Name new MTSU Student University Center for Dr. Michael McDonald

I believe society is served best when we work to build bridges rather than focus of the tearing down of walls ; especially walls built by others. Perhaps no greater example in our lifetime was the Berlin Wall. By building bridges of communication through the free exchange of thoughts and ideas the wall we would have torn down ourselves was removed by those who built it.

Communication is the best way to break down walls of mistrust ,both real and imaginary. I believe that such an opportunity presents itself at MTSU today. In order to create a more positive and inclusive atmosphere on campus and to give a sense of empowerment to those who feel marginalized; I propose we refocus our energies into a more constructive process. My proposal is this:

We focus our attention on a positive role model by renaming the New Student Union Building for a distinguished MTSU Alumnus worthy of such an honor. I propose the student union be named for Dr. Michael McDonald.

Rev. Dr. Michael E. McDonald, JD, MPA is a lawyer, ordained minister, university law professor, writer, and teaches
Political Science, Criminal Justice and Public Administration at Cumberland University. Michael was born in Buffalo, New
York where he received the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Gold Medal of Peace Award from the Buffalo Public Schools.

He graduated from S. R. Butler High School in Huntsville, Alabama. Michael received his Associate in Arts in Law
Enforcement and Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Middle Tennessee State University where he became the
First African American to be Elected SGA/Student Body President and "Mr. MTSU" in the history of MTSU.

He received his Master in Public Administration from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale.

Michael earned his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from The John Marshall Law School in Chicago.

He received the Thurgood Marshall/CLEO Legal Fellowship and was elected to the American Bar Association-House of Delegates International Convention in New York City.

Michael attended Vanderbilt University, School of Divinity.

Michael served as the Administrator of Elections for Nashville-Davidson County, Tennessee for over a decade and was the youngest person appointed to serve in that position.

He was named Political Science "Professor of the Year" at Tennessee State University, and the recipient of the "Outstanding Teaching in Political Science Award,"from the National Political Science Association in Washington, D.C.

He was appointed a delegate by the Attorney General of the United States to the US/China Legal Summit in Beijing, The People's Republic of China.

Michael served on the National Advisory Board of The Southern Poverty Law Center in Montgomery, Alabama and a national panel of university professors appointed by The College Board to score the SAT American Government and Politics essays.

Dr. McDonald quietly changed MTSU through his calm demeanor and natural talent for bridging the gulf between disparate groups on campus. His quiet discussions with Dr. Scarlett developed the framework which permitted Dr. Walker to change the face of the Keathley Center without incident in 1989. I believe naming the New Student Union Building to honor Dr. McDonald is a project which would teach students and our community a valuable life lesson. That being, there is always greater lasting pride in building something as opposed to simply tearing something down. Our University should be known for it's ability to build bridges as opposed to it's ability to tear down walls.