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The Student News Site of Middle Tennessee State University

MTSU Sidelines

The Student News Site of Middle Tennessee State University

MTSU Sidelines

A copy of the lawsuit against MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee and Dean of Students, Danny Kelley for their roles in Laura Sosh-Lightsy's termination in September 2025.

The ex-assistant dean’s lawsuit, explained

Noah McLane, Editor in chief November 9, 2025
Our reporters combed through the 114-point lawsuit former assistant dean, Laura Sosh-Lightsy filed against MTSU's Sidney A. McPhee and Danny Kelley — see what we learned.
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee (right) and Vice President for University Enhancement, Joe Bales (middle) look on as University Provost Mark Byrnes (left) answers a Student Government Association senator's question  in the Student Union Parliamentary Room on Nov. 6, 2025.

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee responds to pressing questions from SGA

Wren Bailey, Lead news reporter November 8, 2025
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee answers SGA's burning questions.
MTSU campus near the Student Union on Sept. 9, 2025.

Live updates: MTSU campus reacts to firing of assistant dean

Sidelines Staff September 11, 2025
Campus leaders respond to the firing of the assistant dean of students.
Sidney A. McPhee, president at Middle Tennessee State University, addresses the university’s Board of Trustees during its summer quarterly meeting held Tuesday, June 17, 2025 the Miller Education Center in Murfreesboro, Tenn. (MTSU photo by Andy Heidt)

Update: McPhee explains firing of MTSU assistant dean

Noah McLane, Editor in chief September 11, 2025
MTSU president Sidney A. McPhee released a second statement regarding the university taking action against an employee who posted "callous" comments about Charlie Kirk on social media.
The MTSU obelisk sits on the border of campus in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. (Photo by Brian Branch)

MTSU makes adjustments to comply with DEI legislation

Olivia Summers, News editor July 23, 2025
The university has taken several actions to remain in compliance with new DEI related legislation.
From left to right: Liz McPhee, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee at an event at the Shelbyville airport in September 2024.

UPDATE: MTSU to scale back DEI-related initiatives

Olivia Summers, News editor June 17, 2025
MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee announces new changes in compliance with new Tennessee state law banning DEI initiatives.
A Rutherford County Sheriff vehicle is parked at Middle Tennessee State University's campus the night of a shooting at Murphy Center. (Photo by Bill Lickman)

Controversial MTSU police altercation videos circulate on social media

Alyssa Williams October 8, 2022

Story by Alyssa Williams | Contributing Writer Video clips of four Middle Tennessee State University police officers apprehending a non-student attending what campus police termed a non-sanctioned...

MTSU President Sidney McPhee dedicating the Blue Raider Bridge on Thursday, September 5. (Photo courtesy of MTSU's J. Intintoli.)

“We have made contact with every student’s families:” MTSU President launches relief effort for Bahamian families after loss of niece

Angele Latham | Editor In Chief September 6, 2019

Although Hurricane Dorian continues to slam the east coast, the effects of the storm have already been astoundingly far reaching for many— even far enough to impact those at Middle Tennessee State University. In...

Video: Students get behind-the-scenes instruction before 54th Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas

Video: Students get behind-the-scenes instruction before 54th Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas

Photo and video courtesy of Andrew Oppmann / MTSU MTSU students received behind-the-scenes instruction Sunday morning at rehearsals before the 54th Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. Students...

MTSU Board of Trustees, November 29

MTSU Board of Trustees holds special meeting to discuss possibility of 5-year extension, $250,000 bonus for President McPhee

CIM Digital November 29, 2018

Photo by Megan Cole / MTSU Sidelines The MTSU Board of Trustees met on Tuesday in the Miller Education Center off of campus to discuss a contract MTSU President Sidney McPhee proposed regarding his presidency....

'This is a direct attack on me': MTSU students, faculty, union members launch campaign against $3.5 million Charles Koch Foundation grant

‘This is a direct attack on me’: MTSU students, faculty, union members launch campaign against $3.5 million Charles Koch Foundation grant

Photo by Andrew Wigdor / MTSU Sidelines Student, faculty and local union members have banded together at MTSU to raise awareness of a $3.5 million grant that they believe may be misleading and dangerous...

MTSU President Sidney McPhee receives 2018 American Red Cross Hero Award

MTSU President Sidney McPhee receives 2018 American Red Cross Hero Award

Angele Latham | Editor In Chief February 23, 2018

Photo courtesy of MTSU News The Red Cross Heart of Tennessee chapter awarded this year's American Red Cross Hero Award to MTSU President Sidney McPhee at the chapter's "Heroes Breakfast," which drew hundreds...

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MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee