In addition to day-to-day responsibilities that go along with the Director of Broadcasting, Walters also will serve as Voice of the Blue Raiders for football and men's basketball as well as hosting football and men's basketball coach's shows and other on-air and web-based projects.

Charlie McAlexander served as the Voice of the Blue Raiders the previous three seasons but stepped away to pursue other opportunities.

"We are delighted to announce the addition of Chip Walters as our director of broadcasting," Massaro said. "Chip is a true Blue Raider and a professional. He knows our history and our players, past and present, and has tremendous pride for his alma mater. I believe Blue Raider faithful will enjoy having Chip call the action much has they have the many outstanding play-by-play men before him.

"Another great asset is that Chip not only will be the Voice of the Blue Raiders, but he also will serve in an official capacity as part of his day-to-day responsibilities and it's going to be highly beneficial to have our person in-house."

Walters recently completed his 17th season with Blue Raider athletics in some capacity, including his sixth as a color analyst. He graduated from Middle Tennessee in 1985. He served as the marketing and promotions director at Middle Tennessee from 1994 to 2003.

"It's great to be back where you feel you need to be, and I'm appreciative of the opportunity," Walters said. "It's gratifying to have an opportunity to do something you hoped to be doing as long as you can remember, so it's something I look forward to."

Walters is not a new face at Middle Tennessee, just moving into a new position. Since graduating from Middle Tennessee, Walters worked several jobs in sports broadcasting and continued to also call Blue Raider sporting events, such as football, men's and women's basketball, baseball, as well as serving as public address announcer at various events.

"It means a lot to me to follow some terrific broadcasters going back to Ray Duffy and Monte Hale, who was an influence on my career path," Walters said. "Obviously Dick Palmer means a lot to me and we have such a long history together. I worked two different stints with Charlie Mac and enjoyed those. You pick something up from everyone you work with and I've worked with some good ones."

Walters believes the addition of the director of broadcast position will greatly benefit the Blue Raider athletic department, add insight to broadcasts and provide additional opportunities for fans to follow their favorite Blue Raider team.

"A lot of times the person who is the radio voice comes to represent them in many different ways, whether it is radio, television, or speaking at a civic club," Walters said. "I think it's something Chris was looking for and it's something that fits me well.

"This University and athletic program has grown so much over the past two decades. There is a need to have someone in this position full-time. It's really a multi-media position because I will be doing work that will go out over several different platforms (radio, television, and internet). It makes sense to have someone in touch with the different programs on a daily basis to keep Blue Raider fans better informed."

Walters holds the third-longest tenure for Middle Tennessee broadcasters behind only the late Hale and Palmer, who is a current Blue Raider broadcaster.