Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures

Faculty

Dr. Olaf Berwald

Chair

Watson Ambruster IV

Lecturer

Dr. Priya Ananth

Professor

Dr. Jun Da

Professor

Dr. Oscar Diaz-Ortiz

Professor

Dr. Leah Tolbert Lyons

Dean

Dr. Ayaka Matsuo

Assistant Professor

Dr. Theresa McBreen

Associate Professor

Dr. Ann McCullough

Associate Professor

Dr. Joan E. McRae

Professor

Dr. Richard E. Morris

Professor

Dr. Kari Neely

Associate Professor

Dr. Soraya Nogueira

Professor

Dr. Nuria Novella

Professor

Dr. Jason Lee Pettigrew

Associate Professor

Ryoko Poarch

Lecturer

Dr. Luciana Trindade Prestes

Associate Professor

Dr. Michael Rice

Associate Professor

Chiaki Shima

Instructor

Robert Summers

Professor

Dr. Gema Vela

Assistant Professor

Paolo Volpe-Rinonapoli

Master Instructor

Contact Us

Mailing Address:
Department of World Languages, Literatures, and Cultures
Middle Tennessee State University, Box 79
1301 East Main Street
Murfreesboro, TN 37132 

Main Office: 
BDA 301
Telephone:  (615) 898-2981
Fax:            (615) 898-5735

Department Chair: 
Dr. Olaf Berwald   
Olaf.Berwald@mtsu.edu 
(615) 898-2982 

Executive Assistant:
Charlie Vick  
Charlie.Vick@mtsu.edu
(615) 898-5728

Language Placement Test

MTSU News

From pipelayer to Buchanan Fellow, MTSU student builds future in construction management

When Lucas Daggs began classes at Nashville State Community College, he wasn’t sure how far his education would take him.[ Read More ]

In this undated image, students in Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Aerospace inspect one of its four-seat, low-wing composite Diamond DA40 aircraft that the department will display at the Music City STOL event taking place Oct. 9-10, 2026, at the Lebanon Municipal Airport in Lebanon, Tenn. (Submitted photo).

MTSU Aerospace Department to network, staff exhibit at 2026 Music City STOL event

Middle Tennessee State University’s Department of Aerospace will be hosting a tabling event during the 2026 Music City STOL (Short Take Off and Landing) event on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 9-10, at Lebanon Municipal Airport in hopes of connecting with MTSU alumni and prospective students. [ Read More ]