14-04-2025
MTSU Monday: State economic head impressed, learning center to host fundraiser
Here's the latest news from the university:
Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter recently visited Middle Tennessee State University in one of his ongoing #McWhorterOnTheMove trips across Tennessee.
McWhorter explored MTSU's cutting-edge research and workforce development in quantum science and its national leading Concrete Industry Management program during the commissioner's two-hour visit.
McWhorter has been crisscrossing the state, visiting universities, high schools, industry and more in the quest to make Tennessee the No. 1 location in the Southeast for high quality jobs.
'Our job in our department is to connect industry with the research and development assets in our state,' McWhorter said in a video on the department's Facebook page. 'We're touring, hearing, listening, learning, and we're getting that out to industry not only in the U.S., but globally.'
Regarding quantum science, led by faculty member Hanna Terletska, McWhorter said MTSU's 'doing some fantastic work in quantum. They're putting curriculum together with their researchers and faculty and students.
'They're reaching across the state, working with lots of other partners to further their research (and) further the workforce development capabilities that is really going to be the future. It's not just companies in quantum computing. It's really all industry that is eventually going to be using quantum computing … to better their products and services in their business.'
Concrete Industry Management program director Jon Huddleston and College of Basic and Applied Sciences Dean Greg Van Patten led McWhorter on a brief tour of the 90,000-square-foot, $74.8 million School of Concrete and Construction Management Building.
Joe Bales, vice president for University Advancement, shared that McWhorter's 'visit was designed to provide the commissioner and ECD (Economic and Community Development) staff with a better understanding of the resources available in our education system to assist the state in economic development.'
Part of McWhorter's visit to MTSU was connected to GovCon25 — the Governor's Conference on Economic Development — Nov. 4-5 in Murfreesboro, to be hosted by ECD and the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce and to be held at Embassy Suites by Hilton near The Avenue in Murfreesboro. MTSU may be an event sponsor.
Middle Tennessee State University's Ann Campbell Early Learning Center will host the 18th annual 'Saddle Up' fundraiser on Saturday, April 19, again inviting the public to come out for this signature family-friendly event in support of the longtime preschool facility that also serves as a training ground for students.
The annual event will run from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. April 19 at the MTSU Tennessee Livestock Center, at 1720 Greenland Drive. The funds raised will help the learning center maintain the inclusive outdoor playground, hire additional staff, and enhance classroom learning materials.
Tickets are $7 and $30 for groups and can be purchased online or by visiting the center webpage at and clicking the link at bottom. Food and snacks will be available throughout the day.
'This is a true family event that you don't want to miss!' said Charlotte Scott-Moore, the director of the center.
Attendees can enjoy a variety of activities like giant Jenga and a mega egg hunt. Horses will appear with handlers from the Rutherford County 4-H horse club. In addition, the Easter bunny will be handing out golden eggs to the kids. There will also be a silent auction with items for the whole family, including new pieces like gift card collages for restaurants all over town.
The event will feature children's author and MTSU associate professor of marketing Sherry Roberts to read some of her books.
Located on North Baird Lane on the MTSU campus, the Ann Campbell Early Learning Center is an inclusive preschool serving children from 12 months to kindergarten age. The program provides a developmentally appropriate learning environment. It also serves as a training site for more than 200 college students each year, offering hands-on in-classroom training and observation opportunities.
Those interested in helping the center continue to provide learning opportunities to children can donate or become sponsors through the learning center's website.
The ACE Learning Center is licensed by the Tennessee Department of Human Services.
MTSU Mondays content is provided by submissions from MTSU News and Media Relations.
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: State economic head impressed, learning center to host fundraiser
