MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Middle Tennessee State University has appointed Jennifer Vannatta-Hall as the first director of the new Center for Teaching and Mentoring, a campus resource aimed at strengthening teaching, mentoring and professional development across the university community.

The center, also known as the CTM, held a Sept. 24 launch party in Room 348 of the James E. Walker Library following more than a year of planning, having grown out of the former Learning, Teaching, and Innovative Technologies Center, better known as the LT&ITC, founded in 2004.

In December 2023, a working group of 11 faculty and staff members was tasked with re-envisioning that model, and their plan was approved by Provost Mark Byrnes in August 2024. The Center for Teaching and Mentoring aligns with MTSU’s Quest 2025 goal to invest in comprehensive faculty development and expand high-impact teaching practices.

“Dr. Vannatta-Hall brings sterling faculty credentials and a commitment to relationship-rich teaching and mentoring to the role of director,” said Brian Hinote, vice provost for Faculty and Strategic Initiatives. “She is not only an exceptional leader for this unit, but she is also an outstanding representative for the MTSU faculty. All of this will contribute to her long-term effectiveness in this important faculty development role.”

Vannatta-Hall, a professor of music education at MTSU, stepped into her new role in May following a campuswide search. She brings more than 27 years of teaching experience and six years in administrative leadership. She said the new center will not only build on existing programs, but also introduce new opportunities for faculty, graduate teaching assistants and staff who work directly with students.

“I’m excited to facilitate opportunities for enrichment, growth and community,” says Vannatta-Hall. “We are continuing long-standing programs like faculty learning communities, book groups, and workshops for faculty, while also launching new programs and expanded educational development opportunities for academic affairs staff and graduate students. My goal is to offer more robust and holistic professional development for everyone who interacts directly with students.”

The center’s ongoing programs also include writing retreats, consultations, and the all-inclusive mentoring program. New offerings this year will consist of micro-credentialing, online training modules and resources to strengthen both teaching practices and mentoring skills. The CTM will also serve as the primary faculty training hub for the university’s transition to the Canvas learning management system during the 2025-26 academic year.

In addition to programming, the center has undergone some physical and digital changes. A renovated space inside Walker Library now serves as CTM’s hub, featuring updated furniture and technology. A new website with a live calendar and dedicated social media channels will also help connect faculty and staff with available opportunities.

As director, Vannatta-Hall is responsible for strategic planning, fundraising, building partnerships and maintaining the university’s connection to national professional organizations. She is also working with former interim co-directors Lando Carter and Jenn Caputo to complete the transition from the LT&ITC and prepare for CTM’s first full year of programming.

To learn more about the Center for Teaching and Mentoring, visit https://ctm.mtsu.edu/.

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