‘A champion’: MTSU students, community mourn death of president’s wife

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. (WSMV) - Many are mourning the death of the Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) president’s wife, Elizabeth McPhee.

The university announced that the 72-year-old died Thursday, Jan. 8, after a brief sickness.

“We lost one of the most loveable, most avid supporters,” MTSU women’s basketball coach Rick Insell said. “There never was really a big game that she didn’t go with us, ride the bus with us and eat with the kids, feed the kids. You just don’t know what Liz McPhee did behind the scenes.”

For over 25 years, McPhee served alongside her husband in championing all things school-related, whether it was volunteering or attending sporting events.

Its commitment that resonated with students like RJ Ware.

“To know Liv McPhee was to love her and appreciate her, and very few people are like that. I appreciate everything she has done for me, and on behalf of the students, everything she’s done for them,” Ware said.

McPhee previously served as an educator for several years.

Even after retirement she continued to promote literacy which the Professional Educators of Tennessee executive director JC Bowman said was indicative of who she was.

“MTSU has lost a champion. I think the kids there have really lost a champion for them because I know she put a lot of time and effort into making MTSU a home away from home,” Bowman said.

McPhee leaves behind her husband of 45 years and their two children.

The school plans to honor her memory over the next several days.

Funeral arrangements have not been released.