To the campus community,

I know this week’s tragic incident on our campus caused many to experience a wide range of emotions that can be difficult to process. The compounding stresses of war and humanitarian crises also has caused many to feel sadness, confusion, anger, and hopelessness. At MTSU, we are committed to the principles of free speech and academic freedom, and I want us to be able to have difficult and nuanced conversations in a safe environment where everyone feels welcome and comfortable. 

I have spoken with the mother of the individual who died Wednesday in Peck Hall and expressed our deepest sympathies on behalf of the university, including our Board of Trustees and alumni. The family asked we not share further personal information about their loved one in our public communications at this time. Please know that he helped make our campus a better place for our students, faculty, and staff through his work as an employee with our contracted cleaning services company.

We are extraordinarily grateful to the University Police, Murfreesboro Police, Murfreesboro Fire and Rescue Department, and all who responded with care and compassion while helping to ensure the safety of our community. My thanks also to the company for providing help and support to their team members after the crisis.

If you find yourself struggling to process these or other issues, we encourage you to reach out and ask for help:

• If you are a student who would like to talk with a counselor, MTSU Counseling Services offers a drop-in confidential consultation with a counselor Monday through Friday between 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. in Student Union Room 216 (https://mtsu.edu/counseling/lets-talk.php). 
• Faculty and staff may take advantage of the Employee Assistance benefits offered through Human Resource Services (https://mtsu.edu/hrs/relations/).

In addition, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available to all members of our community 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be reached by dialing 988.

I hope we will continue to treat one another with compassion and kindness during these challenging times, and I hope brighter days are ahead.

Sincerely,
Sidney A. McPhee
President