MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University representatives recently appeared on WGNS Radio to discuss a new mechatronics engineering master’s degree, the new Middle Tennessee Business Confidence Index and the promising actuarial science program. 

They appeared on the live “Action Line” program with host Scott Walker, broadcast on FM 100.5, 101.9 and AM 1450 from the WGNS studio in downtown Murfreesboro. If you missed it, you can listen to the podcast of the July 20 segments by clicking the links at the end of the bulleted sections below.

Guests for the program, in order of appearance, included:

• Dr. Murat Arik, director of the MTSU Business and Economic Research Center, and Bishoy Mikhail, vice president of research for the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce, discussed the new Middle Tennessee Business Confidence Index.

The Nashville Commerce, in partnership with BERC, has launched the index to provide a comprehensive, data-driven pulse of regional business conditions each quarter. The inaugural index was released in early May with the first-quarter 2026 index registering 60.1 on a 0–100 scale, indicating net-positive business sentiment across Middle Tennessee. 

Arik explained the importance of a regional snapshot of business conditions and sentiment. “National data cannot fully capture the localized dynamics, such as housing affordability or infrastructure bottlenecks, that directly influence business decisions here in Middle Tennessee,” Arik said. “This is why a regional index matters.”

Listen to the segment here.

• Dr. Lei Miao, professor of mechatronics engineering at MTSU, discussed the new Master of Science in Mechatronics Systems Engineering.

MTSU has received approval to launch a new Master of Science in Mechatronics Systems Engineering, establishing a groundbreaking graduate program — the state’s first-ever master’s program in mechatronics — designed to prepare engineers for the future of advanced manufacturing, automation, robotics, and intelligent systems.

The new degree requires a minimum of 30 credit hours and can be completed in as little as one year, including summer terms. Many courses will be offered in the evenings, providing flexibility for working professionals seeking to advance their careers while maintaining full-time employment.

Listen to the segment here.

• Dr. Vajira Manathunga, director of MTSU’s Actuarial Science Program and associate professor of the Department of Mathematical Sciences, discussed what an actuary is and does and promising job prospects for students who complete the degree program.

Actuarial science is an interdisciplinary field that uses mathematics, statistics, economics, finance, computer science, and data science to measure and manage financial risk. Actuaries play a critical role in the insurance and financial services industries, helping organizations evaluate uncertainty, design insurance and retirement products, set appropriate premiums, and make informed long-term financial decisions.

MTSU’s Actuarial Science Program prepares students for successful careers in this highly respected and in-demand profession. The program combines a rigorous academic curriculum with professional exam preparation, applied technology, industry engagement, internships, research opportunities, and career-development activities.

The Society of Actuaries recognizes the program as a Center of Actuarial Excellence, the organization’s highest level of university recognition for actuarial science programs. MTSU is one of only 45 universities worldwide and one of only 24 in the United States recognized by the Society of Actuaries as a Center of Actuarial Excellence. 

Listen to the segment here, beginning around the 22:45 mark.

Students, faculty and staff who are interested in guesting on WGNS to promote their MTSU-related activities should contact Jimmy Hart, senior director of MTSU News and Media Relations, at 615-898-5131 or via email at [email protected].