MTSU entertains hundreds for Sept. 28, Nov. 2 True Blue Preview events

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Hundreds of prospective students and their families will be visiting Middle Tennessee State University this fall for special recruiting events.

MTSU staff and administrators are preparing for the upcoming True Blue Preview Saturday, Sept. 28. Later, one is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 2. To register for the free events in advance, go to www.mtsu.edu/rsvp.

Preview day events start at 9 a.m. in the Student Union and end midafternoon.

Tony Strode, undergraduate admissions director at Middle Tennessee State University, provides information about the activities planned for the March 2024 True Blue Preview Day on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Hundreds of prospective high school and transfer students and their parents are expected to attend free Saturday fall preview days scheduled for Sept. 28 and Nov. 2, with registration available at www.mtsu.edu/rsvp. (MTSU file photo by Cat Curtis Murphy) — Tony Strode, undergraduate admissions director at Middle Tennessee State University, provides information about the activities planned for the March 2024 True Blue Preview Day on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Hundreds of prospective high school and transfer students and their parents are expected to attend free Saturday fall preview days scheduled for Sept. 28 and Nov. 2, with registration available at www.mtsu.edu/rsvp. **(MTSU file photo by Cat Curtis Murphy)**

True Blue Preview events are a special day where high school and potential transfer students can enjoy the full campus experience. MTSU rolls out the blue carpet for these distinctive events, with top university officials welcoming many future Blue Raiders to campus — the best time to explore what it means to be “True Blue.”

Visitors can participate in academic and departmental presentations, receive financial aid and scholarship information and choose from many different special interest sessions that are customized, based on the prospective students’ needs. MTSU will offer a free application workshop at both True Blue Preview events.

Tony Strode, MTSU undergraduate admissions director — Tony Strode

“We’re thrilled to invite prospective students to our first True Blue Preview on Sept. 28,” said Tony Strode, director of MTSU undergraduate recruitment. “This exciting event offers a firsthand look at MTSU’s vibrant campus and world-class academic programs.

“Students will have the opportunity to meet with faculty, explore academic colleges and take a guided tour of our state-of-the-art facilities. Plus, students can complete an application at our application workshop if they haven’t applied yet.

“Most importantly, they’ll experience what it truly means to be part of the spirited True Blue community. We look forward to welcoming all of the potential Blue Raiders on this exciting day.”

Greg Van Patten, left, Middle Tennessee State University College of Basic and Applied Sciences dean, discusses the college’s programs and answers questions with prospective students in the crowded Student Union first floor atrium during the March 2024 True Blue Preview day on the MTSU campus in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Prospective high school and transfer students and their families are welcome to attend free Saturday preview day events this fall on Sept. 28 and Nov. 2, when they also can apply for free. (MTSU file photo by Cat Curtis Murphy)

The agenda includes True Blue Browsing with numerous student services and academic departments on the Student Union’s first floor and in the second-floor ballroom, hearing the welcome from MTSU officials at 10 a.m., taking campus tours (10:45 a.m., 12:15 p.m. and 1 p.m.) and housing tours (12:15 and 1 p.m.), lunch from noon to 2 p.m. and more.

Prospective students and their parents and family members can attend special 10:45 a.m. sessions with most of the university’s academic colleges — Basic and Applied Sciences, Behavioral and Health Sciences, Jennings A. Jones College of Business, Education, Liberal Arts, Media and Entertainment and University College — and at 12:15 p.m. with the Honors College.

Student support services, including the MT One Stop for help with financial aid and scholarships, will be available.

Dr. Laurie Witherow, associate vice provost for Admissions and Enrollment Services — Dr. Laurie Witherow

“This academic year, in addition to the traditional preview days where we open the campus to visitors for a deeper look at the campus and what MTSU has to offer, we’re hosting an Admitted Student Day on Feb. 22, 2025,” said Laurie Witherow, vice provost for Enrollment Services. “This will be a chance for admitted students to meet with advisors and faculty to get a head start on orientation and learn more about their academic programs.”

During preview days, Strode and Witherow will emphasize the Dec. 1 application deadline for qualifying students to received one of MTSU’s guaranteed scholarships.

MTSU offers guided campus tours throughout the fall and spring semesters. Self-guided tours also are available. For more information, call 615-898-5670 or email admissions@mtsu.edu.

Admissions is located in Room 120 in the Student Services and Admissions Center, 1860 Blue Raider Drive. For more information, call 615-898-2333. Parking can be found in nearby lots. Admissions provides daily parking passes for visitors for daily campus tours and special events.

MTSU offers more than 300 combined undergraduate and graduate programs. Many are listed in the preview agenda and at www.mtsu.edu.

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