Sidney A. McPhee

Sidney A. McPhee is an American educator, currently serving as the President of Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU). McPhee, who became MTSU's tenth president in 2001, earned his B.A. degree from Prairie View A&M University in 1976, a master's degree in 1979 from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Florida, and a Doctorate in Applied Behavioral Studies in Education from Oklahoma State University. During McPhee's presidency, MTSU became the largest undergraduate university in Tennessee and the No. 1 producer of graduates in the Tennessee Board of Regents system. MTSU is also the top destination for transfer students in Tennessee, the state's veterans and boasts the state's largest summer session enrollment.

McPhee's presidency also coincided with more than $400 million in improvements in academic, athletic and campus facilities – either proposed, under construction or competed – including the 250,000-square-foot, $147-million Science Building set to open in January 2015. McPhee has overseen the addition of almost 30 undergraduate and graduate degree programs, two colleges (Behavioral and Health Sciences and University College) and 12 institutes and centers.

In 2011, the university regained elevated status as a Comprehensive/Doctoral institution by the Carnegie Corporation, one of the nation's oldest and most influential foundations. Also, in 2011 and 2012, Carnegie recognized the university for its community service and engagement.

His previous service includes a number of positions at the Tennessee Board of Regents: Executive Vice Chancellor; Chief Academic Officer; and—in the spring of 2000—Interim Chancellor. He has also served in the administration of the University of Louisville and the University of Memphis.

McPhee has also worked to strengthen MTSU's international undergraduate and graduate student enrollment, expanded its study-abroad and cultural opportunities and developed research collaboration with international partners. China Agricultural University in Beijing awarded McPhee its highest academic award (Honorary Professor) in May 2007. He was appointed in October 2010 as senior advisor to the Chief Executive of Hanban-Confucius Institute Headquarters in Beijing. A book of his photographic essays, China: Through the Eyes of A University President, published in July 2012, was sponsored by the Hanban-Confucius Institute and released internationally.

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