MTSU students gain hands-on state government experience at TISL Conference

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University students recently took part in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature conference, gaining hands-on experience inside the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville.

The annual event allows college students from across the state to step into the roles of legislators, lobbyists and attorneys while debating and shaping mock legislation.

Members of Middle Tennessee State University’s Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature delegation pose for a group photo on Nov. 20 at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn. Pictured, from left, are Nathan Duarte, Chloe Rush, Victoria Grigsby, Denzel Harris, Hannah Ferreira, Amelia Sutherland, Kaylee Wilson, Maddy Lane, Jorge Avila, Ciin Kap, Liz Gordon and Farrah Renfroe. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

This year, MTSU sent a 17-member delegation to the conference. Those students are: Jorge Avila, Gavin Cooley, Nathan Duarte, Hannah Ferreira, Liz Gordon, Victoria Grigsby, Brooke Hale, Denzel Harris, Annabelle Hillis, Ciin Kap, Maddy Lane, Deasia Powell, Farrah Renfroe, Chloe Rush, Amelia Sutherland, and Kaylee Wilson.

Dr. Danny Kelley, Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students. — Dr. Danny Kelley

Throughout the week, students drafted bills, participated in floor debates, questioned legislation, and collaborated with peers from other universities. Interim Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Danny Kelley said the delegation stood out for its preparation and professionalism.

“This year’s delegation was very supportive of each other, and they took their roles very seriously,” Kelley said. “It was clear they not only read the legislation but thought carefully about the real-world impact it could have.”

Former state Rep. Beth Harwell, the state’s first female speaker of the House of Representatives as well as a Distinguished Visiting Professor in political science at MTSU, encouraged the student delegates at the opening ceremony on the House floor on Nov. 20.

Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature delegates applaud as Beth Harwell, former speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives and Middle Tennessee State University Distinguished Visiting Professor of Political Science, enters the House floor during TISL’s opening ceremony on Nov. 20 at the Tennessee Capitol in Nashville, Tenn. (MTSU photo by James Cessna)

Several MTSU students were recognized for their work during the conference. Denzel Harris received the Carlisle Award, TISL’s highest honor recognizing outstanding legislators. Kaylee Wilson earned an Outstanding Lobbyist Award representing the Civil Policies Firm, and Liz Gordon received an Outstanding Lobbyist Award for her work with the Healthcare Firm.

In addition, Hannah Ferreira was elected Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate for the 2025–2026 TISL term. Serving as MTSU’s head delegate, Ferreira said she was proud of the size and strength of the delegation this year. “We brought a big delegation by our standards and really showed out in all components,” she said.

Ferreira noted that many students were attending TISL for the first time and impressed her with their enthusiasm and preparation. She also said the experience strengthened her interest in leadership and policy. “It’s given me confidence that the next generation of Tennessee leaders is ready,” she said.

MTSU’s continued involvement in TISL reflects the university’s commitment to experiential learning opportunities that allow students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.

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