[108] Upcoming MTSU True Blue Tour touts ‘student success’

MURFREESBORO — The Middle Tennessee State University fall True Blue Tour to recruit future students from Tri-Cities to Memphis will be touting “student success.”

On Friday, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee brought that message to more than 40 staff and administrators four days before the university begins its annual statewide tour to recruit high school students for the 2014-15 academic year and beyond.

“We want every student who comes to MTSU to be successful, graduate and find a job in a career they enjoy,” McPhee said to the admissions, advising and other personnel he met with in the Student Union Parliamentary Room.

“These students are our responsibility, and we must discover and develop new and innovative ways to help them be successful.”

For McPhee, who is entering his 13^th year as president, it marked the first time he has met with staff members as a group before they embark on the tour, which begins Tuesday, Sept. 17, in Chattanooga at the Chattanooga Convention Center, 1 Carter Plaza.

Based on feedback he received during the session, McPhee said he would consider two such meetings per fall and spring semester.

Dr. Deb Sells, vice president for Student Affairs and vice provost for enrollment and academic services, said she is excited to be heading out on the tour because “it is a great time to talk” to prospective students.

“They (students) are looking for matches — their interests and preparation with the programs and support we have to offer,” Sells said.

After Chattanooga, other True Blue Tour stops include:

•   Sept. 23 — Johnson City, The Millennium Place, 2001 Millennium Place;

•   Sept. 24 — Knoxville, Club LeConte, 800 South Gay St.;

•   Oct. 8 — Nashville, Music City Center, 150 4^th Ave. North, in Nashville;

•   Oct. 21 — Memphis, Memphis Botanic Gardens, 750 Cherry Rd., Memphis;

•   Oct. 22 — Jackson, The Jackson Country Club, 31 Jackson Country Club Drive.

High school and community college students and counselors, as well as parents, can register to attend any MTSU Admissions events by going to http://tinyurl.com/truebluetour. Registration remains open until the event begins.