MTSU Advancement

Nominate an Outstanding Blue Raider! ???? The MTSU Alumni Association is now accepting nominations for the Distinguished Alumni Awards and True Blue Citations of Distinction! These prestigious honors recognize alumni who have made remarkable contributions and achievements. ??Click here to submit your nomination: https://lnkd.in/gHFDfDys Nomination Deadline: March 14, 2025 Award Categories: ?? Distinguished Alumni ?? True Blue Citations of Distinction ?? Young Alumni Achievement Do you know an inspiring Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) graduate making a difference? Nominate them today and help us celebrate the exceptional True Blue individuals in our alumni community!

From Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) to the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences! Congratulations to alumnus Brian Chumney (Audio Production, '98) on his Oscar nomination for Best Sound on "The Wild Robot." As a supervising sound editor at Skywalker Ranch with credits including "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" and "Solo: A Star Wars Story,"?Brian credits MTSU's team-based projects for his success. He's already won a Motion Picture Sound Editors award for his work on the film. Tune in March 2 to cheer him on! “There are so many things I’m proud of since I graduated and started working in film sound. I think I’m most proud of the relationships and friendships I’ve made along the way,” Brian said. “I’ve always been proud of my Tennessee roots and my time at MTSU. I work with some Michigan State alums, so wearing my Middle Tennessee gear around them is always a fun flex,” a reference to the historic upset by MTSU men’s basketball team, a 15th seed, over the highly favored and No. 2 seeded Michigan State in the 2016 NCAA Basketball Tournament. Brian was previously nominated for an Academy Award and a British Academy Film Award for his work on “West Side Story.” He recently won a Motion Picture Sound Editors award for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing — Feature Animation. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eJTPr4e6

Did you know that a healthy, balanced diet can help prevent chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease? Join us for a free hour-long webinar featuring MTSU alumna Keisha Craddock ('05), RD, CLC, South Nutrition Clinic Supervisor at the Nashville Metro Public Health Department. Preventing Disease with Diet – MTSU Alumni Webinar ?? March 27, 2025 ? 12:00 p.m. CST ?? Free virtual event – Register today! ?? https://lnkd.in/gQXTJQtC Keisha will share expert insights on how small dietary changes can lead to big health benefits. Whether you're looking to improve your eating habits or support long-term wellness, this session is for you! Don't miss this chance to learn from a trusted expert and connect with fellow Blue Raiders interested in health and wellness! ??

It's tee-shirt Tuesday in the MTSU College of Liberal Arts! This week's focus is Development Director, Meredith Kerr. She does a FANTASTIC job in CLA and at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) overall. With over a quarter of a million dollars raised during 3 days of True Blue Give, Meredith Kerr has proven once again that she is phenomenal. I know she would want to share the spotlight with all of the faculty, staff, alumni, and friends who supported us during True Blue Give. We also thank Joe Bales, Mark Clark, and the MTSU Advancement team! #philanthropy #liberalarts #trueblue

MTSU alum Tyler Burnett (’17) went from playing for the Blue Raiders and being drafted by the Houston Astros to founding Goat Turf, a $25 million artificial turf company. His success was shaped by MTSU’s Entrepreneurship program in the MTSU Jennings A. Jones College of Business, which helps students turn ideas into thriving businesses. Thanks to the Pam Wright (’73) Endowed Chair of Entrepreneurship, led by Professor Joshua Aaron, and major supporters like Chuck McDowell (’83), the Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship program is transforming student entrepreneurs. Graduates like Savannah Tucker (’23), founder of Savvy Sweet Pecans, and Raymond Clifton (’24), who built a scalable locksmithing business, are prime examples of MTSU's role in fueling innovation. Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is proving that entrepreneurship can be taught—and its graduates are thriving! Read the full story featured in MTSU magazine: https://lnkd.in/dwUJwuwS

Don't miss the next MTSU Alumni Lunchtime Learning Webinar: Build Your Personal Brand! ??Feb. 26 | 11am – noon CST Join College of Media and Entertainment faculty member Carla Swank Fox as she leads you through the steps of how to build your personal brand. Fox is an expert in the intersection of media, technology, real life, and storytelling. ?? To secure your spot for this free webinar, please register here: https://lnkd.in/estH2cEj

Great connections made with our MTSU Leisure and Sport Management network at a recent alumni reception! Keep an eye out for more LSM program events in the future.

Celebrate Black History Month with Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)! Join us for a powerful lineup of events as we honor Black history, culture, and excellence. “This year’s theme celebrates the significant contributions of African Americans in all occupations and public service while acknowledging an unjust past,” said Danielle Rochelle, director of?MTSU Intercultural and Diversity Affairs,?who coordinates a monthlong observance that features a variety of activities for the campus and community. “We’re excited to have Dana Frank share her story with us.” ?? Keynote Speaker – Dana Frank ?? Feb. 18 | 1:00 PM | KUC Theater Seattle real estate mogul Dana Frank, niece of music legend Quincy Jones, will deliver an inspiring keynote. Books will be available for purchase, with a signing to follow! ?? John Pleas Reception ?? Feb. 20 | 5:00 PM | James Union Building Celebrate Dr. Carmelita Dotson, our 2025 John Pleas Award recipient, for her outstanding contributions to MTSU. ?? Africana Studies Movie Night ?? Feb. 25 | 6:00 PM | Peck Hall 207 Enjoy a thought-provoking film as part of our Black History Month series. ?? Night in Africa Fashion Show ?? Feb. 27 | 7:00 PM | Student Union Ballroom Experience the beauty of African culture and fashion with the African Student Organization’s show, Royalty is the New Black. Read more about the 2025 Black History Month events at MTSU: https://lnkd.in/eCKzbtBe

WE DID IT!?? Thanks to YOU and more than 1,200 fellow Blue Raiders, we have made history for Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), far surpassing $1 MILLION during this year’s True Blue Give! Because of YOU, your gifts will directly impact student scholarships, academic programs, and athletics, making a lasting difference in the lives of MTSU students. To show our appreciation, some talented students have a special thank-you message just for you. Thank you for being True Blue! ?? #truebluegive

???? Happy Valentine’s Day, Blue Raiders! ???? Many love stories start right here on campus. For Elaine and Rick Warwick, MTSU wasn’t just where they earned their degrees; it’s where their lifelong journey together began. Decades later, their love for each other—and for MTSU—lives on in the form of three endowed scholarships in the College of Education, ensuring that future students can follow their dreams, just as they did. ?? Read their inspiring story in the latest edition of the MTSU magazine: https://lnkd.in/ekDgvWbj