MTSU spring ’22 graduates urged to be open-minded, think critically
Middle Tennessee State University’s 2,470plus members of the first Class of 2022 and their supporters celebrated their degree attainment Saturday, May 7, at the University’s spring commencement in Murphy Center.
“Nothing should hold back the size and shape of your dreams. It is our talent for imagination and creativity that make us humans,” said Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis, speaking during the morning commencement ceremony.
“… The most valuable knowledge you gain here is the importance of keeping your mind open and thinking critically. None of us can afford to be complacent; we must keep learning.” Davis and former Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam were presented with honorary doctorate degrees as part of the morning ceremony.
MTSU Board of Trustees Vice Chair Christine Karbowiak, retired top executive for Bridgestone Americas, spoke at the afternoon commencement event followed by MTSU Department of Marketing professor
Tim Graeff, recipient of the University’s 2021 Career Achievement
Award and director of the MTSU Office of Consumer Research, as the evening ceremony keynote speaker.
The day was divided into three ceremonies to accommodate the 2,474 future MTSU alumni receiving their degrees, a figure that includes 2,041 undergraduates and 433 graduate students, according to the university Registrar’s Office.
That second figure includes 389 master’s degrees, 25 education-specialist degrees and 19 doctoral degrees, along with 18 graduate students who received certificates for their advanced studies.
University President Sidney A. Mcphee reminded the new graduates and their supporters to pause before stepping into their new roles in the world.
“We are very grateful that you’re a member of this academic community and that you chose this university as the place to pursue your academic dreams,” he said.
“Enjoy this time of excitement. … It is our great pleasure to reward your commitment and educational achievement with these degrees.”