MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — A face and voice quite familiar to the Blue Raider campus community, Middle Tennessee State University graduate student and Student Trustee RJ Ware was recently named “Youth of the Year” by the Murfreesboro branch of the NAACP.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, or NAACP, is the oldest and largest civil rights organization in the United States. Ware, a former Student Government Association president, accepted the award at the NAACP’s Freedom Fund Gala held in late August in the Student Union Ballroom.

“I said in my speech that I would not be where I am if it weren’t for MTSU,” Ware said. “MTSU has been the vehicle I’ve used to serve and do all these things I’ve done. Without MTSU, I wouldn’t have so many of the opportunities that I have had.”

He continued, “I credit the people here and the opportunities here at MTSU. I really credit MTSU for allowing me to do things that I have done to be considered for this award.”

Since arriving at MTSU in 2022 as a Scholars Academy student, Ware has served in various leadership positions across campus, including most recently as the 94th student body president for the 2025-26 academic year. He was also treasurer of the American Democracy Project, served as a Blue Elite campus tour guide, and was chair of academic affairs, among other roles.

In May, he received the Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award, a statewide honor presented by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission that recognizes exceptional community service and civic engagement among Tennessee college students.

He also received MTSU’s Trailblazer Legacy Award, which recognizes a graduating senior who has made a lasting impact on the university community.

Ware earned his undergraduate degree in political science with a minor in criminal justice administration and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in teaching in secondary education with an expected graduation in 2028, after which he plans to teach.

Ware is also working as a graduate assistant in the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. He was appointed as the student trustee on MTSU’s Board of Trustees earlier this year.

— DeAnn Hays ([email protected])