Rise 'N Shine
The merit of a university is known by the quality of its graduates. For that reason, Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) is happy to claim Mike Okeke as an alumnus. Following completion of his Scottish National Diploma course in Business Studies at Aberdeen College of Commerce, in Aberdeen, Scotland, Mike left to pursue a degree program in Business Administration with a major in Marketing at MTSU. After graduating with a BBA, he immediately enrolled in graduate school for a master's degree program in Industrial Relations with emphasis in Economics, in which he also graduated with an MA. Mike is currently enrolled in our doctoral program in Economics.
Although Mike has had little formal training in music, he is a versatile and accomplished musician, as is evidenced by the composition, arrangement, and performance of the numbers (songs) on his latest album, Rise 'N Shine.
One cannot fully appreciate this collection of songs without understanding the events that took place in the composer's life since he left Nigeria. Mike was only able to reach his personal and academic goals after overcoming great loneliness, frustration, financial deprivation, and loss of faith in all that he held most dear. Through his determination and exceptional talent, he was able to re-establish himself on firm ground and eventually find new direction for his life. In my profession, I have come in contact with hundreds of international students from all parts of the world. Out of all of these hundreds, Mike Okeke will stand out in my memory as an exceptional and extraordinary human being. My life is richer for having known him.
Elizabeth Perez-Reilly, Ph.D.
Assistant Director of Admissions
& Foreign Student Advisor
Middle Tennessee State University
1983
Recorded & mixed at Rivendale Studio
Murfreesboro, Tennessee, USA
Recording & mixing Engineer: Mark Finney
Assistant Recording Engineer: John McDonald
Photographer: Edward Cooper