Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
BRAA Welcomes New President, Five New Board Members for 2026-28
8/12/2026 3:00:00 PM | General
MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – The Blue Raider Athletic Association (BRAA) begins a new chapter of leadership this year with the appointment of a new board president and the addition of five distinguished Middle Tennessee State University alumni to its Board of Directors.
On July 1, Jonathan Harmon assumed the role of BRAA Board President, succeeding Dr. David McKnight, who completed his term after years of dedicated service to Blue Raider Athletics. Harmon will lead the volunteer board as it continues supporting MTSU Athletics through fundraising, advocacy, and community outreach.
Joining the BRAA Board this month are fellow MTSU alumni Russell Barnett, Lucie Burchfield, J. Brooks Christol, Tim Wilson, and Shawn Wright, each of whom is beginning a two-year term.
"We are excited to welcome these outstanding Blue Raiders into leadership roles with the BRAA," said Associate Athletic Director for Development Darryl Keckler. "Jonathan's passion for MTSU and his entrepreneurial leadership make him an outstanding choice to serve as board president, while our five new board members bring tremendous professional expertise, fresh perspectives, and a deep love and passion for this university. Together, they will help ensure a bright future for Blue Raider Athletics and our student-athletes."
Harmon is a two-time MTSU graduate, earning a bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship in 2003 and a master's degree in business education in 2005. He serves as managing partner of Cedar Glade Brews and owner of the J. Harmon Home Team of EXIT Realty Bob Lamb & Associates. A longtime supporter of MTSU Athletics, Harmon has been actively involved with the BRAA and Blue Raider community for many years.
The five new board members represent a diverse group of business, healthcare, education, and community leaders, all with strong ties to their alma mater.
Russell Barnett
A 1975 graduate of MTSU, Barnett is the owner of Russell Barnett Automotive and has been a loyal supporter of Blue Raider Athletics for more than five decades. A 50-year basketball season ticket holder, a long-time provider of multiple courtesy cars, and a member of the Sapphire Circle, Barnett's loyal commitment to MTSU has spanned generations of Blue Raider student-athletes and fans.
Lucie Burchfield
Burchfield serves as Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships for Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. A former MTSU fundraiser for over 10 years and a two-time MTSU graduate, she earned degrees from the university in 2002 and 2015. Her leadership in building meaningful partnerships throughout Rutherford County, including three years with the United Way, has made her a respected voice in community engagement and philanthropy.
J. Brooks Christol
A 2001 MTSU graduate, Christol serves as CEO of thinkSmith and as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operating Officer of J3 Media. His expertise in strategic marketing, branding, advertising, and organizational growth has helped numerous businesses and organizations achieve lasting success.
Tim Wilson
Wilson earned his degree from MTSU in 1999 and serves as a lecturer in the university's Department of Sport and Hospitality Management. Through his work preparing future leaders in the field of sport management, Wilson maintains a strong connection to the university, its students, and its alumni.
Shawn Wright
A 2010 MTSU graduate, Wright is the principal broker of CENTURY 21 Wright Realty. An accomplished entrepreneur and community leader who has served on the Murfreesboro City Council for the last six years, Wright has built a successful real estate business while remaining deeply engaged with MTSU and the Rutherford County community.
The new board members were formally welcomed during the BRAA's first board meeting of the academic year on August 4, where they joined returning board members in advancing the association's mission of Building Relationships, Investing in Excellence, and Developing Champions.
ABOUT THE BLUE RAIDER ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
The Blue Raider Athletic Association is the official fundraising organization for Middle Tennessee State University Athletics. Through annual giving, major gifts, premium seating, and special events, the BRAA generates support that directly impacts the success of 350-plus Blue Raider student-athletes and all 17 athletic teams.
On July 1, Jonathan Harmon assumed the role of BRAA Board President, succeeding Dr. David McKnight, who completed his term after years of dedicated service to Blue Raider Athletics. Harmon will lead the volunteer board as it continues supporting MTSU Athletics through fundraising, advocacy, and community outreach.
Joining the BRAA Board this month are fellow MTSU alumni Russell Barnett, Lucie Burchfield, J. Brooks Christol, Tim Wilson, and Shawn Wright, each of whom is beginning a two-year term.
"We are excited to welcome these outstanding Blue Raiders into leadership roles with the BRAA," said Associate Athletic Director for Development Darryl Keckler. "Jonathan's passion for MTSU and his entrepreneurial leadership make him an outstanding choice to serve as board president, while our five new board members bring tremendous professional expertise, fresh perspectives, and a deep love and passion for this university. Together, they will help ensure a bright future for Blue Raider Athletics and our student-athletes."
Harmon is a two-time MTSU graduate, earning a bachelor's degree in entrepreneurship in 2003 and a master's degree in business education in 2005. He serves as managing partner of Cedar Glade Brews and owner of the J. Harmon Home Team of EXIT Realty Bob Lamb & Associates. A longtime supporter of MTSU Athletics, Harmon has been actively involved with the BRAA and Blue Raider community for many years.
The five new board members represent a diverse group of business, healthcare, education, and community leaders, all with strong ties to their alma mater.
Russell Barnett
A 1975 graduate of MTSU, Barnett is the owner of Russell Barnett Automotive and has been a loyal supporter of Blue Raider Athletics for more than five decades. A 50-year basketball season ticket holder, a long-time provider of multiple courtesy cars, and a member of the Sapphire Circle, Barnett's loyal commitment to MTSU has spanned generations of Blue Raider student-athletes and fans.
Lucie Burchfield
Burchfield serves as Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships for Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital. A former MTSU fundraiser for over 10 years and a two-time MTSU graduate, she earned degrees from the university in 2002 and 2015. Her leadership in building meaningful partnerships throughout Rutherford County, including three years with the United Way, has made her a respected voice in community engagement and philanthropy.
J. Brooks Christol
A 2001 MTSU graduate, Christol serves as CEO of thinkSmith and as Chief Marketing Officer and Chief Operating Officer of J3 Media. His expertise in strategic marketing, branding, advertising, and organizational growth has helped numerous businesses and organizations achieve lasting success.
Tim Wilson
Wilson earned his degree from MTSU in 1999 and serves as a lecturer in the university's Department of Sport and Hospitality Management. Through his work preparing future leaders in the field of sport management, Wilson maintains a strong connection to the university, its students, and its alumni.
Shawn Wright
A 2010 MTSU graduate, Wright is the principal broker of CENTURY 21 Wright Realty. An accomplished entrepreneur and community leader who has served on the Murfreesboro City Council for the last six years, Wright has built a successful real estate business while remaining deeply engaged with MTSU and the Rutherford County community.
The new board members were formally welcomed during the BRAA's first board meeting of the academic year on August 4, where they joined returning board members in advancing the association's mission of Building Relationships, Investing in Excellence, and Developing Champions.
ABOUT THE BLUE RAIDER ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
The Blue Raider Athletic Association is the official fundraising organization for Middle Tennessee State University Athletics. Through annual giving, major gifts, premium seating, and special events, the BRAA generates support that directly impacts the success of 350-plus Blue Raider student-athletes and all 17 athletic teams.
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