Dr. Sidney A. McPhee, a native of The Bahamas, was appointed in 2001 as the tenth president of Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Dr. McPhee attended Prairie View A&M University in Texas, where he earned his bachelor’s degree with highest honors, summa cum laude.  He received his master’s degree from the University of Miami, Coral Gables, Fla.; and a doctorate in applied behavioral studies in education from Oklahoma State University

Prior to his arrival at MTSU, Dr. McPhee was executive vice chancellor for the Tennessee Board of Regents system (TBR) in Nashville. In addition, he served as the TBR’s chief academic officer and interim chancellor. Before his appointment at TBR, he served in various senior-level administrative capacities at several major universities, including Oklahoma State University, University of Louisville and University of Memphis.

During his tenure at MTSU, the university has grown in both student numbers and physical facilities, with today's campus hosting nearly 22,000 students, 4 campuses covering almost 1,300 acres, and benefitting from more than $1.5 billion in construction and renovation. Most recent projects include:

• $147-million Science Building, a 250,000-square-foot teaching and research facility, which opened in 2014
• $39.6 million Academic Classroom Building, a 91,200-square-foot, high-tech facility, which opened in Fall 2020.
• $40 million, 54,000 square foot Concrete and Construction Management building to meet educational, research, and industry demands.
• And currently under construction, MTSU’s Applied Engineering Building. 

The Build Blue Campaign which supports facilities for Blue Raider Athletics surpassed its initial goal of $15 million. This campaign will help fund a new $66-million Student Athlete Performance Center;  $7.1-million, on-campus Outdoor Tennis Complex for the Men's and Women's programs and renovations and upgrades for Murphy Center. 

Dr. McPhee’s scholarly pursuits include several visits and presentations, literally worldwide.  He is the senior author of a book, Understanding the Campus Culture: An Introduction to College, and has co-authored a chapter for a major college textbook on academic advising. Dr. McPhee is an author of two books which are photographic diaries of his travel and experiences in China. 

Dr. McPhee has served on numerous boards during his career and received many honors and recognitions. 

President McPhee is married to First Lady Elizabeth McPhee, and they have two adult children, Dr. Seneca Ann McPhee and Dr. Sidney-Anthony McPhee.