It's that time of the year again! Over 2,375 soon-to-be graduates are gearing up to make their walk across the stage at Middle Tennessee State University's spring commencement ceremonies scheduled for May 9-10. According to MTSU News, the graduating class of 2025 is set to celebrate in three public ceremonies at the Hale/Earle Arena inside Murphy Center.
On Friday, May 9, kicking off at 3 p.m. Central, graduate and undergraduate students from the Jennings A. Jones College of Business, College of Education, and College of Media and Entertainment will be the first to receive their well-earned diplomas. Rob Payne, an MTSU alumnus and owner of Payne Analytics, is expected to deliver the keynote address. His expertise in animal nutrition and experience in top industry roles are likely to provide invaluable insights to the new grads. Meanwhile, Tennessee House of Representatives Speaker Cameron Sexton is slated to speak to graduates the following morning, bringing with him a record of conservative policy advocacy and leadership within the state's legislature.
The spring 2025 commencement will not just be a local event; it's set to go global with a livestream airing on the university's channels for those unable to physically attend. The ceremonies will be broadcast live on True Blue TV and across social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube, as reported by MTSU News.
Saturday, May 10, promises to be a jam-packed day with two ceremonies. Beginning at 9 a.m. Central, students from the College of Basic and Applied Sciences and the University College will step forward to claim their degrees. At 2 p.m. Central, the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences and the College of Liberal Arts will have their turn. MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee is to briefly address the graduates, welcoming them and their guests to celebrate this milestone.
For those planning to join in person, MTSU has made clear its bag policy—only clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC bags not exceeding specific dimensions are allowed. Small clutch purses will be permitted alongside such bags, ensuring security without overshadowing the joy of the day. Accessibility accommodations, such as closed-captioning and American Sign Language interpretation, will be available for attendees who require them.
Parking and seating details, along with a campus map, can be found on the university's website. These precautions and arrangements speak to the diligent planning undertaken by MTSU to offer a seamless and inclusive celebration for its newest alumni. With this year's graduates, MTSU continues to build on its legacy, having awarded approximately 190,000 degrees since its founding in 1911. The ceremonies mark an end to the spring semester and precede the start of the summer semester on May 19. So, for friends, family, and graduates—get ready to celebrate diligence, achievement, and the start of a new chapter this May at MTSU.
