=”300″ />NASHVILLE (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has been awarded more than $4.8 million by the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday as part of a national effort to strengthen Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
TSU’s $4,851,718 grant is part of nearly $228 million being awarded to 97 HBCU’s across the country.
The Department of Education awarded more than $10.1 million of federal grants towards a majority of Tennessee’s HBCU’s with Tennessee State University receiving the highest grant amount of any HBCU in the state.
“Since HBCUs serve a critical role in remediating many underprivileged students, this federal grant will assist in molding our student’s potential into reality,” said Dr. Portia Shields, TSU President. “These funds will help the University continue its mission of educating students to be scholars and leaders in the global workplace.”
According to the U.S. Department of Education, the five-year grants — titled Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities — will be used for activities such as curriculum reform; counseling and student service programs; establishing teacher education programs designed to qualify students to teach; acquiring real-estate property in connection with construction, renovations, or additions that may improve campus facilities; and funding faculty and staff development.
In addition, funds may be used for the purchase, rental, or lease of scientific or laboratory equipment and the development of academic instruction in disciplines in which African Americans are under represented.
“HBCUs have made enduring, even staggering contributions to American life despite the steep financial challenges many have faced,” U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan said. “The grants will help these important institutions continue to provide their students with the quality education they need to compete in the global economy.”
The Office of Postsecondary Education administers the Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities grant. For a complete list of the 97 grant award recipients, visit http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-awards-nearly-228-million-97-historically-black-colleges
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About Tennessee State University
With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university and is a comprehensive, urban, coeducational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top Universities in the county by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912 Tennessee State University celebrates 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu
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