MIDPOINTS
A look at recent awards, events, and accomplishments at MTSU compiled by Nancy DeGennaro, Jimmy Hart, Drew Ruble, Stephanie Wagner, and Randy Weiler
New Flight Plan Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee joined MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and other state, local, and University officials in ushering in a new era for the University’s growing Aerospace Department. With several hundred people attending the Sept. 21 event at Shelbyville Municipal Airport, remarks by Lee and McPhee signaled a new flight plan for one of the top aviation programs in the nation. “We’ve been advocating for this, and MTSU and Shelbyville have created an environment for this to work,” Lee said. “. . . This is money well spent. . . . This is one of the leading aviation programs in the nation, and we need to invest in it.” A combined $62.2 million in state ($57.2 million) and University ($5 million) funding paved the way for the move from Murfreesboro’s airport. Approximately 10 to 20 aircraft will relocate to Shelbyville in the spring, using temporary facilities. Groundbreaking is set for summer or fall 2024, with full relocation to Shelbyville by summer or fall 2026. Established in 1942, Aerospace is a signature department at MTSU and has grown into one of the most respected aerospace programs in the nation. Twenty full-time faculty members, 100-plus flight instructors, and more than 1,000 students place it among the largest of the nation’s collegiate aviation programs.
In-State Supremacy The MTSU women’s basketball team defeated the University of Tennessee 73-62 this season, marking the Lady Raiders’ first-ever win in 16 games against the Lady Vols. MTSU hit seven 3-pointers in the first half alone, playing in the same Huntsville, Alabama, arena hosting both Conference USA basketball tournaments this March. Jalynn Gregory scored 22 points, shooting 5-for-9 behind the arc, and Anastasiia Boldyreva had 17 points, nine rebounds, and a career-high seven blocks in the Dec. 6 victory.
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