Sidney A. McPhee facts for kids

Sidney A. McPhee is an American educator who was born in the Bahamas. He is the current President of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU), a job he has held since 2001. A university president is like the principal of a college, leading the entire school.

Early Life and Education

Sidney A. McPhee became the tenth president of MTSU in 2001. He has a strong background in education. He earned his first college degree, a Bachelor of Arts, from Prairie View A&M University in 1976.

Later, he received a master's degree from the University of Miami in 1979. He completed his education by earning a doctorate degree from Oklahoma State University. A doctorate is one of the highest degrees a person can get in a field of study.

Career as University President

As president, Dr. McPhee has helped MTSU grow in many ways. His leadership has made a big impact on the university and its students.

Major Achievements at MTSU

Under Dr. McPhee's leadership, MTSU became the largest university for undergraduate students in Tennessee. It also produces the most graduates in the Tennessee Board of Regents system, which is a group that manages many of the state's public colleges.

MTSU is also a popular choice for students transferring from other colleges and for military veterans. During his time as president, the university has seen over $400 million in building improvements. One of the biggest projects was the $147-million Science Building, which opened in 2015.

Dr. McPhee also helped add nearly 30 new degree programs for students. He created two new colleges within the university: the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences and the University College.

International Work

Dr. McPhee has worked to bring more international students to MTSU. He also expanded opportunities for American students to study in other countries. He helped set up research projects with universities around the world.

He is also a photographer. In 2012, he published a book of his photos called China: Through the Eyes of A University President.

Leadership in College Sports

Dr. McPhee has been a leader in college sports. He served on the board of directors for the NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association), which governs sports at most U.S. colleges. He was also part of a special group that looked at the future of college athletics.

Awards and Recognition

In 2011, the Carnegie Corporation, a respected foundation, recognized MTSU for its high level of education and research. The university was also honored for its service to the community in 2011 and 2012.

Dr. McPhee has received many personal awards.

• In 2002, he was named Outstanding American University President by the American Football Foundation.
• In 2004, Business Tennessee magazine named him one of the state's Top 50 Most Powerful African Americans.
• In 2007, China Agricultural University in Beijing gave him its highest academic award, Honorary Professor.
• In 2010, he was named a senior advisor to the Hanban-Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing.

Professional Conduct Review

In 2003, Dr. McPhee faced a serious complaint about his professional conduct from an employee. The case was reviewed by the Tennessee Supreme Court in 2007.

The court found that he had broken the university system's rules on workplace behavior. As a result, he was suspended from his job for 20 days. He also had his pay lowered for one year and had to take a class on proper workplace conduct.