MTSU Scholars Academy summer institute jump-starts students’ college careers

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Memphis native Caitlyn Williams and Gus Sanders from Loretto, a small Midstate town less than seven miles from the Alabama border, were two of more than 140 Middle Tennessee State University freshmen and transfers arriving two weeks early to get a jump-start on their college careers.

All were a part of the annual Scholars Academy Freshman Summer Institute — a program driven by the Office of Student Success — helping these bright teens from all across Tennessee better navigate their MTSU classes as the 2024-25 academic year begins Monday, Aug. 26.

Braylon Hill, center, of Mt. Juliet, Tenn., makes Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee, right, and audience members laugh recently during the welcome ceremony for the fall 2024 Scholars Academy Freshman Summer Institute inside Tucker Theatre in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Seated on stage behind them, from left, are College of Education Dean Neporcha Cone and Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Khalilah Doss. Hill, who received a $100 book scholarship from the president for knowing McPhee’s middle name (Anthony), and more than 140 freshmen and transfer students spent 12 days becoming acquainted with campus life. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

Scholars Academy is a freshman year experience program — with 12 transfers joining this year — designed to serve all students, with emphasis on the needs of first-generation and/or students of color, by providing them with a quality education in a supportive learning environment. MTSU faculty and staff and 30 peer mentors bolster the students’ experiences.

Caitlyn Williams of Memphis, Tenn., an MTSU freshman. — Caitlyn Williams

Gus Sanders of Loretto, Tenn., an MTSU freshman and Scholars Academy participant. — Gus Sanders

Williams, 18, an East High School graduate who plans to major in exercise science, said the summer institute has been “a learning experience, preparing us for how classes are going to be and engage with peers and professors. This has helped me to get out of my comfort zone and meet friends.”

An MTSU double major in political science and sociology, Sanders, 18, a Loretto High School graduate, said he “has had college classes before. For me, it’s getting used to a schedule and adjust (to a large school environment). This is very different and I love it. This has been an awesome experience.”

New Middle Tennessee State University students Timaress Hearns, left, of Memphis, Tenn., Jason Smallwood of Memphis and Avery McGiboney of McMinnville, Tenn., use their cell phones and a tablet during the “Escape Game” session with the fall 2024 Scholars Academy Freshman Summer Institute Tuesday, Aug. 13, in a College of Education classroom on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Notetaking, interviewing, computer technology and more were part of the nearly two-week program. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

The summer institute offers a mix of fun (Campus Recreation Center and evening activities including karaoke, talent and fashion nights) and academics including University 1010 strategy and skills support, D2L (desire to learn) computer proficiency, financial literacy and much more.

“Students gained a lot at this year’s summer institute,” said Monique Ward, Scholars Academy assistant director. “One thing I noticed is that they gained confidence. Many of them told me they feel more prepared for the first day of the semester and can help those around them who didn’t get this experience.”

The students also learned about resources with MT One Stop, Career Center, MT Dining, MT Engage, nutrition education and introductions to all of MTSU’s colleges within the university that included deans and advisors.

Student Government Association President Michai Mosby of Memphis was a peer mentor both weeks.

New Middle Tennessee State University students including Cameron Gallaher, right, of Kingston, Tenn., listen and ask questions as part of the fall 2024 Scholars Academy Freshman Summer Institute Tuesday, Aug. 13, in a College of Education classroom on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Helped by peer mentors and faculty and staff, the students received daily doses of information to make their transition easier as first-year college students. (MTSU photo by J. Intintoli)

A highlight included a field trip to the National Museum of African American Music in downtown Nashville.

Rick Sluder is vice provost of Student Success and dean for University College. Michelle Arnold, associate vice provost for Student Success, leads Scholars Academy, along with Ward and Jonell Hinsey, also an associate vice provost for Student Success. The Student Success office is located in Peck Hall Room 142.

For more information, call 615-494-8650 or visit https://scholarsacademy.mtsu.edu.

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