BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

John Albert McFarland, Jr., was a journalist who lived in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and was a great supporter of MTSU for many years.  In June of 1927, McFarland graduated from the High School of University City, Missouri.  In 1931, McFarland received a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Illinois.  During his career, McFarland worked as a journalist and served as co-owner of the Franklin Review Appeal.  In addition, he also served as an owner of the Mid-South Publishing Company, which published the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal and the Rutherford Courier in Smyrna, Tennessee.  During the 1950s and 1960s, McFarland was instrumental in bringing industry to Rutherford County by negotiating to locate the State Farm Mutual Insurance Company’s Southeastern Claims Office to Murfreesboro, Tennessee.  McFarland was also among those who created the Middle Tennessee State University Foundation and he served as its first president in 1962.  As a result of his service and support to MTSU, McFarland was honored with the university health services center being named after him.  In addition to his support of MTSU, McFarland dedicated his time to various community and statewide organizations.  He served as president of the Tennessee Press Association, the Murfreesboro Rotary Club and the Murfreesboro Chamber of Commerce. On April 7, 1982, McFarland died at the age of 70.