MTSU professor found dead in DeKalb County

Staff Report • December 4, 2025

Peck Hall on MTSU campus.

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Updated

Dec 04, 2025, 7:20 pm

Noah McLane, Editor in chief

MTSU administration gives statements

“The Blue Raider community extends its sympathies to the family, friends, colleagues, and students of Dr. Ashleigh McKinzie, associate professor of sociology and valued member of the MTSU community since 2017, who passed away earlier today,” Andrew Oppmann, vice president and spokesman of marketing and communications for MTSU, said in a statement.

He added that students who need support may reach out to MTSU Counseling Services, located in the Keathley University Center, or call (615-898-2670). Alternatively, if it is after hours, they can call the 988 lifeline.

Faculty and staff who need support may contact the Employee Assistance Program at 1-855-Here4TN (1-855-437-3486) or visit Here4TN.com.

Leah Lyons, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, sent an email to students Thursday evening.

“Earlier today, we learned of the passing of Sociology faculty member Dr. Ashleigh McKinzie. This is difficult news, and we know many of you may feel shaken or unsure how to process it, Lyons said. “Please also look out for one another and let me, your instructors, or any member of our faculty or staff know if you need help navigating the days ahead.”

She added that the administration will work with students in the Sociology and Anthropology Department, who may already be feeling burdened by finals.

“You are part of a community that cares about you. If you need support, ask. We are here,” Lyons said at the end of her message.

The entire email is available to read here.

This is a developing story.

MTSU associate sociology professor Ashleigh McKinzie, 41, was found dead Thursday morning in DeKalb County, Tennessee, along Smithville Highway near Captain’s Point Road.

McKinzie died of apparent gunshot wounds, according to the DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office, whose deputies found a loaded handgun, which belonged to McKinzie, on the scene.

Upon the deputies’ arrival, an adult male, Todd C. Stanton, 27, was on the scene, according to Bryant Dunaway, District Attorney of the 13th Judicial District, in a post on Facebook.

Bryant C. Dunaway

A handgun determined to belong to Stanton was found on the hood of his truck. He is cooperating with investigators.

Authorities have not made any criminal charges and requested the assistance of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

“Both agencies are actively working together to determine the circumstances and nature of the incident,” Dunaway said in his post. “No criminal charges have been taken at this time. Investigators are currently working diligently to determine the facts so that a full evaluation will be made.”

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About the Contributor

Noah McLane, Editor in Chief

I’m a senior at MTSU’s School of Journalism, and this will be my second semester as the lead news reporter for Sidelines. I work for the First Amendment Encyclopedia through the Free Speech Center at MTSU and the John Seigenthaler Chair of Excellence in First Amendment Studies. In addition to covering issues like Forrest Hall and free speech on campus for Sidelines, I produced content for the Paris Post-Intelligencer, the First Amendment Encyclopedia, Sidelines Magazine and WMOT.