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Todd Gallery features ‘In Light: Works from Five Photographers’

May 18, 2012 By

"Untitled" (photo by Chris Donohue)

The Todd Gallery at MTSU will host the remarkable work of five MTSU photography students in “In Light: Works from Five Photographers” through Thursday, May 31.

Photos by Patrick Casey, Malina Chavez, Bradley Marshall, Chris Donahue and Darby Campbell will be included in the new exhibit, which is free and open to the public.

“I offer no philosophy, no deep meaning and no striking social observation,” Casey says of his work. “Instead I only wish for you, the viewer, to look at my work and to find yourself.”

"Gossip" (photo by Darby Campbell)

Chavez’s focus is “about connectedness, loss … and personal desires in a world full of mediated social programming.” She says that she intends her photos to help observers consider “how our interactions with new technologies constantly force us to rethink our current notions of what it means to be human.”

For Marshall, photography is an ongoing study of the contemporary landscape and the imprint that humanity makes upon the natural world. He says he is exploring “the tensions and relationships between suburbia and the ever-changing Southern landscape that we continue to shape over the years.”

Campbell’s photos are selections from her series “A Short Commentary on the Female Condition.” She deals with women’s issues, roles and place within the social landscape. Campbell also has included sculptural and installation elements that are drawn from her interests in the free-thought movement, natural world, science and the people in her life.

"Murfreesboro, Tenn." (photo by Bradley Marshall)

Donahue’s body of work features an eclectic variety of people and places with a focus on the diversity of everyday people, whether through race, belief, or profession.

The Todd Gallery’s hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; the facility is closed on state holidays.

For parking and other information, contact Eric Snyder at 615-898-5653 or galleryattoddhall@gmail.com.

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Books take unique, innovative forms in library’s new exhibit

May 18, 2012 By

"Misunderstood Snakes" by children's author Richard Hatfield is one of the pop-up books on display in a new exhibit at MTSU's James E. Walker Library. (photo submitted)

“Big and Small, Wide and Tall: Pop-Up Books and the Function of Scale,” an exhibit demonstrating how size can be manipulated to make a book a work of art, is on display through Aug. 31 at MTSU’s James E. Walker Library.

Viewers may enjoy seeing a life-sized alien, three-dimensional art and petite natural wonders in this grouping of contemporary pop-up and movable books.

Organizers say the unusual books encourage readers to appreciate the imagination and artistry of their creators, and they also challenge readers to think about the nature of books and their traditional roles.

The free public exhibit is located in Walker Library’s Special Collections area on the fourth floor.

For more information, contact Kristen Keene at 615-898-5376 or kristen.keene@mtsu.edu.

– Gina K. Logue (Gina.Logue@mtsu.edu)

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Chinese delegation renews friendship, partnership at MTSU

May 10, 2012 By

MTSU bolstered its commitment to international education May 10 as educators from China Agricultural University in Beijing visited the campus and discussed plans for the future with MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and other administrators.

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, right, jokes with Professor Meng Fanxin, chairman of the board for China Agriculture University's International College, during a May 10 reception for CAU delegates visiting MTSU. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

The University’s partnership with China Agricultural University in Beijing continues providing both institutions with opportunities for valuable cultural exchanges, both small and large.

“Because CAU is MTSU’s oldest partner in China, this is more like having an old friend or family member come to visit, to catch up and strengthen our relationship,” said Dr. David Schmidt, MTSU vice provost for international affairs.

McPhee noted that at least three of CAU’s administrators worked through internships at MTSU for periods ranging from three to six months.

Professor Meng Fanxin, who chairs the board of CAU’s International College, and Xu Tingwu, the college’s assistant dean, also met with Dr. Jim Burton, dean of MTSU’s College of Business, and faculty from the Department of Economics and Finance.

CAU’s International College is one of its major attractions for study-abroad students from Western nations because classes are conducted in English. The goal is to foster both student and faculty exchanges.

“We’re now developing some programs and initiatives … with our colleges of business and mass communication,” McPhee said.

In fact, the Department of Recording Industry, which is housed in the College of Mass Communication, is of particular interest.

“Many Chinese students like country music,” Xu said. “This is just the right place, and many Chinese students will be interested in Tennessee.”

In addition, MTSU Dance Program Director Kim Neal Nofsinger and a student dance troupe are in China now for multiple performances, including one at CAU on May 18. This trip is co-sponsored by the Office of the President and MTSU’s Confucius Institute.

McPhee’s wife, Liz, and two of her fellow teachers at the Discovery School at Reeves-Rogers, Teresa McCarthy and Angela Bunyi, will accompany 16 children in grades four through six in early July to visit CAU and another MTSU partner, Hangzhou Normal University.

“The trip is providing an awareness and connection to the world that these children would have never had otherwise,” McCarthy said. “The children will also bring a new cultural understanding and perspective home with them that they will share with friends and families throughout our community.”

For more information on international education at MTSU, contact the Office of International Affairs at 615-904-8190.

– Gina K. Logue (Gina.Logue@mtsu.edu)

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State’s school superintendents share ‘different ways of thinking’

May 7, 2012 By

Leaders from about 30 school districts from across Tennessee gathered May 7 on the campus of MTSU for a two-day conference to share ideas on ways to improve student performance.

Donna Wright, left, assistant superintendent for Knox County schools, and Cheryl Harris, assistant superintendent for Bedford County schools, chat with MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee at a reception for visiting school district leaders at the President'€™s Residence May 7. (MTSU photo by Rob Janson)

The Tennessee Superintendents’ Colloquium featured discussions on Professional Learning Communities, a concept advanced by MTSU’s College of Education that has helped several districts improve test scores and student comprehension.

The PLC concept has been described as a process through which administrators and teachers work collaboratively to raise student performance. It encourages teachers and schools to develop best practices, then share the ideas with classrooms and colleagues throughout the district.

“We wanted to provide superintendents with some different ways of thinking,” said presenter Robert Eaker, former MTSU education dean and a nationally known expert on the concept. “The idea is to make sure students learn, rather than being simply taught.”

“It’s easy sometimes for teachers to stay in their silos in the classrooms,” said Dr. Lana Seivers, dean of MTSU’s College of Education. “We’re exploring ways to bring teachers closer together, as a faculty, so we can be more collaborative.”

Cannon County School Superintendent Barbara Parker said she liked what she heard.

“Teachers can become their own little islands sometimes when they shut their classroom doors,” she said. “This is about breaking down walls and sharing ideas.”

Glenn James, CEO of Wisconsin-based Renaissance Learning, an educational software and hardware company, said he was impressed by the discussion.

“The people driving the improvements in education are in this building right now,” he said. “It starts with effective leadership.”

Seivers and Eaker said the colloquium was a priority for MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, who has encouraged the education college’s statewide outreach efforts. McPhee hosted a reception for the education leaders at the President’s Residence.

McPhee said the University has made teacher training its top priority for more than a century, citing MTSU’s origins as one of the state’s first three normal schools.

“We wanted these district leaders to see our campus facilities first-hand and know that MTSU is available as a resource,” he said.

The colloquium ends May 8.

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MTSU awards 100,000th undergrad degree to end 100th year

May 5, 2012 By

Balloons dropped, thousands cheered and a record new crop of graduates celebrated a milestone in their lives as Middle Tennessee State University awarded its 100,000th undergraduate degree during its Centennial commencement ceremonies May 5.

New MTSU graduates watch as balloons descend from the rafters of Murphy Center to celebrate the University's issuance of the 100,000th undergraduate degree at the spring 2012 morning commencement. (MTSU photos by Classic Photography)

“This has been a remarkable year on our campus,” MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said, citing a year of once-in-a-lifetime celebrations, events, special guests and accomplishments for the Murphy Center crowd and those watching worldwide via streaming Internet feed.

“For more than a century, MTSU has taken very seriously its responsibility to provide a high-quality, accessible education for the people of Tennessee and the region,” he said. “While the University’s growth has been exponential over the last two decades, we have never wavered from our commitment to the individual success of our students and to academic quality.

“As you (graduates) become increasingly more successful and make your mark on the world, remember this day. You now are a part of our tradition of excellence. … This is just the beginning of even greater things to come.”

The University awarded a record 2,535 degrees from its eight colleges to students in dual ceremonies, including its first two doctorates in math and science education. The 100,000th undergraduate degree was conferred during the morning event.

NCAA President Dr. Mark A. Emmert pauses during his special comments to new MTSU graduates during the morning commencement ceremony.

With the Centennial commencement ceremonies, MTSU has graduated more than 110,000 students since its inception in 1911, awarding its first doctoral degrees in 1972.

“No single thing in your life will change your life more than what you are about to do today,” Dr. Mark A. Emmert, president of the National Collegiate Athletic Association and guest speaker for the morning commencement ceremony, told the degree recipients.

“… You’re going to make a million dollars; that’s the difference in earnings between a college degree and a high-school diploma. You’re going to live longer. You’re going to get married and stay married. You’re going to become leaders in your community, someone people will look up to and respect.”

Emmert noted that because of America’s participation in competitive sports, new U.S. graduates are even more poised to compete in the international workforce.

“Other nations know their students are very good at math, at science, at mastering new skills, but they look at you and see people more experienced in teamwork, in leadership and competition,” the NCAA chief said. “The advantage you have is the American culture that supports a competitive spirit.”

MTSU's Centennial Distinguished Alumni display plaques presented during the University's spring 2012 commencement ceremonies. From left are Jefferson "Jeff" Jorge, recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement Award; George Fraley, Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service; and Alice Hudson, Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement.

Middle Tennessee State Normal School opened in 1911 to educate Tennessee’s teachers. In that century, MTSU has grown one of three small state schools with 125 students on 100 acres to Tennessee’s largest undergraduate institution with more than 26,400 students on 500-plus acres.

Officials also formally recognized the University’s 2011-12 Distinguished Alumni during the morning ceremony, presenting plaques to:

  • Alice Hudson (B.S. ’69), chief of the Lionel Pincus and Princess Firyal Map Division of the New York Public Library system and recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement;
  • George Fraley, (B.S. ’55), former Franklin County, Tenn., executive, former 39th District representative to the Tennessee General Assembly and recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award for Community Service; and
  • Jeferson “Jeff” Jorge (B.S. ’99), principal and executive partner in the Royal Oak, Mich.–based consultancy group Global Development Partners Inc. and recipient of the Young Alumni Achievement Award.

Dr. Ribo Huang, president of Guangxi Academy of Sciences in China, encouraged graduates at the afternoon ceremony to “open yourselves up to opportunities and reach out to grab them.”

Dr. Ribo Huang, president of Guangxi Academy of Sciences in China, encourages new MTSU graduates to "reach out to grab" opportunities during his afternoon commencement address.

One such opportunity, he said, is the new partnership between MTSU and Guangxi Academy to create the Tennessee Center for Botanical Medical Research, which will study extracts from herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine and develop new medicines to combat disease.

“Great things will result from this collaboration,” Huang said, adding that MTSU is “renowned for its higher education with such an international outreach.”

“You laughed, you cried, you may have cursed, but you have accomplished a major goal in your life,” Huang told the new graduates. “There will be challenges, obstacles and difficulties in your life. Work hard for your family, your community and your country, and you will excel.”

Watch a brief video about spring 2012 commencement at MTSU below. You also can see more photos in a gallery from spring 2012 commencement at on.fb.me/MTSpring12Commencement.

– Gina E. Fann (Gina.Fann@mtsu.edu)

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MTSU breaks ground on $147M Science Building

May 3, 2012 By

Middle Tennessee State University broke ground May 3 on its long-awaited $147 million Science Building, a project that will help the institution produce more college graduates ready for emerging high-tech jobs.

The turn of the shovels also was the official construction launch for the building, which is aiming for a spring 2015 opening date.

Gov. Bill Haslam, left, and MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee chuckle during last-minute preparations for the official May 3 groundbreaking of the University's new Science Building. Construction on the $147 million project began immediately for a planned spring 2015 occupancy. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Gov. Bill Haslam said the building will help address the state’s need for more college graduates, especially in STEM areas—science, technology, engineering and math.

“Graduates with STEM degrees are vital to our state’s ability to thrive and compete in the 21st century economy,” Haslam said during the ceremony. “With more space to train in these areas, this building will help us toward our goal of increasing STEM graduates.”

The governor included almost $127 million for construction of the Science Building in his 2012-13 state budget, which passed both chambers of the General Assembly late Monday. About $20 million has been spent to prepare for the facility.

“It is fitting that we celebrate the end of the University’s yearlong Centennial observance with this investment toward its second century of service,” Haslam added.

Middle Tennessee State Normal School opened in 1911 to educate Tennessee’s teachers. Its focus has expanded with enrollment, course offerings, buildings and acreage in the century since then, but the University’s science facilities have not kept pace.

MTSU’s enrollment has almost quadrupled in the last 43 years alone—from 6,779 students in 1968 to 26,442 in fall 2011—with no increase in space for science education. The university’s existing Wiser-Patten Science Hall and Davis Science Building were built in 1932 and 1967, respectively, and have a combined total of only 75,332 net square feet.

The new MTSU Science Building will provide more than 250,000 gross square feet of teaching, faculty and student research laboratories and collaborative learning spaces. At least 80 percent of all MTSU students will take at least one class in the new building.

Let the work begin! Dignitaries jubilantly toss the ceremonial first shovels of dirt for MTSU's long-awaited Science Building. From left are Murfreesboro Mayor Tommy Bragg, U.S. Rep. Scott DesJarlais, state Rep. Joe Carr, Tennessee Board of Regents Chancellor John Morgan, state Speaker of the House Beth Harwell, Gov. Bill Haslam, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, state Sen. Bill Ketron, state Rep. Rick Womick, state Sen. Jim Tracy, state Rep. Mike Sparts and state Rep. Pat Marsh. Almost obscured at far right is MTSU Student Government President Jeremy Pointer. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

“As we begin our second century of service to the State of Tennessee, today’s ceremony for this $147 million educational-and-scientific facility project for our university is an appropriate capstone to our year-long Centennial Celebration,” said MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee.

Despite the existing facilities’ shortcomings, MTSU granted almost 700 degrees in biology, chemistry and related fields in 2009-10. McPhee said that number could increase by 25 percent after the new science building opens.

Officials noted that the new Science Building will help meet the America Competes Act by creating more science grads for high-tech and science- and math-teaching jobs, as well as enhancing the region’s economy and make it more competitive for federal grants and contracts.

“This $147 million project represents one of the most significant investments made by the state of Tennessee toward enhancement of science and technology education,” said Chancellor John Morgan of the Tennessee Board of Regents, which governs MTSU.

“TBR and its institutions understand well our responsibility to produce more graduates for the state’s workforce, and this facility will help us enhance our system’s already strong performance in this regard.”

McPhee expressed the University’s thanks to Haslam, Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey and state House Speaker Beth Harwell for their leadership and support of the project.

The President also thanked the entire Tennessee General Assembly, but signaled out Rutherford County’s delegation for their persistence and dedication: Sens. Bill Ketron (R-13th District) and Jim Tracy (R-16th District); and Reps. Joe Carr (R-48th District), Pat Marsh (R-62th District), Mike Sparks (R-49th District) and Rick Womick (R-34th District).

Under this year’s state budget, the Legislature proposed and adopted a new funding formula for major capital facilities in higher education, requiring institutions to provide a portion of the building costs.

MTSU’s share of the new Science Building comes to $18 million, which it will raise by a combination of dedicated student fees, an internal reallocation of funds and private support.

Part of those private dollars will come from three supporters recognized at the ceremony.

George and Charlotte Gardner, McPhee said, “are two of our most loyal alumni and have been active supporters of the University for many years. They recently made a gift to be used toward the completion of this project and hope that their gift will inspire others.”

Dr. Liz Rhea, a longtime MTSU supporter and alumna, made a major bequest dedicated to the Science Building, “which will ultimately help us reach our fundraising objective,” the president said.

“For many years, this amazing lady has committed her time, talents and, yes, her gifts to helping make MTSU a better place for our students,” McPhee said.

The Christy-Houston Foundation made a major gift to purchase equipment for the new Life Sciences Laboratory, which will be used to train students in biology and the health sciences, McPhee said.

“We are pleased that so many of our friends, supporters, students, faculty and staff are here today to help us celebrate this vital investment in the future of our University,” the president said.

Watch a video of the event below; for more details on the new MTSU Science Building, visit www.mtsunews.com/sciencebuilding.

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International faculty, students, staff recognized with awards

May 1, 2012 By

The MTSU Office of International Affairs and Office of Education Abroad conducted their inaugural International Affairs Award and Recognition Ceremony April 28.

Officials recognized the 58 students who will study abroad in 18 different countries in the next academic year. They also led fall and full-year education-abroad students in pre-departure orientation.

In addition, Dr. Tony Johnston, professor of food science and agribusiness and enology consultant, and Dr. Doug Heffington, director of the global studies program, were honored as Faculty of the Year for their work to foster a more global campus.

J.R. Becker, secretary in the Intercultural and Diversity Affairs Center, was named Staffer of the year for his work to promote and support international activities and global education on campus.

Student of the Year honors went to Justin Wright, a Columbia, Tenn., native majoring in radio-television and global studies, and Daniel Gouger, a Whiteside, Tenn., native majoring in Spanish and biochemistry, for personifying global student-citizens.

Wright studied in Sweden in fall 2010, is currently on a four-week study experience in Italy and plans to study in Germany in spring 2013. Gouger studied for 12 weeks in Chile in summer 2010, dividing the period equally between classes and service learning at a medical clinic.

For more information, contact the Office of International Affairs at 615-904-8190 or the Office of Education Abroad at 615-898-5179.

– Gina K. Logue (Gina.Logue@mtsu.edu)

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MTSU helps add EBT cards for customers at county farmers’ market

May 1, 2012 By

Through a new partnership with MTSU’s School of Agribusiness and Agriscience, the Rutherford County Farmers’ Market will begin accepting Electronic Benefits Transfer, or EBT, credit and debit cards starting May 11.

“This partnership will provide low-income individuals with the opportunity to buy healthy food at the farmers’ market,” said Dr. Justin G. Gardner, MTSU assistant professor of agribusiness.

The University is helping with the EBT process as well as with promotional efforts for the University of Tennessee/Tennessee State University Extension-operated county market, located at the Lane Agri-Park Community Center on John R. Rice Boulevard in Murfreesboro.

The MTSU Student Farmers Market, which is set to open May 4, is operated on campus by the Plant and Soil Science Club and takes cash and local checks. Funds generated by the University’s market go to support the operations of the MTSU Farm.

The new collaboration between the University and the county’s Farmers’ Market, called the “Grow Healthy Rutherford Initiative,” brings many features to encourage healthy eating and shopping locally for food.

In addition to adding a variety of payment forms to the Rutherford County Farmers’ Market, the “Grow Healthy Rutherford” project also will include cooking classes, a shuttle to and from the market from low-income areas near downtown Murfreesboro and education for farmers and consumers. MTSU students and staff also will study the impact of these efforts.

EBT cards are used to provide Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits, formerly called food stamps. Since 2007, officials report a 90 percent increase in Rutherford County residents using EBT cards to buy food, reaching a total of 38,498 in September 2011.

More than 17,000 residents live in an area in central Murfreesboro known as a “food desert,” with low or limited access to full-sized grocery stores, Gardner said. A “food desert” can limit residents’ intake of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and other items in a healthy diet.

The area affecting Murfreesboro stretches from Memorial Boulevard east to Twin Oak Drive, bordered by Vine Street to the south and by DeJarnette Lane near the Murfreesboro Airport to the north.

For details on the Rutherford County Farmers’ Market’s operating hours and other information, visit www.localharvest.org/rutherford-county-farmers-market-M1425.

– Kristy Hardin (news@mtsu.edu)

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MTSU, Habitat for Humanity partner to build ‘Centennial’ home

April 27, 2012 By

New homeowner Yvonne Summers, center, is joined by MTSU volunteers at the April 26 dedication ceremony for her house. Leadership and Service Director Jackie Victory, standing next to Ms. Summers, and MTSU sophomore Randall Thomas, far right, spoke at the event. (photo by MTSU Office of Leadership and Service)

It takes a neighborhood to build a house, so of course MTSU lent a hand to neighbors at the April 26 dedication of its third University-sponsored Habitat for Humanity home.

Staff and students joined Rutherford County Habitat volunteers to see the fruit of their labors—along with those of new homeowner Yvonne Summers—at the East Sevier Street site.

Summers’ new neighbors arrived from both sides of the street, or looked on from their porches, as children ran up into the straw-strewn yard and rode bicycles along the sidewalk. Even neighborhood police officers stopped by to say hello and check out Summers’ pretty frame house, complete with MTSU-blue mailbox at the curb.

“On Feb. 15, I came by to help out with the framing of the house, and today it’s going to be all filled up with furniture. It’s a home,” said MTSU sophomore Randall Thomas, an environmental engineering major and president of Sigma Alpha Psi, the University’s chapter of the National Society of Leadership and Success.

“It’s amazing, the power of love and volunteering we have at MTSU, to be able to help with something like this.”

Volunteers broke ground on Summers’ home, the third built for a Rutherford County resident by MTSU and Habitat, on Jan. 25. The 2012 build, which celebrated MTSU’s Centennial, is unique in that the only onsite volunteers are MTSU students, faculty and staff. Summers’ home is the Rutherford County Habitat operation’s 109th.

MTSU junior Adam Banach frames one of the walls of the home being constructed during the Habitat Blitz Build. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

“The partnership MTSU has with Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity is one of the best we have with any entity or organization,” said Dr. Danny Kelley, assistant vice president for student affairs at MTSU.

“We’re ecstatic to be able to participate in an event so life-altering for Ms. Summers and her family.”

Summers, a native of Danville, Ill., moved to Murfreesboro when her daughter came to town to attend MTSU. The former Danville Housing Authority employee decided to apply for the Habitat program after helping a fellow church member build her own Habitat house.

“This is wonderful,” said the soft-spoken Summers, almost overcome by emotion as she thanked volunteers, friends, family and neighbors for their support and hard work. “Thank you all so much.”

The house cost $60,000 to build, including $20,000 from members of the MTSU community. Other contributions came from supporters who wanted to help but were unable to physically participate in the build, organizers said.

MTSU student volunteers work with Habitat for Humanity crews on the 2012 Habitat Blitz Build on East Sevier Street in Murfreesboro. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

“It’s been such a pleasure for us to work on this home,” said Jackie Victory, director of the Office Leadership and Service, which is part of MTSU’s Division of Student Affairs, Enrollment and Academic Services.

“We started with nothing but dirt, and now it is a home. Students, you know all the things you did to help here, but the most important thing you did is to give Ms. Summers a home. I know you’ll all wave at her on this porch every time you pass by.”

To see more photos from the MTSU Centennial Habitat dedication, visit on.fb.me/MTCentennialHabitatHome.

For more information on MTSU’s Department of Leadership and Service, visit www.mtsu.edu/leadandserve. For more information on Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity, visit www.rchfh.org.

– Gina E. Fann and Lauren Price (Gina.Fann@mtsu.edu)

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MTSU selects Follett to manage Phillips Bookstore

April 26, 2012 By

Follett Higher Education Group of Oak Brook, Ill., has been selected to manage operations of MTSU’s Phillips Bookstore, which will relocate to the new Student Union Building this summer. The takeover is effective May 9.

John Cothern, MTSU senior vice president in the Division of Business and Finance, and Kathy Crisp, assistant vice president for administrative and business, made the announcement.

A selection committee consisting of administrators, faculty and students chose Follett through an extensive evaluation process. Follett was identified as the company that had the technology, experience and resources to best serve MTSU and the campus community.

“Many changes have and are taking place in the college-textbook and bookstore service industry,” Cothern said. “It is important for MTSU to be in the best position it can be in order to provide the most up-to-date textbook and course materials service that our students demand and need.

“We are pleased that Follett Higher Education Group is joining our team,” Cothern added. “They bring an expertise to our campus that will enable us to enhance the level of bookstore service and support needed by our students as they prepare for their professional careers. This change is part of our continued efforts to position MTSU for the future.”

Follett aims to provide first-class service to MTSU students, faculty and staff by offering a variety of affordable choices and maximizing access to the materials and supplies necessary for student success, said Elio DiStaolo, director of public and campus relations for Follett.

In addition to Rent-A-Text, a textbook-rental program that can save students 50 percent or more compared to the costs of buying new textbooks, Follett also offers smarter digital textbooks with their cloud-based CafeScribe digital platform.

The campus community can explore those options in-store and online through a link on MTSU’s website to www.efollett.com, the nation’s largest textbook portal.

University officials said students, faculty, staff and visitors to the new Phillips Bookstore can rely on a bookstore team of familiar faces to help navigate these options. Jeff Whitwell will remain director and textbook manager.

To ensure a seamless transition, all current Phillips Bookstore associates have been invited to remain and will receive additional training and development opportunities to enhance their retail and customer-service skills.

During the transition, Phillips Bookstore will be moving to the first floor of the new Student Union building after decades in Keathley University Center.

The new store layout accommodates space for expanded products and services.

The new location also positions the bookstore near other central campus resources, including dining areas, retail outlets and meeting rooms.

“We are excited to be serving Middle Tennessee State University,” said Thomas Christopher, president of Follett Higher Education Group. “We’ll bring our best to the community—using all of our resources, best-in-class technology and our newest product offerings to provide a retail operation that will only enhance the MTSU campus.”

– Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)

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