MTSU Convocation kicks off academic year

Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney A. McPhee welcomed the university’s newest Blue Raiders and reflected on a tradition he began 25 years ago as he kicked off the 2026-27 academic year with his final Convocation.

“This is the 116th year of educating students at our institution, and today begins one of the most exciting times of the year on our campus,” McPhee told freshmen, transfer students and their families gathered inside Murphy Center on Saturday, Aug. 22. “Welcome to MTSU. We’re glad you’re here.”

McPhee, who will retire in December, encouraged students to recognize that the college experience is about more than earning a degree. He urged them to build relationships, remain curious and take advantage of opportunities to meet people from different backgrounds.

“You will meet individuals who may literally change your life,” McPhee said. “I encourage you to be curious. Ask questions, even when you aren't sure whether they're the right questions. Talk with your professors. Get to know your classmates. Don't limit yourself to what you already know in your life. And when you encounter something difficult, don't be afraid to ask for help.”

Convocation keynote speaker Edward J. Larson, author of MTSU’s Summer Reading Program book, “Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters,” told students that college provides an opportunity to begin a new chapter and consider what they want their futures to look like.

“College offers you a chance to consider your path forward and take steps to realize it,” said Larson, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. “And not just about your vocation, though that is a central part of college, but in the larger sense, who you are and what you want to become.”

Larson connected the decisions facing new college students with those made by America’s founders in 1776 and the Declaration of Independence’s ideals of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

“College is part of that pursuit,” Larson said. “The choices you make matter and there is no better time in your entire life to make them than in college.”

Among the students beginning their college journey were freshmen Jesse Lanier and Christian Hodge, longtime friends and roommates who graduated together from James Lawson High School in Nashville.

Lanier, who plays multiple instruments, chose MTSU to pursue his passion for music and plans to study music business.

“It was really interesting and I got to meet a lot of new people. So I’m very excited,” Lanier said.

Lanier is also a second-generation Blue Raider. His mother, Chanda Lanier, graduated from MTSU in 1994.

Hodge plans to study chemistry with hopes of eventually working in a laboratory.

“I want to work in a lab someday,” Hodge said.

The students’ mothers also shared in the significance of the day. Chanda Lanier said she was excited that her son chose to attend her alma mater, particularly because of MTSU’s music program and proximity to home.

LaSaundra Hodge, a 2005 MTSU social work graduate, also returned to campus to watch her son begin his college experience.

“We’re happy to be here. It’s so exciting,” she said.

Convocation serves as the university’s formal welcome for its newest students into the MTSU academic community. McPhee, university administrators and attending faculty wore academic regalia for the ceremony.

The event also featured performances from the Band of Blue, including MTSU’s fight song led by members of the university’s Cheer and Dance teams.

Student Government Association President Kennedy Garrett led the audience in reciting the True Blue Pledge and encouraged students to become active members of the campus community.

“Don't spend the next four years simply attending Middle Tennessee State University, become a part of it,” Garrett said. “You are part of a community, you are part of a legacy and you are True Blue.”

Faculty Senate President Patrick McCarthy and Laurie Witherow, vice provost for Enrollment Management, also welcomed incoming students.

Blue Raider football coach Derek Mason invited students and their families to attend MTSU’s season opener against Murray State at 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 5, at Floyd Stadium.

“It’s going to be a great year,” Mason told the crowd.

The ceremony concluded with students gathering on the Murphy Center floor for the traditional Class of 2030 group photo.

Following Convocation, students and their families attended Blue Raider Fan Day at Floyd Stadium. The event featured MTSU football, women’s soccer and other fall sports teams along with games, food and additional activities.

For more information about MTSU New Student and Family Programs, visit https://mtsu.edu/nsfp.