This is a story that ran in the Sidelines 100th Anniversary Edition newspaper, a print edition meant to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Sidelines. 

Over the years, Brandi Wade worked in campus dining and transportation, interacting with thousands of students along the way.

Students may recognize her from Corlew Hall’s Chic-fil-A or from years past driving one of MTSU’s shuttle buses, but Wade hopes they remember something more lasting.

“To know Ms. Brandi has always been there to lend a listening ear or helping hand,” she said. “I’ve always been a problem solver.”

Wade’s connection to MTSU stretches back further than her employment. Her mother graduated from the university in the mid-1980s, giving Wade an early introduction to campus life. Though she was born in Murfreesboro and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, she always considered MTSU a landmark for her family — and eventually, for herself.

She first began working on campus in 2017 as a floor supervisor in the Keathley University Center food court, overseeing brands including Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Pizza Hut and Subway.

Not long after, she earned her commercial driver’s license and transitioned into driving MTSU shuttle buses, transporting students and staff across campus and to nearby apartment complexes.

The role quickly become one of her favorites.

“It was a little bit more independence,” Wade said. “I was able to bring a lot of my outside self to it.”

That meant decorating her bus for holidays like Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day, passing out candy and snacks and creating a sense of community during what might otherwise be a routine ride to class.

Though she later stepped away from MTSU to pursue other transportation opportunities, she said the university remained a central point in her career path.

“MTSU has always been a middle point of every career choice that I’ve chosen since I started working,” Wade said.

Now back on campus, Wade said customer service has been the common thread throughout her time in both dining and transportation.

“I’m all things helpful to other people,” she said. “I’m going to bring myself to wherever I am.”

For Wade, that service extends beyond handing out meals or driving routes. She understands that for many students, campus staff members can shape their college experience in subtle but lasting ways.

“These experiences that they have now are things they’re going to carry with them in their journey of life,” Wade said. “You have to always be careful of how you treat people and how you talk to people. It definitely goes a long way.”

Students say her presence makes an impact.

Rhyan Perry, a sophomore at MTSU, described Wade as “a super sweet and considerate employee at Chick-fil-A.”

“Every time I need an extra sauce or I’m missing an item, she’s always there to help me out and super quick with it,” Perry said. “You can tell that she really enjoys working in her environment because of how proactive she is.”

Some of Wade’s most meaningful moments come when former students recognize her after graduation — whether on campus or around town — and stop to say hello.

One year, students even surprised her with birthday gifts while she was driving the shuttle.

As a mother of two daughters, ages 18 and 13, Wade said her time at MTSU has also shaped her personal life. The same patience, encouragement and positivity she offers students are values she carries home.

“It gives me peace and comfort of how I can continue to treat others outside of work,” Wade said. “How I can continue to raise my children, how I can continue to be a better mother, daughter, sister – woman overall.”

It she could leave students with one message, it would be simple.

“Be yourself, and it’ll take you far,” Wade said. “The world is yours. You have the opportunity to change everything right now before it gets too late.”

For Wade, MTSU is more than a workplace — it’s home. Wherever she serves, students can expect a smile, a solution and, if needed, a listening ear.