'MTSU Day on the Hill' carries message to state Capitol

Tennessee Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, right, laughs while carrying on a conversation with MTSU's Joe Bales, foreground left, vice president of University Advancement, and Board of Trustees Chairman Steve Smith Tuesday, March 12, during MTSU Day on the Hill. MTSU officials shared updated information with state legislators during the visit. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Middle Tennessee State University made its presence known at the Tennessee State Capitol on Tuesday, March 12, as campus officials held its annual Day on the Hill event for lawmakers.

Led by Board Chairman Steve Smith and Trustee Pete Delay, delegation of faculty and staff members fanned out across the Cordell Hull Building to brief legislators about the university's priorities, including a $40-million, 54,000-square-foot building for the School of Concrete and Construction Management proposed in Gov. Bill Lee's budget.

The MTSU group huddled with Lee and other state leaders, including Lt. Gov. Randy McNally and House Speaker Glen Casada, and provide campus updates for members of Rutherford County's legislative delegation.

The group also joined an annual lunch and recognition event sponsored by Nissan North America for MTSU students serving as interns in various legislative offices. The intern program is administered by the College of Liberal Arts.

Also Tuesday, MTSU School of Agriculture joined other universities and groups for Ag Day on the Hill, an event held outside the Cordell Hull Building that celebrated the industry's heritage and economic impact in the state.

MTSU has more than 300 combined undergraduate and graduate programs.

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