MTSU Honors College

06/16/2026

Have you spotted this billboard on Broad Street?

We're proud to see Honors student Tatyana Martinez featured in Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)'s latest recruitment campaign. The image showcases Tatyana conducting research in the lab and highlights the hands-on opportunities available to students at the University.

From groundbreaking research to real-world experiences, our students are making an impact both on campus and beyond.

Congratulations, Tatyana, and thank you for helping tell the story of the Honors College and MTSU!

06/16/2026

Step back in time and explore “250 Years of Commemorating American Independence,” a brand‑new summer exhibit created with MTSU Honors College Dean John R. Vile.

📅 Opening Day: June 16
🕙 Dean Vile’s Talks: 10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.
📍 Cannonsburgh Village, Murfreesboro, TN

This exhibit is part of the MTSU Semiquincentennial series honoring 250 years of American history.

Join us for Opening Day and be part of the celebration!

06/15/2026

We can't wait to see everyone tomorrow for the exhibit opening!

06/13/2026

We congratulate Dr. Judy Albakry on her new role as Director of Academic Support and Retention Programs with the Office of Student Success.

Over the past 12 years in Honors and two decades in higher education, Judy has made a lasting impact through her commitment to student success. Since joining the Honors College in 2014, she has advised numerous students, mentored transfer scholars, guided thesis development, and helped students connect their academic goals with meaningful opportunities.

As Advising Manager for Honors, she oversaw advising operations for more than 1,100 Honors students and coordinated the Honors thesis process across the University. Her leadership has strengthened key initiatives supporting retention, timely graduation, and student engagement.

A respected leader in the advising community, Judy has presented research nationally and earned numerous recognitions, including the 2024 Advisor Mastery Program Outstanding Advisor of the Year award.

We are deeply grateful for Judy’s years of service, leadership, and advocacy for students. Please join us in congratulating her and wishing her continued success in this new role.

06/12/2026

What can the history of aviation teach us about the future of space exploration?

In our final lecture of the Honors College Revolutions series, Dr. Collin McDonald, MTSU aerospace professor and Honors alumnus, takes students from the Wright brothers’ first flight to NASA’s Artemis missions. He explores how early challenges in aviation shaped modern flight and what those lessons mean as we look toward returning to the moon and beyond.

It is a fascinating look at innovation, risk, and the role of regulation in shaping the future of exploration.
Watch the full lecture:

In this final lecture of the Honors College Revolutions series, MTS...

06/12/2026

Check out the MTSU 250 website for anlist of places where you can get your MTSU stamp!

More than 300 people picked up their Rutherford County America 250 Passport Books last month, and 15 people earned their commemorative tote bag provided by the Rutherford County Convention and Visitors Bureau (RCCVB)!

This is a great week to pick up a booklet here, the RCCVB visitor center, Oaklands Mansion , Historic Sam Davis Home and Museum, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) Honors College, Smyrna Public Library and the La Vergne Public Library . You can also download and print your own copy at https://go.nps.gov/rca250passport.

Three passport events take place this Saturday, June 13. You can start the day at the La Vergne Public Works & Community Development Services Facility for a 9 AM flag raising ceremony and Liberty Lap Color Walk.

The Rutherford County Library System’s America 250 Lecture Series will feature Dr. Stacey Graham exploring the importance of Cannonsburgh. The program begins at 11 AM at Linebaugh Library.

The Rutherford Arts Alliance will stamp passports at the Simply Smyrna Celebration. The event will present 250 years of American history through the music that shaped our nation—while highlighting Tennessee's unique role in the development of major music entertainment genres and the artists and communities behind them. It runs from 5:00-9:30 PM at the Historic Depot District.

If you add in a few site visits in between these events, you could collect the ten stamps needed to earn your tote bag in one day!

To find the America’s 250 events featured in the booklet and others throughout our county, go to rutherford250events.com.

06/09/2026

What does liberty sound like?

In this Honors College lecture, Professor Angela Tipps explores how music has shaped the American experience, from Revolutionary-era songs to modern voices like Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, and Kendrick Lamar.

Through powerful examples and discussion, she shows how music has been used to celebrate freedom, question injustice, and give voice to those often left out of the national story.

Watch the full lecture:

In this Honors College lecture, Professor Angela Tipps, MTSU Artist...

06/06/2026

Middle Tennessee State University is celebrating a major milestone — the 20th anniversary of the Institute of Leadership Excellence (ILE)! 🎉💙

Founded in 2006, ILE has grown into one of MTSU’s signature leadership‑development experiences, blending lectures, discussions, case studies, and hands‑on projects that challenge students to think deeply about what authentic leadership looks like today.

Over the years, the program has:
• Trained 560+ students from more than 50 majors
• Evolved to include topics like ethics, resilience, agility, and AI
• Brought alumni back as guest speakers to inspire the next generation
Faculty leaders like Dr. Leigh Anne Clark, Dr. David Foote, and Dr. Kelly Manix continue to shape a program that balances tradition with innovation.

Read the full story and celebrate 20 years of leadership excellence:
🔗 https://mtsunews.com/2026/06/01/mtsu-institute-of-leadership-excellence-celebrates-20-years/

06/05/2026

So proud to celebrate Angele Latham — once an Honors student and editor‑in‑chief at MTSU, now the nation’s first‑ever First Amendment reporter and a 2026 recipient of AEJMC’s prestigious First Amendment Award.

Her work at The Tennessean shines a powerful light on protests, book bans, and the freedoms that shape our democracy. Angele calls the award “an incredible honor” and a testament to the courage and purpose behind her reporting.

From the Sidelines newsroom to national recognition, she continues to prove what passion, grit, and a commitment to truth can do. 💙📣

🔗 https://mtsunews.com/2026/06/02/mtsu-journalism-alum-receives-prestigious-first-amendment-award/