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Meet MTSU’s Study Body President

Michai Mosby: Being at MTSU these 4 years has shown me so much about being open to new things and change

Michai Mosby is a Middle Tennessee State University senior majoring in public relations and minoring in political science. He's also the Student Government Association president for a second term and is beloved by the MTSU community for his kind spirit and compassionate heart. 

Upon meeting him, you'll be greeted with Southern charm and a genuine smile that fills his face. Growing up in Memphis, Tennessee, Michai refers to his two sisters as his first best friends.  

"They taught me much of what I know about perseverance and standing up for yourself," he said. 

Michai has been in leadership roles since high school where he served as class president. He's also a licensed minister who gave his first sermon in 2015 when he was 11.  

Besides serving as MTSU's student body president and taking 18-course hours this semester, he is also president of the 4K college ministry at First Baptist Church Murfreesboro, a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, the choir director for MTSU's gospel choir and the executive coordinator for Scholar's Academy, which allows new students to arrive to campus early and get acclimated to MTSU before 20,000 students arrive. 

"Out of all the roles, one of the things that I am most proud of is being able to stand every day and represent the values my parents and grandparents instilled in me, which is not only integrity, but making sure I do everything with 100% intention," he said. 

Michai said MTSU was the first college he toured in high school, but he didn't initially intend to become part of the True Blue community 

"If you had asked junior in high school Michai where he was going to college, he would have said he was going to a school in Atlanta." 

But Michai knew MTSU was ultimately the place he was meant to be. 

"Every day since I decided to come to MTSU, I have not regretted that decision. That's how I know I am in the right space," he said.  

As president of the SGA for the last two years, Michai has focused on creating opportunities for unification, engagement, and inclusion. 

"I'm proud of doubling SGA's engagement involvement on campus under my leadership," he said. "People say I must be stressed out or burnt out, but no. It doesn't feel like work when you enjoy and feel called to do what you're doing. That's when you know you've tapped into your purpose."  

With graduation and his second term ending next year, Michai is focusing on the time he has left at MTSU and the university’s future.

"Being here these four years has shown me so much about being open to new things and change, and I hope MTSU never loses that passion to create a better experience for future Blue Raiders." 

He continued, "My hope for MTSU in the future is to continue to change the game when it comes to student care and student involvement, and for us never to lose that longing to be better. We should strive to improve to avoid complacency, challenging the belief that things shouldn’t change just because they've always been a certain way." 

For his own future, Michai plans to get a master's degree, possibly in business administration. He will also continue to look to his role model and best friend, his late grandfather, Jerrell Rucker, for inspiration. 

"My grandfather taught me to love people, and that's where I get my heart for people. We could talk about anything and everything. This past year, I have reached for my phone to call him, and I'll ask myself, 'WWJD — what would Jerrell do." 

"… He poured into me mentally; if I could be half the man he was, I would be satisfied with that. Part of continuing his legacy is also continuing his heart," Michai said.  

While he's still trying to figure out his dream job, he knows it will involve serving people and the community. 

"I can see myself becoming a pastor because I am very strong in my faith. Congregational care and people care is something I really love," he said. "I could also see myself returning to MTSU one day and being university president and continuing a career in higher education." 

Michai graduates in May 2025. 

MTSU changed my life. It really changed the trajectory of my life for the
better.

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