Out of the Blue from MTSU

People are fascinating—and at MTSU, we’ve got a whole department dedicated to figuring them out! Sociology and Anthropology may be two different fields, but they share one big mission: understanding how humans tick, live, connect, and sometimes clash. From ancient bones to modern social movements, students here dive deep into what makes societies work (or not).On this podcast, we chat with Dr. Sha...

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 direc...

"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 t...

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...

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 advertisin...

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 exp...

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, Directo...

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...

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 Ed...

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 m...

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-grade...

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 proje...

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 oppo...

In this special bonus episode of Out 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 reima...

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 Aff...

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. Sh...

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 exp...

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...

The annual tradition of closing out our 'Joys of the Season' holiday show with a performance of "Sleigh Ride" goes to the talented students of the MTSU Symphony Orchestra. Happy Holidays from Out of the Blue!

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 be...

In this segment from our holiday episode of 'Joys of the Season,' Professor Debrah Sickler-Voigt from our Department of Art and Design guides us through a fun and creative holiday craft for all ages—a Stamped Flour Clay Ornament with a Haiku! This easy and charming project can be done right in your own kitchen, making it the perfect holiday activity for the whole family. Tune in as we learn how to...

In this exciting performance, the talented cast of 'She Loves Me' takes the stage at MTSU's Tucker Theatre, directed by Associate Professor of Theatre Kristi Shamburger. Set in a quaint Budapest parfumerie, 'She Loves Me' tells the story of two coworkers who unknowingly fall in love through anonymous letters. This video podcast features a lively and fun performance of the song "Twelve Days to Chri...

MTSU has introduced Dr. Peter Grandjean as the new dean of the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, following a rigorous national search. Dr. Grandjean officially took the reins on July 1, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his previous role as dean of the School of Applied Sciences and professor of Exercise Science at the University of Mississippi in Oxford. Under his leadership,...

Did you know that MTSU offers the first Fermentation Science degree program in Tennessee? It’s a unique gem in the Southeast, and it encompasses so much more than just brewing beer! This innovative program is tailored for students passionate about the science and art of fermentation across a wide array of applications—from delicious foods and beverages to industrial chemicals, medications, water t...

A dedicated trio of professors from MTSU’s College of Basic and Applied Sciences has been awarded a prestigious $1.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation! This significant funding will support groundbreaking research aimed at enhancing the teaching and learning of STEM fields—science, technology, engineering, and math—right here on our campus. On this episode we sit down with Mathema...