CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University brought its True Blue spirit to Chattanooga on Oct. 26, awarding $50,000 in scholarships during a day of events connecting school counselors, community college representatives and prospective students with opportunities at MTSU.

More than 70 counselors attended the daytime luncheon, where MTSU awarded $44,000 in scholarships. The evening student reception, held at The Chattanoogan Hotel, drew nearly 60 students and included another $6,000 in scholarships for prospective Blue Raiders.

For Chattanooga State Community College academic advisor and MTSU alumnus Brandon Hines, the True Blue Tour offered an opportunity to reconnect with his alma mater and see how the university has grown since he graduated.

“I’m an alumnus, so it’s always a pleasure to come back and see what’s going on at MT, see the new developments and everything that’s happened since I’ve left,” Hines said. “It’s also great to reconnect with other MTSU graduates.”

The event also gave community college representatives an opportunity to learn more about the university and the support available to students transitioning to a four-year institution.

Ryan Tate, tour coordinator at Chattanooga State, said his experience working with transfer students has helped build his confidence in MTSU as a destination for students continuing their education.

“Coming from a community college, we try to make sure our transfer students are as prepared as possible,” Tate said. “I’ve been working at Chattanooga State for about five years, and one of my students transferred to MTSU during my first few years there. Seeing how seamless the transition was and how supported he felt by the faculty and staff made me comfortable sending our students there, too.”

Tate added that MTSU’s scholarship opportunities are another benefit for prospective students.

“MTSU always does an amazing job, and the $1,000 scholarships are a nice bonus, too,” he said.

Students explore academic interests, earn scholarships

For high school seniors attending the reception, the event offered a chance to explore academic programs, connect with university representatives and take another step toward choosing a college.

Precious Moore, a senior at Chattanooga Charter School and a scholarship recipient, was particularly interested in MTSU’s agriculture and science opportunities as she considers a future career as a veterinarian.

“I wanted to learn about MTSU because I felt like it could be the school for me,” Moore said. “I enjoyed talking with the agriculture department, and I’m really interested in science and agriculture. I want to be a veterinarian, so I thought MTSU could be a good fit. I also like the diversity.”

Campbell Henderson, a senior at Silverdale Baptist Academy and another scholarship recipient, came to the reception to learn more about the university and pursue his goal of competing in track and field at the collegiate level.

After already visiting campus and reaching out to MTSU’s track and field coach, Henderson saw the True Blue Tour as another opportunity to explore the university and potentially earn scholarship assistance.

“I’ve always wanted to compete in track and field in college, so I’ve been reaching out to the coach,” Henderson said. “I’ve already visited campus, and I wanted to come learn more, get more information and potentially win a scholarship. And I did.”

For Henderson, the award carried special meaning.

“It’s a blessing, for sure,” he said. “My mom and I said a prayer before we came in, asking God to open doors, and this is definitely a door opened.”

During the reception, James Bridgeforth, vice president for student affairs and dean of students, emphasized the importance of bringing MTSU’s resources directly to prospective students.

“It’s really important for students to come out to our True Blue Tours because they can start their MTSU journey by meeting advisors, learning about college and having a chance at scholarships,” Bridgeforth said. “But most importantly, we get to know you. That’s what we want to do. We want you here.”

A full-circle moment for Chattanooga native

For Kennedy Garrett, MTSU Student Government Association president and a Chattanooga native, the local stop carried personal significance. Garrett said bringing the university to students in their own communities helps make MTSU a more accessible option for those considering where to continue their education.

“I’ve really enjoyed the experience of coming to the Chattanooga True Blue Tour,” Garrett said. “I’m from Chattanooga, so this is important to me, not only because our university holds a True Blue Tour, but because we’re intentional about where we go.”

Garrett said local students often consider MTSU but may face challenges getting to Murfreesboro to learn more about the university.

“A lot of local students look at MTSU as a possible school option,” she said. “They don’t have to make that two-hour trip or figure out transportation because the university comes to them. That really matters, and it helps prospective students see that if they choose this university, we’re going to do what we can to bring them the resources they need.”

Now serving as SGA president, Garrett said returning to a True Blue Tour as a student leader has brought her college journey full circle.

“I remember coming here on a True Blue Tour four years ago,” Garrett said. “Now, seeing students excited and hopefully ready to become Blue Raiders feels like a full-circle moment.”

Garrett said she values the opportunity to share her own experience with prospective students and hopes MTSU will continue visiting Chattanooga-area schools and communities.

“I think it’s very important that our university continues to do these tours and shows Chattanooga students that we want them here,” she said. “As president, I get the opportunity to come to these events and share my story and why they’re important.”

Following a Monday Nashville stop, the True Blue Tour wraps up this week on Thursday, Nov. 5, at MTSU’s Student Union Building, 1768 MTSU Blvd., giving area prospective students and their families opportunities to learn about MTSU’s more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs and concentrations, connect with university representatives and explore scholarship opportunities.

All events are free, and walk-ups are welcome, although admissions staff encourage attendees to RSVP in advance at mtsu.edu/rsvp.

For first-time incoming freshmen seeking guaranteed academic merit scholarships and special partnership programs, the priority application deadline is Dec. 1. The priority deadline for transfer students is March 1. Visit mtsu.edu/how-to-apply for application information.

MTSU will also welcome prospective students and their families to campus for True Blue Preview Day on Nov. 14. Daily campus tours are available as well. For information, call 615-898-5670 or email [email protected].

— Karli Sutton ([email protected])