MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Middle Tennessee State University kicked off its 116th academic year on Saturday (August 22nd) inside Murphy Center, formally welcoming incoming freshmen and transfer students at the annual Convocation ceremony.
The event held extra significance as MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee hosted his final Convocation before retiring in December. McPhee started the tradition a quarter-century ago to bookend a student's academic journey alongside graduation.
"This is the 116th year of educating students at our institution, and today begins one of the most exciting times of the year on our campus," McPhee told the gathered crowd. "Welcome to MTSU. We're glad you're here."
McPhee encouraged the newest Blue Raiders to build meaningful relationships across campus, talk to their professors, get to know their classmates, and ask for help when facing difficulties. A video recap of the ceremony is available online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VY2CxPPEsqA.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edward J. Larson delivered the keynote address. Larson wrote this year's Summer Reading Program book, "Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters." He drew parallels between the historical decisions of 1776 and the personal choices facing new college students.
"College offers you a chance to consider your path forward and take steps to realize it," Larson said, "and not just about your vocation, though that is a central part of college, but in the larger sense, who you are and what you want to become."
Among the incoming Class of 2030 are roommates Jesse Lanier and Christian Hodge, longtime friends who graduated together from James Lawson High School in Nashville. Lanier plans to study music business, following in the footsteps of his mother, Chanda Lanier, who graduated from MTSU in 1994. Hodge plans to major in chemistry with goals of working in a laboratory. His mother, LaSaundra Hodge, is a 2005 MTSU social work graduate.
The ceremony featured faculty and administrators in full academic regalia, alongside performances by the Band of Blue, the MTSU Cheer team, and the Dance team. Student Government Association President Kennedy Garrett led the arena in reciting the True Blue Pledge of core values. Faculty Senate President Patrick McCarthy and Vice Provost for Enrollment Management Laurie Witherow also delivered formal welcomes.
Following the main presentation, Blue Raider head football coach Derek Mason addressed the crowd and invited everyone to the season opener against the Murray State Racers at 6 p.m. on Saturday (September 5th) at Floyd Stadium. Tickets for the game can be purchased online at https://bit.ly/4y2AayR.
The afternoon concluded on the arena floor with the traditional "Class of 2030" group photograph, followed by Blue Raider Fan Day at Floyd Stadium featuring local food, games, and appearances by fall athletic teams. Additional details on student programs can be found at https://mtsu.edu/nsfp.
