MTSU announces major student awards, inaugural Bolt honors for 2024-25; SGA officers for new year

MTSU President's, Provost's, LaLance, Community Service award winners, and new SGA team for 2025-26

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — As part of creating a new tradition at Middle Tennessee State University, major 2024-25 student leadership award recipients Victoria Grigsby, Ariel Nicastro, Zachary Thomas and Connor Prim shared the spotlight with 12 other True Blue Honors Bolt individual award recipients or organizations at the recent ceremony.

Grigsby claimed the President’s Award, Nicastro the Provost’s Award, Thomas the Robert C. LaLance Jr. Achievement Award and Prim the MTSU Community Service Award Monday, April 28, in the Student Union Ballroom.

A common thread: For the second consecutive year, all four students are part of the MTSU Honors College as Buchanan Fellows — the most coveted MTSU scholarship and named for the late James M. Buchanan (Class of 1940), an American economist and recipient of the 1986 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences.

The Student Government Association/Center for Student Involvement and Leadership Awards pay tribute to undergraduate students for their exemplary character and achievements in scholarship, leadership and service.

Dr. Khaliah T. Doss, vice president for student affairs and dean of students — Dr. Khalilah Doss

Outgoing two-term SGA President Michai Mosby said the inaugural awards, stylized as BOLT, “showcase so much student excellence — from veterans to student workers and more — that the next generation of student leaders are inspired.”

Ariel Mosby and Khalilah Doss, vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students, drew cheers and applause from an appreciative audience.

“What an exciting moment. We are gathered here for the first-ever Bolt Awards, celebrating the outstanding achievements of our remarkable students,” Doss said.

Middle Tennessee State University Provost’s Award winner Ariel Nicastro of Franklin, Tenn., during the MTSU leadership and inaugural True Blue Honors Bolt Awards Monday, April 28, in the Student Union Ballroom on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Tom Beckwith) — Ariel Nicastro, 2025 Provost Award

Senior Victoria Grigsby of Taft, Tenn., holds a commemorative plate recognizing her as the Middle Tennessee State University 2024-25 President’s Award recipient during the major student leadership and True Blue Honors BOLT Awards Monday, April 28, in the Student Union Ballroom on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Tom Beckwith) — Ariel Nicastro, 2025 Provost Award

Major award recipients

Victoria Grigsby, 2024 Gilman Scholarship recipient — Victoria Grigsby

• Grigsby, 20, of Taft, a senior political science and German double major who will graduate in December, said receiving the President’s Award “is special to me. I’ve always felt so blessed by MTSU. I want to come back some day and give back.” She may pursue a doctorate in international relations and is uncertain of her plans after graduating.

Ariel Nicastro, physics major from Franklin, Tenn. — Ariel Nicastro

• Nicastro, 21, of Franklin, a physics major, said “the Provost’s Award shows my dedication and passion for learning. I’m definitely a lifelong learner. It is an honor to be selected. It’s a fulfillment in challenging myself to be successful.” A highly honored student and researcher include being named a Goldwater Scholar, her post-graduation plans include either pursuing a master’s degree or joining the workforce.

Zachary Taylor of Nolensville. Tenn. — Zachary Thomas

• Thomas, 22, of Nolensville, an audio production major, said he was both “honestly surprised and grateful” to receive the LaLance award, named for the late former Student Affairs vice president and professor emeritus in Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Safety (now Health and Human Performance). “I’m very thankful for being nominated and glad to represent myself well for the university.”

Connor Prim of Bell Buckle, Tenn. — Connor Prim

• Prim, 22, of Bell Buckle, a music education major, said the MTSU Community Service Award was “an incredible honor” and, as a Christian, “I’m really proud to represent my lord and savior, Jesus Christ.” He is president of the National Association of Music Education, and through his Shelbyville church, “has participated in a lot of food banks, community outreach and a mission trip to Zambia,” he added.

Zachary Thomas, right, an audio production major from Nolensville, Tenn., makes a brief speech in accepting the Robert C. LaLance Jr. Achievement Award Monday, April 28, during the MTSU leadership and inaugural True Blue Honors Bolt Awards in the Student Union Ballroom on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn., as Khalilah Doss, vice president of Student Affairs, listens and holds the plaque he also received. (MTSU photo by Tom Beckwith)

As Melissa Towe, left, Student Support Services director, and new SGA officer Luis Esmurria III, right, listen, Middle Tennessee State University senior Zaynab Alnassari of Nashville, Tenn., makes a short speech while accepting the first Impact Catalyst Award as part of the inaugural True Blue Bolt Awards Monday, April 28, in the MTSU Student Union Ballroom on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Tom Beckwith)

Impactful leadership

The 2025 True Blue Honors Bolt Awards recognize hardworking students and standout organizations for their leadership and impact. Awards and honorees included:

• Lightning’s Rookie of the Year — Lynzie Gibson.

• Electric Spirit Award — Tiana Williams.

• Impact Catalyst Award — Zaynab Alnassari.

• True Blue Pride Award — Krystal Lebron Maymi.

• Service Spark Award — Lena Eccles.

• Thunderstruck Involvement Award — Amber Ojuade.

• Generosity Change Award — Kappa Alpha Order.

• Lightning Strike Award/Event of the Year — Lip Sync III: Halftime Show, Alpha Delpha Pi.

• Bolt of Excellence Award — Jairus Pettaway.

• Leadership Lightning President of the Year Award — Tyler Knapp.

• Blue Thunder Student Organization of the Year Award — MTSU Cosplay Club.

• Trailblazer Legacy Award — Michai Mosby.

Outgoing two-term Middle Tennessee State University Student Government Association President Michai Mosby, center, administers the oath of office to 2025-26 SGA officers, from left, Jameson Spray, Brianna Campbell, Hannah Ferreira, Devin McCledon, Sydney Barrett and Luis Esmurria III, on Wednesday, April 30, during the inauguration ceremony in the MTSU Keathley University Center Theater on campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Tom Beckwith)

New SGA regime

Two days later, the 2025-26 SGA officers, led by incoming President R.J. Ware, were introduced during a special ceremony in the Keathley University Theater. A senior this fall, Ware is a political science (pre-law) major and a criminal justice administration minor.

Mosby administered the oath of office on Wednesday, April 30. The team includes Kennedy Garrett, vice president; Hannah Ferreira, chief of staff; Jameson Spray, attorney general; Luis Esmurria III, election commissioner; Brianna Campbell, communications director; Devin McClendon, events director; and Sydney Barrett, homecoming director.

— Randy Weiler (Randy.Weiler@mtsu.edu)