NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University student leader and recent spring graduate R.J. Ware has been recognized as one of the recipients of the 2026 Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award.

Presented by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission during a special ceremony at the Tennessee Capitol, the prestigious award annually honors five students and five faculty or staff members from the state’s postsecondary institutions who demonstrate service and leadership in community engagement. Over the past 13 years, MTSU has produced 15 of those winners.

“To be recognized at the state level for service is deeply meaningful, especially through an award that reflects Rep. Harold Love’s legacy of public service and community service impact. I’m incredibly honored,” said Ware, of Hermitage, who was the only honoree from MTSU this year.

Named for late Tennessee legislator and community advocate Harold Love Sr., the honorees are selected by a committee to spotlight the many dimensions of community service, volunteer work, public service, charitable service and leadership roles in community organizations.

The award recipients serve as ambassadors for community service among the diverse higher education communities in Tennessee. Each recipient receives a $1,000 cash prize. Love’s son, state Rep. Harold Love Jr., was on hand to congratulate recipients during the late April ceremony at the State Capitol.

“R.J. exudes calmness and thoughtfulness. He’s a great listener, and that’s what makes him an excellent header,” said Amy Sayward, professor of history and faculty advisor of the American Democracy Project at MTSU.

Ware, who majored in political science and minored in criminal justice, served as MTSU Student Government Association president during the 2025-26 academic year after previously serving as SGA vice president and freshman council president.

“For me, service has always been about using whatever platform you have to make life better for others,” Ware said. “My faith, and my family, have taught me the purpose of life is to touch others, and make their life better for having met you. My time at MTSU has given me countless opportunities to serve, whether through student government, my church, or in my community.”

Ware plans to continue building on his service work as he returns to campus this fall to pursue a master’s degree in teaching with a concentration in secondary education.

“I’m grateful that my time at MTSU is not over,” he said. “While in graduate school, I absolutely plan to remain engaged in service work and campus involvement.”

Community service recognition programs for higher education students and faculty/staff at the campus level were created in Tennessee through legislation enacted by the General Assembly in 1991. In 1997, the awards were named for the late state Rep. Harold Love Sr., who was instrumental in passing the enabling legislation before his death.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission was charged with developing rules and regulations to implement these programs for public and private two- and four-year postsecondary institutions across the state. A selection committee of institutional and board representatives is convened each year to review each nomination submitted by the campuses and to select the five student and five faculty/staff recipients.

To learn more, visit bit.ly/4nR2i3T.

— Nancy DeGennaro (Nancy.DeGennaro@mtsu.edu)