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TSU says Southern Heritage Classic more than just a football game

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Linda Parrish has been coming to the Southern Heritage Classic since it started 33 years ago. Each year, she looks forward to the second weekend in September for the replay of tradition, camaraderie, homecoming, and most of all, the rivalry on the football field. 

President Glenda Glover gives an update on the university at the annual President’s Reception and Alumni Mixer at the Renasant Center in Memphis. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“I remember when the classic first started with TSU playing Grambling State University, and how it has evolved into one of the premier Black college football showcases in the nation,” says Parrish, a 1976 TSU graduate, and a retired registered nurse from Miami. 

The classic is more than the action on the field for TSU. West Tennessee, north Mississippi, and specifically Memphis are fertile grounds to recruit top high school students.

Brenda Gale Joiner, a graduating senior at Hamilton High School with a 3.9 GPA, is coming to TSU next fall to major in civil engineering. She was among several students recruited at the annual college fair as part of the classic week events.  

The TSU Aristocrat of Bands participates in the 33rd Southern Heritage Classic Parade. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“TSU is the home of the Tigers, and I love it,” she said. “I know it is a great institution. I have heard great things about the programs, and my father went to TSU.” 

Another fair goer, Kiereney Cole, a graduating senior from Booker T. Washington High School, has TSU in her sight. She wants to major in business, marketing and entrepreneurship. She has heard a lot about TSU’s business program.

“I choose TSU because it looks a very good school and I like the HBCU atmosphere,” says Cole. “I know few graduates from my school who go there and and I like what they say about the university.” 

Kiereney Cole, right, a graduating senior from Booker T. Washington High School, talks to a TSU admissions official at the annual college fair in Memphis. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

At the President’s Reception and Alumni Mixer – part of the classic weekend event – to update alumni and supporters on the state of affairs at the university, TSU President Glenda Glover touted the high quality of students attending the university. She announced the university’s historic freshman enrollment, the highest among all HBCUs in the nation, record research funding, also the highest among HBCUs, as well as a $250 million from the state for infrastructural improvement.  

“I greet you in the name of excellence. We began this semester with excitement and enthusiasm about the great things that are happening at TSU,” President Glover said. “We have the largest enrollment in our first-year class in the history of our university. I am told it is the largest enrollment of all HBCUs. Our research funding was also the highest last year, and we came close to tying that record this year, with $67 million in research funding. TSU received $250 million from the state for infrastructural development. We are in the process of identifying the structures we want to improve and upgrade and present our plan to the state.”

Debbi Howard, Director of Alumni Relations, welcomes guests at the President’s Reception and Alumni Mixer. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

On TSU’s recent housing situation, Glover said demand had exceeded supply due primarily due to high enrollment, and the high cost of living in Nashville, which had more upperclassmen seeking on-campus because they can no longer afford housing in the city. She said TSU’s situation was not unique. 

“Many universities across the country and even here in Tennessee are experiencing the same demand for campus housing. Some sent students homes without any options. We provided our students with options because we know many of them will not come without a place to stay. TSU students could attend online for free if they paid a deposit or live in off-campus housing.”  

The President thanked alumni, officials, and friends for their continued support of TSU and most importantly students.  Before the night ended, the gathering had raised more than $40,000 for student support, including $25,000 from TSU alum Lt. Col. James W. Williams, a Vietnam veteran and former prisoner of war. The check was a contribution to an endowment in his name at the university. Also, during halftime of the football game, alumnus Sedric Turner presented a check for $110,000 as the first installment on a $1 million pledge to support student scholarships and the Aristocrat of Bands.

Diehard TSU Tigers fans cheer on their beloved team at the Southern Heritage Classic football game. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Besides the college fair and big game on Saturday, another highlight of the SHC was the annual parade in the Orange Mound community of Memphis. Hundreds of people lined the route to see the floats and participants, including TSU’s world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands.   While the score wasn’t in TSU’s favor, the University still came away as winner with peaked interest from high school students and alumni support. 

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 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight 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.

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TSU Students Gain Access to Hockey through Partnership with Nashville Predators

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 13, 2022) – Nearly three years after forming a historic partnership between an HBCU and NHL team, Tennessee State University and the Nashville Predators have worked to ensure the alliance continues to thrive. The short-term goal was to help TSU raise $1 million in one month in February 2020. The long-term goal was to create opportunities for students in the league, starting with the hometown team. Two TSU professors are helping students with the latter.

College of Business Associate Professors of Marketing Dr. Vaidas Lukosius and Dr. Ramaprasad Unni say they are committed to providing TSU students with firsthand knowledge about internship opportunities with the Predators. The two recently hosted an event for their classes featuring Tyree White, Director of Business Strategy & Analytics and Michael LaPlaca, Director of Digital & Social Strategy with the Predators. The executives shared information about sports marketing and internship opportunities. According to the professors, about 30 students attended the event.

“Internships are an ongoing process, and we always get requests from companies,” says Dr. Lukosius. “It’s one thing to have a flyer [about internship opportunities], but it’s something else to have the company come out, meet, explain, and engage with students.”

One of those students is Sarah Johnson, Senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Marketing who is currently seeking internship opportunities.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the event. Mr. LaPlaca and Mr. White shared meaningful knowledge and experience with us,” says Johnson. 

“It was nice to hear about their usual days at the office as well as their experience during more demanding periods. Their presentation certainly provided real-world insight to key concepts we learn in our marketing and business courses.”

Johnson hopes to become a marketing manager or director with a luxury fashion company and says she’s interested in an internship with the social media marketing team. 

“An internship with the Nashville Predators would be extremely valuable, and I would hope to learn the ins and outs of marketing, especially on such a large scale.”

President Glenda Glover, TSU officials and student leaders join Nashville Predators CEO Sean Henry, second from left, at a press conference in 2020 to announce a partnership to raise $1 million in one month. (TSU Photo)

While students in the College of Business attended the event, any TSU student can apply for an internship with the Predators for academic credit. It’s recommended that they speak with their respective department chair and the Career Development Center ahead of time regarding the requirements to receive credit for an internship.

“It would be a tremendous honor to help students get their career started in sports, but also help bring a more diverse approach to our day-to-day challenges,” says White. 

“While my department focuses on technical skills, we can train anyone that is interested.”

He adds that internships with his department for the spring should be posted at the beginning of November with the deadline to apply being early December. Their goal is to have spring interns selected before Christmas break with a potential start date around the second week of January.

Victoria Clark, Senior Business Administration major with a concentration in Hospitality Management, says she plans to apply.

“An internship with the Predators will be pivotal and provide me with essential knowledge and experience,” says Clark. 

“My career goal after college is to become a powerful and successful hotelier. I expect to receive hands-on experience in the sports and entertainment industry to learn trends and fundamental business skills that I can apply to my cumulative knowledge of the hospitality and tourism industry.”

Dr. Lukosius and Dr. Unni hope to have future events where White and LaPlaca can speak to students on more topics. Their goal is to have a consistent group of students earn an internship with the Predators each year.

“Internships make education more relevant and increase ties to the community,” says Dr. Unni. “My students who attended enjoyed the event, and if any participate, they can come back and share the experience with their peers.”

TSU Students interested in an internship with the Predators should visit https://www.teamworkonline.com/hockey-jobs/hockeyjobs/nashville-predators and apply. Those interested in opportunities with White or LaPlaca’s department can email them directly at twhite@nashvillepredators.com and mlaplaca@nashvillepredators.com[respectively] with an updated resume after completing the online application.

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TSU, US Dept. of Labor Deputy Secretary host summit to increase career and partnership opportunities for students    

In support of the 2021 White House initiative to advance equity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities, TSU hosted the HBCU Summer Summit hiring event presented by the US Department of Labor (DOL.)

More than 150 students and faculty members interacted with DOL representatives and career services professionals to gather input for new training, mentorship, internship programs and opportunities to promote career development and long-term employment opportunities for the federal government.

TSU President Glenda Glover and the Deputy Secretary of Labor Julie Su spoke about the importance of DOL initiatives and efforts in promoting opportunity for HBCU students. (Photo: Aaron Grayson)

DOL representatives were on-hand to answer questions about specific career opportunities in the southeastern United States, as students learned about federal careers, how to navigate the federal government job site – USAjobs, and how to write a federal resume.

President Glenda Glover said it was an honor for the university to be a part of the three-part tour including Jackson State University and Tuskegee University. Glover also noted how grateful the university is to have the Deputy Secretary of Labor, Julie Su, discuss federal government partnership and employment opportunities hands on with the students.

“We want our students to know that we have corporations to come and take such an interest in us. It shows the inclusiveness of what the administration is trying to do,” Glover said. “To focus on minorities. To focus on HBCUs … we are pleased to be a part of that conversation.”

The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development mobile American Job Centers vehicle on campus to provide a mobile computer lab with internet access to create a venue for resume workshops. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

The event was open to students and faculty from TSU and all surrounding HBCUs, along with invites for Vanderbilt University and Middle Tennessee State University students.

Jalen Hall, a TSU freshmen majoring in civil engineering noted how informative the event was for his future opportunities.

“As a freshman, I didn’t know much about the Deparmtent of Labor, but after this session I’ve learned valuable information,” Hall said. “Things I can take with me as I expand and matriculate through college … it will be helpful when I start looking into job opportunities.”

Su, the Deputy Secretary of Labor, said the summit event was the beginning of building a longer-term relationship to create a pathway into the federal government for HBCU students.

Jalen Hall

“We know in order to serve the most vulnerable community and individuals and gain trust; we want to look like the people we seek to serve,” Su said. “The outreach to HBCUs was a very natural part of making sure we’re reaching the full talent.”

During the event, Su gave the students some words of advice when applying for federal government jobs, “tell us who you really are,” she said. “Speak up about the things you care about. To really bring all the pieces of yourself in the application and make sure we can see that.”

She mentioned how the country has not only gone through a public health crisis, but a racial reckoning in recent years, with hopes of finding driven students who are looking for ways to turn their vision of the world into something they can do within their lives and their job.

Lauren Caver

Lauren Caver, a sophomore majoring in elementary education, couldn’t agree more. Caver told the university that she has hopes of becoming the US Secretary of Education one day, and it was great to see majority of the DOL representatives at the event look just like majority of TSUs population.

“Seeing another woman, another woman of color on stage talking about her position was really inspiring to me,” Carver said.

“It was good to hear about their (DOL) interviewing and application process, and what actually goes into working for the federal government.”

Although several students in attendance were underclassmen, Su assured the students about internship opportunities as well.

“We want them to bring all the things that make them so excellence and passionate,” she said. “We are here because we care about the students as we are also trying to build the best department that we can.”

During the HBCU Summit event, a mobile American Job Centers van was on campus to provide students with a mobile computer lab and internet access for a resume assistance work shop.

For more information about how to apply for federal government jobs, visit www.usajobs.gov.

 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 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight 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.

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TSU’s freshman class largest among HBCUs, has more African-American first year students than some universities’ total minority population

By Kelli Sharpe

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is projected to enroll over 3,300 new tigers to the TSU family for the fall. It is the largest freshman class in the history of TSU and one of the largest among HBCUs. This number does not include the nearly 400 new transfer students and 1,000 plus graduate students who registered for classes the 2022-2023 academic year.  The TSU freshman class alone has more Black first-year students than some universities total minority population. This is based on a 2021 report in the Washington Post, Flagship universities say diversity is a priority. But Black enrollment in many states continues to lag

“We are excited that this is the largest first-year class in the history of TSU,” said President Glenda Glover. “This growth is quite positive for TSU as more and more students seek to attend our university.”

Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover

The freshmen class enrollment explosion comes on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, two years following the height of the virus, and social unrest after the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery. President Glover said the growth for TSU is impressive considering the enrollment rate for Black first-year students has decreased post pandemic. 

According to a report from the National Student Clearinghouse Research Center, first-year enrollment was down 6 percent for Black students this past spring compared to a year ago. This follows a 13 percent decline from 2020 to 2021. There were 36,655 first-year Black students enrolled for this spring compared to 45,077 enrolled in higher education when the pandemic hit.

University officials said there are several factors contributing to the soaring first-year student enrollment numbers. This includes Vice President Kamala Harris as the spring commencement speaker, quality academic programs and faculty, a comprehensive recruitment program, the promotion of student and university achievements on a national stage, a new residence hall, and its biggest ambassadors, the Aristocrat of Bands marching band. Fondly known as the AOB, the band played on some of the biggest stages in this past year, including the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, halftime performance at a Los Angeles Lakers game, and named 2022 Top Marching Band by HBCU Buzz.

Kollin Gutter, TSU freshman majoring in Business Information Systems

Kollin Gutter, a freshman from Virginia majoring in business information systems, said he did his research on the University and was pleased with what he discovered. “TSU is one of the few HBCUs with a business information system program and they have computer information systems as well,” he said. “I want to pursue my career path in that.” 

Gutter mentioned that the campus is like one big family. Fellow freshman Kennedy Holloway, agrees.

Kennedy Holloway, Mechanical Engineering Major

“I came here because it felt like a family environment and there are a lot of great people here,” said the mechanical engineering major from Birmingham, Alabama.

TSU’s history making class of first-year college students outnumbers the total African-American population at some institutions, according to a report from the Washington Post. While the largest population of incoming students are from Tennessee, and neighboring states like Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky and Ohio. There is also a huge surge of students from as far as California, Texas, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

This freshmen class also brings stellar academic credentials with an average high school GPA of 3.4. STEM majors in agricultural sciences, engineering and health sciences, along with business, and education continue to be the most popular among the new freshmen class.

“I am happy to be a TSU Tiger,” said Bailey Scott, who received her keys to a room in the new 700-bed, ultra-modern residence hall during move-in week. “Everything has just fallen in place for us since the first day. From registration to housing and the freshmen orientation, everybody we met was welcoming, and that’s a major motivation.” Scott anticipates becoming a nursing major.

Terrence Izzard, associate vice president for enrollment management, added: “We have begun the journey for one of the largest classes in the history of the university. All incoming students who have completed check-in for the Fall 2022 semester have received their full-time class schedule. This include our freshmen who are getting accumulated to college life and will leave their legacy here at TSU.” 

Included in the class of 2026 are 21 Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Scholars. The new cohorts average a 3.5 GPA along with a SAT score of 1310 and ACT of 28. The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute and Scholarship Fund was established to provide scholarships for outstanding high school graduates who meet the criteria for admission and choose a career in medicine or dentistry. Funds from this scholarship support students enrolled in the Meharry Medical College – Tennessee State University Medical/Dental Accelerated Pathway Program, Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Health Care Scholars and Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Society.  

Freshman Robert Blalock, Biology Major and Dr. Levi Watkins Scholar

Tampa, Florida native Robert ‘Robby’ Blalock is a freshman who is part of the Dr. Levi Watkins program, majoring in biology. “I came to Tennessee State for a fresh start and to be prepared for my career and whatever else I do in life,” Blalock said.

Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, added that the university is happy to welcome the new students, also assuring them of a safe and exciting learning environment. 

“This is a really exciting time to have this level of uptick of students who are ready to be back on campus,” Stevenson said. “We have a lot of things planned for the campus and I think our first-time freshmen are going to see the energy and excitement of the TSU campus.”

The University is currently accepting applications for fall 2023.

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TSU’s transportation app provides free, real-time shuttle access for off-campus housing students 

Tennessee State University students living in University off-campus housing won’t have to wonder where the shuttle bus is for pickup and drop off for classes.

TSU’s BusWhere app is back.

The shuttle app is intended to help students plan their pickup and drop off times accordingly at the university and housed facilities.  

With the BusWhere tracking app, students will be able to see the shuttle bus location on the map in real-time and view estimated times of arrivals for any stop along the route to know when the shuttle has arrived. 

Students shared that the free app and transportation is the huge convenience they needed for their academic schedule.  

“The bus comes every hour and the drivers have been extremely nice and welcoming,” TSU senior Tamara Conley said. “My experience with the shuttle has been great so far.” 

TSU student Jason Ferrell uses BusWhere app to check the status of his shuttle.

The shuttles are making their rounds to the six locations the University is utilizing for overflow housing. The hours are from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Thursday and 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Friday to Sunday. The late shuttle runs from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. each day. 

The shuttles on the BusWhere app are making their rounds to the six locations the University is utilizing for overflow housing.

Starr Branch, a junior majoring in mass communication, said the shuttle is suitable for students without a vehicle or for those who just would prefer to save gas. 

“Many students haven’t had the chance to own their own vehicle yet, so being able to know a ride from school and back is put in place is very comforting to many,” Branch said. “With the app you know how to navigate through your day better by knowing when your ride will be at the giving destination.” 

 Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Frank Stevenson said the shuttles run at the top of the hour from hotels and every half hour from the campus. Students are asked to be at the designated stop 5-10 minutes prior to departure. 

TSU students smiles on shuttle bus headed to campus.

“The students are now able to hop on the shuttle to save gas,” Stevenson said. “Our late-night shuttle is running very well … and the students are getting to class on time.” 

TSU students should visit buswhere.com/tnstate to register for the University’s shuttle tracker app.

About Tennessee State University

With more than 8,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. 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 country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

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TSU selects veteran military officer to lead ROTC program

After 16 years, Lt. Colonel Stephen Cash said it was time to come back home.

Cash is Commander of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 790 at TSU, a Memphis native who commissioned through AFROTC in 2006 upon graduating from Middle Tennessee State University.

“I am really humble to have the opportunity to come back to where my Air Force career began,” Lt. Colonel Cash said. Cash was stationed at the Pentagon for three years in Washington D.C., before he officially became a tiger when his predecessor Lt. Nick Calloway retired over the summer.

Lt. Col. Cash commissioned at TSU in 2006 . This year he has returned to the university as Commander of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.

He is responsible for recruiting and overseeing the preparation of officer candidates through a comprehensive college program at TSU and 11 cross-town universities.

He said this year ROTC has more than 90 cadets.

“My hope is that we see the program into fruition,” he said, noting that he looks forward to finding those with integrity to serve the country and strive for excellence. Cash said he anticipates the same hospitality he received when he launched his military career at TSU more than 15 years ago.

“When I came through the program it was a family environment,” he said. “A family feel with cadets looking out for one another. It’s an amazing opportunity to come back and pay it forward and have my career come full circle.”

To learn more about Detachment 790, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/afrotc/join.aspx.

About Tennessee State University

With more than 8,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. 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 country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

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Tennessee State University Marching Band Submits for a Grammy

(Tennessee State University News Service) Nashville, TN- With one push of a button it’s official, Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands submitted an application to the Grammy nomination committee for their album The Urban Hymnal in the Best Gospel Roots Album category. A win would make the TSU marching band the first collegiate band in history to receive the music industry’s highest honor for an entire album! Band members were on hand for the big submission as fellow band member Logyn Rylander, a senior commercial music major from Philadelphia, PA, did the honors of hitting the send button to submit the application. 

“None of this would be possible without the leadership of University President Glenda Glover. We especially thank her for being a visionary and allowing our band program to grown within her vision for the TSU band.”

“This is huge and very exciting for our students, band members and for Tennessee State University,” said Dr. Reginald McDonald, director of bands for TSU. 

Award winning poet, recording artist J. Ivy was present as a show of support and contribution on the album.

The groundbreaking album has 10 tracks filled with organic sounds that were created on the TSU campus and features trailblazers within the gospel music industry. Music moguls and acclaimed artist such as Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, John P. Kee, Louis York, Dubba-AA, Sir the Baptist, Prof. Jenkins, Take 6, Mali Music, and more are on the album. 

Executive producers Larry Jenkins, assistant band director and music heavy weights two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist were also hand for the submission. Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin is also an executive producer on the project.  

The Urban Hymnal is set for release on September 23.

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TSU Faculty and Staff Return for New Semester, to Build Upon Successes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University
President Glenda Glover applauded employees for their contributions to the success TSU achieved as the university hit major milestones in 2021, challenging faculty and staff to take the university to even higher heights over the next five years.

The 2022 Faculty-Staff Institute brought out more than 150 attendees as Dr. Glover addressed the challenges of operating amid pandemic, stating that the university will continue to adhere to safety plans and protocols.

As she praised faculty and staff, she said the university has kept its faith since 1912. “You have handled our day-to-day operations and kept us going throughout this pandemic,” Glover said.

“You have redefined what it means to be a frontline worker. We begin this new academic year with our continuing goal of serving our students. We celebrate our commitment to our students.”

The 2022 Faculty-Staff Institute brought out more than 150 attendees. An annual event that highlighted short term goals, long term goals and a five-year strategic plan for the university. (Photo: Aaron Grayson.)

In pointing out TSU’s successes, the president discussed record enrollment of 2,500 first year students and the faculty attracting more than $65 million in sponsored research and external funding during the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Glover also cited $250,000,000 being appropriated in state funding for TSUs infrastructure, and a recent 6% salary raise for TSU faculty and staff.

Glover mentioned another important short-term goal of getting approval this year for another residence hall that will hold 1,000 beds for
students. During the event, Glover also highlighted long term goals, a five-year strategic plan for the university. It includes achieving an R1 research status (currently R2); 10 to 15 new doctoral programs on-site and on-line; doubling research funding to $150 million; attracting global talents for chair professor positions, boosting the endowment
to $200 million and $75 million in reserves; development of the downtown campus, increasing overall enrollment to 10,000; and become the number one Center for SMART Technology internationally.

During the presentation Dr. Artenzia Young-Seigler, chair of the faculty
senate, said it is going take teamwork to overcome university internal and external challenges. “The challenges we face this semester will change this university forever,” Young-Seigler said.

Interim Vice President of Academic affairs Dr. Robbie Melton and staff senate chair Reginald Cannon speaks at the 2022 Faculty-Staff Institute. Cannon said he looks forward to advocating for new students as TSU faculty will continue to succeed and advance the university. (Photo Aaron Grayson)

“Remember, our best is in front of us. And every challenge presents an opportunity for exceptional and miraculous possibilities.”

She assured faculty and staff that the university will face challenges with fortitude, not fear.

Staff senate chair Reginald Cannon, couldn’t agree more. “My focus is to make sure that we are in place to be able to support those who need us,” Cannon said. “We have had a lot of discussion about the mental and physical well-being when coming back to the university,” he said referring to the pandemic.

Cannon said he looks forward to advocating for the new students as faculty will continue to find a way to succeed and advance the university.

“We welcome the challenge of taking care of this new generation of students.”

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TSU Alums and Owners of National Food Chain Slim and Huskys Inspire Incoming Freshmen with Story of Hope, Success

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Clint Gray III and Emmanuel “E.J.” Reed, TSU alums and two of the three owners of a major national restaurant chain, recently inspired incoming freshmen with their message of hope and success during a ceremony on campus. The co-owners of Slim & Husky’s, the famous hip-hop pizza franchise, spoke about how a dream they had in their college dorm kicked off with a $3,000 startup money and grew into building a multi-million-dollar company with branches across the country.

“Slim & Husky’s was born right here at TSU, in these dorms,” Gray reminded the students. “As freshmen and college students, we had the same dream as most of you to make a difference, but we had a plan and we worked on it.” Gray and Reed named vision, strategy, and execution as the key to their success.

“Your first step is to have a vision,” Gray added. “Just like most of you, we came to TSU as three young, motivated, and ambitious knuckleheads. We had a dream sitting in the same seats you are sitting in, faced with the same challenges that you are going to face, like getting up early for class, going to study hall, and for some of us, going to football practice, but we had one vision.” 

That message of having a dream with a vision, strategy and execution plan struck an immediate chord with Talisa Elliott, who had long heard about Slim & Husky’s, but said she was very moved to be in the presence of the actual owners and to hear their story of “how they made it through TSU to get to where they are.

“I love supporting Black-owned businesses but hearing their stories of how they turned $3,000 into a $7M deal in seven years, is amazing,” said Elliott, a mass communications major from Memphis, Tennessee. “Hearing these guys makes me even more excited about coming to TSU. Their message is extremely encouraging, considering my own dreams and motivations.” 

Reginald Ponder, of Atlanta, a pre-med biology major, also said the presentation added to his excitement about being at TSU and what he can become. “Everything has been going great. I have been networking and speaking to people. Orientation was fine,” said Ponder, who is interested in vying for a student leadership position. “I am looking forward to being in student government. Clubs and organizations do a lot of work on campus. I want to be part of that.” 

Gray, Reed, and Derrick More graduated from TSU in 2007. Two years later, the trio regrouped and revisited their college dream of owning a business. With $3,000 between them, they started a three-man moving business with a rented truck. Within seven years, they had built a multi-million dollar moving company that set the stage for opening the first location of Slim & Husky’s Local Pizza Beeria, at 911 Buchanan St., in 2017. Today, the company has 10 locations across the country, with a plan to open 50 more locations in the next five years. 

“Our vision would be nothing if we hadn’t taken the time to plan out our moves,” Reed said. “So, whatever it is that you guys want to do, it starts with a vision, and then you strategize how you get from point A to point Z. But it doesn’t stop there. You must execute your plan, or it will all mean nothing.” 

Tasha Andrews-Carson, executive director of new student programs, said the gathering, part of freshman welcome week, was intended to get the students “acclimated and familiarize” with the university. 

For more information on admission at TSU, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/admissions/

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TSU Houses Record 5000 Plus Students for Fall, President Stays Overnight to Reassure Students and Parents

by Kelli Sharpe

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover spent the night at one of the university’s off-campus housing facilities over the weekend to ease concerns regarding safety and quality of rooms.  President Glover helped to check students in at the Best Western and later checked in herself. The hotel is one of six locations the University is using for overflow housing and has already housed 5,000 students on and off campus.

President Glenda Glover helps with student check in at the Best Western, one of the TSU overflow housing facilities. President Glover later checked in herself for an overnight stay.

“I would not put students in a place I would not be willing to stay myself,” said President Glover. “While I wish my stay could have been longer, we needed the bed for a student.”

Rising senior Derrion Boyce said this is his first time staying at a hotel throughout his TSU journey and he’s satisfied with his room assignment. The electrical engineering major, from Chicago is housed at the Best Western.

TSU President Glenda Glover

“I was able to move into my hotel room in a timed ordinarily fashion, everything was clean and up to par. Also, they have brought over food and a school supply kit to us since I been there.”

Sophomore Laila Spencer said she had reservations about being at one of the off-campus housing facilities but was pleasantly surprised when she arrived at her room at Candlewood Suites.

“I wanted to be on campus because everything is easy to get to and convenient, but with the lack of on campus housing I was put into Candlewood,” said the Memphis native and agriculture major.

President Glover at Best Western

TSU began housing students on August 15 and will continue to do so until all off-campus housing facilities are filled. The University is facing an unprecedented demand for on campus housing due to a large incoming freshmen class, projected at over 2,500 first-year students, and the high cost of housing in Nashville.

Because of the latter, an unusually high number of upperclassmen have requested on-campus housing because they cannot afford to live in the City.

“The demand for housing is related largely to Nashville’s increased cost of living and prevents many of our students from living off campus,” said Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Frank Stevenson.  

“Staff has been committed to implementing a workable solution to meet the demand for TSU housing and have assigned rooms to all upperclassmen who have paid a deposit. However, we also understand everyone is not happy about the arrangements.”

Derrion Boyce
Derrion Boyce

Stevenson noted that parents have voiced concerns regarding safety and the quality of some of the rooms.

Naomi Taylor, a sophomore, had issues with her room at the Ramada Inn, but said they were resolved right away.

“I am content with my stay here. It’s not too bad. I would’ve liked to stay on campus, so I could be a part of it, but I prefer this over the dorms,” Taylor said

“The move in experience was a little hectic, at first they put us in a room that was already occupied but they resolved it. When we got here the shower drain would fill over and we told the front desk about it and they fixed it. Then the toilet wouldn’t flush properly so we had to tell the front desk and they’re fixing it right now.”

Dr. Glover and Student
Sophomore Laila Spencer with her mother and President Glenda Glover during check in at a TSU overflow housing location.

Stevenson added, “Any concern regarding the condition of a room is being addressed immediately whether on campus or at an off-campus housing facility. Hotel management is expected to resolve all issues right away upon notification at our off-campus sites.”

Stevenson said student safety is a top priority on and off campus and a comprehensive 24- hour security plan has been implemented for each off-campus location.

“TSUPD, Metro Police, armed and unarmed security personnel, along with residence hall staff will monitor the inside and perimeter of all off-campus housing as they have in the past. It is our hope that these intentional safety measures will bring a level of comfort to our students and parents.” 

President Glover said she understands the frustration from many students and parents as the University worked to process the large demand for housing and their patience is greatly appreciated.

“Many universities across the country and even here in Tennessee are experiencing the same demand for campus housing. Some sent students homes without any options. We provided our students with options because we know many of them will not come without a place to stay. TSU students could attend online for free if they paid a deposit or live in off-campus housing.”

Some parents have also voiced concerns regarding the cost for off campus housing. The university said it will continue to assess the financial needs of students and take the necessary steps to give them the best off-campus housing experience, including shuttle service, extended library hours, along with on-site meals and activities.

TSU Police Officer Butch Lawerence helps a student and her mother with move-in at one of TSU overflow housing sites.

The president went on to say that the University will use the off-campus housing facilities for the fall and spring semester as a short-term option but is already looking to expand the campus housing inventory. This will be crucial if both enrollment trends and the cost of living in Nashville continue to increase.

“TSU is working closely with appropriate state agencies to add more residence halls on our campus, hopefully starting next year to address our future housing needs. We are excited that this is the largest first-year class in the history of TSU. This growth is quite positive for TSU as more and more students seek to attend our university.”