New College Rankings of more than 700 colleges and universities across America gives Tennessee State University (TSU), Nashville, an “A” grade for its solid curriculum that gives students a firm grounding in the areas of knowledge they will use for a lifetime. TSU is one of two universities in Tennessee to receive this highest ranking and one of 16 colleges/universities in the country. TSU is also the only Historically Black College/University (HBCU) in the country on the A-list. See http://www.whatwilltheylearn.com/a-list

The rankings measure which institutions offer a “solid curriculum” that require students to take broad-based courses in seven disciplinary areas that give them a well-rounded education. The curriculum includes general education courses in composition, literature, foreign language, US government or history, economics, mathematics, or physical science.

The American Council of Trustees and Alumni (ACTA), an independent, non-profit organization committed to academic freedom, excellence, and accountability at America’s colleges and universities, conducted the college rankings. The organization works with alumni, donors, trustees, and education leaders across the United States to support liberal arts education, uphold high academic standards, safeguard the free exchange of ideas on campus, and ensure that the next generation receives a philosophically rich, high-quality college education at an affordable price.

Harry R. Lewis, 
former Dean, Harvard College, said of the rankings: “with good guidance, students can get the holistic educational experience almost anywhere. But good guidance is hard to come by, and these days, the menus don’t help very much. That’s why I hope this resource (rankings) will help you find out which of the colleges you and your children are considering are taking care to provide an education…and which are just offering a menu.”

TSU President Melvin Johnson said he was “thrilled with the findings which further validate the breadth of the educational experience that Tennessee State University offers” to its students. He noted that TSU remains committed to the founding principles in its “think, work, serve” motto, and to its mission of  “promoting and nurturing students’ growth and development as persons who are liberally educated, appreciate cultural diversity, and embody a sense of civic responsibility.”

The University’s 2010-2015 Strategic Plan and its 2008-2028 Academic Master Plan,” says Dr. Johnson, “further highlight the need for preparing students for a lifetime of contributions in a quickly evolving global knowledge economy. In this regard, the University will continue to assess and reassess its academic programs to further strengthen the quality of the educational experience that we provide out students.”

Tennessee State University is the only public, Carnegie-classified doctoral/research university in middle Tennessee.  TSU, an Historically Black College/ University (HBCU), is the second most productive research institution in the Tennessee Board of Regents system in terms of funded research and programs, with research/program dollars currently exceeding $40 million.

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For additional information, contact Peter O. Nwosu, Ph.D., Special Assistant to the President for Institutional Planning, Office of the President, Tennessee State University, Nashville, at 615-963-2551 or pnwosu@tnstate.edu