MTSU reaffirms campus values on 10th anniversary of True Blue Pledge

As MTSU’s Fall 2021 semester kicks off, members of the Blue Raider community again produced a special video recitation of the True Blue Pledge, this time marking the 10^th anniversary of the pledge’s creation and as the campus returns to a more normal environment amid the pandemic.

Once again, a diverse collection of Middle Tennessee State University students, faculty, staff and alumni reaffirmed the university’s values for a new academic year in what has become a cherished Blue Raider tradition.

Dr. Sidney A. McPhee

It was a decade ago when President Sidney A. McPhee convened a university task force to develop the pledge in the wake of the tragic death of Lady Raider basketball player Tina Stewart at the hands of her roommate during an argument at their off-campus apartment.

The pledge, which begins with the simple phrase “I am True Blue,” underscores MTSU’s core values of honesty and integrity; respect for diversity; engagement in the community; and committing to reason, not violence.

“The staying power of these foundational values are a testament to the many people — students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters — who value the educational mission of this university to develop not only great scholars and professionals, but more importantly great citizens of their communities,” McPhee said.

“As I’ve said numerous times before, ‘I Am True Blue’ is so much more than a slogan. It is truly who we are as a university.”

The True Blue Pledge is recited each fall at MTSU’s annual University Convocation ceremony, when McPhee, top administrators and faculty formally welcome new students to campus and explain MTSU rituals and traditions.

Winton Cooper

MTSU Student Government Association President Winton Cooper led students and thousands of supporters in reciting the pledge at the Aug. 21 Convocation at Murphy Center.

At the recent Fall Faculty Meeting to start the new academic year, McPhee announced a fifth core value — determination and resilience — in recognition of the efforts during the pandemic to keep campus community safe while maintaining educational quality. That new value will be incorporated into the pledge and subsequent videos.

The True Blue Pledge reads:

“I am True Blue.

As a member of this diverse community, I am a valuable contributor to its progress and success.

I am engaged in the life of this community. I am a recipient and a giver.

I am a listener and a speaker. I am honest in word and deed. I am committed to reason, not violence.

I am a learner now and forever.

I am a BLUE RAIDER. True Blue!”

Those included in the new video, in order of appearance, include:

Winton Cooper — senior, environmental science; Student Government Association president
Cecilia Cruz — sophomore, English major
Thom Coats — professor of practice, director of IGA Office of Professional Sales
Dr. Jette Halladay — professor, theatre
Ashlee Dunn – senior, mechatronics engineering major; cheer team
John Paul Quiampang — senior, aerospace (pro-pilot) major
Dr. Karen Davis — associate professor, speech-language pathology and audiology
Andre Madatian — master of music composition major
Dr. Vincent Windrow— associate vice provost for student success
Jason Wasilewski — senior, marketing major
Gracyn Ray — first grader, Homer Pittard Campus School
Millie Vaughan — first grader, Homer Pittard Campus School
Courtney Whitson — junior, English major; women’s basketball
Jarrin Pierce — senior, integrated studies major; football
Maritza Oceguera — junior, business management major
Lt. Gen. (Ret.) Keith M. Huber, senior advisor for veterans and leadership initiatives