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SJR 1117

Memorials, Retirement - Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, president of MTSU -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026)

The bill ceremonially honors MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee for 25+ years of leadership, highlighting campus growth and best wishes as he retires and moves to a tenured faculty ro

Signed by H. Speaker
#memorials #retirement
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Bill Summary · SJR 1117

Summary: Senate Joint Resolution 1117 (SJR 1117) – Tennessee 114th General Assembly

Purpose

SJR 1117 honors Dr. Sidney A. McPhee on the occasion of his retirement as president of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). The resolution acknowledges his leadership and decades of service, and extends best wishes for his future academic endeavors.

What the bill does

  • Officially commemorates and honors Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, the tenth president of MTSU.
  • Notes his retirement date (December 2026) and his plan to join the College of Education as a tenured professor after a two-semester sabbatical.
  • Recognizes the growth and progress at MTSU during his tenure, including:
    • Completion of almost $2 billion in campus improvements since 2001.
    • Notable facilities and initiatives such as the School of Concrete and Construction Management, Academic Classroom Building for the College of Behavioral and Health Sciences, Science Corridor of Innovation, Applied Engineering Building, and the Stephen and Denise Smith Student-Athlete Performance Center.
    • Enhancement of MTSU’s reputation as a return-on-investment leader among Tennessee higher education institutions, high enrollment of graduates to the Nashville economy, and status as a major producer of degrees in the state.
    • Increases in admission standards, enrollment of high-ability students, and expansion of academic offerings (approximately 50 new undergraduate and graduate programs; two new colleges; twenty institutes and centers).
    • Strengthening international initiatives with 40 university partnerships in 17 countries and the enrollment of more international students than any other Tennessee university.
  • Highlights Dr. McPhee’s educational background and professional contributions, including:
    • Degrees: B.S. from Prairie View A&M University; M.A. from the University of Miami; Ph.D. from Oklahoma State University.
    • Publications and international lecturing/presentations.
    • Service on the NCAA Division I Board of Directors (representing Conference USA) and prior service on the NCAA Executive Committee.
    • Awards and recognitions, including “Outstanding American University President” (2002) and listings among Tennessee’s powerful leaders.
  • Provides ceremonial language of appreciation and best wishes for future endeavors.

Provisions and specifics

  • No substantive policy changes or budgetary provisions are proposed. The bill is strictly a ceremonial resolution.
  • The act would be a joint resolution of the Tennessee General Assembly (Senate and House concurrence), recognizing Dr. McPhee and presenting an official copy with the language following the State seal, excluding the House/Senate designation on the final copy.

Who is affected

  • Primary focus: Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, in his official capacity as president of MTSU.
  • Secondary: MTSU community and Tennessee higher education, as the resolution formally acknowledges his impact on the university and its role in the state.

Procedural and timeline notes

  • The resolution was introduced and passed on first consideration in April 2026.
  • It progressed through standard ceremonial channels, was enrolled, signed by the Senate Speaker, transmitted to the Governor, and signed into law/signed by the Governor on April 14–15, 2026.
  • Dr. McPhee’s retirement is scheduled for December 2026, with a two-semester sabbatical prior to taking a tenured position in the College of Education.

Bottom line

SJR 1117 is a ceremonial statement recognizing Dr. Sidney A. McPhee’s more-than-25-year presidency at MTSU, detailing the university’s growth under his leadership and extending formal congratulations and best wishes as he retires and transitions to a tenured faculty role.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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