MTSU BOLT Awards

Academic Excellence Award

Criteria: Presented to a student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and scholarly involvement. This student must have completed at least 90 credit hours, maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA, and engage in scholarly activities like department organizations, research, or presentations.

Lightning’s Rookie of the Year Award 

Criteria: Awarded to an outstanding first-year student who has demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, dedication, and promise. This student has made a significant impact on campus in a short time through their involvement in student organizations, leadership roles, or contributions to campus life.

Thunderstruck Involvement Award 

Criteria: Given to a student whose widespread involvement across campus makes them a vital force in the MTSU community. This student’s energy, passion, and dedication to leadership, event planning, and campus initiatives make them feel like they are everywhere.

Electric Spirit Award 

Criteria: Recognizes a student who radiates positivity, enthusiasm, and contagious energy. This student uplifts those around them, fosters a welcoming environment, and inspires others through their school spirit and support.

True Blue Pride Award

Criteria: Honors a student who embodies the core values of MTSU through school pride, leadership, and commitment to creating an inclusive and welcoming campus community.

Service Spark Award 

Criteria: Given to a student who exemplifies servant leadership through exceptional community service, volunteerism, and charitable efforts. This student must have completed service hours and maintain good standing with the university.

Generosity Charge Award (Philanthropy) 

Criteria: Recognizes a student organization or event demonstrating extraordinary commitment to philanthropy by raising significant funds for charitable causes and making a tangible difference in the community.

Event of the Year: The Lightning Strike Award

Criteria: Honors the most impactful and innovative program or event hosted on campus over the past year. This event must engage students, foster community, and set a new standard for excellence in campus programming.

Bolt of Excellence Award (Student Employee) 

Criteria: Given to an exceptional student worker who demonstrates professionalism, a strong work ethic, and dedication to their job. This student exceeds expectations and positively influences their workplace.

Trailblazer Legacy Award 

Criteria: Presented to a graduating senior who leaves a lasting impact on MTSU through leadership, service, and dedication. Their contributions inspire future students and set a high standard of excellence.

Student Organization Award Categories

Student Organization Impact Catalyst Award

Criteria: This award is given to a student organization that has made a profound and measurable impact on campus or the surrounding community through service projects, advocacy efforts, or outreach initiatives.

1. Contribution to the overall MTSU community (i.e., students, staff, faculty, programs)
2. Contribution to the Murfreesboro community
3. Demonstrated community service through projects, advocacy, or outreach 

Student Organization Silent Inspiration: Behind the Scenes Hero Award

Criteria: This award recognizes a member of a registered student organization who has made significant contributions to his/her organization, but not within an officially recognized leadership capacity for that student organization, based on the following criteria:

1. Contribution to nominating student organization and its individual members that is not expected as a part of the student’s membership responsibilities
2. Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s purpose and those served by it
3. Demonstration of going above and beyond expectations of membership responsibilities

Student Organization of the Year: The Blue Thunder Award

Criteria: This award is given to a registered student organization that displays outstanding effort based on the following criteria:

1. Contribution to the overall MTSU community (i.e., students, staff, faculty, programs)
2. Contribution to the Murfreesboro community
3. Contribution to the development of its members
4. Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s purpose and those served by it
5. Communication with related MTSU departments and other student organizations

Student Organization President of the Year: The Leadership Lightning Award

Criteria: This award is given to the President or primary officer of a registered student organization who displays outstanding organization leadership and involvement, based on the following criteria:

1. Contribution to nominating student organization and its individual members
2. Contribution to the overall MTSU community (i.e., students, staff, faculty, programs)
3. Extensive involvement in campus, other organization, or community programs
4. Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s purpose and those served by it
5. Relations with members and officers of the nominating student organization