Latest news with #MTSU
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
That new Universal Epic Universe theme park in Orlando? An MTSU graduate helped build it
Universal Orlando has opened the nation's first major theme park in more than 20 years — and a Tennessean had a big part in creating it. Susan Cummings — from Spencer, Tennessee, about an hour east of Murfreesboro — is the executive producer for the Super Nintendo World section of the buzzy new Epic Universe park in Orlando. Cummings, 57, a 1990 graduate of Middle Tennessee State University, led a team that designed the part of the park that brings decades of Nintendo games to life. Super Nintendo World includes areas like Super Mario Land, Yoshi's Adventure and Donkey Kong Country. Cummings is even featured in Universal Studios' promotional video for Super Nintendo World. In a phone interview with The Tennessean, Cummings said she has been surprised at how emotional some of the park's first visitors got when they saw their beloved Nintendo games in 3D. "Oh, my gosh, I saw people wiping away tears and saying, 'I can't believe I'm here,'" Cummings said. "People have strong multi-generational ties to these games. They are places you'd never expect to actually visit. You just them on screens large and small, but you'd never expect to be there." Cummings, who has been working on Super Nintendo World for six years, said she loves seeing visitors' strong reactions. "That's the good stuff," she said. "You forget all struggles with construction and budgets when you see someone experience it. That's why you do it." Cummings moved to Orlando after graduating from MTSU to pursue her dream of becoming a stand-up comedian. A friend's brother, comedian Joby Saad, was working in Orlando, and Cummings started opening for his shows and serving as emcee. While trying to launch her own comedy career, Cummings started working for theme parks in Orlando to pay her bills. Soon, Cummings found herself working at higher and higher levels in the Universal Studios theme park world. Cummings credits her time as a theater major at MTSU with launching a career in entertainment. In addition to being part of student productions, Cummings performed stand-up for the first time in Murfreesboro after one of her professors, Deborah Anderson, got her a slot at an open mic night. "I also remember getting a lot of parking tickets outside Schardt Hall where I lived for a few semesters!" she said. Reach Brad Schmitt at brad@ This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: MTSU grad helped build that new Universal Epic Universe theme park
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
MTSU Mondays: Internship gives capitol closeup; Honorees receive community service awards
Here's the latest news from Middle Tennessee State University: Middle Tennessee State University senior journalism major Tiffany Parker took her communications skills to the state Capitol during the 114th General Assembly as a legislative intern for state Rep. Mike Sparks thanks to an ongoing university program. Parker, who has been focused on working with local media outlets to gain expertise in her field, also aspires to be an attorney one day — so getting a closeup look at the state legislative process was definitely a draw. 'I've been very busy in these last two years building a rich tapestry because I want to stand out and I want to build a career,' said Parker, who plans to attend law school after graduating from MTSU in the coming year. 'I've just had my nose down and working and that's what I think Rep. Sparks saw. I've had a rich experience working for him and I'm so grateful.' Each year, 70 to 80 students from around the state participate in this program to learn about leadership responsibilities as well as develop legislative process skills. The interns assist legislative offices with their activities and work functions. Although Parker is majoring in journalism, Sparks connected her with the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program through the Department of Political and Global Affairs in the College of Liberal Arts, which coordinates the program at MTSU. Many students who take part in the legislative internships are political science majors. But the major doesn't matter, said Amy Atchison, chair of the Department of Political and Global Affairs. 'We welcome applicants from any major on campus,' she said. Parker's internship duties vary, from writing press releases to working on paperwork, answering calls from constituents, doing research and running errands. Sparks, who completed his second degree at MTSU in December 2024, said it's a 'win-win' for everyone involved, including his constituents in District 49, which represents the Smyrna and La Vergne areas in Rutherford County. 'All my interns have helped me be more effective, be more productive and more efficient. So I'm proud to get an intern,' said Sparks, who has hired multiple MTSU students to intern in his office. 'I think it's life-changing for them and it's such an opportunity for them.' The Tennessee Legislative Intern Program was established in 1972 to provide Tennessee college and university students with an opportunity to work and learn in a hands-on legislative environment. State Sen. Shane Reeves, a native of Murfreesboro and six-year veteran of the legislature, has employed an intern each year he's been in office. 'I've been a senator for six years and all of those years I've had an intern, and they have proven to be invaluable in my office,' said Reeves, 'not just in customer service, but doing research projects for me, in the committees I'm involved with in health, commerce and agriculture.' For Parker, the experience as an intern at the state Capitol has opened a whole new world to her. 'Everything I've learned is all coming together. Now I understand the jargon,' Parker said. 'Being at the Capitol just feels right. I can't put my finger on it.' Visit to learn more about the legislative intern program. Middle Tennessee State University's Nancy Prescott, a graduate student in history; Dianna Rust, professor in University Studies, and Violet Cox-Wingo, Department of Social Work lecturer, were recently honored among recipients of the 2025 Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award. Presented by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, the prestigious award honors exemplary service and leadership in community engagement across the state's higher education institutions and were presented during a special ceremony at the Tennessee Capitol. The award is given to students, faculty or staff members from Tennessee's two- and four-year postsecondary institutions each year. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to volunteerism, public service and leadership in community organizations. Each recipient receives a $1,000 cash prize for their outstanding contributions. Named after late Rep. Harold Love Sr., the award was established in 1991 and later renamed in 1997 to honor his legacy of public service. The program continues to celebrate individuals who serve as ambassadors for community engagement throughout Tennessee's higher education system. Read more about the three honorees at MTSU Mondays content is provided by submissions from MTSU News and Media Relations. This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Internship gives capitol closeup; Honorees receive community awards
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
MTSU celebrates Class of 2025 during 3 ceremonies, features House Speaker Sexton as keynote
Middle Tennessee State University spring graduate Josh Narrell, self-proclaimed 'forever student,' closed out his Blue Raider experience boasting summa cum laude honors with a 4.0 GPA and a master's in media and communications. The 24-year-old Murfreesboro resident has spent the better of five years at MTSU for both his undergraduate and graduate degrees and looks back to his time on campus fondly. 'I think MTSU is good for anything anyone wants to do,' said Narrell, former president of campus ministry UKIRK and graduate assistant in MTSU's Business and Economic Research Center. Narrell was among 2,378 new graduates who crossed the stage of Murphy Center during three commencement ceremonies Friday and Saturday, May 9-10, with thousands of family, friends and supporters on hand to celebrate the spring Class of 2025. Friday keynote speaker and MTSU Alumni Association President Rob Payne, owner of animal nutrition company Payne Analytics, told graduates that like many of them, he was a first-generation college graduate. But he reminded them that while graduation will complete the 'formal education' for many of them, they must now turn to the 'informal education' that is life, and they'll need to answer the question of 'what do you want to be when you grow up?' Payne recalled wanting to be a country singer and astronaut as a child, to a sports announcer as he got older to eventually becoming an animal nutrition scientist and now a company owner. 'Never in any of my formal training did I learn about HR processes, profit-loss statements, cultural norms, parenting, or marriage, yet here I am doing it. Needless to say, none of those things were even remotely in my plans when I sat where you are today,' said Payne, who shared that his career has led him and his family to live on three continents and visit more than 40 countries, including their youngest son being born in Singapore. 'But I wouldn't change a thing, because it has all combined to make me who I am today. As I stand here four days shy of my 50th birthday, I can tell you that I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up — and that's OK. … The point is to keep an open mind, stay inquisitive, keep learning and growing.' Gita Swaminathan, 21, of Brentwood, feels her time at MTSU has led to personal growth as she embarks on her professional journey. 'One chapter of my life is now over,' said Swaminathan, an Honors College Buchanan Fellow (the most coveted MTSU scholarship awarded). 'I feel like a different person than the one who entered as a freshman. I have developed a mental and emotional maturity, and my skills are more refined.' Swaminathan graduated magna cum laude with a 3.8 GPA, majoring in mechatronics engineering. She said key moments included making a lot of friends, working with the Experimental Vehicles Program to build a lunar rover and being an event planner with the Student Government Association. Swaminathan, whose older sisters Neena and Maya Swaminathan are Honors College and MTSU alumni, plans to spend two weeks traveling to Germany and Switzerland 'to practice my German' learned in high school before returning to work full time at Schneider Electric in Smyrna, where she worked in different roles in manufacturing supply chain since October 2023, while attending MTSU. Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton, R-Crossville, during his keynote remarks May 10, urged graduates to not ignore the wisdom of their parents and grandparents, to not be afraid to fail, and to make a call sometimes rather send a text — or simply put the tech away to enjoy life's precious moments. 'The most important lessons — the ones that shape your character, your values, and your vision for the future — come in everyday moments, but you have to have your eyes open and listen,' said Sexton, speaker since 2019, representing District 25. '… MTSU has given you a solid foundation, one built on curiosity, innovation and grit. We need more people with grit. One bad test doesn't define your academic career, just like a bad day or bad week or bad year doesn't define you.' Saturday afternoon keynote speaker and alumnus Tracey Rogers, vice president with Nexstar Media Group Inc., reflected on the many influential 'cheerleaders' she had throughout her life and career, such as the late MTSU journalism professors Ralph Hillman, Glen Himebaugh and Dennis O'Neal, and retired professor Bob Spires, who were 'mentors, champions, and sometimes, even a bit like family.' 'As you leave here and step into the next chapter, I've got one big piece of advice: find your cheerleaders. They might be friends, mentors, coworkers, family,' said Rogers, whose media career has taken her all over the country. 'But here's the other half of that advice: be a cheerleader for someone else. Challenge them. Encourage them. Share what you know. Help someone else chase their dreams.' The 2,378 graduates in the spring Class of 2025 included 1,975 undergraduates and 403 graduate students, including 360 master's recipients, 21 education specialist recipients and 22 doctoral recipients. In addition, 18 graduate students and one undergraduate student received certificates, according to the Registrar's Office. Graduate and undergraduate students in the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, College of Education and College of Media and Entertainment received their degrees in the Friday afternoon ceremony, followed by the College of Basic and Applied Sciences and University College on Saturday morning, then the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences and College of Liberal Arts on Saturday afternoon. MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee noted that the university is key economic engine for the region and state 'providing unparalleled opportunities for students from all walks of life.' 'We are the No. 1 provider of college graduates to the Greater Nashville economy,' he continued. 'We have innovative and often top in the nation academic programs attuned to industry needs and geared to accelerate our students in their careers. Our devotion to student success isn't just a slogan, it is part of our DNA.' One of Narrell's favorite aspects about MTSU was the level of involvement he was able to have in smaller scale classes as he progressed through his degree. 'That was my favorite part… getting to know people around me,' he said. Alongside his campus involvements, Narrell also had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester in Germany, something he attributes as helping him find his place. Following graduation, Narrell is planning to return to Germany to begin his career. 'You can find your community anywhere here, MTSU provided me that and I'm very thankful,' he said. With spring 2025 graduates, MTSU has awarded approximately 190,000 degrees to its students, including associate, bachelor's, master's, educational specialist and doctoral degrees, since its 1911 founding. For updates on MTSU anytime, visit or MTSU is committed to developing a community devoted to learning, growth and service. We hold these values dear, and there's a simple phrase that conveys them: 'I am True Blue.' Learn more at For MTSU news anytime, visit This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: MTSU Class of 2025 celebrated during three ceremonies
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
MTSU student veterans overcome challenges to reach graduation plateau
Chuck Bolding of McMinnville and Rashieq Cockerham of Murfreesboro were two of nearly 60 student veterans attending the Middle Tennessee State University Graduating Veterans Stole Ceremony Thursday, May 8. Officials with the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center surprised them with special recognition for their hard work in their MTSU academic careers after serving their country — Bolding earning the Journey Award and Cockerham the Veteran Leadership Award during the ceremony at the Miller Education Center on Bell Street. Nearly 100 student veterans graduated from MTSU with their degrees Friday and Saturday, May 9-10, in commencement ceremonies in Murphy Center. Hosted by the Daniels Center, it marked the 30th stole ceremony — a tradition for the Daniels Center. Graduating veterans receive special red stoles — a symbol of their military service — to wear at commencement. 'Our Stole Ceremony tradition is now in its 10th year,' said Keith M. Huber, MTSU senior adviser for veterans and leadership initiatives and a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general who led the ceremony. 'A decade of recognition and respect for the often confusing and always challenging path of transition from military service to reintegration into the communities we protected while in uniform. 'This serves as a public opportunity to demonstrate our appreciation for all those families, friends and community leaders who guided and supported us during this transition. This incredible university has provided the conditions for our success and provided a path ahead for our future sense of purpose.' Bolding's journey A Honolulu, Hawaii, native, and Long Beach, California, transplant, retired U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Bolding, 52, had to overcome another type of transplant — bone marrow — and other health issues on his path to graduating summa cum laude with a 3.9 GPA majoring in integrated studies with an emphasis in education and leadership. 'I adapted to college life without too much difficulty,' said Bolding, who admitted to 'hating school growing up. … My first semester, I decided to get A's. I knew I had to work to make that happen. '… I owe a great deal of thanks to the Daniels Center. Without them, I'm unsure if I would have been able to be as successful as I have been. Dr. (Hilary) Miller and her team created an environment where my fellow veterans and myself can study, get assistance processing our G.I. Bill paperwork, disability claims, receive mental health counseling or just hang out with some of my fellow veteran brothers and sisters.' Bolding received a variety of medals and badges for his service, which included serving in Bosnia during a NATO mission and Operation Iraqi Freedom when that conflict began in March 2003. When not attending MTSU classes MTSU, he said he is a stay-at-home father and husband. Cockerham's research passion Cockerham, 29, who served four years in the U.S. Marine Corps (rank of corporal) and will return to the Marines after graduation, graduates with a near 3.7 GPA. At MTSU, the biology (with a physiology focus) major with minors in the sciences (chemistry emphasis), Spanish and honors immersed himself in research. With chemistry professor and mentor Paul Kline, Cockerham's research 'emphasized sustainable approaches to cannabis polysaccharide extraction and utilization involving extensive lab work.' It will be published in the Honors College's 'Scientia et Humanitas' and an associated article received the Dean's Distinguished Essay Award. This semester, he participated at five conferences. 'Life at MTSU has been amazing,' Cockerham said. 'I arrived as a nontraditional student and quickly found an on-campus community that supported both my academic and personal growth. The support I received from faculty, the Honors College, the Daniels Center and my peers made this journey incredibly meaningful and rewarding.' Cockerham 'still wrestles with imposter syndrome' (self-doubt), but 'mentorship, a supportive academic community and wife' helped him overcome obstacles. He has been extremely involved with campus organizations — chemistry, research, Honors and more — and wrapping up a Chemistry Department learning assistant, Honors College ambassador and Office of Research and Sponsored Programs student worker. MTSU is committed to developing a community devoted to learning, growth and service. We hold these values dear, and there's a simple phrase that conveys them: 'I am True Blue.' Learn more at For MTSU news any time, visit This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: MTSU student veterans overcome challenges to reach graduation plateau
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
MTSU Mondays: Stock Horse team wrangles national title; roots music fest May 31
Here's the latest news from Middle Tennessee State University: The Middle Tennessee State University stock horse team was crowned the 2025 National Intercollegiate Ranch and Stock Horse Association Division 2 National Champion team in April in Amarillo, Texas. Students competed in the versatility ranch horse events, showcasing their talents in ranch reining, cow work, ranch trail and ranch riding. The Raider riders placed fifth overall in 2024. The team consisted of Marci Leath, junior animal science/pre-vet major from Columbia, South Carolina; Kenlee West, senior horse major from Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Alyssa Davis, senior horse science major from Florence, Alabama; Keira Wagner, junior horse science major from Columbia; and Simone Allen, senior agribusiness major from Mount Juliet. Riders who maintained high scores in all classes took home top individual honors among 153 other riders, including Davis, Allen, and West. MTSU dominated with an impressive 117-point lead after two go-rounds of competition against 14 other Division 2 colleges nationwide, Rego said. Among the competing teams were programs such as Oklahoma State University, which finished in second place, and Tarleton State University, claiming third. 'These ladies laid down their best every time they entered the pen,' said Rego, who coached the team along with graduate assistants JoBeth Scarlett and Kara Brown. 'They competed with the grit, grace and unity that defines what it means to be a Blue Raider.' Rego added the team was gifted the use of a Champion Hughes Ranch Trailer for the year along with additional prizes from Kimes Ranch Jeans and High Cotton Promotions. 'This achievement wouldn't be possible without the support of our horse community, additional teammates, families and the overall mission of the MTSU Horse Science program to create well-rounded horsemen and women,' Rego said. Prep those dancing shoes and listening ears as Middle Tennessee State University's WMOT-FM Roots Radio 89.5 will once again host its annual music fest, 'Roots on the Rivers,' on Saturday, May 31. The single-day, family-friendly music fundraising festival will be held at Two Rivers Mansion, 3130 McGavock Pike in Nashville. Free parking is available on-site. Doors open at noon, and performances begin at 1 p.m. and continue until 10 p.m. General admission tickets are $45 each and can be purchased at Children 16 and under can attend for free. WMOT members will receive a private ticketing link to purchase discounted tickets. The rain-or-shine event includes live music, a beer garden, craft cocktails, food trucks and more. From noon to 2 p.m., a WMOT Family Picnic and meet-and-greet will be held. The festival's music lineup includes Sam Bush, Aaron Lee Tashan, Liz Longley, Browyn Keith-Hynes and Noeline Hofmann. A special surprise guest will also take the stage. Funds raised during this yearly celebration of American roots music help support WMOT's programming, operations and community events. 'My favorite part of Roots on the Rivers is how our roots community comes together in a beautiful setting and shares the joy of music,' said WMOT Executive Director Val Hoeppner. 'It's a little like a family reunion, where there's good friends, good food and drink, and we are all bound by music and artists we love.' Attendees can also enjoy the Family String Band Circle and participate in the music and try various instruments. The first Roots on the Rivers Music Festival was held in August 2022. MTSU Mondays content is provided by submissions from MTSU News and Media Relations. This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Stock Horse team wrangles national title; roots music fest May 31
