MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — First introduced to the Middle Tennessee State University campus community in 2011, the True Blue Pledge marked its 15th anniversary this year, reaffirming the university’s decade-and-a-half commitment to integrity, community engagement and nonviolence.

As in years past, a group of students, faculty and staff from across campus and the community came together to express the university’s core values in a special video message that sets the tone for the academic year ahead.

The pledge was created under the leadership of President Sidney A. McPhee in response to the tragic loss of Lady Raider basketball player Tina Stewart, who was killed by her roommate at an off-campus apartment in 2011. To unify the campus community around shared values of character and accountability, the True Blue Pledge was introduced.  

“As my tenure leading this great institution draws to a close, one of my proudest achievements is how our campus rallied following an unspeakable tragedy to create the True Blue Pledge,” said McPhee. “Reaching this 15-year milestone reflects the staying power of these powerful words in encapsulating the essence of the True Blue spirit that makes our university so special.”

Beginning with the statement “I am True Blue,” the pledge highlights MTSU’s foundational principles: honesty and integrity, respect for diversity, community engagement, and a commitment to reason over violence.

The True Blue Pledge remains a central tradition at MTSU, recited every fall during the University Convocation ceremony. The event welcomes incoming students as President McPhee and university leaders introduce MTSU’s values, history, and traditions.

New Student Government Association President Kennedy Garrett led this year’s pledge at the Aug. 22 Convocation at Murphy Center, kicking off her first semester in office.

Watch the 15th anniversary edition of the True Blue Pledge below.

The True Blue Pledge reads:

“I am True Blue.

As a member of this diverse community, I am a valuable contributor to its progress and success.

I am engaged in the life of this community. I am a recipient and a giver.

I am a listener and a speaker. I am honest in word and deed. I am committed to reason, not violence.

I am a learner now and forever.

I am a BLUE RAIDER. True Blue!”

Those included in the 2026-27 video, in order of appearance, include:

• Kennedy Garrett —  SGA president; Political Science
• Meredith Powers — Early Childhood Education
• Daryl Hickman —  Unmanned Aircraft Systems operations manager
• Linsey Mata — Public Relations
• Gaurang Misra —  Data Science
• Dr. Ugur Orak — associate professor, Department of Sociology and Anthropology 
• Marley Morris —  Speech Language Pathology 
• Reese Webber  —  Aerospace, Pro-Pilot
• Rachel Oppmann —  Bachelor of Fine Arts, Theatre
• Dr. Karen Tan —  assistant professor, Department of Sport and Hospitality Management 
• Gabby Saavedra  —  Homer Pittard Campus School student
• Audrey Saavedra —  Homer Pittard Campus School student
• Jinger Heath — Communication; Women’s Golf
• Jahvin Carter —  Business Marketing; Men’s Basketball
• Gulnur Ashyrnepesova —  Industrial Psychology
• Dr. James Bridgeforth — vice president of student affairs, dean of students

For more information about MTSU’s True Blue initiative, visit www.mtsu.edu/trueblue.

— DeAnn Hays ([email protected])