MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — When Lucas Daggs began classes at Nashville State Community College, he wasn’t sure how far his education would take him.

In fact, he wasn’t even sure he could graduate from community college.

Today, Daggs is a Buchanan Transfer Fellow at Middle Tennessee State University, where he is pursuing a degree in commercial construction management while working as a labor foreman. He is already thinking beyond his undergraduate degree, with plans to pursue a master’s in construction and an MBA.

His path to MTSU began with a job installing underground utilities as a pipelayer.

“After about six months of discernment, I made the decision to pursue a higher education,” Daggs said. He enrolled at Nashville State and set what seemed like a modest goal: to graduate. “After the first couple of semesters, I gained the confidence and guidance to transfer to MTSU for the commercial construction management program.”

MTSU quickly emerged as the logical next step. Its program had a strong reputation among industry professionals in Middle Tennessee, and its location allowed Daggs to continue working while taking classes.

“For me, MTSU is the most sensible option considering tuition, location, and most importantly, quality of education,” he said.

Finding a career in construction

Daggs’ decision to study construction management was shaped by his experience in the field. While working as a pipelayer for a Nashville-area utility company, he developed a relationship with an employee of a general contractor at one of his job sites. The two talked about construction management and what it takes to build a career in the industry.

The conversation changed Daggs’ perspective on his future. According to Daggs, the contractor saw his work ethic and offered him a future internship.

“For once in my life, I saw the possibility for a financially successful future for myself,” Daggs said.

Construction also appealed to him because the work has a tangible impact.

“One of the most attractive things in the field of construction to me is that we are building something tangible and often will impact people’s lives for the better,” he said. “From small single-family homes to large industrial plants, these are all ultimately going to be put to good use for the betterment of humanity.”

That practical perspective continues to shape his education and career goals. Working while attending college has taught Daggs discipline, time management, and the value of delayed gratification. It has also given him years of experience that he expects to carry into his professional career after graduation.

An unexpected opportunity

Daggs might not have applied for the Buchanan Transfer Fellowship without encouragement from his student success adviser at Nashville State, who he says believed he would be a strong candidate and encouraged him to apply.

“I initially doubted I would get in, but I submitted an application regardless,” Daggs said.

The decision paid off.

MTSU’s Buchanan Transfer Fellowship is awarded to 30 students entering their junior year and represents the University Honors College’s top honor for transfer students. Fellows who qualify for in-state tuition receive $3,500 per semester for up to four semesters, while those who qualify for out-of-state tuition receive $7,000 per semester. Fellows also receive early registration and can receive up to $2,500 for approved study abroad or away programs, scholarly conferences, and related activities. Also, transfer fellows can still take advantage of Pell Grant, Lottery, and other scholarships.

For Daggs, the financial support has made a significant difference.

“Receiving the fellowship was a big deal to me,” he said. “It meant that I would be able to attend MTSU while focusing more on my studies and less on the financial aspect.”

The fellowship has also introduced him to opportunities beyond simply earning a degree. Transfer Fellows complete at least 11 hours of Honors coursework, including a research seminar and Honors thesis. For Daggs, the opportunity to conduct research and potentially publish a thesis has changed the way he thinks about his future.

“The opportunity to not only write but also to publish a thesis is something that has made grad school a lot more feasible for me,” he said.

‘Take the shot’

For community college students considering a transfer to MTSU, Daggs has simple advice: apply.

“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take,” he said, encouraging prospective applicants to take the application seriously and give thoughtful responses rather than rushing through it.

The Buchanan Transfer Fellowship requires an essay, transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Applicants generally must have at least 60 hours of college coursework and a minimum 3.5 GPA, although students may apply with fewer hours if they expect to complete 60 hours by the fall.

For Daggs, the fellowship has provided more than financial assistance. It has given him an academic community, research opportunities, and a clearer path toward graduate school. And it has helped transform the small goal he set for himself of simply earning a community college degree into a much larger vision for his future.

Applications opened Oct. 1

The 2027 Buchanan Transfer Fellowship application is open for students planning to enter MTSU as juniors in fall 2027. The application deadline is March 1, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. CST. Students interested in applying should first apply for admission to MTSU, then create their PipelineMT account to access the fellowship application.

Learn more about the Buchanan Transfer Fellowship and application requirements: https://honors.mtsu.edu/transfer/. 

— Robin E. Lee ([email protected])