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    • MTSU closes Tuesday after a student killed himself on campus, vigil held
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    MTSU closes Tuesday after a student killed himself on campus, vigil held

    Online Niel Posted on

    Note: This story has been updated with additional information.

    Middle Tennessee State University is closed Tuesday following the death of a student in the university library on Monday, with counseling services available.

    MTSU President Sidney McPhee announced Monday that it has decided to cancel classes and close most offices and the library on Tuesday. The student population at MTSU is nearly 20,500, according to recent 2024-2025 university enrollment information.

    “My hope is that our community will use this time to grieve and reach out to the support resources that are available,” McPhee said in his statement. “Essential services, including counseling resources, will remain open and available.”

    Campus activities scheduled for Tuesday may continue at the discretion of event organizers. Normal operations will resume Wednesday, McPhee said in a statement.

    “I want to express our deepest sympathies on behalf of our entire community,” McPhee added in the statement. “Please reach out if you need help or support. You are not alone.”

    Murfreesboro police are leading the investigation into the student’s apparent death by suicide, spokesman Larry Flowers said in a news release late Monday.

    A “Pray for MTSU” vigil will be held Wednesday at 6 p.m. A flyer for the MTSU vigil Student Government Association invites people to join the university community for a “circle of support and reflection” in front of the James E. Walker Library.

    SGA President Michai Mosby said he hopes the vigil will allow our community to “find comfort and support each other in strength,” according to McPhee’s statement.

    The prayer vigil flyer urged the MTSU community to come together “to remember, support and stand in solidarity.”

    “This vigil is a time for all to come together in unity, share compassion and find strength,” the flyer said.

    MTSU offers counseling services

    The MTSU press release provided the following details about accessing counseling services:

    • Students support crises through MTSU Counseling Serviceslocated in Keathley University Center Room 322 will be open for students on Tuesdays from 8:00am to 8:00pm;
    • The MTSU Mobile Crisis Number is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-704-2651;
    • A three-digit suicide hotline is available 24 hours a day at 988;
    • Faculty and staff crisis support will be available from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM in the Student Union Ballroom (Section B). Outside of these hours, faculty and staff may contact Center for Counseling and Psychological Services at 615-898-2271;
    • Employees also have support available 24 hours a day through Optum Behavioral Health’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) at 855-437-3486.

    Contact reporter Scott Broden with news tips or questions by emailing him at [email protected]. To support his work with The Daily News Journal, sign up for a digital subscription.

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