This Blue Raider mascot first appeared during the 1961 Homecoming, which was also the college's 50th anniversary. During the 1960s, MTSU maintained Confederate symbols following desegregation. In the late 1960s, Black students began protesting the Confederate symbols.

Black and white photograph of Blue Raider mascot on a horse during 1968 Homecoming festivities.

Scanned image of a 1965 MTSU football guide featuring mascot Nathan Bedford Forrest posted to the Change Forrest Hall Facebook page.

A Drawing of Blue Raider Mascot from the 1970s The Blue Raider mascot first appeared during the 1961 Homecoming, which was also the college's 50th anniversary. During the 1960s, MTSU maintained Confederate symbols following desegregation. In the late 1960s, Black students began protesting the Confederate symbols.

A cartoon logo for MTSU from 1978. During the 1960s, MTSU maintained Confederate symbols following desegregation. In the late 1960s, Black students began protesting the Confederate symbols. These protests and debates continued into the 1970s.

The cover of the 1956 Midlander, MTSU's yearbook

The second page of the 1956 Midlander, MTSU's yearbook

The another page from the 1956 Midlander, MTSU's yearbook

MTSU's current mascot a horse/pegasus named Lightning.