Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) has a long history of producing successful and accomplished alumni. From business leaders to artists, politicians to scientists, MTSU graduates have made a lasting impact in their respective fields. In this article, we will highlight some of the notable achievements and success stories of MTSU alumni.
Business and Entrepreneurship
MTSU has a strong reputation for producing successful business leaders and entrepreneurs. One notable example is James M. Buchanan, a Nobel laureate in economics who graduated from MTSU in 1940. Buchanan's work in public choice theory has had a significant impact on the field of economics.
Another successful alumnus is Mike Mansfield, who graduated from MTSU in 1966. Mansfield is the former CEO of United Way of America and has held leadership positions in several other non-profit organizations.
Notable Business Alumni
- James M. Buchanan (Nobel laureate in economics)
- Mike Mansfield (former CEO of United Way of America)
- John Hood (CEO of Hood Industries)
- Mark Levine (CEO of Bank of America)
Arts and Entertainment
MTSU has a thriving arts program, and many of its graduates have gone on to successful careers in the entertainment industry. One notable example is Hillary Scott, the lead vocalist of the country music group Lady Antebellum. Scott graduated from MTSU in 2004 and has since won numerous awards, including multiple Grammy Awards.
Another successful alumnus is Eric Paslay, a country music singer-songwriter who graduated from MTSU in 2005. Paslay has released several successful albums and has written songs for other notable artists, including Jake Owen and Rascal Flatts.
Notable Arts Alumni
- Hillary Scott (lead vocalist of Lady Antebellum)
- Eric Paslay (country music singer-songwriter)
- Jason Aldean (country music singer)
- Taylor Hicks (American Idol winner)
Politics and Public Service
MTSU has a long history of producing successful politicians and public servants. One notable example is Albert Gore Sr., a former U.S. Senator and Representative who graduated from MTSU in 1932. Gore's son, Al Gore, also attended MTSU and went on to become Vice President of the United States.
Another successful alumnus is Bart Gordon, a former U.S. Representative who graduated from MTSU in 1971. Gordon served in the House of Representatives for over 25 years and was a key player in several notable pieces of legislation.
Notable Politics Alumni
- Albert Gore Sr. (former U.S. Senator and Representative)
- Bart Gordon (former U.S. Representative)
- Jim Cooper (U.S. Representative)
- Andy Womack (Tennessee State Representative)
Science and Technology
MTSU has a strong reputation for producing successful scientists and technologists. One notable example is Ed Hickam, a NASA engineer who graduated from MTSU in 1972. Hickam worked on several notable projects, including the Space Shuttle program.
Another successful alumnus is Brian Donahue, a software engineer who graduated from MTSU in 2001. Donahue has worked for several major tech companies, including Google and Microsoft.
Notable Science Alumni
- Ed Hickam (NASA engineer)
- Brian Donahue (software engineer)
- Matt Edwards (data scientist)
- Emily Wilson (biologist)
We hope this article has provided a glimpse into the many achievements and success stories of MTSU alumni. From business leaders to artists, politicians to scientists, MTSU graduates have made a lasting impact in their respective fields. We encourage you to share your own success stories and achievements with us on social media using the hashtag #MTSUAlumni.
What is the most notable achievement of an MTSU alumnus?
+One of the most notable achievements of an MTSU alumnus is James M. Buchanan's Nobel Prize in Economics in 1986.
What is the most common field of study for MTSU alumni?
+According to MTSU's website, the most common fields of study for MTSU alumni are business, education, and health sciences.
How many MTSU alumni have gone on to become politicians?
+Several MTSU alumni have gone on to become politicians, including Albert Gore Sr., Bart Gordon, and Jim Cooper.