Dr, Mike Boyle has enjoyed his 10 years of leading MTSU’s University College and its push to reach out to adult learners, but he’s known for a while now that it was time to begin his next career chapter in higher education.

“You know when it’s time,” said Boyle, who decided to step down as dean of  MTSU’s University College. “You can just feel it.”

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, left, gives words of thanks to outgoing University College Dean Mike Boyle before a reception in Boyle’s honor held Aug. 26 in the Tom H. Jackson Building. Boyle’s last day as dean was Aug. 31 as he transitions back to a faculty position. (MTSU photos by News and Media Relations)

To celebrate Boyle’s leadership as dean as he prepares a transition back to the classroom as an MTSU faculty member, University Provost Brad Bartel hosted a recent reception at the Tom H. Jackson Building attended by Boyle’s wife, Connie, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and a host of colleagues and friends.

Boyle’s official last day as dean was Monday, Aug. 31.

Dr. Brad Bartel

“Mike has served this university with great administrative skill over the last decade,” said Bartel, noting that Boyle was the senior dean among the top college administrators.

“One of the major accomplishments has been placing MTSU as the state leader in adult learning. He has also presided over our expansion of distance education, the establishment of the campus center in Shelbyville and the success of our University Studies department.”

When Boyle came to MTSU from the University of Louisville a decade ago, he took over a department that had been led by Dr. Rosemary Owens, who is now a coordinator in the Office of Community Engagement and Support.

Boyle guided the department’s transition to a college focused on supporting and attracting older students through flexible courses, online offerings and customized degree programs.

Outgoing University College Dean Mike Boyle, far left, poses for a photo with Sherry Fuller, executive secretary for the University College, following a reception in Boyle’s honor held Aug. 26 in the Tom H. Jackson Building.

McPhee praised Boyle for elevating University College’s profile across the Tennessee Board of Regents, the state of Tennessee and even nationally.

The Adult Degree Completion Program at MTSU is the largest in the state.

“MTSU is the unquestioned leader in addressing the areas of nontraditional students,” McPhee said to Boyle. “We will certainly continue to benefit from the great work you’ve done.”

Boyle recalled a leadership course while completing his master’s degree where his instructor boiled down leadership theories to two things: “If you’ve got a good idea and you take care of your people, you will be successful.”

“I think we’ve done that. … It wasn’t me, it was all of these people,” Boyle said, glancing around Cantrell Hall at those he’s worked with over the years. “I hope that I have left as good of a foundation as Rosemary left me.”

Bartel has appointed University College Associate Dean David Gotcher as the interim dean. A national search will be for a permanent dean this academic year.

— Jimmy Hart (jimmy.hart@mtsu.edu)

MTSU College of Liberal Arts Dean Mark Byrnes, left, jokes with outgoing University College Dean Mike Boyle before a reception in Boyle’s honor held Aug. 26 in the Tom H. Jackson Building.

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, left, outgoing University College Dean Mike Boyle, and Boyle’s wife, Connie, pose for a photo following a reception in Boyle’s honor held Aug. 26 in the Tom H. Jackson Building.