Dr. McPhee’s tenure includes notable achievements. The university invested over $1.5 billion in new construction. These investments reshaped the campus with modern facilities and elevated the university’s academic standing.

Today, MTSU includes eight undergraduate colleges offering 200 majors and concentrations across 38 departments. The College of Graduate Studies offers more than 100 master’s and specialist programs and 9 doctoral degrees. Since Dr. McPhee’s arrival, the university has raised admission standards, increased enrollment of high-ability students, and introduced over 40 academic programs, two new colleges, and 20 institutes and centers. This academic expansion reflects Dr. McPhee’s commitment to preparing students for the future workforce. As a result of these efforts, MTSU has earned the Carnegie R2 designation as a doctoral university, which indicates a high level of research activity.

Furthermore, MTSU has secured over $22 million in sponsored project funding, a 75% increase since 2023. This funding supports research addressing practical challenges, which Dr. McPhee says underscores the university’s relevance and leadership in higher education.

National recognition continues to validate MTSU’s progress. The Princeton Review has included the university in its Best 390 Colleges ranking for six straight years. The Wall Street Journal and Forbes have also named MTSU as one of America’s top-tier institutions.

“These recognitions are not just about prestige,” Dr. McPhee says. “They reflect our commitment to providing students with an education that is rigorous and relevant. Being the only Tennessee locally governed institution on these lists, alongside the University of Tennessee–Knoxville, speaks volumes about the quality and impact of our programs.”