MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Winter 2026 edition of MTSU magazine, the university’s twice-annual update about all things MTSU, represents a new approach to alumni outreach — one that has been designed especially for the university’s most active and engaged alumni and friends. 

Starting with this issue, and at the start of each new year, only active donors ($100 or more), alums who attend major events, who graduated within the last three years, belong to the Blue Raider Athletic Association, or serve on the MTSU Foundation, Alumni Association, or various advisory boards, will receive the special winter edition of the magazine. The summer magazine will be distributed more widely, as previously.

Why the change? MTSU Vice President for University Advancement Joe Bales explained that the easy answer would be cost, but adds that’s not what really drove this change. Instead, the energy and support of engaged alumni inspired change.

“They’ve shown us what engagement really looks like,” Bales said. “They attend our athletic, academic, and cultural events; contribute ideas; invest financially in our efforts; and champion our mission. They deserve a magazine that reflects that energy — something more intimate, more revealing, and more rewarding.

“This is their VIP pass to the university. We hope it inspires them, informs them, and makes them feel even more connected to the work we’re doing together.”

Stories in the current edition include:

• Plans for the creation of “The Lightning Zone” in and around campus, where MTSU students can walk from their residence halls or nearby off-campus apartments to performances or games at Murphy Center or Floyd Stadium but also stop for a meal at a favorite restaurant and meet family and friends. A place that draws community members and visitors to not only tournaments, conferences, and games, but also an occasional night out — supporting local businesses and generating revenue for the city and county. 

• A profile of Nashville music executive Scott Borchetta, whose recent financial gift to MTSU’s storied College of Media and Entertainment — home to one of America’s top music business schools — has resulted in its renaming to the Scott Borchetta College of Media and Entertainment at MTSU. 

• The stories of generous philanthropists who supported the construction of MTSU’s new $74.8 million Applied Engineering Building, which helps students prepare for a constantly changing technical world.

A web-only, flip version of the entire magazine is available at https://issuu.com/mtsumag/docs/mtsuwinter2026.  

— Drew Ruble (Drew.Ruble@mtsu.edu)