Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies and Initiatives

Welcome

Institute Logo

Our Mission

The Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies and Initiatives advances interdisciplinary teaching, research, and community engagement by connecting people, ideas, and disciplines. Through innovative academic programs, collaborative scholarship, and experiential learning, the Institute prepares students to address complex challenges, strengthens faculty partnerships, and expands the impact of the liberal arts across the university and the communities we serve.

Upcoming Events

Middle East Center Henna Night

Oct. 5, 2026, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Tom Jackson Building 

Description: 
Join us as we celebrate the diverse cultures of Southwest Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East at this free event. Enjoy complimentary henna artistry, traditional Debka dance performances, a live Kurdish music ensemble, authentic regional cuisine, and more. This event is a proud collaboration between the Middle East Center and the Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Student Organization.


Interdisciplinary Tabling

Look for us in the Student Union on Wednesday afternoons

Grants and Initiatives

Advisory Council

Dr. Leah Tolbert Lyons
Dean, College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Rehab Ghazal
College of Liberal Arts Associate Dean and Director of the Instititute for Interdisciplinary Studies and Initiatives

Janet McCormick headshot

Dr. Janet McCormick
Professor, Director of the Master of Arts In Liberal Arts Program

Dr. Mohammad Meerzai
Assistant Professor of Religious Studies and the Director of the MTSU Middle East Center

Dr. William Perkins headshot

Dr. William Perkins
Associate Professor of Voice and Opera

Dr. Laura White
English Professor

Dr. Moses Tesi
Professor of Political Science

JenDix headshot

Jennifer Dix
Executive Assistant, Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies and Initiatives

Jennifer Rice
Events Coordinator, College of Liberal Arts

FAQs

The Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies and Initiatives (IISI) is a College of Liberal Arts hub for interdisciplinary teaching, research, and community engagement at Middle Tennessee State University. IISI connects students, faculty, academic programs, and community partners to support learning and research that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries.

Interdisciplinary study brings together knowledge, methods, and perspectives from two or more academic disciplines. Students might explore a topic through history, political science, sociology, languages, the arts, or other fields rather than approaching it through a single area of study.

Many interdisciplinary programs include courses and faculty from colleges and departments across MTSU. Eligibility and course requirements vary by program. Students should review the requirements for the specific minor or program that interests them and speak with their academic advisor.

Interdisciplinary study helps students examine questions from multiple perspectives and make connections across fields. IISI also supports opportunities for students to develop skills through undergraduate research, internships, study abroad, project-based learning, and other experiential learning opportunities.

IISI supports the development and coordination of internships, community placements, study abroad, undergraduate research, and project-based learning. Available opportunities will vary by program and semester.

Yes. IISI seeks partnerships with schools, nonprofits, government agencies, employers, and other community organizations. These partnerships may support internships, service-learning, research, educational programming, and other opportunities for students and faculty.

The Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies and Initiatives is located in Peck Hall, Room 202, on the MTSU campus.

Contact Us

Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies and Initiatives
PECK 202
615-898-2674

Dr. Ghazal headshot

Dr. Rehab (Rubie) Ghazal
Director, Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies and Initiatives
Associate Dean, College of Liberal Arts

Jenn Dix
Executive Assistant