Friday, October 19, 2018

[120] Clarksville students explore MTSU options during True Blue Tour


MURFREESBORO, Tenn. —CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. — Jungjin Anof Rossview High School knows exactly what he wants and it’s at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. Wearing an “I Love Middle Tennessee” T-shirt, Yasmin Thorntonof Northeast High School isn’t so sure what she wants, but she has applied to MTSU.

During MTSU’s True Blue Tour visit Tuesday (Sept. 25) to Clarksville, Decorius Simpkinsof Northwest High School received a certificate for a $2,000 scholarship while he waits to hear if his application has been accepted. Montgomery Central sophomore Cheyenne Douthitthas time to consider her college choice, but MTSU’s recognition of her as a True Blue 100 Freshmen in Tennessee may sway her decision.

These were among the dozens of personal narratives playing out when the tour visited Clarksville for the first time, courting the area’s high school students with a reception and counselors with a luncheon. Students from Clarksville High, Northeast, Northwest, West Creek, Montgomery Central, Clarksville Academy, Sycamore and other schools attended the event at the Wilma Rudolph Event Center.

On the annual tour, MTSU recruits all across Tennessee and in Kentucky, Alabama and Georgia.

To view video from the Clarksville event, visithttps://youtu.be/T-4gwdK8ouI​.

‘Best pilot program’

An, 18, a Rossview High senior, has MTSU’s aerospace professional pilot program in his radar. 

“I’m very interested in flying,” said An, who was accompanied by his mother, Choi An. “My whole life has been about planes. I’ve traveled a lot.”

Two years ago, he and his mother visited the aerospace department, which included a trip to Murfreesboro Airport to visit the MTSU Flight Operations Center. It was a great visit and he was hooked.

“It’s the best pilot program that I know,” said An, who is very aware of the recent MTSU-Delta Propelpartnership to potentially help qualifying students become pilots in 42 months. “That was an amazing offering. I’m very happy I chose the right place.” 

‘Faculty are outstanding’

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, who awarded $2,000 scholarships to Simpkins, 17, a multi-sport athlete, and Montgomery Central junior Alexa Barfield, 16, introduced Cheyenne Douthitt, whose father Blake attended MTSU from 1985-87.

“I really like it,” said Douthitt, talking about MTSU. “The majors are well set. The buildings are up to date. It’s a beautiful campus. The faculty are outstanding. They have great resources and I like how they recruit all across the state.”

Rick Sluder, dean of the University College, and undeclared major adviser Megan Williamsassisted Thornton, answering her questions and offering advice. Thornton said she’s working on her application to attend MTSU.

Among MTSU Clarksville-area alumni attending the student reception and luncheon for counselors were Judge Greg Smith(Class of 1985) and Tommy Bates(’85 and ’92), president and CEO of Legends Bank. Smith is a U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Court of Indian Appeals judge.

On deck for the True Blue Tour:Franklin Oct. 2 and Nashville Oct. 4. The True Blue Tour events are free. To register for the reception or counselor luncheon, visit www.mtsu.edu/rsvp.

Other key dates for students and their parents to consider: Oct. 6 and Nov. 3 MTSU Fall Preview Days and Dec. 1 deadline to apply for guaranteed scholarships.

MTSUhas more than 300 combined undergraduate and graduate programs.

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