Latest news with #MTSU
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Bonnaroo 2025: MTSU media students go all-in on The Farm during shortened festival
MANCHESTER, Tenn. — From broadcasting the festival on Hulu to mixing the sound for live shows, MTSU students briefly worked behind the scenes of the intended four-day Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival before the event was canceled Friday evening. Officials canceled the entire festival after only one day due to severe weather and flooding. Heavy rainfall swamped the main venue, Centeroo, forcing the evacuation of attendees. For years, MTSU has sent students from the College of Media and Entertainment to capture the festival — from audio to video and the behind-the-scenes stories worth telling. This year, a team of about 50 students took part in the shortened experience. The partnership began a decade ago under the relationship of festival promoters and Ken Paulson, former College of Media and Entertainment dean. '(Paulson) had a relationship with the promoters for Bonnaroo,' said Robert Gordon, interim chair of the Media Arts department at MTSU. 'I think (in) 2014 we brought the promoters to campus and we had a big lecture to a lot of (recording industry) and media arts (students) about festival promotion.' Following the lecture, Bonnaroo representatives invited students to work the festival grounds through a class, starting on the small Who Stage and evolving into larger coverage over the next decade, including the What Stage, Gordon said. This opportunity allows students to experience the media field before entering the workforce, said Beverly Keel, the dean of the College of Media and Entertainment since 2019. 'It's thrilling. It's very much real-world. You're in it and you can see if you like it or not,' Keel said. 'You know you've got deadlines, you have standards of very high quality, you're working with professionals. I don't know how it could be any better.' Students acquire hands-on experience by filming, editing and reporting on the festival, and these opportunities can open doors for future jobs," Keel said. 'We had one student who had the Bonnaroo experience working on our mobile production truck, then graduated and went on to work with Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood and Beyonce, because this is real world, hands-on experience.' Some of the students who participated in the class last year, Gordon said, return in 2025 as directors for sets from Tyler, The Creator and Olivia Rodrigo. Troy Steward, a Media Arts student, took Gordon's live production class for the second time this year. Steward has accepted a job offer with a video engineering company, Tennessee Digital Video. He received the job offer as a result of working at Bonnaroo. He starts the new position after he graduates. 'I get to work on video engineering and use some of the knowledge that I'm learning in school out in the real world,' Steward said. Also, students at Bonnaroo used new technology this year, Steward said. 'We're adding on robo camera operators, which means that they get to sit in the truck and use the joystick to operate two cameras out there, which is really cool,' Steward said. This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: MTSU media students give all at Bonnaroo during shortened festival
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MTSU announces potential changes, cuts to comply with new anti-DEI law, Trump order
Middle Tennessee State University announced it is making changes to comply with Tennessee's new "Dismantling DEI Departments Act," along with an executive order by President Donald Trump. The measures bar public institutions of higher education from maintaining, authorizing or supporting programs that promote diversity, equity and inclusion, also known as DEI. "While MTSU has not functioned in a way that discriminates against students, faculty, staff or our overall community, the parameters of the president's executive orders and Tennessee law requires us to reevaluate our operations to ensure that we remain in compliance around how we support students, nonacademic programs and some academic support programs," MTSU President Sidney McPhee said in an email sent to the university community on June 10. The public university, located about 35 miles south of Nashville in Murfreesboro, is home to around 20,000 students. To comply with the order and the new state law, McPhee said, the university must do the following: Restructure or eliminate programs that explicitly focus on DEI Remove DEI references from the university website and publications Adjust scholarship programs with criteria structured around DEI Eliminate sponsorships and support of any initiatives, programs and services related to DEI, both internally and externally McPhee said the university is conducting a "comprehensive review" of its programs and services, which may lead to further cuts, including laying off some employees. He said he and his team are working to meet the new requirements while making sure students feel supported and minimizing disruptions in the university's operations. It was not immediately clear if any changes have been enacted, or what impact those changes may have on programs, scholarships, services, student and faculty. University spokesperson Andrew Oppman told The Tennessean that he did not have any specifics as of June 11. He said McPhee wanted the email to alert the university community that a "thorough review" was underway and to give a sense of the scope of the possible changes. Oppman said once final decisions are made, they will be shared with the public. "We understand that these actions may raise questions and concerns," McPhee wrote. "Our administration is actively working to ensure that our university employees and students continue to feel supported as we address these challenges. We are aware that these laws will impact our community in a way that will cause angst and frustration, and we want to assure you that our commitment to serving all students has not changed." Rachel Wegner covers education and children's issues for The Tennessean. Got a story you think she should hear? Reach her via email at RAwegner@ You can also find her on Twitter or Bluesky under the handle RachelAnnWegner. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: MTSU: Change ahead to comply with anti-DEI law, Trump order
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MTSU Mondays: Student aviation training, alum's company donates LED screen
Here's the latest news from Middle Tennessee State University. Middle Tennessee State University and the Commonwealth of the Bahamas have signed an agreement that will foster academic ties and collaboration between the country's aviation ministry and MTSU's Department of Aerospace. The agreement was recently signed by MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and Bahamas Deputy Prime Minister I. Chester Cooper, who also leads the Ministry of Tourism, Investments and Aviation, will create cultural and academic exchanges in education and research. It specifically calls for a program to facilitate Bahamian students to attend MTSU and train in aerospace; a summer immersion program for Bahamian students on the MTSU campus; a fast-track program geared for working professionals; and online courses geared for Bahamian students. McPhee, a native of the Bahamas, pointed out that "MTSU has been the choice of many students from the Bahamas seeking higher education opportunities." "The ties between the commonwealth and our university are strong and constant and, indeed, students from this nation represent a significant percentage of our international enrollment," McPhee said. Cooper, who was joined in his visit to the MTSU campus by representatives from the University of the Bahamas, called the signing "an important occasion." "It's a monumental step for the advancement of the aviation industry in the Bahamas and the aviation education landscape in the Bahamas," he said. "We're excited about this possibility, and we consider this only the beginning of more great collaborations between the University of the Bahamas and MTSU and the Bahamas at large." MTSU Aerospace, with 20 full-time faculty members, 100+ flight instructors, and over 1,200 students, is among the largest of the nation's collegiate aviation programs. MTSU's total aerospace enrollment, including all seven undergraduate concentrations and three graduate concentrations, makes up about 6% of the university's total student population. Students from 32 states and 16 foreign countries are enrolled in the program. The future is getting brighter for Middle Tennessee State University film and television students in the College of Media and Entertainment thanks to a newly donated 400-panel LED screen by Chicago-based Fuse Technical Group. 'This gift will greatly aid our tour production and XR/VR (extended reality and virtual reality) filmmaking classes, which helps train and place our students into those industries,' said Bob Gordon, associate professor of video and film production and interim chair in the Department of Media Arts. Patrick Eaton, a 2009 graduate of MTSU's then Radio and TV Production Program, visited campus to donate the billboard-sized screen and calls the official presentation a 'full circle moment' as he connects the past and present. 'This is surreal, and it seemed like a great opportunity to have kids continue learning on what is being actively used in the industry right now, you know,' said Eaton, who credits MTSU as the foundation of his 15-year career in event production. 'And it's great because Fuse acknowledges that investing in the future generation is the only path forward.' Panels can be configured into smaller screens, big screens or a single large surface. The high-resolution video panel can be used for various applications, including digital scenery and live visuals for concerts, Eaton explained. Eaton's ties to MTSU have remained integral to his career in production. Over the years, the companies he's worked for have hired dozens of MTSU graduates. Fuse Technical Group is no stranger to that continuing tradition. 'The bonds that I built in that first semester here are folks that I work with across the industry,' Eaton said. He's also stayed close to his classmate, Mike Forbes, director of MTSU Technical Systems and an adjunct media arts lecturer, who was instrumental in facilitating the most recent donation. 'At the College of Media and Entertainment, we pride ourselves on giving our students real-world, hands-on experience,' Forbes said. 'This donation only emphasizes the importance of giving our students an advantage from others entering the industry by knowing and understanding the technology used in live entertainment. Our students truly grasp how it works.' MTSU Mondays content is provided by submissions from MTSU News and Media Relations. This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Student aviation training, alum's company donates LED screen
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bahamas Signs Landmark Aviation Agreement with Middle Tennessee State University
New partnership creates academic pipeline for Bahamian students to access world-class aerospace training and professional development opportunities at MTSU DPM Cooper signs MOU The Bahamas Delegation MURFREESBORO, Tennessee, June 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has taken a significant step to advance the country's aviation sector through a new partnership between Middle Tennessee State University's (MTSU) Department of Aerospace and The Bahamas Department of Aviation. The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed on Friday, May 30, by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments & Aviation, the Hon. I. Chester Cooper, and MTSU President Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, formalizes collaboration that will create educational and professional opportunities tailored for Bahamian students and aviation professionals. This agreement enables Bahamian students to enroll in MTSU's aerospace training programs, participate in summer immersion experiences on campus, access fast-track options designed for working professionals, and access online courses designed specifically for Bahamian students and professionals. Minister Cooper said, 'This partnership is a monumental step in developing our aviation industry and education landscape. By equipping our emerging and existing aviation professionals with world-class skills and international experience, we are building a foundation for sustainable growth and competitiveness that positions The Bahamas as a global leader in aviation.' Joining him, Dr. McPhee expressed his honor in welcoming the delegation, stating, 'I am honored today to welcome our friends from the Commonwealth of the Bahamas for the signing of this significant agreement. MTSU has been the choice of many students from the Bahamas seeking higher education opportunities. The ties between the commonwealth and our university are strong and constant, and, indeed, students from this nation represent a significant percentage of our international enrollment.' MTSU Department of Aerospace is one of the largest and most respected collegiate aviation programs in the US. The Training opportunities under the MOU centers around seven areas of concentration, including: Professional Pilots, Aerospace Management, Aerospace Maintenance, Aerospace Technology, Flight Dispatch, Unmanned Aerial Aircraft Systems Operations (Drone), and Unmanned Air Systems Controls and Technology. Additionally, the agreement leverages Innovative partnerships with Delta Airlines and Southwest Airlines to produce professionals in the industry. The Bahamas delegation included Director of Aviation and Deputy Director General of Tourism, Dr. Kenneth Romer; Deputy Director of Aviation, Mr. Milo Butler III; Executives from The University of The Bahamas and representatives from The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism's Atlanta Office. Attachments DPM Cooper signs MOU The Bahamas Delegation CONTACT: Anita Johnson Patty The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism ajohnson@ Bahamas USA FINN Bahamas Bahamasusa@ in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MTSU Mondays: Farm lab brings produce to market, Polk named Person of the Year
Here's the latest news from Middle Tennessee State University. Middle Tennessee State University's Small Farms laboratory will again offer student-grown produce as a full-time vendor for the 2025 Murfreesboro Saturday Market season coordinated by Main Street Murfreesboro. MTSU Small Farms, which will be among the 85 vendors at this year's market, will be joined periodically at the popular weekly event by representatives from MTSU Athletics. Running each Saturday from May till the end of October, the Saturday Market is open from 8 a.m. to noon around the historic Rutherford County Courthouse downtown. The market features a variety of specialty farm vendors (lavender, honey, and flowers), four locally raised meat producers, a trout farm, seven bakeries, 17 prepared food vendors, 26 artisans and crafters, and more, according to a Main Street Murfreesboro news release. MTSU's Small Farms is the only USDA-certified organic grower at the market, providing attendees with a variety of crops from which to choose as selections change through summer into fall. Small Farms sells a mix of vegetables and fruits, along with flower bouquets. 'Customers appreciate that everything we sell is USDA Certified Organic, grown with care, and backed by the transparency we bring to our work,' said Christopher Hall, the Small Farms manager. 'We grow a vibrant mix of seasonal crops, always with a focus on flavor, diversity, and sustainable growing practices. Our staples include tomatoes, sweet and hot peppers, cucumbers, okra and eggplants,' added Hall. MTSU Small Farms student employees help with production and oversee the entire process, from farm to market, to get a variety of hands-on, experiential learning opportunities. Student agriculture classes also participate along with interns and researchers, according to Hall. In addition to the food and craft vendors, Murfreesboro Main Street says local organizations such as the Friends of Linebaugh Library, Rutherford County Master Gardeners, Storm Water Management and the League of Women Voters will host booths and activities at the Saturday Market. A new program called 'Market Passport' has started this season to encourage community engagement by allowing visitors to collect stamps each week they attend and be entered into a monthly drawing for a basket full of goods from a variety of vendors at the market. 'More than just a market, this is a hub for community connection,' said Linda Weeks, Market manager. 'We're especially excited to welcome several young, startup farmers this year who are building the future of local agriculture.' The 2025 season is the third year of the MTSU Small Farms' involvement in the market, and the second year of being a full-time vendor. MTSU's School of Agriculture manages all of the farm laboratories. View a full list of Murfreesboro Saturday Market vendors at In what has been an amazing year for MTSU alumnus Reggie Polk, the owner of Polk and Associates Construction Inc. was named Tennessee Small Business Administration Person of the Year this spring. As part of 2025 National Small Business Week, Polk received the state award in early May while attending the Small Business Association banquet in Washington, D.C., where it was announced Greg and Shelley McArthur of NTL Industries Inc. earned the nationwide distinction. The NFL Tennessee Titans selected the four-member Tennessee Builders Alliance — Polk and Associates, Turner Construction, ICF Builders and AECOM Hunt — along with trade partners to construct the new $2 billion stadium. Polk said the D.C. trip was 'such an amazing experience,' from meeting the new U.S. Small Business Administration team, networking, panel discussions and he and his wife Tanora Polk, also an MTSU alumnus, visiting various monuments, especially the World War I monument. Polk (Class of 2003), a former MTSU football player who co-founded the Brentwood-based business with his wife, credits 'the dedication and hard work and passion' of his 33-member Polk and Associates team, which has offices in Brentwood and Odon, Indiana, and with a footprint that includes Florida and Georgia. 'That is what makes us great. We make it a point to invest in our people.' MTSU Mondays content is provided by submissions from MTSU News and Media Relations. This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Farm lab brings produce to market, Polk named Person of the Year
