The Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) equestrian team has earned a place in the national spotlight after excelling at the Western Semi-Finals. Demonstrating remarkable talent and teamwork, the Blue Raider riders dominated the competition by earning 40 points, leaving their nearest competitor, Midway University, trailing by eight points. Conducted at MTSU’s Tennessee Livestock Center toward the end of March, this event highlighted not only the athletes' dedication but also the harmonious partnership with their horses. The stage is now set for these accomplished riders to compete on a grander scale at Tryon International in North Carolina in May.

In another significant initiative, MTSU's Jones College of Business will convene industry leaders and students at the 2024 Midsouth Supply Chain Summit on April 11. This full-day event will delve into current trends reshaping supply chain management, particularly in light of recent global challenges like those posed by the pandemic. Attendees will explore topics ranging from international logistics to career growth opportunities and gender diversity within the sector. Notable guest speaker Mike Honious, who leads Geodis Americas, will share his seasoned perspective on navigating complex logistics networks, offering attendees valuable insights into the field's future directions.

April brings further educational enrichment as MTSU observes Financial Literacy Month with a series of activities culminating in a keynote speech by Michael “Bootcamp” Thomas on April 10. A respected advocate for financial education, Thomas will emphasize the importance of understanding personal finance through practical advice derived from his extensive military and civilian experience. His presentation aligns with alarming statistics indicating widespread unpreparedness among Americans regarding retirement savings. By fostering greater awareness and providing scholarships to engaged participants, MTSU continues its mission to equip students with vital life skills. These initiatives collectively demonstrate MTSU's commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of thriving both personally and professionally across diverse fields. Embracing such holistic approaches ensures that students are not only academically prepared but also empowered to lead fulfilling lives marked by success and resilience.

A unique collaboration between TikTok influencer Allison Baggerly and neobank Chime is redefining how financial literacy is taught. This partnership introduces an innovative adult coloring book designed to make budgeting both enjoyable and educational. While Baggerly's methods typically focus on digital tools, this project incorporates artistic elements into financial planning. The 29-page coloring book combines monthly expense tables with engaging illustrations, offering users a creative outlet while managing finances. This initiative addresses the lack of financial education in America, where a significant percentage of individuals report no prior knowledge of money management.

Neobank Chime and TikTok sensation Allison Baggerly have joined forces to create an unconventional tool for promoting financial literacy. The centerpiece of their collaboration is a coloring book that transforms budgeting into an artistic experience. Each page features monthly budget templates alongside cheerful designs by illustrator Steffi Lynn Tsai, providing users with a fun way to track expenses and savings. Baggerly adapted her TikTok teachings into written form, ensuring the content remains accessible and engaging. Through this project, she encourages users to rethink traditional budgeting methods, blending creativity with practical finance tips.

This coloring book represents more than just a novelty item; it reflects a broader movement toward making financial education approachable. According to Jennifer Dohm, head of consumer communications at Chime, the goal is to bridge the gap left by inadequate financial training in schools. Studies reveal that over one-third of Americans never learned about money during their education. To counteract this deficit, Chime incorporated interactive elements like the coloring book and partnerships with platforms such as Zogo, which offers gamified financial learning experiences. These efforts align with modern trends showing increased engagement when education feels enjoyable and relatable.

Celebrity involvement further amplifies the reach of this initiative. T-Pain, known for his music career, surprised college students with a personal finance workshop, distributing copies of the coloring book. Such high-profile endorsements highlight the potential impact of combining influencers and celebrities to promote financial awareness. Unlike traditional banks, which often struggle to engage customers meaningfully, Chime leverages social media personalities to connect directly with younger audiences. Baggerly emphasizes the importance of meeting people where they are—both digitally and emotionally—by presenting complex financial concepts in digestible formats.

The success of this approach challenges conventional banking practices. Established institutions may need to reconsider their strategies if trust increasingly shifts toward digital-first brands trusted by younger generations. As financial education evolves, so too must the methods used to deliver it. By integrating art and technology, Chime and Baggerly demonstrate that creativity can play a vital role in fostering financial well-being.

Through this imaginative partnership, Chime and Baggerly offer a fresh perspective on teaching financial skills. Their coloring book exemplifies how merging art and finance can inspire greater participation in budgeting activities. As societal attitudes towards money management continue to change, initiatives like these prove essential in preparing individuals for economic independence. By prioritizing accessibility and enjoyment, this project sets a new standard for financial education tools.