MTSU is one of the oldest universities in Tennessee. It draws a mixture of traditional and nontraditional students to its campus for many reasons, including its affordability, one-of-a-kind programs, scholarship opportunities and diverse campus. Meet three students who took advantage of scholarship opportunities and how they impacted their college careers and lives.
Johari Hamilton
Johari Hamilton, a nontraditional student, received multiple scholarships and graduated Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA and a degree in journalism with a concentration in public relations and strategic media in 2023.
"I applied for the Honors College Transfer Fellowship. Several weeks later, I received a call from John Vile, dean of the Honors College, telling me I was selected for the fellowship," she recalled. "Receiving a call from the dean made a positive impression on the community at MTSU and the leadership. MTSU has really fulfilled my personal and educational needs."
In addition to the Honors College Transfer Fellowship, Johari also received scholarships from the College of Media and Entertainment, the School of Journalism and Strategic Media, the June Anderson Center for Women and Nontraditional Students, MTSU Foundation, Office of Study Abroad and Barnes and Noble Bookstore.
"I graduated in December 2023 Summa Cum Laude with a 4.0 GPA. The scholarships also afforded me life-changing opportunities. I am honored and forever grateful for the financial assistance I have received to pursue my dreams. I look forward to paying it forward and helping other students' dreams become a reality.”
Johari is pursuing her Master of Science in Media and Communication and working full-time on campus as the coordinator of annual giving, stewardship and donor relations.
Jared McGee
Jared McGee grew up in Shelbyville and is a transfer student majoring in political science and minoring in mass communications and journalism. Jared received the Jane Henegar Duke Memorial Scholarship, which is awarded to students studying political science.
"This scholarship has allowed me to not focus on the financial burden that college can sometimes be and truly focus on succesfully getting my education. I am incredibly appreciative of this scholarship, and all that MTSU has done for me and my future," he said.
Jared said one of the main reasons he chose MTSU is because it's been his family's school for many years. It wasn't too far from home, but just far enough.
"My grandmother received her bachelor's from MTSU and was even the principal at MTSU's Campus School. Both of my parents are alums of MTSU. I have aunts, uncles, and cousins who have also attended the school and graduated. I also chose MTSU because it was close enough to home to attend weekly dinners with my family, but far enough away to learn how to be more independent and forge a new way for myself," he explained.
Jared is involved in several campus organizations and is a Student Orientation Assistant, part of the American Democracy Project on campus, and has served as a Blue Elite tour guide, a Student Ambassador, and a Student Government Senator.
Tianna McCutcheon
Tianna McCutcheon is an exercise science major with a minor in health and human performance. She decided to attend MTSU because of the opportunities within the exercise science program and because she had family members who attended the university and loved it.
Tianna received the HOPE Scholarship, Pell Grant, the Peggy Perry Belcher Scholarship Fund and a scholarship from MTSU's Intercultural and Diversity Affairs.
"Receiving these scholarships allows me to pay for my books and housing for the school year," she said. "Being awarded these scholarships has given me the financial assistance to be on top of my work without dealing with the labor of work. I can be involved on campus and focus on my education."
She is also involved with multiple organizations on campus, including the Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity Inc., the Black History Month Committee, the MTSU Performing Arts Company, and the Student Government Association, while also serving as a Student Orientation Assistant and as a mentor in the Scholars Academy.
Returning to college was a dream I’d had for a long time.
This scholarship let me focus on being successful in getting my education.
I can be involved on campus and focused on my education thanks to wonderful mentors, staff and financial aid that helped me through college.