MTSU closes Tuesday after student commits suicide in library, vigil held

The event will take place on Wednesday at 6:00 pm in front of the campus library.

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

MTSU President Sidney McPhee announced Monday that he has decided to cancel classes and close most offices and the library on Tuesday.

“I hope our community will use this time to grieve and reach out to available support resources,” McPhee said in a statement. “Essential services, including counseling resources, will remain open and accessible.”

Campus events 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 condolences on behalf of our entire community,” McPhee said in a statement. “Please reach out if you need help or support. You are not alone”.

A “Pray for MTSU” vigil will be held on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. Leaflet about the picket organized by MTSU 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 Mihai Mosby said he hopes the vigil will allow our community to “find comfort and support each other in strength,” according to the statement. MTSU President Sidney McPhee sent to the university community.

The prayer vigil flyer called on the MTSU community to come together “to remember, support and show solidarity.”

“This vigil is a moment for everyone to come together in unity, share compassion and find strength,” the flyer says.

Murfreesboro police are investigating the student’s suspected death by suicide, spokesman Larry Flowers said in a news release Monday evening.

MTSU offers consulting services

The MTSU press release provides the following details about access to counseling services:

Crisis support for students through MTSU Consulting Serviceslocated in room 326-S of the Keightley University Centre, will be open to students on Tuesday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.;
The MTSU mobile crisis number is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-704-2651;
The three-digit suicide hotline is available 24 hours a day at 988;
Crisis support for faculty and staff will be available from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the Student Union Ballroom (Section B). At other times, faculty and staff may contact Center for Counseling and Psychological Services by phone at 615-898-2271;
Employees also receive 24-hour support through the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provided by Optum Behavioral Health at 855-437-3486.

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