Middle Tennessee State University alumna Catie Adams created an original artwork that recognizes and celebrates more than 700 MTSU full-time employees who are also MTSU alumni.

Ginger Freeman

The MTSU Alumni Association gifted prints of the artwork to alumni faculty and staff at the start of a new academic year to honor the time they’ve devoted to the university with the phrase “Educated Here, Employed Here.”

The Alumni Association commissioned the piece from Adams with the intent to emphasize the actual number of alumni employees. Alumni Relations Associate Director Michelle Stepp expressed that people may not understand just how many faculty and staff also spent their time here as a student.

“The MTSU Alumni Association is proud to celebrate our alumni employees who not only graduated from MTSU, but chose to serve MTSU professionally to ensure our students receive an incredible education and fulfilling experience,” said Ginger Freeman, director of Alumni Relations.

Ashley White, executive aide in the Campus Recreation Center, stands next to a framed print of the “Educated Here, Employed Here” artwork by MTSU alumna Catie Adams and given to 700 employees who earned their degrees from the university. (MTSU photo by Randy Weiler)

Ashley White is among the faculty and staff that has received a print. White is an executive aide for Campus Recreation and graduated in 2017 with a degree in interdisciplinary studies.

“Receiving the print from the Alumni Office was an unexpected display of appreciation. It is such honor to be recognized as an alumni and employee of MTSU,” said White.

Adams graduated from MTSU in 2019 with a degree in animation and used her skills to create the exclusive piece, which illustrates the iconic blue horseshoe in Walnut Grove.

“I am happy I was able to create something the faculty/staff of my alma mater can admire and be reminded that the hard work they do is valued. I could not have made it through my studies without the good hearts of MTSU faculty/staff, and I hope they are proud to present my work in their offices,” said Adams, daughter of Alumni Relations secretary Lynn Adams.

MTSU alumna and artist Catie Adams paints on a new project on canvas in an outdoor setting. She was commissioned to paint a special “Educated Here, Employed Here” print that has been given to 700 MTSU employees who graduated from the university. (Photo by Lynn Adams)

Professor and Interim Dean of College of Liberal Arts Leah Tolbert Lyons stated, “For me, seeing the artwork and receiving recognition as an alumna who is also an employee reminds me of the importance of student learning and the opportunities that my education at MTSU has afforded me.”

If you are an alumni employee of MTSU and would like to receive this complimentary artwork for your office, please email the alumni relations office at alumni@mtsu.edu or visit www.mtalumni.com/alumniemployees.

–– Leah Chollman, student intern (lbc3m@mtmail.mtsu.edu)

Dr. Leah Lyons, MTSU College of Liberal Arts interim dean and French professor, holds a copy of the “Educated Here, Employed Here” print by alumna and artist Catie Adams given by the MTSU Alumni Associationmto graduates who now work at the university. (MTSU photo by Randy Weiler)