MURFREESBORO, Tenn. ­— Middle Tennessee State University has chosen Canvas by Instructure as its new learning management system, supporting a long-term digital transformation strategy beginning in 2026.

The move marks a significant step in MTSU’s ongoing goal to modernize how students and faculty connect, teach, and learn.

After 15 years with the previous platform, the university is making the switch to a system that is easy to use, integrates seamlessly across systems and supports the evolving needs of today’s learners and instructors.

MTSU’s Yvette Clark, vice president for information technology and chief information officer, and Brian Hinote, professor and vice provost for faculty and strategic initiatives, will co-lead the university’s transition to Canvas.

“We are excited to partner across our Information Technology Division and Academic Affairs to provide the best possible LMS (learning management system) experience for our campus community beginning in 2026,” said Hinote.

Canvas stood out for its intuitive design, real-time data capabilities, flexible integrations and long-term commitment to continuous improvement.

According to Instructure, MTSU’s decision reflects a broader movement among institutions reconsidering their digital learning infrastructure in response to:

• Shifting learner expectations toward mobile, intuitive and personalized experiences.
• The need for open ecosystems that integrate easily with a variety of tools and platforms.
• Increased pressure for data-driven insights that support outcomes and retention.
• A redefinition of partnership, where institutions expect not just a vendor, but a collaborator.

“Our evaluation of Canvas highlighted its flexibility, user-friendly design, AI tools, robust features and strong mobile performance, along with Instructure’s proven implementation expertise and outstanding support,” said Clark.

This switch to Canvas will make it easier for students to access coursework, stay organized and connect with instructors on campus or learning remotely. For faculty, it means better tools for course management, grading and engaging with students more easily.

The university also emphasized its alignment with Canvas’ ongoing investment in AI, analytics and seamless interoperability across systems. Both MTSU and Instructure share a commitment to leveraging AI to enhance efficiency for instructors and learners alike, freeing up time for deeper engagement and supporting greater student success.

“MTSU is leading with vision, making bold moves to create a more connected, intelligent and student-centered learning environment,” said Melissa Loble, chief academic officer at Instructure. “From the outset, this partnership has been grounded in collaboration and a shared commitment to innovation. With Canvas and our broader ecosystem, MTSU gains a platform that supports seamless integration and immediate impact.”

The company notes that Canvas is built to help forward-thinking institutions like MTSU meet the demands of modern learning environments. It delivers a unified, adaptable platform backed by a global community of educators committed to shaping the future of education.

— Karli Sutton (Karli.Sutton@mtsu.edu)