MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s College of Education hosted its second annual welcome back event “Rolling into Education!” to welcome new and returning students back to campus for the start of the fall semester. 

“Welcome to a new academic year filled with opportunities to learn, grow, and inspire,” said Neporcha Cone, dean of the College of Education, an academic unit that has grown from MTSU’s origins as a normal school to train teachers as the institution enters its 114^th academic year as a comprehensive regional university.

“To our new students, we’re excited to have you join the Difference Maker community of future educators,” Cone continued. “To our returning students, welcome back — we’re excited to continue this journey with you as you help shape the lives of children, families, and communities. Let’s make this year one of discovery, growth, and meaningful impact.”

From Monday to Thursday, Aug. 26-29, College of Education faculty and staff handed out freebies and snacks to students passing by, always willing to answer questions and give directions.

Both freshmen and seniors alike are gearing up for another year of learning, observing and later, teaching. 

Ella Foster, 18, of Murfreesboro, is an incoming freshman majoring in elementary education who looks forward to “meeting new people in my education classes” and shadowing in a classroom setting, she said. 

Senior elementary education major Leah Faith Ashman, 21, of Gallatin, said she’s “excited to teach a classroom and getting to the point of having my own room.” She looks forward to learning more about behavior management this semester, she said.

Undergraduate students aren’t the only ones gaining experience in nearby schools and classrooms. Jadon Vanzant, 24, of Winchester, is a graduate student in the professional counseling program on the school counseling track.

“This semester I’m starting my practicum which means I get to go in the schools and start counseling students,” Vanzant said. “I’m really excited about that and getting to put things that I’ve been learning during my time here into practice,” he said.

Vanzant’s practicum is at East Middle School in Tullahoma, and he looks forward to learning the school environment, he said.

Mia Zellars, student engagement and partnerships coordinator for the College of Education, advises students to “keep an open mind to new experiences and to meeting new people. Make the most out your college experience,” she said.

Zellars will be working with students both in the College of Education Building and in the Difference-Makers living-learning community in Mary Hall, which is designed for students with a passion for teaching.

“I am most excited about creating a warm, welcoming and inviting environment for the College of Education and for our future educators,” Zellars said. 

— Maddy Williams (Maddy.Williams@mtsu.edu)