MURFREESBORO, TN (WGNS) - The Middle Tennessee State University Board of Trustees will convene a special meeting this Tuesday at 1 p.m., gathering electronically to take several major steps in the search for the university’s next president. It’s a pivotal moment for MTSU, and trustees say they’re ready to launch a months‑long process designed to gather broad input and build a strong, competitive candidate pool.
At Tuesday’s meeting, board members will announce the Presidential Search Committee, name the executive search firm selected to guide the effort, and consider proposed revisions to the search timeline, process, and qualifications. Once approved, trustees will move quickly to sign a contract with a national search firm to help identify and vet candidates.
A Fall Timeline for the Search
The Position Profile—essentially the job description for MTSU’s next leader—is expected to be released in September. That document will outline responsibilities, qualifications, and expectations for the role.
Application review begins in October, when the committee will narrow the field to as many as three finalists. Those finalists will visit campus in November and December for interviews and public forums, giving students, faculty, staff, and community members a chance to weigh in.
Trustees hope to select the new president by year’s end, keeping the university on track for a smooth transition.
A Transformative Tenure
The search comes as MTSU prepares for the retirement of Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, whose 20‑plus years at the helm have reshaped the university. His tenure is one of the longest and most impactful in Tennessee higher education.
McPhee oversaw more than $2 billion in construction and improvements, including the 250,000‑square‑foot, $147 million Science Building and the major Aerospace expansion in Shelbyville. Nearly 50 new degree programs were added during his presidency, along with two new colleges and more than 20 institutes and centers.
Under his leadership, MTSU became the state’s largest undergraduate university and a top destination for transfer students and veterans. He strengthened international partnerships, expanded study‑abroad opportunities, and represented MTSU on NCAA boards and national higher‑education commissions.
McPhee announced on March 17 that he will retire when his contract ends in December 2026. After a sabbatical, he plans to return as a tenured faculty member in the College of Education.
NewsRadio WGNS will feature Dr. McPhee on several upcoming broadcasts and will continue to follow and report on every step of the presidential search.
