There are some posters on GoMiddle.com who seem to believe that a directional name is an impediment to growth and that is the reason why Middle Tennessee should eliminate "Middle" from its name or move away from a regional designation altogether. The argument is the University's name of Middle Tennessee State University projects an image of a regional institution rather than reflecting its evolving role in higher education as a public comprehensive national university. The perceptions inherent with the regional name causes problems with student recruitment and with the University's efforts to garner grants and other funds from the private sector. Although I agree that a directional name can hinder the growth of a university, I have to point out that hasn't been the case with the University of Central Florida. Although UCF was not founded until 1963, it has grown faster than any university in the country and now is the second largest university in the nation. The initial enrollment of the university was only 1,948 students but today the enrollment consists of 59,770 students from over 140 countries and all 50 states. The first time I ever heard of UCF was back in the early 80s when a potential customer of mine told me his daughter wanted to attend the school. Although I had attended the University of Tampa back in 1976 and 1977 and was familiar with many colleges in Florida, I can honestly say I had never heard of UCF until he had mentioned it to me. Little did I know then that UCF would become the nation's second largest university. It's also interesting that the university logo is a Pegasus, which "symbolizes the university's vision of limitless possibilities" (see below).
The suggestion that Middle Tennessee should change its name to Andrew Jackson University would move the University away from a regional designation but I don't honestly believe the name change would help the University any more than it helped Northeast Missouri State University when it decided to change its name to Truman State University. Northeast Missouri State University was an obscure university before it changed its name back in 1996 and today with an enrollment of only 6,149 students it is still considered obscure to people living outside of Missouri.
In the final analysis, I believe the only name change that would benefit Middle Tennessee is the University of Middle Tennessee. Yes, the name would still have a regional designation but that certainly hasn't hurt UCF from becoming what it is today.
This post was edited on 11/15 8:40 AM by nashvillegoldenflash
The suggestion that Middle Tennessee should change its name to Andrew Jackson University would move the University away from a regional designation but I don't honestly believe the name change would help the University any more than it helped Northeast Missouri State University when it decided to change its name to Truman State University. Northeast Missouri State University was an obscure university before it changed its name back in 1996 and today with an enrollment of only 6,149 students it is still considered obscure to people living outside of Missouri.
In the final analysis, I believe the only name change that would benefit Middle Tennessee is the University of Middle Tennessee. Yes, the name would still have a regional designation but that certainly hasn't hurt UCF from becoming what it is today.
This post was edited on 11/15 8:40 AM by nashvillegoldenflash