NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As Middle Tennessee State University prepares to welcome back more than 20,000 students for the 2025-26 academic year, Andrew Oppmann, vice president of the Division of Marketing and Communications and university spokesman, appeared on WKRN-TV’s “MTSU on 2” segment to discuss the upcoming year and exciting things planned for the Murfreesboro college as it continues to grow.

You can watch the segment, part of the station’s Local on 2 programming, with program co-host and producer Laura Schweizer and co-host Stephanie Langston below.

Appearing at the station’s Nashville studio, Oppmann discussed some of the big takeaways from MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee’s State of the University address delivered Thursday, Aug. 21, including him envisioning an entertainment and sports district around the campus called “The Lightning Zone,” announcement of a new 550-bed student housing complex and ongoing negotiations proceeding on a new on-campus hotel that will also serve as a training ground for Tourism and Hospitality Management students.

In his address, McPhee said the university envisioned a place “where our 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 their restaurant of choice and meet families and friends.”

He continued, “A place that draws community members and visitors to attend not only tournaments, conferences, and games, but also an occasional night out — supporting local businesses and generating revenue for the city and county.”

Oppmann also discussed plans for a proposed public-private partnership for a new 550-bed student housing complex built on the southeast edge of campus, replacing the nearly 50-year-old Womack Lane Apartments.

“We’re really excited about the new, modern dorms; it’s really going to be a great opportunity to grow the on-campus population,” Oppmann said. 

While the new academic year starts Monday, Aug. 25, with the first day of classes, MTSU will officially welcome all new students Saturday, Aug. 23, inside of Murphy Center for Convocation.

“This event is an MTSU tradition and a must-attend for the entering Class of 2029,” Oppmann explained.  “President McPhee hosts Convocation, and Student Government Association President RJ Ware leads new students in the True Blue Pledge.”

McPhee, top administrators and staff welcome new students and explain MTSU traditions and rituals.  The pledge showcases the university’s values.

And looking ahead a little farther into the semester, Oppmann, noted the upcoming “Party in the Grove,” the official tailgate in Walnut Grove ahead of Blue Raider Football’s home opener against Austin Peay State University on Saturday, Aug. 30 at Floyd Stadium.

“But before that, we have Connection Points planned, which is really great for freshman to and geared toward getting our students acclimated to campus, to meet friends and learn all the things we have to offer,” Oppmann said.

He also mentioned the new Applied Engineering Building, which will allow students to learn with the latest state-of-the-art technology and equipment.

While fall enrollment numbers won’t be official until mid-September, Oppmann said preliminary numbers indicate first-time freshmen enrollment is up 3.34% and overall enrollment increasing for the third consecutive year.

—   DeAnn Hays (deann.hays@mtsu.edu)