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VISITORS GUIDE 2023–24

MTSU is the only locally governed institution in Tennessee named to The Princeton Review’s annual list of the nation’s best colleges.

The honor by the highly regarded educational services company is extended to about 13% of the nation’s roughly 3,000 four-year institutions.

MTSU is a powerful economic engine for the region and the entire state of Tennessee. According to a study from the Business and Economic Research Center in the Jones College of Business:

• MTSU had an economic impact of over $1.42 billion in 2021—up 26.8% from 2017.
• The University was responsible for almost 11,500 jobs statewide—up 36.8%.

As Murfreesboro’s second-largest employer (2,270 jobs), MTSU generated $143.6 million in local, state, and federal tax revenue—a jump from $88 million.

MTSU is also a research powerhouse. In 2022, the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education elevated MTSU to R2 status—doctoral university with high research activity— joining a select group of just a few hundred institutions to carry the R1 or R2 designation nationwide.

MTSU takes great pride in our overall impact on this community, region, and state as we fulfill our mission of preparing the next generations of community leaders.

President Sidney A. McPhee

MTSU is working to develop a community devoted to learning, growth, and service. The University holds these values dear, and there’s a simple phrase that conveys them: “I am True Blue.”

TRUE BLUE PLEDGE

As a member of this diverse community, I am a valuable contributor to its progress and success. I am engaged in the life of this community. I am a recipient and a giver. I am a listener and a speaker. I am honest in word and deed. I am committed to reason, not violence. I am a learner, now and forever. I am a Blue Raider. I am TRUE BLUE.

TAKE A CLOSER LOOK

The School of Concrete and Construction Management’s new building (fall 2022) includes exposed structural elements that will be used as teaching tools. It follows the Academic Classroom Building (2020), home to Criminal Justice Administration, Psychology, and Social Work. Next up: the Applied Engineering Building, which will go next door to CCM.

A new master’s program in Physician Assistant Studies is MTSU’s second pathway for primary care providers. The School of Nursing also trains nurse practitioners to provide family and mental health care.

MTSU is home to WMOT 89.5 FM Roots Radio, the region’s only station devoted to the burgeoning, singer/songwriter-friendly Americana format.

There are three Nobel Prize winners associated with MTSU. The actual Nobel medal awarded to 1940 graduate James M. Buchanan, a pioneering economist, is on permanent loan to the University.

Founded in 1911 as a teacher-training school, MTSU is still one of the finest teacher preparation institutions in the Southeast. The newest doctoral program—and the first of its kind in Tennessee—is the Doctor of Education in Assessment, Learning, and Student Success.

You have unlimited possibilities for success at Tennessee State University. We’re a leading institution of higher learning and provide students with the opportunity to experience academic and personal growth. You’ll receive instruction from top-notch faculty and be immersed in research, service learning, and student life activities, including internships, cultural, and study abroad opportunities.

Our world-class faculty will teach you how to apply what you learn in the classroom to real-world situations. As a student, you will become a problem solver and critical thinker. You may begin the admissions process by submitting your application. The university also assists in providing information on financial aid services, work-study, fellowships and scholarships based on eligibility and other rules and regulations established by the agencies.

Tennessee State University students go by the motto: “Think. Work. Serve.” But we also realize a little fun should be part of the collegiate experience to create a holistic approach to learning. With a variety of social, professional and civic clubs for students to participate in, there are many opportunities for you to share your time and talents and enjoy connecting with your fellow students to create the work-life balance needed for success in college and beyond.

Tennessee State University counts on the generous contributions of alumni and friends to fulfill our mission of providing a top-notch, affordable education to the best and brightest students. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference. When you support TSU, you help provide critically needed scholarships, departmental support and other special project funding that benefits our students.

Tennessee State University is engaging in cutting-edge research to address critical challenges in our society. Our research arm supports faculty and students by taking their ideas from conception to fruition in critical areas such as biotechnology, homeland security and agriculture, to name a few. Our Centers of Excellence encourage collaborative and experimental learning opportunities and help expand the boundaries of science, education and technology.

Tennessee State University Athletics is part of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) NCAA Division Ⅰ and offers football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, track and field, golf, tennis, softball and volleyball. We provide student-athletes with a positive academic and social environment to excel on and off the field. Our mission is to blend physical, emotional and intellectual development into one experience. We not only build winning-teams, but leaders in the classroom, in the community and in your profession of choice.

Tennessee State University is a world-class university known for academic excellence, incredible students, inspiring faculty, exceptional value and an amazing campus and community. We invite you to learn more about TSU and our academic programs, admissions process, tuition and financial aid, campus visits, student housing and more.

Tennessee State University is dedicated to helping students develop the skills needed for the real world. Our vibrant campus life, leadership opportunities, rigorous academic programs, access to scholarships and student services are just a few of the student services we offer. We are preparing career-ready professionals today for knowledge-based jobs tomorrow. The Tiger legacy continues with you.

TSU loves parents! And we encourage you to stay involved with your Tennessee State University student. We strive to make the transition to college and beyond flow as smoothly as possible for everyone. We'll keep you up-to-date on campus happenings through a monthly eNewsletter, a helpful Parent Guide and through many other programs and events. We're here to help you and your student make the most out of your TSU experience.

At Tennessee State University, our blood runs blue! We enjoy connecting, socializing and sharing news about the great things our alumni are doing across the globe. From our annual Homecoming celebration to donor events and volunteer activities, TSU alumni always find time to celebrate what it means to be a Big Blue Tiger. We welcome you back to campus anytime to rekindle your most memorable experiences.

Welcome to Tennessee State University, located in the heart of Nashville, one of the nation's most progressive cities! Whether you are here for your first visit, planning a campus tour or returning after many years away, TSU welcomes you to enjoy our facilities, hospitality and our unique history and contributions.

Tennessee State University is proud to have 1,200 distinguished administrators, faculty and staff members as part of our team. With outstanding reputations for teaching, research and service, these professionals make valuable contributions to our community of scholars and ensure that TSU is a thriving public institution of higher learning.

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Experience the Power of Blue

The best way to discover if Tennessee State University is the place for you is to visit our beautiful campus  in Nashville and explore TSU for yourself.

Cheer on our Tigers athletic teams . Watch the Aristocrat of Bands marching band blow away the competition. Sample the cultural diversity during our annual autumn African Street Festival . Take in a theatrical play , musical concert , or topical lecture throughout the year. You’re sure to enjoy what you find in Big Blue Country!

Undergraduate Tour

The Office of Undergraduate Recruitment welcomes prospective undergraduate students, families, and groups to schedule a campus tour to learn more about our university. view Undergraduate Campus Tour Schedule >> -->

To tour Tennessee State University online,  please visit the  Virtual Tour .

Watch Our Former Livestreamed Tour

Graduate School

To tour the TSU Graduate School, please visit the  Virtual Tour  on the  Graduate School's homepage . 

Where is Tennessee State University?

Tennessee State is located right next to downtown Nashville, just off of I-40.  The University has an additional campus in downtown Nashville where certain programs are taught and administrated.   View map / directions >>

Other (Non-student) Visitors to TSU

View information

life in Nashville   |   apply for admission   |   request info

Undergraduate Recruitment P. O. Box 9609 888-463-6878 toll-free 615-963-2593 voice 615-963-2930 fax

Campus Visit: Middle Tennessee State University

Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM Central Daylight Time UTC -05:00

Paul W. Martin Honors College 1737 Blue Raider Drive, Room 106 Murfreesboro, TN 37130 United States

Registration is no longer available because the registration deadline has passed.

For individuals requiring a reasonable accommodation to apply:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation in order to apply for a position with MTSU, please call 615-898-2929 or email [email protected] .

Social Work, Full-Time Lecturer, Faculty

Apply Now Job Number: FAC471 Work Type: Lecturer Location: Murfreesboro, Tennessee Categories: Psychology and Human/Social/Protective Services

Social Work, Full-Time Lecturer, Faculty Department

Social Work

University Expectation

MTSU seeks candidates committed to innovative teaching and meaningful service. We also seek to attract culturally and academically diverse faculty who value working with diverse students.

The salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Job Summary/Basic Function

The Department of Social Work at Middle Tennessee State University invites applicants for a full-time, temporary (non-tenurable) faculty position (#168020) at the rank of lecturer. This is a one-year temporary appointment with a possible annual renewal for up to three years. The start date for the appointment is August 1, 2024.

The successful candidate will teach across the generalist curricula.

Required Education

A master's degree in social work or a closely related field is required by the appointment date.

Required Related Experience

One (1) year of postsecondary teaching experience is required by the appointment date.

Required License/Registration/Certification

A license or license-eligible to practice social work in Tennessee at the LMSW level is required by the appointment date.

Other Desirables

Applicants with the following will receive special consideration.

• Proficiency with MS Office, Tevera, and D2L software.
• In-depth knowledge of the middle TN region and the state of TN human services organizations.
• Exceptional organizational and follow-through abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Ability to manage crises and problem-solve multiple situations simultaneously in a collaborative work environment.

Documents Needed to Apply

To successfully apply, applicants must include a cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and a statement of teaching philosophy.

Special Instruction to Applicants 

For more information about serving as a faculty member at Middle Tennessee State University, please visit our faculty recruitment webpage at https://mtsu.edu/facultyrecruitment/ . If you need help applying, please contact Mitzi Dunkley, Faculty Recruitment Specialist, at (615) 898-5128. If you have position-specific questions, please contact Donna Gibson at [email protected].

Application Review Date:  05/05/2024

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Eligible students may add University Honors College options to any undergraduate program.

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University Studies (Seminar), Full-Time Lecturer, Faculty

• Knowledge of instructional strategies and techniques for teaching.
• Computers, Internet, and Microsoft Office skills.
• Ability to advise, instruct, manage, motivate, and evaluate students in the field of study.
• Ability to integrate technology into the teaching and learning process.
• Ability to interact professionally with students, other educators, educational institution representatives, and the general public.
• Ability to communicate effectively in verbal and written communication.
• Ability and willingness to learn software specific to MTSU.
• Vacation Leave for Administrative/Classified Staff/12-month Faculty
• 13 paid University holidays
• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
• Retirement plans
• Optional 401K and 403B Deferred Compensation Plans
• Educational benefits for the employee and their spouse and dependents

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Mtsu’s residence halls at full capacity for fall 2..., award-winning mtsu solar boat .., mtsu’s residence halls at full capacity for fall 2023 semester.

• by Andrew Oppmann
• 15 June 2023
• Campus Community

Middle Tennessee State University ’s residence halls for Fall 2023 are at capacity for the first time in recent memory, thanks to a combination of rising enrollment of new freshmen and transfer students and changes in the off-campus housing market.

Unlike other institutions in the state, however, MTSU does not require any students to live on campus. The university, which has a total enrollment of just over 20,000, has about 3,000 spaces in its 15 residence halls and two on-campus apartment complexes. Most in-person students live in off-campus apartments or homes and commute to campus for classes.

“The high volume of requests for on-campus housing caused us to need to move to a waiting list by early May,” said Debra Sells , vice president for student affairs and vice provost for enrollment services. “By mid-May, we knew that it was not realistic to think we would be able to provide on-campus housing for any more, and so we also closed the waiting list.”

Sells said newly admitted students were advised “in our very earliest communications with them that at MTSU, housing is not required for new freshmen nor guaranteed to them.” Typically, she said, about half of MTSU’s entering freshmen class lives in on-campus spaces.

Sarah Sudak , associate vice president and dean of students, said the university has invited local apartment complexes to participate in CUSTOMS , the series of orientation sessions held over the summer for new freshmen and transfers, to showcase off-campus housing options.

Also, she said, the June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students hosts an off-campus housing website, where students may learn more about local housing options and search for roommates. You can reach the site at  https://offcampushousing.mtsu.edu .

Michelle Safewright , MTSU’s director of housing, said the increased demand for on-campus housing may be attributable to changes in the apartment market in Murfreesboro, prompting more sophomores, juniors and seniors to remain in residence halls.

“The apartment market in Murfreesboro has changed significantly in the past two years and this has impacted our students’ decisions to remain on campus after their first year as a financially smart choice,” she said. 

Also, MTSU is tracking a 4.6% year-over-year increase in first-time freshman (1,398) and 7.7% increase in new transfers (933) enrollments for Fall 2023.

Sells said the housing staff are working to accommodate the students who remain on the waiting list through spaces that become vacant as students change their mind and ask to cancel their on-campus reservation. Also, the university’s Parent and Family Association maintains a Facebook group page, which has helped link new students with off-campus housing opportunities.

“One thing I love about MTSU is how closely we work with the parents of our students,” said Laurie Witherow , associate vice provost. “The MTSU Parent and Family Association Facebook page has become a vehicle for more than 11,000 parents to engage with the university and with each other.  Right now, they are busy making connections and referrals for parents finding apartments, houses, and roommates for their students.”

Meanwhile, the university’s Board of Trustees will consider a proposal Tuesday, June 20, that would enable the university to begin the process to partner with a private developer to redevelop the site of the current Womack Lane Apartments to meet rising on-campus housing demand. Womack Lane was built in phases beginning in the late 1960s before completion in 1972.

Alan Thomas , vice president for business and finance, said MTSU will engage a consulting group “to assist with developing a capital project that would involve a public-private partnership to provide additional housing on the campus.”

Thomas said the consultant “will perform a feasibility study that looks at current housing and potential future needs, as well as assisting with the bidding process and creation of an operating agreement with the potential operator.”

— Andrew Oppmann ( [email protected] )

Andrew Oppmann

2024, Middle Tennessee State University, 1301 East Main Street, Murfreesboro, TN 37132-0001 USA +1-615-898-2300

Middle Tennessee State University, in its educational programs and activities involving students and employees, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnic or national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age (as applicable), status as a covered veteran or genetic information. [ Nondiscrimination Policy ] European Union (EU) citizens, please note that MTSU will collect personally identifying information and other data about you and may share that data with other agencies as required. [ Terms ]

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3 PennWest president finalists will be in Edinboro this week. Meet the candidates at public forums.

EDINBORO — Three finalists for Pennsylvania Western University president will visit the university's three campuses this week.

The candidates will meet with staff, faculty and students at the Edinboro, Clarion and California campuses and with the public in afternoon forums that also will be accessible via Zoom.

The candidates

• Jon Anderson, professor, provost and vice president for academic affairs, Southern Utah University, and previously president for academic affairs at Middle Georgia State University. He has a doctorate in business administration from the University of Kentucky, a master's in business education from the (State) University of West Georgia and a bachelor's degree in sociology from Utah State University.
• Philip Cavalier, provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs, University of Tennessee at Martin. He previously was provost and vice president of academic services at Lyon College in Arkansas. He has a doctorate in English from the State University of New York at Buffalo, a master's in English from Northeastern University and a bachelor's in economics from Swarthmore College.
• Wade Weast, founding dean, College of the Arts, Georgia State University. He previously directed the university's School of Music, was the university's associate dean for fine arts and was dean of the School of Music at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. He has a doctorate in musical arts from Stony Brook University in New York, a master's in music from Manhattan School of Music and a bachelor's in music from the State University of New York at Fredonia.

"The search committee worked diligently through a robust applicant pool to identify three highly qualified and experienced leaders who are poised to lead our institution forward," said Larry Maggi, chairman of the university's presidential search committee.

The committee reviewed 35 applications for president and interviewed 11 of the applicants.

Detailed biographies of the finalists are posted on the PennWest University website presidential search pages.

The Edinboro visits

Weast will be at the Edinboro campus on April 22, Cavalier on April 23 and Anderson on April 24.

Their schedules will include meetings with faculty, staff and students as well as a 2:30 p.m. public forum on the seventh floor of Baron-Forness Library. Zoom links for the public forums are posted at www.pennwest.edu/president-search .

What's next

The presidential search committee will review feedback from campus constituencies and the public following the campus visits.

The committee then will make its recommendation to the PennWest Council of Trustees, which will submit two names to the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education Board of Governors for consideration.

The Board of Governors will select the university's next president.

The new president is expected to begin duties at PennWest on July 1.

In February: PennWest trustees approve committee to search for a new university leader

Contact Valerie Myers at [email protected] .

MTSU Mondays: International team title; top 3 chef sizzles; summer STEM camp

Here's the latest news from Middle Tennessee State University .

Hard work, impressive preparation and presentation and 10 MTSU Construction Management team members committing 500 to 600-plus hours across two semesters led to winning the National Association of Home Builders Student Competition top award earlier this year.

Considered an international event with college and high school divisions and held in Las Vegas, Nevada, at the city’s convention center, MTSU shined in the main event — the four-year production homes competition that MTSU has won previously. The team finished ahead of Texas A&M and Michigan State.

“We believe we have the hardest working students in the country, and they proved that at the competition. The future is bright for our Land Development and Residential Building program,” said Tom Nicholas, professor and director of the MTSU School of Concrete and Construction Management.

Tasks span across market research, land development due diligence, sales, marketing, home design, financial proformas, risk analysis and book design, said junior Ronnie Merrill of Kenton, Tennessee, a construction management major, team leader and MTSU NAHB student chapter president. It is a volunteer-based extracurricular activity.

“This award within the residential construction industry community is equivalent to winning a bowl championship,” Merrill said. “Very few people across the country in any construction management program have the ability to say they won this award.

“Knowing that it has been a while since MTSU has brought home this award was just unbelievable. The credit really goes to the staff and faculty.”

He was joined on the team by junior Vidal Polk of Smyrna, junior John Crow of Nashville, senior Robert Deetjen of Napierville, Illinois, senior Alex Becker of Mt. Juliet, senior John Timm of Christiana, senior Brian Pierce of Franklin, and junior Joshua Hilliard of Coleman, Michigan — all construction management majors —and junior interior design majors Allison Lampley of Memphis, and Annalise Phillips of Nolensville.

MTSU chef whips up award-winning dish for regional culinary competition

MTSU chef Mike Wojciechowski combined his passion for cooking with his penchant for competition to create an award-winning combination.

Wojciechowski — who oversees McCallie Dining Hall inside Keathley University Center and Farmers Market Dining Hall inside the Student Union— recently garnered third place in the regional collegiate Aramark Culinary Excellence Competition, or ACE.

The residential food services director faced off against eight other chefs at the competition held at Berry College in Mount Berry, Georgia.

“We’re so lucky to have him at MTSU,” said Rachel Hunter, marketing manager for Aramark Collegiate Hospitality Services, which operates the dining facilities on the MTSU campus.

In addition to day-to-day dining operations, Wojciechowski likes to experiment.

“I’ve always been a student of cooking and developed a passion for it,” Wojciechowski said. “I’m always open to learning new ways of doing things.”

This is the first year Wojciechowski competed in the annual showcase of Aramark talent from across the country.

Chefs were given parameters, with the first main requirement devising a meal that utilized a whole chicken.

Wojciechowski’s rich German heritage inspired his menu of chicken schnitzel, German potato salad and a quick sauerkraut. Schnitzel, a very common dish in German fare, is a thin slice of meat that is tenderized and breaded.

He’s already planning for next year’s competition, and he might also add his award-winning meal to the menu at McCallie. Read the full story and watch a video at mtsunews.com.

Registration for MTSU summer STEM camp open until May 15

For high school students entering the 10th through 12th grades in the Midstate, the MTSU College of Basic and Applied Sciences’ third annual summer STEM camp has a variety of educational and fun activities.

You will receive a sample of Engineering Technology, Physics, Science Education and more that are a part of STEM — science, technology, engineering and math. Students will learn about quantum computing, the chemistry of foods and more in classes and have fun in the Student Union game room, Campus Recreation Center and movie theater.

Registration remains open until May 15 or until the 70 camp slots are filled. The fee to attend is $250. To register, visit https://mtsu.edu/cbas/summercampregister.php.

“This camp is an opportunity for students to interact with STEM faculty and students at MTSU while also learning some of the STEM topics and programs offered at MTSU,” said Heather Green, master instructor and MTeach program coordinator. “In addition, student groups will have an undergraduate and a graduate facilitator with them all day. Those facilitators will be able to answer questions about life as an MTSU student, STEM majors and STEM careers.”

The camp is a collaboration with the MTSU Tennessee STEM Education Center. For more information, call 615-898-2613 or read the full story at mtsunews.com.

MTSU Mondays content is provided by submissions from MTSU News and Media Relations .

Maps and Directions

Middle Tennessee State University 1301 East Main Street Murfreesboro, TN 37132

MTSU Student Services Center 1860 Blue Raider Drive Murfreesboro, TN 37132

College of Graduate Studies Sam H. Ingram Building 2269 Middle Tennessee Blvd. Main Floor Murfreesboro, TN 37132

The Admissions Office is located in Student Services and Admissions Center (SSAC) 120, which is located at the corner of MTSU Boulevard and Blue Raider Drive near the Rutherford Boulevard entrance. The Graduate Admissions Office is located at 2269 Middle Tennessee Blvd.

A visitor parking permit is required. You can register your car and print a parking pass here .

Driving Directions

From Nashville

• Take I-24E to Murfreesboro exit 78B.
• Merge onto Old Fort Parkway (Hwy 96E) and drive 2.1 miles.
• Turn right onto Broad Street (US-41S/70S).
• Drive 0.4 miles and turn left onto West Main Street, proceed through the town square to East Main Street.
• Proceed 1.5 miles and turn left onto Old Main Circle (MTSU entrance).
• After 0.1 miles, you will veer to the right on Old Main Circle, then continue straight on for 0.5 miles. (Street name changes to Alumni Dr.)
• Turn left on Blue Raider Drive and proceed for 0.3 miles until you reach the roundabout.
• At the roundabout, take the first exit on the right onto MTSU Blvd. then take an immediate right into the visitor parking lot.
• Take I-24E to Murfreesboro exit 76.
• Turn left onto Medical Center Parkway and proceed for 4 miles to Memorial Blvd.
• Turn left on Memorial and go .5 miles to Clark Blvd.
• Turn right on E. Clark and drive for 1.4 miles. (Street name changes to Middle Tennessee Blvd.)
• Turn left on Greenland Dr. and drive for 0.7 miles.
• Turn right onto Blue Raider Dr. drive for 0.2 miles until you reach the first roundabout.
• Take the second exit to the right on the roundabout to continue straight on Blue Raider Dr.
• Continue for 0.2 miles until you reach the second roundabout.
• Take the third exit to the right on the roundabout onto MTSU Blvd. then take an immediate right into the visitor parking lot.
• Take I-24E to Murfreesboro Exit 80.
• Turn left New Salem Rd/TN-99 and go .4 miles to Middle Tennessee State Blvd.
• Turn right on Middle Tennessee State University Blvd. and go 3.1 miles to E. Main St.
• Turn right on E. Main St.
• Make an immediate left onto Old Main Circle (MTSU entrance).

From Knoxville

• Take I-40W to Nashville/Lebanon and exit onto 840W.
• Take Murfreesboro/Smyrna (US-41S/ 70S) exit 55A.
• Merge onto US-41S/ 70S (Broad Street).
• Drive 4.5 miles and turn left onto W. Main Street, proceed through the town square to E. Main Street.
• Proceed 1.5 miles on E. Main Street, cross Middle Tennessee Blvd., and take the first left onto Old Main Circle ( MTSU entrance).

From Chattanooga

• Take I-24W toward Nashville.
• Take Murfreesboro exit 81.
• At the red light, turn right onto Church Street (US-231N).
• Drive 0.9 miles and turn right onto Middle Tennessee Blvd.
• Drive 1.9 miles and turn right onto Main Street.
• Take an immediate left onto Old Main Circle (MTSU entrance).
• After 0.1 miles, you will veer to the right on Old Main Circle, then continue straight on for 0.5 miles. (Street name changes to Alumni Dr.
• )Turn left on Blue Raider Drive and proceed for 0.3 miles until you reach the roundabout.

From Columbia

• Take I-65N to TN 840E exit 59.
• Take exit 53A onto I-24E towards Chattanooga.
• Take either exit 76 or exit 78B and follow the directions from Nashville above. From Memphis
• Take I-40E to Nashville and then I-440 to I-24E.
• Continue using directions from Nashville above to Murfreesboro and MTSU.

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Nike executive, state educational leader, Georgia Power CEO, World Trade Savannah director and leading physician among speakers for Georgia Southern University’s Spring 2024 Commencement Ceremonies

April 22, 2024

SAVANNAH, Ga., April 22, 2024  — Georgia Southern University has named five acclaimed speakers for the University’s Spring 2024 Commencement ceremonies on May 7, 8, 9 and 11.

Approximately 4,200 students will graduate with associate, baccalaureate, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees this semester during five ceremonies in Statesboro and Savannah. Candidates will have the option to choose the location where they would like to graduate. 

The dates, colleges and speakers for each ceremony are: 

Tuesday, May 7 – 10 a.m. — Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro

College of Arts and Humanities, College of Science and Mathematics, Waters College of Health Professions and Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health

Mackenzie Anderson is the global director of Corporate Communications at Nike in Beaverton, Oregon. Since joining in 2019, Anderson has driven storytelling efforts for Nike’s executives and purpose initiatives across sustainability, diversity, equity and inclusion, and social and community impact. She is also a member of the Women of Nike Leadership team.

Prior to joining Nike, Anderson held a variety of roles leading global sustainability and strategic communications at The Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta. She also served as Chief of Staff to the Chief Public Affairs and Communications Officer. Previously, she led business communications and media relations for the Atlanta Braves.

A proud graduate of Georgia Southern University, earning a bachelor’s in communications with an emphasis in public relations, Anderson started her career as a spokesperson for the world’s largest aquarium, Georgia Aquarium. In this role, she won two Emmy® awards for a television series on ocean conservation.

She has been named to PRWeek’s 40 Under 40 and served on the board of Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Emerging Leaders.

Wednesday, May 8 – 10 a.m. — Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro

Parker College of Business and College of Education

Alton M. Standifer, Ph.D., serves as Vice Provost for Inclusive Excellence and Chief of Staff to the Provost at the University of Georgia (UGA). In this capacity, Standifer leads the Office of Accreditation and Institutional Effectiveness and the Office of Institutional Diversity, and has overall responsibility for the operations in the Office of the Provost. 

In this role, Standifer leads a focused effort to develop and implement strategies and initiatives designed to advance academic excellence goals and create an environment at the institution where faculty, staff and students feel that they can learn, grow and thrive. He supports UGA’s particular focus on rural, economically disadvantaged, first-generation, underserved, military and transfer students. Standifer is also responsible for matters related to the University’s institutional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. 

Prior to joining UGA, Standifer taught middle school math and coached basketball in his hometown of Monticello, Georgia.

Standifer earned a doctorate in public administration and policy from UGA’s School of Public and International Affairs, where he now also serves as an adjunct faculty member. He received a bachelor’s in middle grades education and a master’s in higher education administration from Georgia Southern.

A member of the UGA Alumni Association’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2022 and the Georgia Southern University 40 Under 40 Class of 2023, Standifer was selected by the University System of Georgia to participate in its 2022-2023 Executive Leadership Institute. In addition, he is a member of the 2022 class of Leadership Georgia and currently serves as program chair for the Class of 2024. He is also a 2020 graduate of LEAD Athens and served as president of the Georgia Southern University Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2020 to 2022. 

Thursday, May 9 – 10 a.m. — Allen E. Paulson Stadium in Statesboro

College of Behavioral and Social Sciences and Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

Kim Greene is chairman, president and chief executive officer of Georgia Power, and is a strong voice in the energy sector, especially on issues related to safety, emerging technologies, innovation and STEM-related education. She is a respected thought leader and advocate for the future of energy – from national energy policy to the overall customer experience.

Prior to her current position, Greene served for five years as chairman, president and CEO of Southern Company Gas. 

Throughout her career, she has taken on diverse and challenging roles across all areas of the utility industry including engineering, operations, finance, external affairs and asset management and trading. She has also held executive roles for Southern Company’s subsidiaries as well as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), including chief executive officer for Georgia Power and Southern Company Gas; chief operating officer for Southern Company; president of Southern Company Services; chief generation officer for TVA; group president for TVA’s Strategy and External Relations; and chief financial officer for TVA.

Greene currently serves on the board of directors for the Atlanta Committee for Progress, the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Nuclear Electric Insurance Limited, Valero Energy Corporation, the Georgia Research Alliance and the Rowen Foundation. She serves on the board of trustees for Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta and The Woodruff Arts Center, and on the Board of Governors for the Georgia Historical Society. Greene is also a member of the Atlanta Rotary Club.

Most recently, the Atlanta Business Chronicle named Greene as one of Atlanta’s Most Admired CEOs. In 2022, she was awarded the Edison Electric Institute’s inaugural Thomas F. Farrell, II Safety Leadership and Innovation Award by her industry peers for her significant contributions to improving safety in the utility industry. She is a member of the State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame, a recipient of the University of Tennessee’s Distinguished Alumna Award and the University of Tennessee’s Nathan W. Dougherty Award, the most prestigious honor bestowed by the College of Engineering.

A native of Knoxville, Tennessee, Greene earned a bachelor’s in engineering science and mechanics from the University of Tennessee, a master’s in biomedical engineering from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and a master’s in business administration from Samford University in Birmingham, Alabama. Greene also completed the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

Saturday, May 11 – 10 a.m. — Enmarket Arena in Savannah

College of Arts and Humanities, College of Education, College of Science and Mathematics, College of Behavioral and Social Sciences, Parker College of Business, Allen E. Paulson College of Engineering and Computing

Chris Ahearn is the director of research and trade development for the World Trade Center Savannah, where he facilitates and oversees all aspects of partner-specific research, international lead development, and planning and receiving of inbound and outbound delegations. He also manages the Savannah side of TradeBridge, a partnership between World Trade Center Savannah, the Savannah Economic Development Authority and the county of Wexford, Ireland.

Ahearn graduated from Georgia Southern University with a bachelor’s in psychology and a minor in Irish Studies. He then attended Dublin City University in Ireland where he earned a master’s in international relations. Following that, Ahearn spent 12 years working in higher education and nonprofit organizations in Chicago, Illinois. In 2022, Chris returned to Georgia to begin the position with World Trade Center Savannah.

Saturday, May 11 – 3 p.m. — Enmarket Arena in Savannah

Waters College of Health Professions and Jiann-Ping Hsu College of Public Health

Candicee Childs, M.D., is an emerging beacon of inspiration in the fields of medicine and literature. At present, she is a resident physician at Massachusetts General Hospital, the largest teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School, with a focus on child and adolescent psychiatry. 

Her literary work, including the Amazon bestseller Christian memoir, “Lemons, Lemonade, and the Lemonade Stand,” reflects her passion for living life with purpose and making a positive impact on those around her. 

Dr. Childs is also a public speaker, model, fitness enthusiast and mentor. Most recently, she presented at TEDxSavannah in 2023 where she discussed embracing empathy while also protecting your mental wellness. 

From Savannah, Childs earned a bachelor’s in chemistry with a minor in Spanish from Valdosta State University, a Master of Health Administration from Georgia Southern University and a Doctor of Medicine from Augusta University – Medical College of Georgia. She also has two certifications in nutrition and personal training from the National Academy of Sports Medicine.

Georgia Southern University, a public Carnegie Doctoral/R2 institution founded in 1906, offers approximately 155 different degree programs serving more than 26,100 students through 10 colleges on three campuses in Statesboro, Savannah, Hinesville and online instruction. A leader in higher education in southeast Georgia with expert faculty, the University is focused on public impact research and engaging learning opportunities through knowledge and know-how that prepare our students to take ownership of their lives, careers and communities. Visit  GeorgiaSouthern.edu .

Posted in Press Releases

Tags: Spring Commencement

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