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MTSU celebrates Grammy-nominated alums Alexander, ...

MTSU celebrates Grammy-nominated alums Alexander, Roberts at special Los Angeles event

LOS ANGELES — Middle Tennessee State University gathered alumni, supporters and friends Saturday, Feb. 1, in Los Angeles to honor its six former students with nominations in the 2025 Grammy Awards, which will be presented Sunday, Feb. 2.

Six MTSU-trained professionals received eight Grammy nominations this year. They include singer-songwriters Jessi Alexander (two nominations) and Jaelee Roberts and, audio production engineers Brandon BellJason Hall (two nominations), Bobby Holland and Jimmy Mansfield.

“This is an incredible opportunity for the world to know about Middle Tennessee State University and the talented individuals that graduate from this university,” said MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee.

Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, center, and Beverly Keel, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment, right, present Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jessi Alexander, left, with a framed certificate designating her an honorary professor in the Recording Industry Department during a special event in Los Angeles honoring MTSU alumni nominees Saturday, Feb. 1, in advance of the 67th Grammy Awards to be held on Sunday, Feb. 2. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)
Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, center, and Beverly Keel, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment, right, present Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jessi Alexander, left, with a framed certificate designating her an honorary professor in the Recording Industry Department during a special event in Los Angeles honoring MTSU alumni nominees Saturday, Feb. 1, in advance of the 67th Grammy Awards to be held on Sunday, Feb. 2. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)

At Saturday’s event, McPhee and Beverly Keel, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment, named Alexander an honorary professor in the Recording Industry Department.

Alexander, a former College of Media and Entertainment student, earned two nominations, one for Songwriter of the Year, Non-Classical, which is based on a selection of songs written and co-written, and another for Best Song Written for Visual Media for her work on “Ain’t No Love in Oklahoma” by country artist Luke Combs.

Alexander is a four-time Grammy nominee and has previously won a Country Music Association Award for Song of the Year and an Academy of Country Music Award for Song of the Year for co-writing Lee Brice’s song “I Drive Your Truck.”

Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, center, and Beverly Keel, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment, left, present Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jaelee Robers, right, with a framed certificate in recognition of her nomination during a special event in Los Angeles honoring MTSU alumni nominees held Saturday, Feb. 1, in advance of the 67th Grammy Awards to be held on Sunday, Feb. 2. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)
Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, center, and Beverly Keel, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment, left, present Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Jaelee Robers, right, with a framed certificate in recognition of her nomination during a special event in Los Angeles honoring MTSU alumni nominees held Saturday, Feb. 1, in advance of the 67th Grammy Awards to be held on Sunday, Feb. 2. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)

Also at the event, first-time Grammy nominee Roberts, a 2023 commercial songwriting alumna, was presented a certificate by McPhee to recognize her nomination as part of the group Sister Sadie for Best Bluegrass Album. 

And alum Summer Rona introduced “Wildfire,” a song the singer, composer and producer wrote for the Saturday event to draw awareness to the fundraising efforts by the charitable organization MusiCares for artists impacted by the Southern California wildfires.

McPhee set up a link on the university’s website, www.mtsu.edu/LAFireRelief, that allows people to donate directly to MusiCares’ efforts to help those affected by the crisis.

Middle Tennessee State University alumna Summer Rona sings “Wildfire” during a special event in Los Angeles honoring MTSU alumni nominees held Saturday, Feb. 1, in advance of the 67th Grammy Awards. The singer, composer and producer wrote the song for the Saturday event to draw awareness to the fundraising efforts by the charitable organization MusiCares for artists impacted by the Southern California wildfires. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)
Middle Tennessee State University alumna Summer Rona sings “Wildfire” during a special event in Los Angeles honoring MTSU alumni nominees held Saturday, Feb. 1, in advance of the 67th Grammy Awards. The singer, composer and producer wrote the song for the Saturday event to draw awareness to the fundraising efforts by the charitable organization MusiCares for artists impacted by the Southern California wildfires. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)
Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, right, recognizes university Trustee Pam Wright for her sponsorship of the special event in Los Angeles honoring alumni nominees Saturday, Feb. 1, in advance of the 67th Grammy Awards to be held on Sunday, Feb. 2. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)
Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, right, recognizes university Trustee Pam Wright for her sponsorship of the special event in Los Angeles honoring alumni nominees Saturday, Feb. 1, in advance of the 67th Grammy Awards to be held on Sunday, Feb. 2. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)

Saturday’s event was sponsored by alumna Pam Wright, a member of MTSU’s Board of Trustees and president and managing partner of Wright Development, a real estate investment company.

On Friday, Jan. 31, Southern California alumni from all disciplines of the university were invited to a gathering to show support in the wake of the ongoing wildfires at Santa Monica Brew Works.

MTSU alumni, former or current students, and faculty from across the university have been a part of more than 170 Grammy Award nominations in the last two decades.

The number of MTSU-connected Grammy winners since 2001 currently stands at more than 20 people, with nearly 50 Grammys, including nine repeat recipients, in categories from classical to pop to rock to country to gospel and rap.

The 67th Grammy Awards will be held Sunday, Feb. 2, at Cryto.com Arena in Los Angeles with the live broadcast airing at 7 p.m. Central on CBS and Paramount+.

— Andrew Oppmann (Andrew.Oppmann@mtsu.edu)

Middle Tennessee State University alumni, administrators, faculty and students enjoy refreshments during a special event held Saturday, Feb. 1, in Los Angeles honoring MTSU alumni nominees in advance of the 67th Grammy Awards to be held on Sunday, Feb. 2. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)
Middle Tennessee State University alumni, administrators, faculty and students enjoy refreshments during a special event held Saturday, Feb. 1, in Los Angeles honoring MTSU alumni nominees in advance of the 67th Grammy Awards to be held on Sunday, Feb. 2. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)
The famous “HOLLYWOOD” sign frames the skyline Saturday, Feb. 1, in Los Angeles, site of the 67th Grammy Awards set for Sunday, Feb. 2, at Cryto.com arena where six Middle Tennessee State University alumni will be among the nominees. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)
The famous “HOLLYWOOD” sign frames the skyline Saturday, Feb. 1, in Los Angeles, site of the 67th Grammy Awards set for Sunday, Feb. 2, at Cryto.com arena where six Middle Tennessee State University alumni will be among the nominees. (MTSU photo by Andrew Oppmann)

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