MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — The Blue Raider community is kicking off the Fall 2025 semester by reaffirming its commitment to the True Blue Pledge, a longstanding Middle Tennessee State University tradition that reflects the university’s core values.

Like years past, a diverse group of students, faculty and staff came together to express those values in a special video message that sets the tone for the academic year ahead.

This year commemorates the 14th anniversary of the pledge’s creation. Under the leadership of President Sidney A. McPhee, the pledge was created in response to the tragic loss of Lady Raider basketball player Tina Stewart, who was killed by her roommate in an off-campus incident. With this pledge, the university sought to unify the community around shared values of character and accountability.

“It’s always great beginning our new academic year by introducing our new students to what it means to really be True Blue, as well as reminding those of us already here,” McPhee said. “This pledge represents an expression of universal values that binds our Blue Raider campus together with a commitment to bring our better selves to the academy and to each new community of scholars arriving each year.”

Beginning with the statement “I am True Blue,” the pledge highlights MTSU’s foundational principles: honesty and integrity, respect for diversity, community engagement, and a commitment to reason over violence.

The True Blue Pledge continues to be a central tradition at MTSU, recited every fall during the University Convocation ceremony. The event welcomes incoming students as President McPhee and university leaders introduce MTSU’s values, history, and traditions.

New Student Government Association President R.J. Ware led this year’s pledge this past Saturday at Convocation at Murphy Center, kicking off his first semester in office.

Watch the latest video below:

The True Blue Pledge reads:

“I am True Blue.

As a member of this diverse community, I am a valuable contributor to its progress and success.

I am engaged in the life of this community. I am a recipient and a giver.

I am a listener and a speaker. I am honest in word and deed. I am committed to reason, not violence.

I am a learner now and forever.

I am a BLUE RAIDER. True Blue!”

Those included in the new video, in order of appearance, include:

• R.J. Ware — senior, political science, pre-law, SGA president. Senior
• Taylor Goodman — junior, allied health technology.
• Emma Spurlock — recent graduate, marketing.
• Dr. Elizabeth Whalen — associate professor, program coordinator for Tourism and Hospitality Management.
• Jason McGowan — oral historian for the Albert Gore Research Center.
• Autumn Claybrooks — senior, elementary education.
• Jared Mcgee — graduate studies, education.
• Dr. Jane Seok Jeng Lim — professor, early childhood education.
• Alec Creasy — graduate studies, computer science.
• Aden Walton — sophomore, audio production.
• Caleb Smith — Homer Pittard Campus School student.
• Baker Poe — Homer Pittard Campus School student.
• Savannah Davis — sophomore, business administration, women’s basketball.
• Torey Alston — junior, sports management, men’s basketball.
• Aya Sharif — recent graduate, speech language pathology and audiology.
• Dr. Peter Grandjean — dean of the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences

For more information about MTSU’s True Blue initiative, visit www.mtsu.edu/trueblue.

— Karli Sutton (Karli.Sutton@mtsu.edu)