MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University’s Winter 2025 edition of MTSU magazine makes a compelling case that on the Blue Raider campus, a degree isn’t just a degree — it’s a resume.

MTSU’s longstanding focus on experiential learning takes students out of the traditional classroom and actively asks them to use their knowledge and skills in a real-world environment. Doing so enhances their personal and intellectual growth and molds them into graduates capable of making an impact Day 1 on the job. 

The latest MTSU magazine explores just a few of the many experiential learning opportunities MTSU students receive. 

For starters, the magazine’s cover story profiles some of the MTSU students who handled live television production duties at the most recent Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival. The work of these College of Media and Entertainment students aired extensively on popular streaming service Hulu during the summer of 2024. (Further highlighting the pre-professional experience that students at MTSU receive, the article was written by a current MTSU journalism student.) 

MTSU’s Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship program in the Jones College of Business, which not only prepares students to become their own bosses, but also equips them with essential skills to climb any career ladder, is also featured in the new magazine. 

The article specifically profiles Tyler Burnett, a 2017 entrepreneurship graduate (and former Blue Raider baseball player and professional athlete) who founded and operates Murfreesboro-based GOAT Turf. Since graduation, Burnett turned his business concept into a $25 million company — and he just sold his first franchise.

Yet another article in the magazine, this one on the University’s 2024 alumni awards class, serves as a further testament to the fact that an MTSU education well prepares students for personal and professional success. From aviation, education, and communication to fermentation science and the military, MTSU’s outstanding alumni for 2024–25 represent career distinction and service to community.

Other stories in the current edition include:

• A measurement of the economic impact of MTSU alumni on Tennessee, which tops $15 billion annually.
• A brief look at the history and ongoing success of the Blue Raider debate team and the passionate coach who leads them.
• Class Notes — updates on the status of MTSU alumni achievers around the globe.

Printed copies of MTSU magazine are distributed twice annually to approximately 125,000 alumni readers. Additional copies of the alumni-and-friends publication are distributed to interested stakeholders. A web-only, flip version of the entire magazine is available here. 

— Drew Ruble (Drew.Ruble@mtsu.edu)