enrollment in the program has increased from 319 in fall 2013 to 893 in fall 2021, expanding the number of needed training flights.
Most of those flights occur at Murfreesboro Municipal Airport; but over the past few years, MTSU has been exploring options at other area airports to accommodate the growing number of Professional Pilot students.
In concert with that, we submitted a comprehensive capital project for the Aerospace Department to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. This proposal included site development and academic facilities, including an 83,000-square-foot academic building with classroom, class lab, faculty and staff offices, and support spaces, along with three hangar structures to serve as laboratory and laboratory support spaces.
The site development included site utilities, earthwork, auto parking, aircraft apron and taxiway, and all associated work. This Aerospace capital outlay project was ranked No. 1 on THEC’s second priority list. Thankfully, in his 2022–23 state budget, approved by the General Assembly, Gov. Bill Lee allocated $62.2 million in capital funding to MTSU for this exciting and needed expansion of the Aerospace program. And we are now in the process of fulfilling that expansion in Bedford County.
Our goal is to build a world-class aviation academy by relocating our current flight operations and other aviation training to the Shelbyville Municipal Airport. When fully implemented, this will end MTSU’s seven-decade partnership with Murfreesboro’s airport, dating back to 1952 when it opened. The University hopes to complete the Shelbyville project within the next three to five years.
We simply outgrew the Murfreesboro airport. MTSU will move operations to a 600-acre Shelbyville airport with a runway that’s 5,503 feet long, significantly longer than what is available at the Murfreesboro airport.
Established in 1942, Aerospace is a signature department at MTSU and has grown into one of the most respected programs in the country.
Twenty full-time faculty members, 100-plus flight instructors at the Flight Operations Center, and more than 1,200 majors place MTSU Aerospace among the largest of the nation’s collegiate aviation programs.
What other initiatives are on your mind as you continue to steward the University in the coming years?
Issues surrounding social justice continue to reverberate in public discussions and debates throughout our community and country, which is why in 2021 I launched a campuswide Social Justice and Equality Initiative that provides an opportunity for the University and wider community to build a foundation for racial reconciliation, honest and open dialogue, and impactful change.
In addition to systemic racism, the initiative looks to address the concerns of marginalized groups such as the LGBTQ community and other underrepresented groups. An advisory Social Justice and Equality Task Force composed of faculty, staff, administrators, and students is currently researching and gathering information about the initiative’s four areas of focus—curriculum, workforce development and inclusion, campus climate, and community outreach. I look forward to reviewing their upcoming recommendations on how we can address these areas in meaningful ways and make our True Blue community more equitable and inviting for all.
In addition, earlier this year I established the position of assistant to the president for community engagement and inclusion. This office is responsible for developing and supporting relationships with a broad range of community and civic organizations—including those in arts, culture, and history; religious organizations; and community support—and integrating best practices and University resources across the MTSU campus to promote a culture of inclusion. This is a critical position as we continue to move forward in bringing the community closer to the University and fostering deeper engagement both inside and outside our campus.
Furthermore, we are exploring the creation of a professional school, as well as focusing on growing our graduate programs in number of degrees and in students. We also will continue to improve the amenities and infrastructure across our campus.
Of course, one such project makes elevating MT Athletics a priority moving forward. Could you expand on that?
I have often remarked that athletics serves as the “front door” of the University. Our frequent appearances and success in the annual NCAA basketball tournament serve as solid proof of that.
We excitedly announced in November 2021 that we had secured funds for a $66 million project to build a new student-athlete performance center behind the north end zone of Floyd Stadium as well as make stadium improvements—the first of a three-phase, $100 million-plus plan to upgrade athletics facilities. To be built on the site of the current weight and game day rooms adjacent to Murphy Center, the three-story structure will house training, strength and conditioning, and equipment centers. Football’s locker and meeting rooms and personnel offices will be moved into the new facility from Murphy Center, which is slated for later enhancements.
Murphy Center renovations
Design of the new facility began immediately, with project completion expected before the start of the 2024 Blue Raider football season. GMC+HOK, a team that helped build similar projects at Vanderbilt, Auburn, Georgia, and other universities, will oversee design of the project. The State Building Commission recently approved MTSU’s project plans. This summer, we are breaking ground for an expansion of the outdoor tennis facilities on campus.
Tell us about the exciting news that occurred recently regarding MTSU’s growing research capacity.
The Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education releases classifications for more than 4,500 schools every three years. Based on a measure of research activity, doctoral universities like MTSU are assigned a category: R1 meaning highest research activity, R2 meaning higher research activity, or R3 meaning doctoral/ professional university. MTSU was officially elevated to R2 status—doctoral university with high research activity—in the newly revised Carnegie Classification released in January, joining a select group of only 3% of institutions to carry the R2 designation nationwide (see page 22).
This is an exciting development, years in the making, and made possible through the research efforts of our faculty, chairs, and deans; staff in the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs; Vice Provost for Research David Butler; and partnerships with various vice presidents. It raises the profile of the University, for sure. Importantly, it also enhances the value of the University to students who get to work with faculty researchers at MTSU on important research and discoveries. I am very proud of the efforts that have enabled this increased ranking and recognition and appreciate everyone who has contributed to this great achievement.
Supporting our elevation to R2, many of our metrics improved in 2020–21, including 156 proposals and 64 new awards to principal investigators across campus.
Final thoughts?
I would just reiterate that MTSU has been consistently recognized for academic innovation. And that is in large part due to the hard work of dedicated faculty and staff as well as our committed alumni and donors. Grounded in outstanding tradition, MTSU faces a future that has never been brighter.
Thank you, Mr. President.
Economic Impact
MTSU continued to be powerful economic engine for the region and entire state of Tennessee in 2021.
more than $1.42 billion in economic impact
generates $143.6 million in local, state, and federal tax revenue
almost 11,500 jobs statewide
Murfreesboro’s second-largest employer with 2,270 jobs
The McPhee era
August 2001
McPhee becomes MTSU's 10th president
March 2002
Construction initiated after $2 million match met for Martin Honors Building
August 2002
Convocation started as new academic year tradition
November 2002
First Ph.D. degrees approved in conversion from D.A. programs
January 2003
Tennessee Miller Coliseum and Horse Science Center open
August 2004
Federal funds secured for Middle Tennessee Boulevard gateway
January 2005
The Department of Art and Design and Gore Center move into renovated Todd Hall, formerly library space
June 2005
500-acre Guy James Farm purchased for agriculture programs
January 2007
$5.5 million expansion of Cason-Kennedy Nursing Building completed
July 2007
University College creates pioneering adult degree program
August 2008
$20 million expansion to Rec Center includes student health clinic
August 2009
Ranked 57th and only Tennessee university in Forbes’ top 100 public institutions
August 2010
College of Behavioral and Health Sciences created for service disciplines
August 2011
“I am True Blue” pledge and core values initiated
September 2011
$30 million College of Education Building opens
Sept. 11, 2011
University celebrates century of service
May 2012
100,000th undergraduate degree awarded
September 2012
$65 million, 211,000-square-foot Student Union opens
April 2013
Former hospital property purchased, including current Miller Education Center building
July 2013
MT Athletics joins Conference USA after winning 5th straight Sun Belt all-sports trophy
October 2013
Award-winning Quest for Student Success initiative launched, resulting in increases in retention and graduation rates
March 2014
$16 million Student Services and Admissions Center opens
August 2014
250,000-square-foot Science Building opens in overall $147 million project for new and renovated facilities
November 2015
Veterans and Military Family Center opens (later named for Charlie and Hazel Daniels)
February 2016
$105 million final tally for Centennial Campaign
March 2016
Blue Raiders upset No. 2 seed Michigan State in NCAA tourney
April 2017
MTSU Board of Trustees installed under new local governance
December 2018
Regional Scholarship Program extended to 8 bordering states
August 2019
Ranked in Princeton Review’s Best Colleges in U.S. for 1st time
August 2020
$39.6 million Academic Classroom Building opens with high-tech facilities
April 2021
Groundbreaking for $40.1 million Concrete and Construction Management building
January 2022
Elevated to Carnegie elite R2 status (high research activity)
Lifetime of Service
The Murfreesboro Branch of the NAACP recently presented MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and his wife Elizabeth with the NAACP's Presidents Awards for their ongoing community service and support of underserved student populations at the University and Murfreesboro City Schools.
In two decades-plus under McPhee’s leadership, MTSU is second only to Tennessee State University among all public institutions in the state in graduating students of color, both male and female; MTSU has the highest six-year graduation rates among the state’s three top producers of Black graduates in the most recent cohort measured; and MTSU had the highest retention of Black males enrolled at land-grant institutions as of fall 2019. In all, about 50% of MTSU’s student population is Pell-eligible.
Elizabeth McPhee, retired longtime educator for Murfreesboro City Schools, has been actively involved with a number of charitable organizations and initiatives over the years.
MTSU’s Board of Trustees voted in April to extend President McPhee’s contract through 2026.
