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MTSU’s Career Closet accepts 50 pairs of shoes don...

MTSU’s Career Closet accepts 50 pairs of shoes donated from local United Way 

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Career Closet has been working to restock clothing and accessories for students in need of professional clothing — and a recent donation from a local nonprofit was a big step in the right direction. 

The closet, operated by the Career Development Center in Room 327 of the Keathley University Center, received a donation of 50 pairs of shoes from United Way of South Central Tennessee.  

These men’s and women’s footwear are among the 50 pairs of shoes donated recently by the United Way of South Central Tennessee to replenish the Career Closet operated by the Career Development Center at Middle Tennessee State University. The closet provides free professional attire for students from Room 327 of the Keathley University Center on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Jordan Reining)
These men’s and women’s footwear are among the 50 pairs of shoes donated recently by the United Way of South Central Tennessee to replenish the Career Closet operated by the Career Development Center at Middle Tennessee State University. The closet provides free professional attire for students from Room 327 of the Keathley University Center on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Jordan Reining)
Middle Tennessee State University’s Career Closet recently received a donation of 50 pairs of shoes for students courtesy of the United Way of South Central Tennessee. The shoes are part of a wide selection of business attire received through the Career Development Center. Free for students, the Career Closet is in Room 327 of the Keathley University Center on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Jordan Reining)
Middle Tennessee State University’s Career Closet recently received a donation of 50 pairs of shoes for students courtesy of the United Way of South Central Tennessee. The shoes are part of a wide selection of business attire received through the Career Development Center. Free for students, the Career Closet is in Room 327 of the Keathley University Center on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Jordan Reining)

Like other business attire located in the closet, the shoes are available for free to MTSU students as a part of the one outfit they can check out each semester in preparation for job interviews, career fairs or full-time positions they’ve landed.  

Beka Moore, director, Career Development Center
Beka Moore

After a recent outreach to the MTSU community about the need for donations to keep the popular Career Closet stocked for students, United Way was informed and responded with 50 pairs of professional shoes for men and women available through a program the local nonprofit had conducted. 

“The Career Closet is available for students to get a professional outfit so that they don’t have to get the financial burden right away of getting professional clothes for an experience,” said Beka Moore, the director of the Career Development Center. 

This pair of Tommy Hilfiger loafers is among the 50 pairs of shoes donated recently by the United Way of South Central Tennessee to replenish the Career Closet operated by the Career Development Center at Middle Tennessee State University. The closet provides free professional attire for students from Room 327 of the Keathley University Center on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Jordan Reining)
This pair of Tommy Hilfiger loafers is among the 50 pairs of shoes donated recently by the United Way of South Central Tennessee to replenish the Career Closet operated by the Career Development Center at Middle Tennessee State University. (MTSU photo by Jordan Reining)

Moore was able to individually pick out each pair of donated shoes for the closet to ensure a range of sizes and styles for a professional outfit. 

Since the beginning of the 2024-25 academic year, 745 articles of clothing and accessories have been checked out from the closet, including 80 pairs of shoes. The Career Closet has students visiting daily, with students able to check out items ranging from shirts to handbags to business suits. 

“We’ll always take shoes because they go very quickly,” said Moore. “We are really in need, in particular for men’s and women’s jackets and blazers.” 

All donated clothing must be professional, clean and pressed. The closet accepts donations Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the KUC located at 1524 Military Memorial. 

Off-campus visitors wishing to drop off a donation can obtain a $2 temporary permit and find a campus parking map at https://mtsu.edu/parking/ or use any available parking meters on the north side of the Keathley University along Military Memorial. 

Headquartered in Rutherford County and now serving seven counties in Middle Tennessee, the United Way of South Central Tennessee aims to improve lives by advancing opportunities for education, health and financial stability by being a community leader in human services. Learn more at yourlocaluw.org. 

— Jordan Reining (Jordan.Reining@mtsu.edu) 

This pair of Calvin Klein loafers is among the 50 pairs of shoes donated recently by the United Way of South Central Tennessee to replenish the Career Closet operated by the Career Development Center at Middle Tennessee State University. The closet provides free professional attire for students from Room 327 of the Keathley University Center on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Jordan Reining)
This pair of Calvin Klein loafers is among the 50 pairs of shoes donated recently by the United Way of South Central Tennessee to replenish the Career Closet operated by the Career Development Center at Middle Tennessee State University. The closet provides free professional attire for students from Room 327 of the Keathley University Center on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Jordan Reining)
Middle Tennessee State University’s Career Development Center Director Beka Moore displays some of the 50 pairs of shoes donated recently by the United Way of South Central Tennessee to replenish the Career Closet. Overseen by the center, the closet provides free professional attire for students and is located in Room 327 of the Keathley University Center on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Jordan Reining)
Middle Tennessee State University’s Career Development Center Director Beka Moore displays some of the 50 pairs of shoes donated recently by the United Way of South Central Tennessee to replenish the Career Closet. Overseen by the center, the closet provides free professional attire for students and is located in Room 327 of the Keathley University Center on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Jordan Reining)

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