What Is the MTSU Poll?

The poll fulfills the major goals of Middle Tennessee State University in that it provides an opportunity for student – and faculty – centered research in partnership with the citizens of Tennessee and the news media that serve them.

Sponsored by the Office of Communication Research at Middle Tennessee State University‘s College of Mass Communication, the poll tracks attitudes regarding free expression, faith in major institutions, and a wide range of public issues.

The poll is supported by MTSU’s Office of Communication Research, College of Mass Communication, and School of Journalism.

The MTSU Poll’s mission is to provide independent, non-partisan, and unbiased public opinion data regarding major social, political, and ethical issues affecting Tennessee.

Surveys are conducted twice yearly under the direction of faculty specialists in public opinion research in accordance with scientifically validated polling standards. Students serve as poll interviewers as an integral part of their training in mass communication.

The poll’s directors welcome suggestions about issues and topics from any individual or group. The poll’s directors are, however, charged to select, formulate, and interpret results independent of outside interests.

Ken Blake
Ken Blake is co-founder and director of the MTSU Poll, a twice-a-year survey of Tennessee adults. The poll is sponsored by the Office of Commun-ication Research at Middle Tennessee State University, where Blake is an associate professor in the School of Journalism. A former newspaper reporter, Blake holds a doctorate in mass communication from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. He joined the MTSU faculty in 1996.

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Jason Reineke
Jason Reineke is the associate director of the MTSU Poll, a twice-a-year survey of Tennessee adults.  The poll is sponsored by the Office of Commun-ication Research at Middle Tennessee State University, where Reineke is an assistant professor in the School of Journalism.  Reineke holds a doctorate in communication from The Ohio State University.  He joined the MTSU faculty in 2008.

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