MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WGNS) - Middle Tennessee State University will welcome the Class of 2030 and incoming transfer students to Rutherford County on Saturday (August 22nd) for the annual Convocation ceremony. The free event begins at 4 p.m. inside Murphy Center and serves as the formal kickoff to the 2026-27 academic year.

For those who cannot attend in person, the ceremony will stream live on the MTSU livestream, True Blue TV, and the official MTSU Facebook page. University President Sidney A. McPhee will host the event, which starts with a procession of university administration, deans, and faculty.

Gina Poff, director of New Student and Family Programs, called Convocation a bookend ceremony that pairs with graduation. Amy Sayward, professor of history and director of the American Democracy Project, noted that the start of the academic year brings infinite potential to the campus community.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edward J. Larson will serve as the keynote speaker. His book, "Declaring Independence: Why 1776 Matters," was selected for the summer reading book in connection with the nation's 250th anniversary. The Summer Reading Program, managed by the Distinguished Lecture Committee since 2002, gives students direct access to critically acclaimed authors. Larson will also hold a book signing during the President's Party in the Corridor on Friday (August 21st) from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. near the Keathley University Center.

During Convocation, Student Government Association President Kennedy Garrett will lead the recitation of the True Blue Pledge, a campus standard established in 2011. Following the ceremony, new students will gather on the arena floor for their first official class photo.

Additional weekend activities include the MT One Stop Free Cycle giveaway from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday (August 22nd) in the Student Services and Admissions Center lobby. An MTSU Fraternity and Sorority Life meet-and-greet takes place from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Floyd Stadium, followed by a welcome back movie on Sunday (August 23rd) at 8 p.m. in the Student Union Commons.

Classes officially start on Monday (August 24th). Residents can find a full list of campus events at http://mtsu.edu/campuslife/connectionpoint/.