The Middle Tennessee State University fall 2013 True Blue Tour to recruit future students from Tri-Cities to Memphis will be touting “student success.”

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, left, greets Kelsey Szpara Friday after meeting with university personnel who will be part of the statewide fall 2013 recruiting True Blue Tour, which begins Sept. 17 in Chattanooga. Szpara is an adviser in the Department of Health and Human Performance in the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences. CBHS adviser Brelinda Johnson is shown at center. (MTSU photos by News and Media Relations)

On Friday, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee brought that message to more than 40 staff and administrators before the university begins its annual statewide tour to recruit high school students for the 2014-15 academic year and beyond.

“We want every student who comes to MTSU to be successful, graduate and find a job in a career they enjoy,” McPhee said to admissions, advising and other personnel in the Student Union Parliamentary Room.

“These students are our responsibility, and we must discover and develop new and innovative ways to help them be successful.”

The meeting marked the first time McPhee, who is entering his 13th year as president, met with staff members as a group before they embark on the tour, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 17, in Chattanooga at the Chattanooga Convention Center at 1 Carter Plaza.

Based on feedback he received during the session, McPhee said he would consider two similar meetings during the fall and spring semesters.

Dr. Deb Sells, vice president for student affairs and vice provost for enrollment and academic services, said she is excited to be heading out on the tour because “it is a great time to talk” to prospective students.

“They (students) are looking for matches — their interests and preparation with the programs and support we have to offer,” Sells said.

After Chattanooga, other True Blue Tour stops include:

• Sept. 23: The Millennium Place, 2001 Millennium Place, Johnson City.
• Sept. 24: Club LeConte, 800 S. Gay St., Knoxville.
• Oct. 8: Music City Center, 150 4th Ave. N., Nashville.
• Oct. 21: Memphis Botanic Gardens, 750 Cherry Road, Memphis.
• Oct. 22: The Jackson Country Club, 31 Jackson Country Club Drive, Jackson.

High school and community college students and counselors, as well as parents, can register to attend any MTSU admissions events by going to http://tinyurl.com/truebluetour. Registration remains open until the event begins.

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

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee addresses True Blue Tour recruiting personnel, including staff from the admissions, financial aid and advising offices, on Friday, just four days before the tour departs for Chattanooga, the first leg of the seven-city journey.