MTSU’s Hood to Receive Nunley Award During Nov. 4 Veterans’ Event
For Middle Tennessee State University’s John Hood, it is yet another honor in an outstanding career of service to his community, university and business.
Hood, 86, will be presented the Joe Nunley Award at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4, during the 36th annual MTSU Salute to Veterans and Armed Services activities on campus.
The Nunley award, which has been presented since 1990, recognizes an individual who has served in the military and community after retiring from active duty.
The award, formerly presented to a World War II veteran who made his or her mark in life after serving their country, is named for Nunley, who helped co-found the special veterans event in 1982 with Nashville’s John Furgess, an MTSU alumnus (Class of 1965).
Nunley was a former director of alumni relations and College of Education professor who died in 1993.
“As a veteran, I am flattered and honored to receive this award, named for Dr. Joe Nunley,” Hood said recently. “It has been my privilege to serve two years in the U.S. Army following my graduation from MTSU.”
Since returning to Murfreesboro after serving his country, Hood said he “has been employed in several work situations, including MTSU now in a second role.”
Hood is director of governmental and community affairs in University Advancement at MTSU. His degrees were earned in 1954 and ’74.
“More importantly,” he adds, “I have enjoyed participating in many programs and projects in an effort always to make this community a better place to live, work and raise a family.”
The former state representative’s recognitions include 2017 American Red Cross “Hero” Award; 2016 induction into the Tennessee Journalism Hall of Fame; 2014 Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce Business Legend of the Year; 2012 Murfreesboro City Schools’ Foundation Excellence in Education Award; past president of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and Chamber Diplomat since 1996; and former member of the City School Board and Rutherford County Quarterly Commission.
In addition to the Nunley award, Saturday’s activities include the 2:30 p.m. Veterans’ Memorial Service outside the Tom H. Jackson Building; 4 p.m. Veterans’ Picnic on the Kennon Hall of Fame lawn (free game tickets distributed to vets and their families); 4:15 p.m. special salute during the Raider Walk in Walnut Grove; 5 p.m. Veterans’ Village near Alumni Memorial Gym and Floyd Stadium and salute parade at halftime of the MTSU football game against the University of Texas-El Paso.
