Out of the Blue from MTSU

Ever wonder how teachers stay on top of their game?With MTSU’s Center for Educational Media, educators from Tennessee and all over the U.S. get the tools they need to grow—whether it's in person or streaming straight to their screens. From high-tech video production to a massive on-demand library, this place is all about helping teachers shine.We chat with Dr. Laura Clark, the center’s director, and hear about all the cool stuf...

"Sidelines," MTSU’s student-run news media outlet, is marking an incredible milestone: 100 years of informing, engaging, and empowering the campus community. What began as a traditional newspaper has transformed into a dynamic digital platform, now featuring a website and email newsletter — all while staying true to its core mission of providing real journalism by and for students.Joining us on this episode to reflect on the "Sidel...

MTSU recently celebrated a major milestone: the 75th anniversary of its Army ROTC program. At a special campus ceremony, we recognized the legacy of the Blue Raider Battalion and honored some of the 17 distinguished alumni who achieved the rank of General, along with many others who began their leadership journey here as student cadets.Joining us on this episode to reflect on this proud tradition and share what lies ahead for the p...

The Jones College of Business at Middle Tennessee State University is leading the way with a groundbreaking new undergraduate concentration in Neuromarketing and AI. This innovative program blends advanced artificial intelligence tools with neuroscience-based research techniques, giving students hands-on access to a state-of-the-art lab where they can explore how people truly respond to advertising, messaging, and more.

Joining us o...

At MTSU, we believe in the power of applied knowledge—blending classroom learning with real-world work experiences to better prepare students for their careers.In this episode of "Out of the Blue," Carol Swayze, Director of Experiential Learning, joins us to share exciting details about the EXL Scholars Program. This innovative program offers students the opportunity to gain valuable hands-on experience in their chosen fields, brid...

At MTSU, future educators don't just learn in the classroom—they get the chance to take their teaching experience around the world. While most teacher preparation programs require students to complete a residency in local schools, MTSU goes further, offering an exciting opportunity to complete this residency in one of 15 countries.In this episode of "Out of the Blue," Dr. Tiffany Dellard, Director of the Office of Educator Preparat...

In this episode of "Out of the Blue," we sit down with Dr. Todd Moore, the new Chair of the Department of Geosciences at MTSU. The department, part of the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, offers students an opportunity to dive deep into the study of geology, physical geography, geospatial analysis, and environmental science.Dr. Moore discusses the groundbreaking, hands-on research taking place at MTSU, where both st...

Founded in 1911 as a teacher training institution, MTSU has always been dedicated to shaping the future of education. Today, our College of Education continues that legacy, offering innovative and career-focused degree programs that support educators and instructors at every level.A prime example of this ongoing commitment is the College’s fully online Master’s and Specialist degrees in Higher Education and Instructional Leadership...

Students in our Textiles, Merchandising, and Design Department are gearing up for this year's highly anticipated College Fashion Show, set for April 12th. This annual event, hosted by our College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, will feature stunning collections from our Fashion Design and TXMD students and offer invaluable real-world experience for those pursuing careers in fashion design and merchandising.To give us an inside l...

In an exciting partnership, students from MTSU's College of Media and Entertainment are teaming up with a Rutherford County school to teach fifth-graders the art of songwriting, in collaboration with the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Now in its third year, this unique program brings together students and faculty from MTSU and the McFadden School of Excellence. They work side by side with fifth-graders, guiding them through the creativ...

The Albert Gore Research Center at MTSU stands as a national leader in the art and science of oral history, dedicated to capturing the voices of those who have witnessed pivotal moments in history. Through in-depth interviews, the center preserves and shares these invaluable stories for future generations. MTSU Oral Historian Jason McGowan takes us behind the scenes of two major oral history projects he's leading: one commissioned...

MTSU is proud to join the Age-Friendly University (AFU) Global Network, earning the distinction of being Tennessee's very first Age-Friendly University. This global network champions positive aging by supporting innovative educational programs, groundbreaking research, curriculum development, arts and culture initiatives, and community engagement—all aimed at promoting health, well-being, and opportunities for older adults. In th...

In this special bonus episode ofOut of the Blue, we’re sharing the full keynote presentation from the 2025 Unity Luncheon, featuring community leader and pastor Jason Scales. Jason takes us on a journey through the true meaning of unity, offering a vision for how communities can come together, break free from past divides, and cultivate a deep sense of belonging. His message inspires us to reimagine what it means to live in harmony...

February is Black History Month at MTSU, a time dedicated to honoring the rich history, contributions, and achievements of the African-American community. At MTSU, we embrace this month as an opportunity to spotlight the significant impact made by "unsung heroes" within our campus and local communities. In this episode, we’re joined by Danielle Rochelle, Director of Intercultural and Diversity Affairs at MTSU, who shares insights ...

We’re thrilled to introduce Dr. Khalilah Doss, who joined MTSU as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at the start of the 2024-25 academic year. From day one, Dr. Doss has hit the ground running, quickly becoming a prominent and dedicated presence on our campus. Her passion for student success and commitment to making a positive impact have already made a lasting impression. She’s on the podcast to share her ke...

We’re spotlighting MTSU’s Professional Counseling graduate degree program, offered through our College of Education. This program provides students with concentrations in two highly sought-after fields: clinical mental health counseling and school counseling. In addition to its academic offerings, the program’s Center for Counseling and Psychological Services gives students invaluable hands-on experience while also serving the men...

Nearly six years ago, MTSU's College of Basic and Applied Sciences joined forces with Meharry Medical College to create an exciting opportunity for aspiring medical students. The Medical School Early Admissions Program was designed to select incoming freshmen for a fast-track path—allowing them to complete their bachelor's degree at MTSU and secure direct entry into medical school after graduation. To share more details is Eric Mil...

In this podcast segment from our 'Joys of the Season' episode, we're transported to the beautiful Hinton Hall in MTSU's School of Music, where the MTSU Cello Ensemble, under the direction of Dr. Bryan Hayslett, an Assistant Professor of Cello, brings a fresh and dynamic twist to holiday music. In this special performance, the ensemble will be playing Dr. Hayslett's original arrangement of three beloved Christmas carols, titled "Hal...