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MTSU recently welcomed back alumnus Bob Pickard, a 1976 graduate in History & International Relations, for a campus visit. His tour featured meetings with department leaders, including Kristi Shamburger, Chair of Theatre and Dance; Dr. Andy Polk, Interim Chair of History; Dr. Amy Atchison, Chair of Political and Global Affairs; and Dr. Louis Kyriakoudes, Director of the Albert Gore Sr. Research Center.

Pickard and his fiancée, Cami Quintos, also explored programs that shaped his lifelong commitment to education and public service. He enjoyed a a tour of the Albert Gore Sr. Research Center, and a preview performance of Pirates of Penzance with MTSU Theatre.

As further evidence of his pride for MTSU, Bob recently made an significant impact by establishing two new scholarship endowments through an estate gift, as well as supporting WMOT:

• Robert Evin Pickard History Scholarship
• John M. Pickard, Jr. Memorial Scholarship in Theatre
• Support for WMOT, MTSU’s radio station

A Nashville native and world traveler, Bob has served in the Peace Corps, worked in refugee programs across the globe, taught history for more than 20 years, including at MTSU, and participated in national political campaigns for decades, with his service for Al Gore Sr., first as a volunteer and later as a staff member.

Having preserved his efforts as the Robert Evins Pickard Papers, Bob donated archival collection of personal correspondence, audio cassettes of lectures, family photographs, and Gore campaign materials to The Albert Gore Research Center at MTSU.

What inspired his gifts to MTSU? Honoring legacies and supporting future scholars. After losing his first wife, Mila, of 41 years to cancer in 2020, Bob first sought to support his family, including his 11 nieces and nephews, before deciding to create scholarships.

“I always wanted to have a scholarship [at MTSU] and leave some kind of legacy behind that I was here, and somebody can get an education,” said Bob. His history scholarship benefits two institutions by giving preference to MTSU students who also hold a degree from Tennessee State University. He hopes it will help attract and retain quality students in the history department.

“[The scholarship] will be with the students for a long time. Hopefully it will help people. I think we need more and better history education in this country, and more and better history preservation and civic education as well.”

For the MTSU Theatre scholarship, Bob chose to honor his cousin, John M. Pickard, a well-known character actor who worked extensively in film and television, often in Westerns. As Bob explains, “He often played a cavalryman because he could ride really well. He had been with horses all his life. He was a real-life cowboy, basically.”

John grew up in Rutherford County, briefly attended MTSU (then MTSTC) in the 1930s, and then pursued a career in motion pictures. He was best known for his role in the 1950s TV series Boots and Saddles. He also appeared in numerous films from the late ’40s to the ’70s, including several John Wayne movies such as True Grit, Chisum, and Wake of the Red Witch.

Much of Bob’s research and documents related to John’s career, including one of his film scripts, have also been donated to the Gore Center’s collections.

As a child, Bob loved watching his cousin on television and proudly telling friends he was related to the famous cowboy. When they doubted him, he could prove it with prized Boots and Saddles comic books featuring his cavalryman cousin, Captain Shank Adams, on the cover.

The theatre scholarship preserves the memory of John Pickard and, as Bob envisions, will empower future generations of actors, directors, and producers in MTSU’s Department of Theatre and Dance.

Returning to campus for a tour in November 2025, Bob reflected on his own MTSU experience. He shared that the University was “his salvation” as a young adult following a difficult childhood. He was especially inspired by international relations professor Jack Turner. “He was one of the best professors I ever had. He was very encouraging.”

Bob later supported the establishment of the Jack Justin Turner Scholarship for international relations students in what is now the Department of Political and Global Affairs.

During his senior year, Bob served as chairman of the Ideas and Issues speakers committee, broadening his worldview through exposure to prominent writers, political leaders, and public figures invited to campus—including author David Halberstam, political activist Ralph Nader, and psychiatrist Dr. Alvin Poussaint.

Bob also recalled fond memories of concerts and theatre productions during his time at MTSU. “If there’s a place I’m going to leave a legacy, this is a good place to do it. I think the history scholarship will help two schools.”

His generosity will support Blue Raiders for generations to come. Planned gifts, such as bequests or charitable trusts, provide meaningful ways to make a future impact at MTSU.

To learn more about making a gift to support programs in the College of Liberal Arts, contact Development Director Meredith Kerr at 615-898-5223 or meredith.kerr@mtsu.edu.

– Brian Delaney, MTSU Advancement Division Communications

Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has announced the appointment of Brock McWhorter as the new Development Director for the MTSU College of Behavioral and Health Sciences.

McWhorter joins MTSU after 13 years at the University of Memphis, where he served in several roles within the athletics department, most recently as Director of Annual Fund and Letterwinner Relations. A three-time graduate of the University of Memphis, McWhorter brings extensive experience in donor relations, annual giving, and alumni engagement.

“We are excited to welcome Brock to the team,” said Mark Clark, Executive Director of Development. “His background in donor relations and his enthusiasm for connecting people with meaningful opportunities to give will be a tremendous asset to the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences and the university as a whole.”

“I’m thrilled to serve our dedicated alumni and donors across Middle Tennessee and beyond,” McWhorter said. “I look forward to celebrating our university’s accomplishments, hearing your story, and learning how MTSU has impacted your life.”

McWhorter and his wife, Rachel, a proud MTSU alumna and Middle Tennessee native, are excited to return to the community. “We have deep ties to this area, and it’s an honor to be part of the Blue Raider family,” he added.

In his new role, McWhorter will work closely with alumni, donors, and friends of the college to advance the mission of CBHS, to learn, lead, and serve to improve the health, safety, and well-being of Tennessee, our nation, and the world.

“As an alumnus and donor, your involvement and support are vital,” McWhorter said. “Your generosity creates transformative opportunities for students, provides essential resources for faculty and staff, and ensures our graduates are well-prepared to lead in their professions.”

The College of Behavioral and Health Sciences is home to programs in nursing, psychology, health and human performance, criminal justice, social work, and other disciplines that prepare students to serve and strengthen communities across Tennessee and beyond.

McWhorter encourages alumni and supporters to stay connected and explore ways to make an impact. “If you have questions about what’s happening in our college or how to get involved, please reach out,” he said.
He can be contacted at bmcwhorter@mtsu.edu or 615-898-2417.

To learn how you can support the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, visit https://development.mtsu.edu/. To make an online gift directly to the college, go to https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/_t8JEQ?vid=1m342t

MTSU welcomed an executive team from Nissan Motor Corporation for a campus visit that highlighted the university’s wide range of academic programs, student resources, and workforce development initiatives.

Senior leaders representing Nissan’s North America headquarters in Franklin, the Smyrna Vehicle Assembly Plant, and the Decherd Powertrain Assembly Plant toured key areas of campus and engaged with MTSU faculty and staff.

Several alumni within the delegation also enjoyed the opportunity to return to their alma mater during the visit.

The group’s itinerary included stops at the Jones College of Business and the College of Basic and Applied Sciences, where they learned more about innovative programs preparing graduates for industry needs. The team also toured the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center, the MTSU Career Development Center, and facilities supporting Blue Raider Athletics.

“This collaborative effort was an exciting opportunity to showcase the wealth of resources and opportunities dedicated to training and preparing a skilled workforce,” said Brad Tammen, MTSU’s Director of Strategic Partnerships and Corporate Engagement. “By highlighting the academic and support structures in place, we aimed to underscore our commitment to meeting the growing needs of Nissan, the largest employer in our area.”

The visit underscored MTSU’s longstanding role as a talent pipeline and community partner in Middle Tennessee. University leaders emphasized their appreciation for Nissan’s continued engagement and expressed enthusiasm for strengthening collaborations that benefit students, alumni, and the regional economy.

Originally published November 2023.

Middle Tennessee State University alumni Casey (’08, ’15, ’24) and Courtney Brown (’12) have chosen a meaningful way to honor Casey’s late parents, Elkin and Billye Ann Brown.

Through the creation of the Elkin and Billye Ann Brown Memorial Scholarship, they are ensuring that future students will have the support they need to pursue their academic dreams.

“Elkin and Billye loved MTSU and the community here. It was the perfect way for us to honor them both,” Courtney said.

Casey and Courtney share a deep bond with the University and established this scholarship to honor the memory of Casey’s parents and provide needed assistance to a deserving student majoring in English.

“Elkin and Billye loved MTSU and the community here. It was the perfect way for us to honor them both,” said Courtney.

Understanding the challenges of balancing school and work, Casey and Courtney hope to assist students, particularly non-traditional students, in accomplishing their academic goals.

Elkin and Billye lived in Womack Lane Apartments on campus while Elkin completed his M.A. in the MTSU English Department, and the couple welcomed their son, Casey, in 1985.

After earning his degree, Elkin began a career as an instructor of English at Volunteer State Community College and Cumberland University, where he taught until his death in 2008.

Billye also attended MTSU, completing coursework in Sociology and Communications while working full-time in a variety of roles prior to becoming a mother. Upon returning to the workforce, she had a long, successful career across multiple industries, including stints with Cracker Barrel and Altria, until her death in 2024.

The Browns’ time at MTSU and in Murfreesboro was among their fondest memories. What they lacked in resources, they had in abundance in family and community.

After living on campus as a baby, Casey earned his B.S. (’08), M.Ed. (’15), and Ed.D. (’24) at MTSU. He met his wife, Courtney (’12) as an undergraduate student on campus, where they both now work. Casey serves as the Dual Enrollment Program Coordinator and Courtney is the Director of Annual Giving, Stewardship, and Donor Relations at MTSU.

By establishing this scholarship, the Browns are both honoring the legacy of Elkin and Billye and investing in the success of future Blue Raiders.

To learn how you can create an endowed scholarship or memorial gift, visit development.mtsu.edu/types-of-gifts.

– Brian Delaney, bdelaney@mtsu.edu

On her last day of service as a graduate student worker for the MTSU Foundation, alumna Emily (Musselman) Long wrote a testament about the significance of making a gift to support MTSU. Read her insights below, originally published in the Winter 2024 issue of MTSU Magazine.

I have had the honor of working in the MTSU Foundation for 5 years. Since this is my last day with the Foundation, I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts about the significance of contributing to your University, especially to my fellow MTSU alumni.

If we are being honest, most of us have developed a reflex when it comes to requests for money—straight into the trash they go, right? I get it; it’s tempting to dismiss these appeals without a second thought, especially when you are getting nothing in return. You have already paid your tuition, you have already paid for housing, you have already paid your fees, why on Earth would you give MORE money to your University?

But before you crumple up that next MTSU donation letter (that a young student worker, like my 18 year-old self, painstakingly folded and addressed for hours), let me share a different perspective—one I’ve had the privilege of witnessing up close for over five years.

Behind those requests for donations are real people, real students, whose lives are being transformed because someone chose to give.

Every single day, our wonderful team processes a multitude of gifts from our incredible alumni and donors, ranging from substantial contributions to modest ones.

Now, you might be thinking, “What impact can my $25 gift possibly have when compared to donors giving thousands?”

Imagine this: If three other alumni, like you, decide to give a $25 gift, directed to the appropriate foundation fund (let’s say a Student Emergency Fund), collectively, you have given $100 – enough to cover a student textbook for the semester. Because of your collective generosity, a student won’t have to choose between buying a textbook and meeting other basic needs.

The bigger picture is this: It’s not about the size of the gift in isolation. It’s about the collective impact when our alumni give. Whether it’s $10, $100, or $1,000, every contribution allows us to support our students.

One of my responsibilities as interim scholarship manager was approving funds and collaborating with various departments to identify students eligible for foundation scholarships. Through this process, I’ve had the privilege of listening to students’ stories and hearing the impact that these scholarships have on their lives.

These foundation funds are a vital support system for a diverse array of students, including our prospective educators, minority scholars, first-generation college attendees, and those facing great financial need—just to name a few that I have seen this morning.

Maybe you never received a scholarship during your time at the University. Maybe you paid for it all yourself. Maybe you are still paying off student loans. But I promise you—students’ lives are being transformed. And the more alumni that give, the more students we get to help.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Go Blue Raiders!

If you wish to give to MTSU, please visit mtsu.edu/give.

Emily (Musselman) Long received her bachelor’s (’21) and master’s (’23) degrees in Computer Science from MTSU and is now employed at Bridgestone Americas as a data engineer.

Originally published in MTSU Magazine, Winter 2024 issue.