Middle Tennessee State University President Sidney McPhee told the school's Board of Trustees on Tuesday that he plans to retire in December after more than 25 years leading the university. Calling the job "the greatest professional honor of my career," McPhee said he was grateful to employees, alumni, and the campus community, and he told trustees he intends to remain on campus as a tenured professor in the College of Education after stepping down.
As reported by NewsChannel 5, McPhee said he had formally notified the Board of Trustees about his plan and framed the move as a transition rather than a complete exit, emphasizing his appreciation for students and staff.
A quarter-century at the helm
McPhee became MTSU's 10th president in 2001 and has overseen major enrollment growth and a series of campus building projects during his tenure, according to MTSU.
The Board of Trustees approved a contract extension in April 2022 that carried McPhee's agreement through Dec. 10, 2026, so his planned retirement lines up with the end of that term, according to MTSU News.
Board will lead search for successor
The MTSU Board of Trustees has the statutory responsibility for selecting a president and typically sets up a search committee, brings in an outside search firm, and seeks input from the campus community as it narrows the field. Student reporting notes the process usually includes candidate interviews and public forums so faculty, staff, and students can weigh in, according to MTSU Sidelines.
Campus context
McPhee's announcement comes after a difficult start to the year for the first family: the university announced the death of first lady Elizabeth "Liz" McPhee in January. Reactions on campus and among alumni were still emerging Tuesday evening as officials said transition details would be handled by the board. Local coverage of Mrs. McPhee's passing appeared in WSMV.
