MTSU Mondays: Trustees OK online degrees creation, fleet adds new aircraft

Courtesy of MTSU
·2 min read

Here's the latest news from Middle Tennessee State University.

5 online master’s degrees to be developed

Beverly Keel, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment at Middle Tennessee State University, discusses the successful recruitment and retention strategies implemented by the college at the MTSU Board of Trustees quarterly meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in the Miller Education Center on Bell Street in Murfreesboro, Tenn.
Beverly Keel, dean of the College of Media and Entertainment at Middle Tennessee State University, discusses the successful recruitment and retention strategies implemented by the college at the MTSU Board of Trustees quarterly meeting Tuesday, April 4, 2023, in the Miller Education Center on Bell Street in Murfreesboro, Tenn.

The Board of Trustees approved the development of five online master’s degree programs that will align with student and workforce demands.

Trustees granted the first round of approvals for master’s degrees in Organizational and Professional Communication; Digital Media; Music Business; Project Management; and Tourism and Hospitality Management.

The Division of Academic Affairs will next work with the Tennessee Higher Education Commission in the coming months to finalize plans for the degrees, then will come back before the Board of Trustees for final review and approval.

New Diamond aircraft for training added to fleet

The first of eight new Diamond Aircraft DA40 XLT single-engine planes were accepted at a brief ceremony recently in Lakeland, Fla., at Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo, one of the nation’s largest annual aviation gatherings.

A delegation from Middle Tennessee State University’s Aerospace Department stands next to its new Diamond DA40 XLT aircraft Wednesday, March 29, at Sun ’n Fun Aerospace Expo, one of the nation’s largest annual aviation gatherings. The delegation visited the event to accept the first of eight new Diamond aircraft to be added to the university’s fleet. Pictured second from left is Trevor Mustard, Diamond head of sales and marketing, who presented a special token of appreciation of the company’s longstanding business partnership with MTSU.

Greg Van Patten, dean of College of Basic and Applied Sciences, and Chaminda Prelis, chair of the university’s Aerospace Department, inspected the aircraft as part of Diamond’s display at Sun ’n Fun. Student pilots flew the aircraft back to Tennessee at the end of the show.

MTSU now has 37 Diamond DA40s in its training fleet of 44 aircraft. Known for their large canopies and distinctive tails, as well as durability, the Toronto-made DA40s have been in MTSU’s fleet since 2003. The rest of the eight will arrive in the next few weeks.

Prelis said the eight new Diamond aircraft will allow MTSU to provide more flight opportunities to students. “And a newer fleet gives our students training experiences in technologically advanced aircraft, which will enhance their career prospects,” he said.

Alumni Spring Showcase continues through April 15

Numerous events and activities remain as part of the Office of Alumni Relations Alumni Spring Showcase, which runs April 6-15.

Remaining events include concert band performances, Lady Raider softball games, Blue Raider tennis matches, the annual Textiles, Merchandising, and Design Runway Show, Blue Raider Bingo, and more — on the agenda.

To generate interest in alumni returning to campus in early spring, the Alumni Office works with a variety of campus departments to put together a solid selection of activities and in-person events. For the remaining calendar of events, visit bit.ly/alumshowcase23.

“Spring Showcase is an opportunity for MTSU alumni and community members to enjoy the many activities and events campus has to offer,” said Ginger Freeman, Alumni Relations director. “From theater, sports, library exhibits, [and] department open houses there is a little something for everyone. We look forward to seeing you back on campus.”

Events will also include a Baldwin Photographic Gallery exhibit titled “Southern Fiction” by Tema Stauffer and the annual LGBT+ conference.

MTSU Mondays content is provided by submissions from MTSU News and Media Relations.

This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: MTSU Mondays: Trustees OK online degrees, fleet adds new aircraft