Middle Tennessee State University, founded September 11, 1911, is a university located in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. MTSU was originally known as the Middle Tennessee Normal School. The normal school became a state college in 1943 and officially became a university in 1965.

MTSU's tenth and current President is Sidney A. McPhee, Ph.D. He has served since 2001.

MTSU is a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents System, one of two higher education systems in Tennessee.

Originally known primarily for its Education and Nursing programs, MTSU has more recently gained notoriety for its outstanding Aerospace, Business, and Mass Communication/Recording Industry programs.

MTSU's easy access from Nashville and surrounding cities via Interstate 24 and State Route 840, coupled with its favorable enrollment standards, make it the largest university in the central third of the state, and the single largest economic contributor in Murfreesboro.