MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s alumni continue to embody their vibrant True Blue spirit long after departing their campus home. 

The university’s Alumni Association celebrates these successes annually with the Alumni Association Awards, naming this year’s recipients for demonstrating excellence and ability in the areas of education, community service and military service, along with comprehensive recognitions of a junior and an overall distinguished alumnus. 

Established in 1960, the association’s top honor, the Distinguished Alumni Award, goes this year to L. Kasimu Harris (Class of 2004) of New Orleans, Louisiana. In his work as a multidisciplinary artist, Harris’ work combines photography, writing, installation and research to explore memory, place, belonging and Black life in the American South and beyond.

The 2026-27 Young Alumni Achievement Award, given to a graduate aged 35 or younger who is making a positive impact on the world, is an award-winning meteorologist, journalist, minister and funeral service professional, Jonathan Radford (Class of 2013), of Brookhaven, Georgia.

Launched in 2013, the Alumni Association’s True Blue Citations of Distinction honorees for 2026-27 include:

• Achievement in Education (MTSU faculty) — Jeff Gibson (Class of 1993), of Murfreesboro, joined MTSU’s faculty in 2003. He is currently a professor of theatre and vice provost for planning and effectiveness. He previously chaired the Department of Theatre and Dance.
• Achievement in Education (non-MTSU faculty) — Katie Clary (Class of 2013), of Conway, South Carolina, teaches courses in interdisciplinary studies and coordinates the cultural heritage certificate at Coastal Carolina University.
• Service to the University — Mary Ester Reed (Classes of 1992, 1994 and 1996), of Smyrna, has served on various university boards, committees and associations for decades, including president of the Alumni Association, president of the Blue Raider Athletic Association and served on the Foundation Board, among many others.
• Service to the Community — Tosha Price (Class of 2012), of Murfreesboro, is involved in several organizations that serve the Middle Tennessee and Rutherford County communities. She is currently the business development manager for Ascend Federal Credit Union, Middle Tennessee’s largest credit union.
• Military Service — Ret. Col. Alan Clark (Class of 1975), of Estill Springs, served 28 years in the United States Army before retiring in 2000 with the rank of colonel.

“The Alumni Association is thrilled to celebrate the achievements of seven remarkable alumni,” said Ginger Freeman, Office of Alumni Relations director. “Their success highlights the diverse paths our graduates pursue, both personally and professionally. We’re excited to honor and recognize them as part of this year’s homecoming festivities.”

The association will honor the alumni first at the Alumni Awards ceremony on Friday, Nov. 6, followed by a ride in the Homecoming Parade on Nov. 7 and recognition at the game later that same day.

Distinguished Alumni

L. Kasimu Harris (‘04), Entrepreneurship

L. Kasimu Harris, a New Orleans-based artist, whose work investigates the cultural and historical significance of Black spaces and institutions, exploring how communities create, sustain, and remember places of refuge, celebration and identity. He is also the first Black photographer from New Orleans to have work acquired for the Museum of Modern Art permanent collection.

Harris is also the co-editorial producer of a documentary titled “20 Years Later: Hurricane Katrina.” His work has been featured in exhibitions at the New Orleans Museum of Art, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, and the Atlanta Biennial, among other locations. He has also worked on the two-time Academy Award-nominated film “Nickel Boys,” adapted from the Putzier Prize-winning novel by Colson Whitehead.

While attending MTSU, he was an award-winning writer and reporter for Sidelines, the university’s student-run newspaper and served in leadership roles with his fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi. He has received numerous awards for his work, including one of Louisiana Life magazine’s “Louisianian of the Year” (2017) and the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities Documentary Photographer of the Year (2022).

Young Alumni Achievement Award

Jonathan Radford (’13), Electronic Media Communications, Journalism

Jonathan Radford of Georgia is an award-winning meteorologist, journalist, minister and funeral service professional who reflects the true blue spirit by striving to make a meaningful impact on the lives of those he serves.

A regional Emmy winner, Radford also holds the National Weather Association Broadcaster’s Seal of Approval and is an active member of the National Weather Association, the National Association of Black Journalists and Kappa Alpha Psi.

He has participated in MTSU’s annual True Blue Tour, the university’s annual recruitment event, for the past decade, making appearances in Johnson City, Huntsville, and Atlanta. He has also served as a panelist for events in the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment.

Since 2013, he has completed additional degrees from Mississippi State (geoscience) and a Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School. He is currently completing an Associate of Applied Science in Funeral Service at John A. Gupton College.

True Blue Citations of Distinction

Achievement in Education (MTSU Faculty)

Jeff Gibson (’93), Theatre

Jeff Gibson of Murfreesboro graduated with his bachelor’s degree in theatre at MTSU in 1993. He joined MTSU’s faculty in 2002 and previously served as chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance. He also served as an associate dean in MTSU’s College of Liberal Arts and taught courses specializing in arts management and theatre career seminars. He was recently named vice provost for planning and effectiveness in the Office of the Provost.

Gibson credits his liberal arts degree for preparing him for leadership roles in the classroom, mentoring and as a university administrator and nonprofit board member. To him, theatre was a place of belonging that allowed him the opportunity to discover himself, the world and his place in it.

During his tenure at MTSU, he has served in the classroom, in administrative roles and on various committees. He is also the recipient of multiple awards and honors, including Southeastern Theatre Conference Hall of Fame (2024); MTSU 25-year service award (2022); MTSU College of Liberal Arts Outstanding Advisor of the Year (2015-2016), among several others.

Achievement in Education (Non-MTSU Faculty)

Katie Clary (’08, ‘13), history and Ph.D. in public history

Katie Clary, of South Carolina, earned her bachelor’s degree in history before returning to MTSU to earn her Ph.D. in public history. Now an assistant professor at Coastal Carolina University, she teaches courses in interdisciplinary studies, all while working closely with community organizations to preserve and interpret the past.

Clary’s research includes the ethics and historical contexts of human remains in museums, dark tourism and ghost tours at historic sites, and the roles death plays, broadly, in the museum and public history worlds.

Clary has written multiple books, had her work featured in various book chapters and publications, been part of several public history exhibitions, grants and conference presentations and been the recipient of multiple career-based awards.   

Service to the University

Mary Ester Reed (’92, ’94, ‘96), Early Childhood Education, Master of Education and Ed.S. in administration and supervision

Mary Ester Reed, of Smyrna, is a dedicated triple alumna who began her career as a kindergarten teacher in Rutherford County Schools before becoming a small-business owner and elected official. She has served as mayor of Smyrna since 2013.

She has also mentored professionals entering the field of education and volunteered her time in roles with organizations such as The Boys and Girls Clubs, Read to Succeed, and United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties (now United Way of South Central Tennessee), among others.

For decades, she has also served on various university boards, committees and associations, including the Middle Tennessee Blue Raider Athletic Association, MTSU Alumni Association, Middle Tennessee Lightning Zone Community Athletic Committee, among many others.

Through her volunteer work, leadership and mentorship, she inspires others to serve and embodies the true blue spirit in everything she does.  Reed also earned her Master of Education (’94) and Ed.S. in administration and supervision (’96) from MTSU.

Service to the Community

Tosha Price (’12), Business Administration and Management

Tosha Price, of Tullahoma, is currently the business development manager for Ascend Federal Credit Union, the largest credit union in Middle Tennessee. She leads initiatives that expand community presence, promote financial wellness and build strategic partnerships across the state.

She has coordinated more than 50 financial literacy workshops, including MTSU’s annual Financial Literacy Month. Price shows her True Blue pride through volunteer work with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Middle Tennessee, the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Center, and the March of Dimes, among many other organizations.

Price has also received multiple awards and recognitions throughout her career, including VIP Murfreesboro 40 Under 40 honoree (2026); MTSU Jones College of Business Exemplar Award (2024); and Murfreesboro Young Professionals Member of the Year (2022), among others.

Military Service

Retired Col. Alan Clark (’69, ’75), English and M.Ed Administration and Supervision

Alan Clark, of Estill Springs, served 28 years in the U.S. Army before retiring in 2000 with the rank of colonel.

During his military career, he held key leadership positions and was awarded the Legion of Merit and the Bronze Star — two of the military’s most respected honors. His career reflects a lifetime commitment to service, leadership and the advancement of others. He has written two novels and a book of poetry, as well as books based on his leadership theories.

A two-time MTSU graduate, Clark earned his bachelor’s degree and Master of Education degree from MTSU before earning his Ed.D. from the University of Tennessee. He spends his time volunteering in the community with organizations such as the Military Officers Association and American Legion Post 44 in Winchester, among others.

He has also been involved with MTSU’s Blue Raider Athletic Association and MTSU’s Alumni Association National Board of Directors.

—   DeAnn Hays ([email protected])