[319] MTSU Celebration of Scholars brings major academic scholarship recipients to campus

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. —students who have been awarded major academic scholarships to attend starting this fall. 

Students from across the state and region received invitations to attend the annual Celebration of Scholars, held Feb. 20 and for the first time in the Student Union Ballroom instead of the President’s Home.

It marks a recognition for students who have received Trustee($5,000 award), Presidential($4,000), True Blue($3,000) and Buchananscholarships. The high school seniors, who were joined by their parents, had either accepted the scholarship offers or must accept by May 1.

The Buchanan Fellowshipis the highest academic scholarship (full tuition, books and more) and is offered to 20 incoming freshmen. All four major scholarships are renewable annually as long as students maintain the academic requirements.

MTSU President Sidney A. McPheeexpressed how special the honorees were, calling them “blue-chip academic athletes.” He added the “quality of the students has sky-rocketed,” sharing how the 2017-18 freshman class ranks No. 1 all time in terms of entering GPA and ACT and SAT scores.

“MTSU is second fiddle to no one,” McPhee said. “You are the future of our country and our future leaders.”

The president shared how $1 billion in new and renovated facilities has taken place in the past 10 to 12 years. This includes the $147 million Science Building and renovated Wiser-Patten Science Hall and Davis Science Building.

“We have a family atmosphere and are working to make sure you are successful,” he added.

McPhee invited the 265 guests to the President’s House following the program, mentioning his preference would have been to keep the event at the home he shares with first lady Elizabeth McPhee near the intersection of East Main Street and Middle Tennessee Boulevard. However, the increasing crowd size forced event organizers to pursue a larger venue.

Provost Mark Byrnes andDeb Sells, the vice president of Student Affairs and vice provost for Enrollment and Academic Services, shared remarks. Sells welcomed the visitors while Byrnes introduced the various deans throughout the university.

Students received copies of the summer reading book, “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption,” by Bryan Stevenson. Earlier, many students and parents attended the Honors College Presidents Day Open House.

MTSUfeatures more than 240 combined undergraduate and graduate programs.