MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — As Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee kicked off the 2026-27 academic year with his final Convocation, he welcomed the newest Blue Raiders while reflecting on the significance of the tradition he began a quarter century ago.

“This is the 116^th year of educating students at our institution, and today begins one of the most exciting times of the year on our campus,” McPhee told the crowd of freshmen, transfer students and their families who were gathered in Murphy Center on Saturday, Aug. 22. “Welcome to MTSU. We’re glad you’re here.”

McPhee, who will retire in December, emboldened MTSU’s newest students to recognize that college is not just about earning a degree, but also about the relationships they build with people from all walks of life.

“You will meet individuals who may literally change your life,” McPhee said. “I encourage you to be curious. Ask questions, even when you aren’t sure whether they’re the right questions. Talk with your professors. Get to know your classmates. Don’t limit yourself to what you already know in your life. And when you encounter something difficult, don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

The next chapter: choices for a new beginning

Convocation keynote speaker Edward J. Larson, author of MTSU’s Summer Reading Program book, “Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters,” emphasized that college is the ideal time for incoming students to embark on a new chapter of their lives.

“College offers you a chance to consider your path forward and take steps to realize it,” said the Pulitzer Prize-winning author, “and not just about your vocation, though that is a central part of college, but in the larger sense, who you are and what you want to become.”

Larson’s message connected the choices facing students at the beginning of their academic careers with the decisions made by America’s founding fathers in 1776 — ideals of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” as referenced in the Declaration of Independence.

“College is part of that pursuit,” Larson said. “The choices (you make) matter and there is no better time in your entire life to make them than in college.”

Among those beginning that journey together are freshmen Jesse Lanier and Christian Hodge, longtime friends and roommates who graduated from James Lawson High School in Nashville together.

Lanier, who plays multiple instruments, chose MTSU to pursue his passion for music and plans to study music business. He said Convocation gave him a boost about beginning college.

“It was really interesting and I got to meet a lot of new people. So I’m very excited,” said Lanier, a second-generation Blue Raider whose mother, Chanda Lanier, graduated in 1994.

Hodge plans to study chemistry. “I want to work in a lab someday,” the teenager said.

The students’ mothers also shared in the day’s significance.

Chanda Lanier said she was excited her son had chosen her alma mater. “MTSU’s got such a great music program — and it’s closer to home.”

LaSaundra Hodge, a 2005 MTSU social work graduate, returned to campus to watch her son begin his own college experience. “We’re happy to be here. It’s so exciting,” she noted.

‘You are part of a legacy’

Convocation formally welcomes the latest crop of scholars into the academic community, with McPhee, attending faculty, and top administrators wearing academic regalia. The event also featured the Band of Blue performing various selections, including MTSU’s fight song, which was led by members of MTSU’s Cheer and Dance teams.

Student Government Association President Kennedy Garrett, who led everyone in reciting the True Blue Pledge of core values, told students, “Don’t spend the next four years simply attending Middle Tennessee State University, become a part of it.”

“You are part of a community, you are part of a legacy and you are True Blue,” Garrett said.

Faculty Senate President Patrick McCarthy and Laurie Witherow, vice provost for Enrollment Management, also welcomed incoming students.

Following Convocation speakers, Blue Raider football coach Derek Mason invited the crowd to the season opener against the Murray State Racers at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Floyd Stadium. For tickets, visit https://bit.ly/4y2AayR.

“It’s going to be a great year,” Mason assured the crowd.

To conclude Convocation, students filed onto the arena floor for the traditional “Class of” group photo for the Class of 2030.

After Convocation, students and their families attended Blue Raider Fan Day in Floyd Stadium, featuring football, women’s soccer and other fall sports teams, games, food and more. For more on New Student and Family Programs, visit https://mtsu.edu/nsfp.

—  Nancy DeGennaro ([email protected])