Pulaski, TN – The University of Tennessee Southern is pleased to announce that Dr. Stephen McBride will join UT Southern on September 3 as a key addition to our student success team.
Dr. McBride comes to us from Purdue University, where he served as the Assistant Director of Graduate Student Success for the College of Engineering. At Purdue, he was instrumental in the academic and professional development of more than 5,000 graduate students, leading initiatives that included workshops, seminars, and mentorship programs focused on career planning, academic achievement, and networking.
During his time at Purdue, Dr. McBride collaborated with faculty, staff, and external partners to develop initiatives that enhanced the quality and impact of graduate education. His work was instrumental in creating a supportive environment for students, helping them achieve their academic and professional goals.
Dr. McBride holds a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences Education and Communication from Purdue University. His dissertation research delved into the factors influencing the retention and embeddedness of Black agribusiness professionals. He has also conducted research on high school students’ readiness and adaptability to agricultural technologies, exploring the barriers that may hinder their participation in School-Based Agricultural Education.
Before his tenure at Purdue, Dr. McBride was an insurance agent for Farm Bureau Insurance in Franklin County, Tennessee, specializing in auto, home, and life insurance. He earned his master’s degree in Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communications from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and his bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Business: Farm & Ranch Management from the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Dr. McBride’s deep commitment to the agricultural industry and career development aligns perfectly with our university’s mission. We are excited to have him on board and look forward to the valuable contributions he will make in advancing both fields at UT Southern.
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About The University of Tennessee Southern
The University of Tennessee Southern, established in 2021 through the acquisition of Martin Methodist College (founded in 1870), is the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. As the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis, and located approximately 70 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama, UT Southern offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. Committed to academic excellence and community involvement, it prepares students for successful and meaningful careers.