MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Over the past 25+ years, under the stewardship of retiring President Sidney A. McPhee, Middle Tennessee State University has expanded its capabilities with new and innovative academic programs, a growing research agenda, and educational partnerships across the United States and around the world. 

The university adopted a service-centered educational model focused on each student’s success—providing them with high-quality education and the skills they need to prosper in their chosen field. 

The campus footprint grew as a result of more than $2 billion in state-of-the-art new and renovated facilities. 

In addition, the MTSU Foundation’s endowment, which stood at $18.4 million when McPhee arrived, today has risen to $162.4 million.

The cover story of the Summer 2026 edition of MTSU magazine details these and other tremendous accomplishments achieved under McPhee’s guidance as he winds down a quarter century as the institution’s chief executive officer. 

McPhee will retire in December 2026. 

The university’s Board of Trustees is currently conducting a nationwide search to replace him.

Other stories in this edition include:

• An exploration of the impact of MTSU’s solemn pledge “I am True Blue,” which turns 15 years old in 2026. Stand almost anywhere on the MTSU campus, and you’ll likely see the phrase “I am True Blue” at least once on a nearby sign, light pole banner, or garment. “I am True Blue,” though, is not just a marketing slogan. It has become an identity, one born out of tragedy, the death of a student athlete, that succinctly expresses the MTSU community’s core values of honesty and integrity, respect for diversity, engagement in the community, and a commitment to nonviolence.
• A look at the impact of a generous donation to the university by the family of legendary MTSU track and field coach Dean A. Hayes. The Hayes family recently established a permanent scholarship to honor the philosophy of their iconic patriarch – one of the most accomplished and respected figures in collegiate athletics as well as in national and international track and field. But Hayes’ impact extended far beyond the track. He single-handedly forged the path for integrating MTSU’s athletic department, famously awarding Jerry Singleton the first varsity scholarship to go to a Black athlete at the university. 
• Profiles of five MTSU researchers who quash the stereotype of tweed-jacketed professors musing stodgily in their ivory towers. Hailing from diverse backgrounds and bearing unique inspirations and life experiences, these selected MTSU faculty members defy the professorial trope. That their scholarship and research positively influence Tennesseans and improve the overall image of higher education, well, that’s just icing on the cake.
• Class notes – updates on the status of MTSU alumni achievers around the globe.

Printed copies of the Summer editions of MTSU magazine are distributed to approximately 130,000 alumni readers. Winter editions of the magazine are now limited to alumni and friends who are active donors, new graduates (who receive a three-year subscription), members of the MTSU Foundation and Alumni Association boards, various advisory boards, and the Blue Raider Athletic Association, and participants/attendees at major MTSU events. 

A web-only, flip version of the entire magazine is available here.

— Drew Ruble ([email protected])