As MTSU’s fall 2022 semester hits its stride, a diversity of members of the Blue Raider community again produced a special video recitation of the True Blue Pledge to spotlight the university’s values.

In what has become a cherished Blue Raider tradition, a True Blue group of Middle Tennessee State University students, faculty, staff and alumni reaffirmed those values for another academic year.

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.

It’s been just over a decade since President Sidney A. McPhee convened a university task force to develop the pledge in the wake of the death of Lady Raider basketball player Tina Stewart at the hands of her roommate during an argument at their off-campus apartment.

“A university community is only as strong as its values, and that is why our True Blue Pledge plays such a critical role in shaping the nurturing campus culture that we’ve all come to appreciate over the years,” McPhee said.

“‘I Am True Blue’ represents our very identity as an educational institution and will do so for many years to come. I’m thrilled that we continue this annual tradition by spotlighting the diverse voices that make our campus so special.”

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. 

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

Watch the latest video below:

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:

• Jada Powell — senior, aerospace-aviation management; Student Government Association president.
• Tulsi Patel — junior, psychology.
• Chandler Tabor — senior, forensic science.
• Krystal Lee — Master of Education degree candidate in curriculum and instruction.
• Jillian DeGrie — senior, studio art.
• Carson Loving — senior, video and film production.
• Dr. Sam Zaza — assistant professor, Department of Information Systems and Analytics.  
• Dr. Shane McCoy — lecturer, Department of English, Women’s and Gender Studies.  
• Blake Osborn — coordinator, Middle Tennessee Outdoor Pursuits.
• Izzy Guiterrez — sophomore, journalism.
• Lane Ratliff — second grader, Homer Pittard Campus School.
• Finley Akers — second grader, Homer Pittard Campus School.
• Jalynn Gregory — sophomore, psychology.
• Jaylin Lane — junior, leisure and sport management.
• Rosemary Akharume — Master of Science degree candidate in information systems; international student .
• Yvette Clark — interim vice president, Information Technology Division.

For more information about MTSU’s True Blue initiative, visit www.mtsu.edu/trueblue.