NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –Tennessee State University held it’s Founder’s Day Convocation on Oct. 15 in Kean Hall.
TSU
President Glenda Glover, accompanied by keynote speaker Nashville General Chief
Executive Officer, Dr. Joseph Webb, led a procession of faculty, student
leaders and administrators to mark the university’s 107th birthday.
President Glenda Glover presents 2018 Founders’ Day speaker Dr. Joseph Webb with a plaque at the ceremony in Kean Hall. (Photo by Emanuel O. Roland II)
The University Wind Ensemble, led by Dr.
Reginald McDonald, offered selections to a
cheering audience, following presentation of colors by the Air Force ROTC Color
Guard.
“We honor our founders, and we celebrate
our excellence,”
Glover said, as she reflected on the significance
of the university’s contributions. “It is my esteemed pleasure to be here on
this founders day.”
Miss TSU, Jada Crisp, and Mr. TSU, Damyr Moore, shared a brief history of TSU, followed by a musical selection from the University Choir.
In his keynote address, Webb reminisced
about his days as a student at TSU.
Miss TSU Jada Crisp, joined by Mr. TSU Damyr Moore, gives the university history at the Founders’ Day program. (Photo by Michael McLendon, TSU Media Relations)
“For me this is truly a homecoming because I am back in what we used to call ‘Kean’s Little Garden,’” Webb said. “They call it Kean Hall now, but we had a lot of experiences here as an athlete. As a basketball player, I had two goals in mind: one was on this end, and one was on that end.”
He reminded the students, faculty and
alumni that as members of the TSU family, they are part of a proud legacy.
“TSU, founded in 1912, has a rich history of producing public service and great leaders. It is still that beacon of hope where many aspire to gain a better life with the motto of ‘Think.Work.Serve,’ and a charge of ‘Enter to earn, and go forth to serve.’” he said.
The University Wind Ensemble, led by Dr. Reginald McDonald, offer a selection at Founder’s Day Convocation. (Photo by Michael McLendon, TSU Media Relations)
Webb, who joined Nashville General Hospital in 2015, has more than 25 years of experience managing for–profit and not-for-profit healthcare organizations. He obtained his doctorate of science in health services administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and holds a bachelor of science and master of science in health and physical education from TSU.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Rickey Scott had a ready smile and willing hand to help anyone in need. That’s how Tennessee State University students, faculty, and staff remembered the freshman Monday night at a candlelight vigil.
Students hold hands as they console one another at the vigil for their late schoolmate. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
Scott,
19, died Sunday afternoon at a local Nashville hospital from a critical
gunshot wound, according to authorities. The case remains under investigation.
Many
held hands, while others wiped away tears, as students said prayers and sang
songs during the vigil organized by the SGA and Freshmen
Class. TSU’s Amphitheater on the main campus served as the
backdrop for the very emotional event. The university was stunned by the sudden
death of the engineering major from Ohio, who
was just entering his third month as a freshman. Many of the students did not
know Scott personally, but attended the vigil to show their support for
his family and friends. Others who encountered the spirited young man
remembered his smiles, lightheartedness and caring personality.
TSU
President Glenda Glover was among university officials at the candlelight
vigil. She lamented Scott’s death, expressed sympathy to Scott’s family who
attended the ceremony, and thanked the students for coming together to remember
their fellow student.
Students join the parents and other family members for a walk across campus following the vigil as a show of solidarity. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
“We ask the Almighty God to put his arms around us as a university, a student body to protect us and strengthen this family during this time,” Glover said. “We are heartbroken by this loss and we grieve with Rickey’s family and those who knew him. In times like these, we must come together and support each other as one university community.”
Tiona
Williamson, a sophomore majoring in cardiorespiratory care, did not know Scott
too well, but fondly remembers talking to him just days before his passing.
“I met him and we had a couple of conversations,” said Williamson, of Jackson, Tennessee. “I didn’t know him personally, but thought he was a really sweet person. He was really nice, cool and laid back. It is so sad what happened to him.”
“He
was loved,” one of Scott’s family members added.
Also speaking at the candlelight vigil were Katelyn Thompson, president of the Student Government Association; Mr. TSU Damyr Moore; and Caleb Jarmon, President of the freshman class.
Frank
Stevenson, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students,
said the vigil was a show of unity among students, especially the freshmen, who
wanted to make sure that they came together, to hold hands and to encourage one
another.
“This
is somewhat of a cloudy day in the Land of Golden Sunshine,” Stevenson said.
“We have a Tiger that has fallen and the students have paused to celebrate his
life with this vigil.”
Miss
Freshman, Ashanti Mitchell, said it was sad to lose a classmate just shortly
after starting their college journey.
“We
have been here no more than three months and just now starting our first Homecoming
and to lose one of our classmates is just unfortunate,” said Mitchell, a
biology major from Louisville, Kentucky. “I wish coming together was under a
better circumstance. The fact that my class came out and supported even though
some of them didn’t even know him, I really appreciate it and I hope that we
keep this close bond and be supportive of each other going forward.”
Sunday was the start of Homecoming week at TSU, but Glover
assured the gathering of increased TSUPD and Metro police presence to ensure
safety due to the expected high traffic on campus.
Law enforcement is continuing to look into all information, including video surveillance. TSUPD say there was no report of a shooting or suspicious activity on campus prior to receiving the call from Metro police dispatch. They’re still trying to determine exactly where he sustained the fatal injury and a motive. School administrators are asking for the public to come forward with any information that may help in the investigation.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only
public university, and is a premier, historically black university and
land-grant institution offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a
comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie
designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams
Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in
McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee
State University provides students with a quality education in a
nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be
global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online
at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE,
Tenn.(TSU News Service)
– Tennessee State University kicked off this year’s Homecoming with the 32nd annual
Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest on Sunday.
The event, which was free and open to the
public, was held in the Floyd-Payne Campus Center on the main campus. Cash
prizes of $1,200, $800 and $500 were awarded respectively for first, second,
and third place winners in freshman and upperclassman divisions.
TSU President Glenda Glover (2nd from right) with contest chairperson Dr. Jacqueline Mitchell (far left) with freshman winners Akyra McDougal, Janae Williams and Ter’niciah James; and Mrs. Robert Murrell (far right). (Photo by Lalita Hodge, TSU Media Relations)
There
were 26 participants this year. The freshman winners were: Akyra O. McDougal, 1st place; Janae Williams, 2nd place; and Ter’niciah L. James, 3rd place. In the upperclassman division, Sarah Sulewski
claimed 1st place; Ashanti
Holland, 2nd; Trey Gibson, 3rd; and Sydni
Daniels received a $200 bookstore gift certificate for 4thplace.
Before the
contest, TSU President Glenda Glover thanked the students for their participation,
and lauded their courage and
talent.
“What better way to
start Homecoming than to have our magnificent students display their talents,”
said Dr. Glover. “I’m proud of each participant for sharing in this event, and
for the fortitude and determination to play such a significant role today.”
The contest, established in 1988, is named in honor of the late Robert N. Murrell, a longtime administrator and dean of men at TSU. It encourages students to develop skills in research, writing and oratory.
“I’m most grateful to all of you who played a part in making this happen, and for all of you who are here today,” said Ms. Barbara Murrell, whose late husband the event honors.
In
1993, the TSU Homecoming Committee incorporated the oratorical contest into the
official Homecoming schedule of activities, and established the Homecoming
theme as the theme for the contest. This year’s theme is: “Unleash the Pride of
the Tiger!”
Following the oratorical contest, TSU’s
Homecoming events continued with the Gospel Explosion in Kean Hall gymnasium.
The concert, which was also free, featured hit artists Kirk Franklin, James
Fortune, and Koryn Hawthorn. TSU alum and gospel legend Dr. Bobby Jones
received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Other Homecoming highlights throughout the
week include the Coronation of Mr. and Miss TSU, Oct. 16; Ralph Boston Golf
Tournament, Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Symposium, and Homecoming Concert, Oct. 17;
and the Greek Step Show and the Charles Campbell Fish Fry, Oct. 18.
On Friday evening, TSU has planned a
stellar Scholarship Gala at the Music City Center. This year, the Gala welcomes
back comedian Jonathan Slocumb as the master of ceremony. Special entertainment
will be provided by Melvin Crispell III, the ninth-season winner of BET’s Sunday Best. Proceeds from ticket sales
and sponsorships are used to provide financial assistance to students.
Homecoming
will conclude Oct. 19 with the Homecoming Parade from 14th and
Jefferson Street to 33rd and John Merritt Boulevard, and the
big football matchup between the Tigers and the Austin Peay Governors at Nissan
Stadium.
Note: In featured photo, TSU President Glenda Glover (4th from left) with contest chairperson Dr. Jacqueline Mitchell (far left) with upperclassman winners Sara Sulewski, Trey Gibson, Ashanti Holland and Sydni Daniels; and Mrs. Murrell (far right). (Photo by Lalita Hodge, TSU Media Relations)
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State University world famous marching band has done it again. Just in time for homecoming, The Undefeated has named the TSU Aristocrat of Bands the Best HBCU marching band in America.
Ranked No. 4 in the September poll, AOB moved slightly ahead of North Carolina A&T State University to take the title, with top finishes in all categories, including No. 1 in drum major.
This is the third ESPN/The Undefeated HBCU Ranking this season. Bands are evaluated based on musicality, drill and design, percussion, auxiliary crops and drum majors. The rankings are conducted by two six-person panels consisting of current and retired band directors from HBCUs, as well as choreographers.
The AOB is not new to national or international recognition.
They have performed at the White House, at NFL games, and appeared at events
and performed with many other big stars.
During the recent NFL Draft in Nashville, the AOB thrilled fans
with a performance on ESPN’s “First Take.” Percussionists from the band performed
in the Rose Bowl Parade. The AOB performed with country music legend Keith
Urban, and performed at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.
Lizzo, a rising star topping the charts, gave a shout out to the band recently after they performed a dynamic medley including her hit song “Truth Hurts” at TSU’s game against Mississippi Valley State on Aug. 31, and delivered a repeat performance at the National Battle of the Bands in Houston, Lizzo’s hometown.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University alum and the man considered the father of gospel television was honored Saturday night by his peers, including gospel sensation and Grammy Award winner Kirk Franklin. Dr. Bobby Jones was celebrated for his more than 40 years of contributions to the gospel music industry and received a lifetime achievement award.
Dr. Bobby Jones’ career in gospel music and television spans more than 40 years. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
The special recognition, made in collaboration with the GMA Dove Awards, was a part of TSU’s annual Gospel Explosion in Kean Hall, kicking off the 2019 homecoming week for the university. TSU President Glenda Glover, joined by Franklin and and GMA representatives, presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Jones.
Jones won a 1983 Dove Award for his “I’m So Glad I’m
Standing Here.”
“On this very stage 60 years ago, I received my bachelor’s degree, and four years later, I received my master’s degree,” Jones recalled. “The strange thing about it is here I am receiving a lifetime achievement award on the same stage. I am so grateful for this honor.”
Franklin, known for such gospel hits as “Love Theory,” ‘Wanna Be Happy,” and “A God Like You,” sent fans in the the packed Kean Hall screaming when he appeared on stage with the TSU New Direction Choir for several selections.
Before appearing with Franklin, New Direction earlier opened the night with with performances that left the crowd wanting more.
Gospel sensation Kirk Franklin performs with the TSU New Direction Choir at the Gospel Explosion. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
Other big name stars included JJ Hairston, renowned leader of Youthful Praise choir; Koryn Hawthorne, contemporary gospel singer and finalist in Season 8 of NBC’s singing competition The Voice; and James Fortune, gospel music recording artist, songwriter and producer.
Referred to as the “Ed Sullivan of Gospel Music” and a staunched supporter of TSU, Jones, a Nashville native, is an American gospel music legend. For 36 years, Jones brought gospel music to a national TV audience with his legendary Sunday morning program “Bobby Jones Gospel.” He gave big breaks to rising stars like Yolanda Adams and Kirk Franklin.
Homecoming week runs through Saturday, Oct. 19, culminating with the parade along Jefferson Street, and the football game between TSU and Austin Peay at Nissan Stadium. For more information on Homecoming go to http://www.tnstate.edu/alumni/homecoming/
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only
public university, and is a premier, historically black university and
land-grant institution offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a
comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie
designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams
Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in
McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee
State University provides students with a quality education in a
nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be
global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online
at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – The second annual
Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Lecture Series will take place on Oct. 17 during
Tennessee State University’s Homecoming week.
Dr. Edith Peterson Mitchell
This year’s featured speaker is Dr. Edith Peterson Mitchell, a TSU alumna and member of the university’s Board of Trustees. She is also a renowned cancer specialist, and retired Air Force brigadier general.
The lecture is scheduled for 2 p.m. in the Robert N. Murrell
Forum in the university’s Floyd-Payne Campus Center.
The
lecture series, a component of the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr., Institute, was
established to honor Watkins, a 1966 alumnus of TSU and the first
African-American to be accepted into and graduate from the Vanderbilt School of
Medicine. It features prominent speakers who address areas in health care and
STEM to prepare students for the medical field.
In
addition to the lecture series, the Institute also consists of a pre-med
society and an endowed scholarship.
The late
Watkins is known worldwide for being the first surgeon to successfully implant
an automatic heart defibrillator in a human patient at John Hopkins Hospital.
Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr.
Dr.
Watkins was also a pioneer in civil rights at Hopkins. He fought to diversify
the medical staff and student ranks at the hospital. His legacy of recruiting
and mentoring minority students helped to change the landscape of the medical
profession.
Watkins
retired from Hopkins in 2013, dedicating 43 years of service to helping others.
He passed away on April 11, 2015.
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – During a visit to Tennessee State University on Monday, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue lauded the land-grant institution’s innovative research, and challenged students to “invest in yourselves.”
Perdue toured the College of Agriculture and gave a
presentation to Ag students in the Farrell Westbrook Complex on the main
campus.
U.S. Ag Secretary Sonny Perdue, TSU President Glenda Glover, and College of Ag Dean Chandra Reddy. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
Following the presentation, the College gave Perdue a gift,
and TSU President Glenda Glover thanked him for visiting TSU and for his
support.
“We’re pleased to have you on our campus, and in our
corner,” said Dr. Glover. “We’re so appreciative of all you’ve done for 1890s;
you’ve taken land grants to heart.”
Including Tennessee State, the 1890 land-grant system
consists of 19 universities.
In his discussion, Perdue emphasized the importance of such institutions, and encouraged students to take advantage of what they offer. He also challenged them to “stand, “ be “steadfast,” and “persevere.”
“As you stand, as you’re steadfast to your vision, and
persevere for the next cause, I know that you’ll be successful,” said Perdue,
who also took questions from the students.
“TSU has invested in you, USDA (U.S. Department of
Agriculture) has invested in you, now I want you to invest in yourselves. You
are provided an opportunity that many people in this life do not get.”
Emmanuel Wallace, a sophomore from Memphis majoring in
agricultural sciences, was inspired by what Perdue said.
Perdue receives gift from College of Ag student. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
“I learned to definitely stay steadfast, be confident in
what you’re doing, and continue to strive for excellence,” said Wallace.
Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of TSU’s College of Agriculture,
said the U.S. Department of Agriculture is very supportive of the university, so
he’s pleased that the department’s top official visited TSU.
“This is awesome, because USDA supports a number of USDA
scholars for us, as well as research and extension facilities at TSU,” said
Reddy. “This is an opportunity for the Secretary to see firsthand how we are
stewarding those resources they are providing.”
During his visit, Perdue noted TSU’s research in hemp, food
safety, as well as its New Farmer Academy, the only one of its kind in
Tennessee.
“You’ve got major research here,” said Perdue. “The research
dollars … are being well-utilized.”
Kristin Day is among numerous TSU students who have
benefitted from USDA. The junior from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, received a
full-ride with an 1890 land-grant scholarship, which also guarantees an
internship with a federal agency.
Before Perdue’s visit, Day, who is majoring in agricultural
sciences with a concentration in agribusiness, said she looked forward to
seeing him again. She said she first met Perdue last month during a visit to
Washington, D.C.
“It’s an honor that he’s coming to TSU, and he wants to sit
down with us and have an intimate discussion,” said Day, who hopes to one day
work with USDA.
Perdue takes questions from students. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
Last year, USDA awarded more than $2 million in teaching,
research and extension capacity building grants to seven TSU professors in the
College of Ag.
The College was also awarded a $450,000 grant from the
USDA’s Agricultural Food and Research Initiative. It’s being used to pursue an
integrated approach to mitigate antimicrobial resistance in cattle and poultry,
and help establish stewardship programs for small and medium-sized ranchers.
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – U.S. Secretary of
Agriculture Sonny Perdue will get a glimpse of innovative research and interact
with top-notch students when he visits Tennessee State University on Monday,
Oct. 7.
Perdue is scheduled to attend a breakfast hosted by TSU
President Glenda Glover before touring the College of Agriculture and giving a
presentation to Ag students at 10 a.m. in the Farrell Westbrook Complex on the
main campus.
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue
Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of TSU’s College of Agriculture,
says the U.S. Department of Agriculture is very supportive of the land-grant
institution, so he’s pleased that the department’s top official is visiting
TSU.
“This is awesome, because USDA supports a number of USDA
scholars for us, as well as research and extension facilities at TSU,” says
Reddy. “This is an opportunity for the Secretary to see firsthand how we are
stewarding those resources they are providing.”
Kristin Day is among numerous TSU students who have
benefitted from USDA. The junior from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, received a
full-ride with an 1890 land-grant scholarship, which also guarantees an
internship with a federal agency.
Day, who is majoring in agricultural sciences with a
concentration in agribusiness, says she’s looking forward to seeing Perdue,
again. She says she first met him last month during a visit to Washington, D.C.
“It’s an honor that he’s coming to TSU, and he wants to sit
down with us and have an intimate discussion,” says Day, who hopes to one day
work with USDA.
Last year, USDA awarded more than $2 million in teaching,
research and extension capacity building grants to seven TSU professors in the
College of Ag.
The College was also awarded a $450,000 grant from the
USDA’s Agricultural Food and Research Initiative. It’s being used to pursue an
integrated approach to mitigate antimicrobial resistance in cattle and poultry,
and help establish stewardship programs for small and medium-sized ranchers.
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University students looking for internships, full-time employment and co-op opportunities got a major break on Oct. 2. More than 100 companies and potential employers converged on the main campus for the 2019 Fall Career Fair.
TSU student Shaun Anderson, a business administration major, right, talks to Dell representatives at the Career Fair. In the photo are, from left, Bonnie McKissack, Senior Sales Leader; Tiffany C. Perry, Inside Global Sales Manager (TSU alum); Shaheed Whitfield, Recruiter (TSU alum); Elizabeth Casey, Recruiter; and Shelton Cammon, Recruiter. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
Representatives from government
agencies, aerospace, engineering, healthcare and the entertainment industries
set up tents, tables and displays in the Gentry Center Complex to network with
students about career and potential employment opportunities.
Many have scheduled follow-up
interviews with students on the TSU campus.
Officials said nearly
500 students attended the all-day fair, organized by the TSU Career Development
Center in the Division of Student Affairs.
Micaih Mayfield, a junior mechanical engineering major, and Oluwatosin Fagbuyi, a graduate student, also in electrical engineering, were among those looking for career opportunities. Mayfield was looking to land an internship, while Fagbuyi, who graduates in May, was looking for a co-op or full-time employment.
Micaiah Mayfield, a junior mechanical engineering major, talks to representative of BWX Technologies. She said she received many positive responses from companies. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
“Everything looks very promising,”
said Mayfield, of Nashville, who made several stops, leaving her resume at each
point. “A lot of people asked for my resume, they looked over it and asked a
lot of questions about my career goals.”
For Fagbuyi, who was very
optimistic about landing an opportunity, he said going after companies this
early before his May graduation was a good effort.
“I count myself lucky to be able to get this opportunity to attend a career fair,” said Fagbuyi, who received an internship in his undergraduate years as a result of the career fair. “From what I have seen today, I will absolutely get something from it, thanks to the TSU Career Development Center for preparing us.”
Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, said the goal of the fair was to “share some of our amazing students” with these companies and the world.
“We are really excited about these corporations and companies that are here to meet students that TSU produces,” said Stevenson. “It is nice to see them so excited about interacting with our students.”
Major sponsors included General Electric, Altria, LG&E and KU Energy, Humana, Innophos, Inc., and Dell, which was to meet the next day with seven students who received on-the-spot preliminary interviews at the fair. Regions Bank is a standard sponsor. Like many of the other sponsors, hiring TSU students is not new for Dell. At the tech giant’s table during the fair, two of the company representatives and recruiters were TSU graduates, who got their start from the career fair.
Alexander Sellers, Systems Engineering Manager at Boeing, right, who earned two degrees at TSU, received his start from the career fair. He returned as a recruiter and to mentor his young protégés. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
Tiffany C. Perry,
inside global sales manager for North America at Dell, earned a bachelor’s and
a master’s degree from TSU. She said coming back to her alma mater to recruit
is just one way of trying to give back.
“It’s been an awesome day for me,” said Perry. “I am thankful for this opportunity. I am even happier to know that the candidates that came to our table were just incredible, they were prepared and represented TSU well.”
Alexander Sellers,
systems engineering manager at Boeing, was one of those representing his
company at the fair. He talked about the preparation he received, the
importance of the career fair and the excitement to be back on the TSU campus,
where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the College of Engineering.
Antoinette Duke, Associate Director of the TSU Career Development Center, left, presents a plaque to representatives of GE in appreciation of their support as major sponsor of the career fair. (Photo by Michael McLendon, TSU Media Relations)
“The career fair is integral for any student’s progression,” said Sellers, who was first hired by Lockheed Martin as a result of the career fair. “TSU is going to provide you the foundation of think, work, serve, and your classwork. But you have to get connected, and this is what that is all about.”
Antoinette Hargrove Duke, associate director of the Career Development Center, said the fair is an opportunity to properly “position our students.”
“We have spent most of the year preparing our students, getting them job ready,” Duke said. “So, at this career fair, it is our opportunity to partner the two (students and companies) together in hopes that we can increase our chances of making sure when our students graduate that they land employment that’s going to match the education that they have received.”
Duke was also glad
to see former students and alumni of the career center who return as mentors
and recruiters to help their younger protégés prepare for the real world.
“It is just nice to see them giving back to their institution,” she said.
Duke presented each of the major sponsors with a plaque in appreciation of their support to TSU and the Career Development Center.
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only
public university, and is a premier, historically black university and
land-grant institution offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a
comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie
designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams
Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in
McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee
State University provides students with a quality education in a
nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be
global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online
at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee Higher Education Commission has selected TSU’s Linda C. Spears to serve as part of its inaugural Higher Education Leadership and Innovation Fellows program.
Spears, the
associate vice president for Human Resources, will serve with 14 others on the
cohort-based professional development program to cultivate the next generation
of enterprise leaders in higher education. She was nominated by TSU President
Glenda Glover.
“I am so honored to be nominated
by President Glover and to be ultimately selected as a fellow in the inaugural
Tennessee Higher Education Leadership and Innovation Fellows program,” Spears
said. “It is such an honor to represent TSU in this leadership development
experience.”
According to a THEC
release, Spears and her fellow cohorts will
convene on campuses across the state to learn from experts and build extended
networks. The program will facilitate individual development goals through
professional assessments, one-on-one executive coaching, and mentoring networks
and job shadowing experiences.
Among other
responsibilities, the THEC fellows will
facilitate leadership
development through self-exploration and skill training; provide foundational
principles of higher education policy and practice for exposure to all
aspects of the higher education enterprise; as well as inspire ideas and
cultivate new ways of thinking to shape the emerging paradigm of
post-secondary education institutions.
“Addressing the challenges currently facing higher education will require leaders that are steeped in innovation and keenly focused on student success,” said Mike Krause, executive director of THEC. “This program will help Tennessee develop a cohort of higher education professionals ready to excel in executive positions.”
Spears said although the program is demanding, she hopes to
gain more insight into the strategic operations of higher educational
institutions to “prepare me for greater service and advancement opportunities.”
An operational improvement
advocate throughout her career, Spears has developed a management leadership training program, introduced
an electronic personnel action system, and developed many highly effective workflow
processes. She hopes to bring that experience of professional development to
her new role as a THEC fellow.
“This inaugural class will help to shape the future of this program,” she added.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only
public university, and is a premier, historically black university and
land-grant institution offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a
comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie
designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams
Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in
McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee
State University provides students with a quality education in a
nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be
global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online
at tnstate.edu.
