Photo by Connor Burnard / Contributing Photographer
Story by Caleb Revill / Contributing Writer
MTSU hosted its spring 2017 “Preview Day,” an event where transfer students and high school upperclassmen are invited to learn more about MTSU, ask advising questions and tour the campus on Saturday.
During the sign-in portion of the event, MTSU mascot “Lightning” greeted visitors at the entrance to the Student Union Building. After signing in, many students and parents were invited to the second-floor ballroom area where information booths were set up and breakfast was served.
Cody Pyle, a 20-year-old political science student from Motlow State Community College was one of the students in attendance. He plans on transferring to MTSU after obtaining his associate degree.
“I’m only about 45 minutes away so it’s a good drive, and I won’t have to stay on campus,” Pyle said. “My dad was here, and he said he loved it. And the stuff MTSU offers is awesome compared to other universities around.”
Kevontae Higgins, a 16-year-old student from Bob Jones High School, also attended. He was interested in the sports, the size of the MTSU and possibly pursuing an archaeology or anthropology major.
Booths were set up around the edges of the ballroom so students could ask advising questions pertaining to their major of interest. One of the booths was the College of Education booth, overseen by Jim Rost.
“We are the largest producer of teachers in the state of Tennessee. Our dean is a former commissioner of education for the state of Tennessee. Between our great facility and top notch instruction, I think that historically we have proven that if you want to become a teacher, this is the best place to do it,” Rost said.
Thirty minutes into the event, MTSU’s Admissions Director Linda Olsen began her presentation for the large crowd, where she presented a video that explained the many benefits MTSU has to offer.
After the video, Vincent Windrow spoke to the audience about MTSU’s commitment to student success.
“We cannot do it for students, but we are committed to do it with students,” Windrow said.
Having been a student at MTSU, Windrow cited a quote from Author Howard Thurman that states, “Don’t ask what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
He then said that he came alive while attending classes at MTSU.
“My time at MTSU showed me that I had the ability to do a whole bunch of things, and that was part of the self-discovery process for me,” Windrow said. “Engage. Even if you have a laid back personality, lean in. The university has so much to offer everyone. It is an amazing opportunity to discover who you are.”
After Windrow’s speech, attendees were dismissed by major to tour the campus.
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