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TSU Student Leadership Group Visits Headquarters of WM, Leading Provider of Environmental Services

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  (TSU News Service) – More than 30 Tennessee State University (TSU) students recently traveled to Houston, Texas, to visit the WM corporate headquarters and meet with the company’s senior leadership team. The students, accompanied by Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Frank Stevenson, are participants in Leadership TSU, one of the university’s most selective student leadership programs.

Leadership TSU students,  and L to R, Dr. Napoleon Harris ( Coordinator of Student Support), Molly Morrissey (Sr. Community Relations- WM), Frank Stevenson (Associate VP and Dean of Students),  and Eddie McManus (Mid-South Area Vice President- WM), take a Group picture in the WM Corporate Headquarters office in Houston. (Submitted Photo)

During their visit, the students heard from members of WM’s executive leadership team about the personal and professional experiences that have impacted their success, the company’s approach to sustainability, and more.

“It was just very mind-blowing and very impactful seeing those [executives] and what WM is doing,” said Anarra Williams, a senior food and nutritional science major from Daytona, Ohio. “When I first got there, I just thought those were people who pick up our trash, but they really are honing on their sustainability piece, something I want to be a part of.”

WM President and CEO Jim Fish shares a moment with some members of Leadership TSU during the group’s visit. (Submitted Photo)

Nykole Allen Clark, a senior business administration major from Las Vegas, Nevada, added, “That exposure to them and the company itself totally changed our perception of WM. As a business major, I saw a lot and heard a lot to help me in my preparation as a student and as a leader. It was an aha moment for me.”

In their day-long visit, the students met with WM’s top executives on key topics, including the company’s approach to sustainability and how this focus shapes its operations. For example, WM focuses on materials recovery solutions at its area landfills, such as its 183-acre site in Nashville, home to the only mixed construction and demolition (C&D) materials recovery facility in Davidson County. Students also engaged in a robust Q&A with each of the WM leaders. Tamla Oates-Forney, who oversees WM’s people team, fielded questions from students about her experience as a black female executive in corporate America, sharing why education is an opportunity equalizer and why diversity and inclusion are important in leadership and the workplace

WM Chief People Officer Tamla Oates-Forney engages with Leadership TSU students. (Submitted Photo)

“The Houston trip was amazing. To have WM roll out the red carpet of leadership experience for our students was simply breathtaking,” said Stevenson. “They were intentional about making sure our students had a glimpse into their company’s culture. It was amazing conversation and dialogue between students and the WM executive team. I think our students were surprised at all of the components of WM.”

The Leadership TSU visit is an extension of a three-year partnership between WM and TSU first announced late last year. Through that partnership, WM has committed $300,000 to TSU; half of that funding will be directed toward sustainability research conducted in collaboration with TSU’s Colleges of Agriculture and Engineering, and the other half will provide need-based scholarships to up to 10 students each year attending TSU from the Nashville area.

“The energy and curiosity of these student leaders was truly inspiring,” said Eddie McManus, Mid-South area vice president, WM. “This visit was a great way to kick off our relationship with TSU, and we look forward to all that is ahead, including building out the research program and getting to know more students through the internship and scholarship opportunities.”

Visit TSU online at tnstate.edu, and to learn more about WM and the company’s sustainability progress and solutions, visit sustainability.wm.com.

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 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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Historic confirmation of first Black woman to Supreme Court brings hope and inspiration for Black women and young girls 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The history-making confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court offers a moment filled with hope and excitement for Black girls and young women, experts say. In a 53-47 vote – with three Republicans joining Democrats – the Senate Thursday confirmed Judge Jackson, making her only the third black and sixth woman to serve on the nation’s highest court. 

President Joe Biden nominated Jackson on Feb. 5 to take the seat of retiring Justice Stephen Breyer.

“This is one of the most incredible historical moments for our nation and one of immense pride and joy for millions of Americans with the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.  

“African American women have been at the forefront in facilitating and bringing positive change to our country for centuries.  The true significance of this confirmation cannot be overstated.  Now, an African American woman with impeccable credentials, a brilliant legal mind with the utmost character and integrity, will serve on the highest court in our nation. It is long overdue, but the day has come.” 

President Glover, who also serves as vice chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), commended President Bidden “for staying the course and keeping his commitment to our community and Black women with his nomination and now confirmation of Judge Brown.” 

Kennedy Booker, a junior political science major from Detroit, said Judge Jackson’s confirmation provides a fresh face for the Supreme Court, and her previous judicial and governmental experience creates the diversity needed at the federal court level. 

“Justice Jackson represents the kind of change our federal courts need,” Booker said. “She will forever be an asset and trailblazer for those that come after her.” 

Fellow political science major Anissia Fleming, a sophomore from Franklin, Tennessee, said Judge Jackson will be a “representation of the change taking place in the country.”

“As a symbol, Judge Jackson represents moving past the stereotypes that have to do with race and gender,” Fleming added. “As an individual, she is more than qualified for the job. She will provide exactly the type of representation this country needs as a role model and as a source of inspiration in the Supreme Court for so many in this country.” 

Dr. Shameka Nicole Cathey, assistant professor of political science at TSU, said the historic confirmation of Judge Jackson is “symbolic of the ongoing strive of Black women in our country.” 

“Having Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson included in the U.S. Supreme Court offers a particular significance in relations to diversity and representation,” Cathey said.  “Beyond her personal background, she brings a plethora of professional experiences that not only qualifies her for this moment but gives her the ability to own this moment. Her very presence on the High Court will push the framework of public policy in our country.”

Since 1790, there have been 115 Supreme Court justices. The confirmation of Jackson for the first time in history seats four women and two Black justices on the High Court. Judge Clarence Thomas is the current seated African American Justice. 


TSU’s Women’s Studies in the College of Liberal Arts focuses on the groundbreaking achievements of women and the impact on our global community. For more information, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/cla/programs/womensstudies.aspx. 

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TSU ALUMNA DELISA GUERRIER BRINGS CHILDHOOD FICTION TO LIFE WITH STORYVILLE GARDENS THEME PARK RESORT

By Ciara Walker Williams

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Did you ever read a book as a child and wonder what it would be like as a character in the story? Thanks to Real Estate Developer DeLisa Guerrier you’ll have an opportunity to find out when Storyville Gardens, a 130-acre theme park resort, opens in 2025.

Map of Storyville Gardens

“Words Create Worlds” is the tagline and that’s exactly what visitors will experience as soon as they enter Storyville Gardens. The magical journey begins in an area representing Africa that leads to a castle-like structure called the Storyteller’s Lodge. Once inside, visitors choose their next destination by walking through one of three portals where they can experience rides and interactive attractions based on storybooks from Europe, America, and Asia.

“There will be something for all ages from dark rides to family coasters to log flume rides to splash pads,” says Guerrier while adding that it’s more than a theme park. “Once you come out of the park there will be retail, dining with food from the four corners of the world, and live entertainment.”

DeLisa Guerrier
DeLisa Guerrier

Guerrier and her husband Elde own Guerrier Development, a real estate and investment firm in Nashville. The two partnered with Storyland Studios, creators of Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios Florida, to bring Guerrier’s dream about the theme park to life.

Guerrier, a mother of three, says she was inspired to create Storyville Gardens due to the lack of family-centered entertainment and the literacy crisis in Nashville. Her goal with Storyville Gardens is to inspire children to get excited about reading outside of what’s required for school through interactive entertainment.

In addition to the park, shopping, eating, and dancing; there will be three hotels with themes ranging from majestic and enchanting to discovery and adventure. Still, that’s not where the story ends.

Provided Photo of Storyville Gardens

“Storyville Gardens National Literacy Center is our non-profit arm that will offer initiatives and resources to help children and young adults with reading, writing, and financial literacy,” says Guerrier. “The literacy center will be located in an urban area where those in need can access it.”

Guerrier prides herself on being thoughtful about the people, the package, and the purpose for this project – likening it to TSU’s motto: Think. Work. Serve.

“We put a lot of work and sacrifice into growing our companies, and that’s something many people don’t see,” says Guerrier. “I put a team together for this project, and I provided a package so the people can get a view of the project. The purpose aligns with serve because it’s not about self or money, but about how this will impact children, neighborhoods, and families.”

DeLisa Guerrier and Friends at TSU Graduation

Thinking back, Guerrier says TSU chose her. After moving from California to attend Fisk University, she found herself transferring to TSU and graduating with a B.A. in Psychology in 2012. She planned to attend Medical School, but the summer before graduation she met her husband who owned his own business and began working with him.

“When we first started [with real estate], we thought we’d own a few rental properties and retire,” says Guerrier with a laugh. “We grew with the market and when opportunities came up, we couldn’t say no. God knew I was mature enough to ask questions and crazy enough to go for it.”

She encourages students to dream big also. “It’s important for students to know, whatever it is they’ve thought about doing, they can do it bigger,” she says. “If there’s an impact you want to make – triple it. Sometimes we set out looking for opportunities, but you’ll see opportunities all around you if you just go for it. Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled.”

Taking the road less traveled has led to Guerrier receiving several prestigious awards. This includes induction into the 2021 Enterprising Women Hall of Fame and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s 2021 NEXT Awards and Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame. In addition to these recognitions, she is an active member of Nashville’s Women President’s Organization, advisory council member of the Women Business Collaborative, and founding member of The Bow Collective just to name a few.

The location for Storyville Gardens has yet to be announced, but Guerrier confirms construction will begin later this year. Until then, she encourages everyone to get updates on the upcoming project at www.storyvillegardens.com.

TSU proudly salutes alumna DeLisa Guerrier during Women’s History Month.

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More than 2000 of TSU’s best and brightest recognized at annual Honors Convocation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University recently recognized more than 2,000 students with the distinction of best and brightest at its Honors Day Convocation on March 22. The event was held virtually for the second straight year due to the pandemic.

President Glenda Glover

All the students recognized maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Among the honorees were 400 President’s List scholars. These are students who have maintained 4.0 GPA throughout their matriculation.

Amaris Johnson, a 2003 TSU graduate, and director of OEM Operations at Eaton Corporation, was the keynote speaker. She was a member of the Honors College while a student at TSU. 

Dr. Coreen Jackson, Dean of the Honors College, left, presents Trinity Gourdin with the Dr. McDonald Williams Highest Senior Honors Award.

Before Johnson’s address, TSU President Glenda Glover congratulated the honorees for their achievements. She challenged them to further develop their talents “to be the leaders you have been chosen to be.”

“Honors Day is more than personal recognition; it is a challenge to soar even higher,” Glover said. “As honors students, we will depend on you to research challenges and issues and to develop solutions that will remake our university. Whether it is the COVID pandemic, or racial injustice, it is you, our honorees, who must contribute to finding a path that leads to solutions to the threats that we currently face.” 

Tiara Thomas, Student Trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees, received the Outstanding Student Leader Academic Award. (Submitted photo)

Johnson, a former Miss Honors, earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management at TSU. Speaking on “Promoting academic excellence, transforming leaders, while beating odds in a global pandemic,” she reminded the honorees that as honors students, they have been prepared to promote excellence in any circumstance they face in life, “even a pandemic.” 

“You see, when excellence is your habit, things like pandemic don’t get in your way. It doesn’t cause you to panic and run,” Johnson said. “They cause you to thrive and shine.” 

Trudie Thomas, Coordinator of the Honors College, right, presents Amaris Johnson, the convocation speaker, with a special award.

She told the students that success is within reach, but they must be vigilant in their pursuits with a clear plan in going after their career. She named five “pearls of wisdom” that foster success and that “separate people that model excellence as a habit from those who don’t.” 

According to Johnson, the pearls of wisdom are: Money talks and everything else walks; Slay every day the power of executive excellence; Your network is your net worth; Chase experiences not money and titles; and Be intentional and know your endgame. 

Aubrey Sales, a senior political science major with a 4.0 GPA, has been admitted to four of the top-10 law schools in the nation. (Submitted photo)

“I have a firm belief that if you don’t define your own race, you will find yourself crossing someone else’s finish line,” Johnson said. “Define your endgame, be intentional and develop your map that matches your vision. You’re a pearl of excellence. Whatever you do, do it with excellence.” 

Aubrey Sales, Torrance Buntyn, and Christopher Buford II were among students honored and who participated in the convocation. They are thankful for the recognition. 

Sales, a 4.0 senior majoring in political science, said it was a humbling experience to be recognized for “your hard work with the world watching.” 

Torrance Butyn, a senior music education major, has been accepted at several top universities to pursue his graduate degree in music. (Submitted photo)

“I am very thankful to Tennessee State University for honoring us,” said Sales, of Huntsville, Alabama, who has been admitted to four of the top-10 law schools in the nation. “I had the best professors at TSU, who I credit for the preparation I received.” 

Buntyn, also a senior, is a music education major from Jackson, Tennessee. He has a 3.9 GPA.  

“The Honors Convocation has always been an exciting event for honoring academic scholars at TSU,” said Buntyn, who has been accepted to several top universities to pursue his graduate degree in music. “Being a part of the Honors Convocation always reminds me that hard work pays no matter what, and that there is always a reason to celebrate the small things in life.” 

Christopher Buford, a senior mechanical engineering major, is staying at TSU to purse his master’s degree. (Submitted photo)

Buford, a senior mechanical engineering major, has a 3.7 GPA. The future business owner plans to stay at TSU to earn his master’s degree in mechanical engineering. 

“I enjoyed being a part of the Honors College,” Buford, a Nashville native, said. “They taught me that life is limitless and I can do more if I put my mind and heart to it.”   For more information on the TSU Honors College, visit  https://www.tnstate.edu/honors/

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 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.

Alumni, EVENTS, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU takes aim at female gamers, will open academic eSports center in the fall

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The multibillion-dollar industry of video gaming, or eSports, is thought to be a hobby primarily enjoyed by males worldwide. Tennessee State University aims to change that perception.  

Dr. Effua Ampadu-Moss, Director of TSU’s eSports program, left; and Dr. Deborah Chisom, Executive Director of Open Education Resources, congratulate Kiara Davis and Tiara Radcliff, winners of TSU’s first eSports team competition. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

The university recently hosted a special eSports gaming competition for female gamers. Recent statistics show that only 22 percent of women participate in eSports. The goal of the competition was to use video gaming as a pathway to recruit minorities, particularly Africa American females into STEAM Academic programs. 

Tiara Radcliff, a senior psychology major, whose team won the gaming competition, is thankful for the opportunity. She has been playing since she was 6, but never competitively.

“It was my first-time winning in a tournament. I enjoyed it,” said Radcliff, of Indianapolis. “Some girls don’t play because they think it is for guys. I am glad TSU is doing this. It will open up more girls to the game.”  

TSU has six teams, including males and females, and the university is offering classes in eSports this fall. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Kiara Davis, Radcliff’s teammate in the competition, is also thankful that TSU is “opening doors for girls.” She has also been playing from a very young age but was always afraid to join a team.  

“As a young kid, I watched my father and my younger brother play. I was very timid to join the eSports team. So, I didn’t join,” said Davis, a freshman business administration major from Memphis, Tennessee. “When I came to TSU, I decided to give it a go, and I am glad I did. What TSU is doing will get more women involved and they will see that they can actually play.”  

Currently, TSU has six teams, including male and females, and the university is offering classes in eSports this fall though a new Academic eSports Center. 

Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice, Olympic Champion and TSU’s Track and Field Coach, tests her skills at virtual reality gaming, at the eSports competition. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Robbie Melton, TSU’s vice president of the Global Smart Technology Innovation Center, said the university wants to push students to look at eSports as more than just a game.  

“We want to look at the academics of game design, of coding, of entrepreneurship, of the psychology and the management,” said Melton. “It’s a whole gamut of career opportunities that we want to prepare them for looking at what they’re passionate about the interest of eSports.”  

Dr. Effua Ampadu-Moss, director of TSU’s eSports program, will teach a graduate course in the program, called “Special Topics: The Rise of eSports in Higher Education Administration.”  

A local TV station cameraman captures the moment as the eSports team competition got fierce in the Floyd/Payne Campus Center. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“Gaming has always been a male sport, and that’s the stigma we are trying to break by letting them know that girls can get in the game as well,” Ampadu-Moss said. “So, with the competition, we wanted to encourage our female eSports student-athletes to come out and play to help encourage other girls on campus to come out and play as well.”  

 Executive Director Deborah Chisom, who oversees eSports and Open Education Resources, added that eSports helps students build character, leadership skills, as well as teaches them to be strategic.  

“eSports is where the young people are going today,” said Dr. Chisom. “So, in order for us to be a part of it, we needed to start an eSports at TSU, not only for young men, but for our young girls as well. I think it is very important because it allows them some skills and helps them to be engaged. I like to see them collaborate; I like to see them plan.” 

For more information on eSports at TSU, visit the SMART Global Technology Innovation Center at https://tsu-smartinnovationtech.netlify.app/ 

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 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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Caribbean scholars soon to be Big Blue Tigers through grant initiative

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Graduating high school students from the Caribbean will soon experience the excellence of Tennessee State University. Over 200 applicants from the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and other Caribbean nations have applied to become Big Blue Tigers with the help of an International Tuition Assistance Grant (ITAG).

Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Phillips
Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Phillips

Currently, TSU’s student body is made up of individuals from roughly 34 countries. However, a minimal amount come from the Caribbean. To qualify for this ITAG, high school graduates must have a minimum 3.25 grade point average.

“As liaison on Global Initiatives at TSU, part of my responsibility is to build global partnerships and to recruit global scholars,” says Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Phillips, who represents the Office of the President for the ITAG initiative. “This is an opportunity to open our doors to Caribbean students who bring the tenacity to learn and the academic acumen to boost everything that TSU represents.”

Jaden Daniel, of Trinidad and Tobago, is one of the Caribbean scholars coming to TSU in the fall. 

“I’m extremely excited and grateful to join the TSU family,” said Daniel, who is hoping to also make the men’s basketball team. “This opportunity offers a chance to get a higher education, while also allowing me to learn a new culture. These experiences will help me grow in important aspects of my life, such as being a professional and a holistic individual.”

Gregory Daniel, Jaden’s father, says he’s also looking forward to his son attending TSU, and the opportunities he will have.

Jaden Daniel and his father, Gregory Daniel
Jaden Daniel (left) and his father, Gregory Daniel

“Jaden has made his first steps in becoming a true global citizen with opportunities to develop his God-given talents; opportunities to learn in an environment that develops all aspects of his being,” his father says. “And most of all, the opportunity to showcase the quality of the Caribbean student, with a view of opening the doors of TSU to other students of the Caribbean who may be considering this same route to educational excellence.”

Parent Donna Frederick agrees. Her son, Renard Frederick, also from Trinidad and Tobago, will be joining Jaden in the fall.

“The tuition grant offered by Tennessee State University provides an opportunity for students from Trinidad and Tobago, and other Caribbean countries, to explore learning, achieve growth and development, and realize their academic pursuits in another country,” she says. “For this, I am truly thankful.”

Nicholas-Phillips says students also have the option of online learning if they wish to stay in their country. Also, the program is open to nontraditional Caribbean students, and there are talks of a dual enrollment program for high school students.

TSU Officials talk to prospective Caribbean students via Zoom

“We plan to extend this strategic search and continue to expand the internationalization of our campus,” says Nicholas-Phillips. “With the support of Dr. Johnnie Smith (Dual Enrollment), Dr. Robbie Melton (Graduate School), Dr. Jewell Winn (Office of International Affairs) and Mr. Terrence Izzard (Enrollment Management), I am confident that we will meet and surpass the directives given by (TSU) President (Glenda) Glover on international recruiting.”

Dr. Winn points out that International student enrollment has decreased over the last two years due to myriad factors, such as the pandemic and challenging immigration practices.

“Thus, to launch an initiative focused on recruiting a diverse population of international students is timely and certainly aligns with our goal of helping all students become better global citizens,” says Winn, executive director for International Programs and chief diversity officer at TSU.  

Besides the ITAG initiative, the University currently has dual enrollment partnerships for underserved students in several African countrieswhere students are taking online courses in coding and creating concepts taught by TSU professors. The program is part of a STEM literacy partnership with the African Methodist Episcopal Church that gives students digital resources to develop their technology skills. All participating students receive an iPad, supplied by Apple, Inc.

For more information about the ITAG initiative, visit https://aca.admissions.tnstate.edu/

To learn more about TSU’s partnership with Africa, visit https://tsu-smartinnovationtech.netlify.app/

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 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 Alumna Dr. Lakisha L. Simmons adds fuel to the fire as a financial freedom coach

By Ciara Walker Williams

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – When Dr. Lakisha L. Simmons graduated from Tennessee State University with a B.B.A. in Business Information Systems twenty years ago, she set out to live what she thought was the “American Dream” – until it wasn’t.

After earning her bachelor’s, Simmons worked in corporate America at Caterpillar Financial while pursuing her MBA and later receiving her Ph.D. in Management Information Systems. After earning her doctorate in 2011, she transitioned into higher education and worked as a professor at Indiana State University and later Belmont University until she FIRE’d herself in May 2021 at the age of 41 with $850K in investments.

FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early and is a movement that Simmons learned about as she was researching what to do with the profits from selling her home after getting divorced in 2017. At that time, she was a mother of two young boys living paycheck to paycheck.

“Growing up we were financially insecure, and after getting divorced I began to feel like that same young girl,” says Simmons. “I decided to sell our family home and move into something smaller.”

Simmons’ parents were teenagers in high school when she was born. Her father graduated and joined the Marines, but her mother did not graduate and endured some challenges that led to Simmons being raised by family members. She attended different schools, and because of that, her path to college was unclear until she came across a flyer for an HBCU college tour.

“I was very unmotivated in high school. I skipped class and my grades were poor,” says Simmons. “College was not a big factor in my life, but when I saw the flyer for an HBCU tour, I took the number down and that organization brought us to TSU. I was exposed to black colleges for the first time.”

She recalls how touring TSU changed her life. “The students were walking with purpose. They looked happy,” says Simmons. “They looked like leaders who were on a mission to be something and be somebody. That was powerful to see – even as a young girl, and it changed my perspective on life.”

She knew then that she wanted to go to TSU. As a first-generation student, Simmons focused on her academics and was drawn to honor societies such as Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Beta Lambda. She says TSU’s motto – Think. Work. Serve. – was engraved in her by professors like Dr. Kathy Lassiter, Dr. Aurore Kamssu, and Dr. Gerald Marquis.

“I remember all of them like it was yesterday. They had a passion for teaching and wanted to help us excel in life,” says Simmons. “Dr. Lassiter poured into me in ways I didn’t have prior to TSU. She drove 2 ½ hours from Knoxville to teach in Nashville. That’s how much she loved TSU. She taught me how to be a great teacher.”

Although Simmons is no longer a professor, she continues to fulfill her passion for teaching by coaching others on how to achieve financial freedom and retire early through her four-week program The Wealthy AchieveHer. She also hosts speaking engagements, facilitates workshops, serves as a financial spokesperson for Personal Capital, and is the author of “The Unlikely AchieveHer” workbook.

“We need to know our net worth, budget numbers, and how much we need to retire. We have to take steps to figure that out,” says Simmons. “I am inspired when a new [coaching] student has never invested and is now on track to retire in eight to ten years or when a student says their budget is already tight, but at the end of the four weeks they’ve shaved $300 of expenses.”

Her journey and expertise have been highlighted in national publications (magazines) such as Black Enterprise, Cosmopolitan, and People. Simmons has also had guest appearances on BiggerPockets, Journey to Launch, GMA, Business Insider, and most recently CNBC and The Tamron Hall Show. Accolades and awards include 40 Under 40 by the Nashville Business Journal, Rising Star Award by CABLE, and Susan Short Jones Emerging Leaders Award by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Metro Nashville Chapter, just to name a few.

Simmons believes that everyone is worthy of being wealthy and there is no reason many students can’t be financially free by the age of 40 if they start pursuing FIRE right out of college.

Her advice to students: “When you get that first job after college, keep a humble lifestyle. Instead of buying what’s new and flashy, consider creating your financial freedom plan first.”

To get started, she offers several free tools and resources such as the Budget Bestie spreadsheet, free apps for shopping and tracking money, a discount mobile service, and ways to make extra cash on her website www.lakishasimmons.com, YouTube channel “Lakisha L. Simmons, PhD”, and podcast “The Wealthy AchieveHer”.

“Anything is possible. You just have to be willing to believe it,” says Simmons. “It’s not about how much money you make. It’s how much you save and invest.”

TSU proudly salutes alumna Dr. Lakisha L. Simmons during Women’s History Month.

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 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.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU to expand its online digital, STEM literacy program across Africa; four new countries show interest

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is continuing to bridge the digital divide through a dual enrollment partnership for underserved students in Africa. The university is expanding the program to include four new countries on the continent that have expressed interest. 

Monrovia College (high school) students take online classes in coding and creating concepts taught by TSU professors. The school, located in Monrovia, Liberia, is one of three locations in Africa participating in the TSU digital literacy program. (submitted photo)

TSU officials say Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, and Zambia want to join Liberia and South Africa, where students are taking online courses in coding and creating concepts taught by TSU professors. The program is part of a STEM literacy partnership with the African Methodist Episcopal Church that gives students digital resources to develop their technology skills. All participating students receive an iPad, supplied by Apple, Inc.

“This program has been so successful in just the delivery and the opportunities that we are bringing that these four countries have asked us to duplicate our model to include them,” says Dr. Robbie Melton, vice president of the Smart Technology Innovation Center at TSU. 

Dr. Robbie Melton

Melton says the programs for the new countries are in the works and will start this fall. “We have the capacity to handle those requests, because we have trained teachers on our side, but we are also using the train-the-trainer model, so the teachers over there are being trained to expand the program,” she says. 

 Initiated a year ago, the TSU digital literacy program is serving more than 300 high school and college students in three different locations in Liberia and South Africa: Monrovia College (high school); AME University in Monrovia, Liberia; and Wilberforce Community College in Evaton, South Africa.

The students are thankful for the opportunity. Here are few comments:

“I am very excited about the program. I have always had an interest in technology and am looking forward to advancing my knowledge. The teacher is very good and makes understanding very easy. My goal is to one day study in the US, expand my knowledge, and come back home and start my own firm.” Jacques Monbo, Senior, AME University 

Dr. Johnnie Smith (picture not shown), Head of the TSU Africa Project, interacts with students at Wilberforce Community College in Evaton, South Africa, during a virtual presentation. (Submitted photo)


“I am very excited about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am doing everything possible to do well in this program. It is my dream to come to the US and study, receive a master’s degree, come back to my country to give back and make my people proud.” Mohamed Sheriffi, Jr., Sophomore, AME University 

“I love this program and I love the challenge. The professor is very encouraging. I want to go to college to gain more knowledge. I want to become an air hostess.” Jewel Paye, 12th Grade, Monrovia College 

“Firstly, I am excited about learning new technology, as technology keeps changing and evolving.  We are excited to have this opportunity firsthand and free of charge for us and our students.  Apple coding has been more advanced in learning and designing App.” Sandile Maxwell Vilakazi, Lecturer, Wilberforce Community College 

With the time difference, Prof. Ramona Whitworth, who teaches coding and creating concepts, wakes up at 4:30 a.m. (Central Standard Time) to teach her 10:30 a.m. Saturday class for students at AME University in Monrovia, Liberia. (Submitted photo)

In the program, eligible high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and college students can earn both university and high school graduation credits that will start them on the pathway to degrees in STEM. Other related courses will be available provided students’ desire to continue with their educational studies through TSU.

“With these three locations, we are able to provide coding and creativity skills – basically computational basic literacy,” says Melton. “This is a major empowerment for these countries. So, with the support of Apple in donating the iPad, and with our partners here, from the AME Church, Tennessee State University, and other community partners, we have been able to launch this program to enable these students to jumpstart their knowledge and skills in technology.” 

Dr. Johnnie C. Smith, executive director of the Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Partnership and head of the Africa project at TSU, says the addition of the four countries shows that there is certainly a great need abroad. 

“I think it brings a whole lot of opportunities and energies for the institution and that we are definitely headed in the right direction,” says Smith, adding that nations in other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, have also expressed interest. “We have been having multiple conversations with all of these different groups, just to try to see what their interest is and what TSU can provide.” 

Ramona Whitworth, a TSU adjunct professor, who’s one of the instructors in the program, says the students’ enthusiasm about learning the new technology makes teaching them “so much easier,” even with the six-hour time difference. For instance, she is up at 4:30 a.m. to teach her 10:30 a.m. Saturday class for students in Monrovia. 

“I am teaching them coding and creating concepts, something that is new to them, but they are always ready for the challenge,” says Whitworth, who is also director of graduate admissions at TSU. “Our mission is to teach them these coding concepts, with the goal of them coming up with ideas to develop apps to benefit their community.” 

For more information on TSU’s SMART Technology Innovation Center, visit https://tsu-smartinnovationtech.netlify.app/

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 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.

EVENTS, Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

TSU, Regions partner to give students ‘reality check’ about money management

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University partnered with Regions Bank on Thursday to help students better manage their money, and give them a “reality check” about life.

Regions representatives talk to students about money management. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Representatives from Regions, a longtime partner with TSU, held a financial literacy workshop for students in the university’s College of Business. The students participated in an interactive activity to learn about building and balancing a budget, as well as being prepared for unexpected expenses that could affect a budget. Called the Reality Check, students were assigned a role and then had to select real-life options that would directly impact that person’s budget. The challenge was to complete the experience with a budget surplus.

“This event is part of our professional development series,” said Marlo Wilt, director of public service in the College of Business. “We think it is important for our students to be financially healthy. So, we invited Regions to come and do this series. We want our students. as they move out into the workforce, to know how to balance a budget and take care of their money.”

Jonathan Mercer, a junior business management major from Nashville, said the workshop was beneficial.

“It helped me realize just how important a budget is,” said Mercer. “To keep track of everything that’s going on, you need a budget, and one on paper.”

Sophomore Tekayla Turner agreed. The Detroit, Michigan, native is majoring in business administration with a concentration in hospitality, and hopes to one day own a hotel.

“In high school, we didn’t learn about budgeting and finances,” said Turner. “When I got to college, I was like, huh?  So, this is important. We all need to learn about budgeting, and how to manage our money.”

Dr. Reynard McMIllian, an assistant professor in the Department of Accounting, said the College of Business wants to make basic financial literacy a strength of all its business students.

Andrew Singleton (right) with Regions addresses question asked by business student Daniel Berec. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“We want them to have that foundation so they can walk out of Tennessee State University, not only with a degree, but with a plan on how to make that degree work in their favor,” said McMillian.

Andrew Singleton, an assistant vice president and branch manager with Regions, was one of the officials who worked with the students. He said the company holds programs like Reality Check in high regard.

“Regions Bank is all about financial literacy and financial education,” said Singleton. “So, anytime we have an opportunity to get in front of our youth, our future, it’s extremely important to us.”

TSU has continued to make financial literacy a priority. Last month, money management was one of the main topics at a workshop hosted by a group of TSU students, along with the university’s Women’s Center.

Seanne Wilson, director of the Women’s Center, said the workshop was one of the many programs the center provides to empower young women, as well as young men, to think about how they spend their money. 

“I wish when I was in college, someone had talked to me about wealth management, saving money, and not spending unwisely,” said Wilson. “Now, I want to be proactive and help them understand the value of money and not be reckless in spending it.” 

For more information about the College of Business at TSU, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/business/.

To learn about TSU’s Women’s Center, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/womenscenter/.

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 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.

Alumni, Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

Martesha Johnson recalls how TSU inspired her journey to become Chief Public Defender

By Ciara Walker Williams

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Four years ago, Martesha Johnson made history when she was sworn in as the first African American and second woman to become Nashville’s Metropolitan Chief Public Defender. When Johnson reflects on her journey to that achievement, she credits her beloved Tennessee State University for playing a role in her success.  

Martesha Johnson and TSU President Glenda Glover at Johnson’s swearing-in ceremony for Metropolitan Public Defender in 2018. (TSU Media Relations)

“TSU has always been in the backdrop of my life,” says Johnson. “I couldn’t be from Nashville and not have a love for the school.”

She shares that her mother, Jacqueline Johnson, is a huge football fan, so they would attend games at TSU. That was just the beginning. While at Whites Creek High School, she attended TSU’s Upward Bound program where she recalls staying on campus, attending class, and going on trips to places such as Niagara Falls.

“I would have attended college anyway, but I didn’t enjoy school going into high school,” says Johnson. “The Upward Bound program taught me about being a better student, going to college, and further exposed TSU as a front runner for me.”

Johnson says she applied to several institutions, but TSU rewarded her academic performance with a Presidential Scholarship. She waited to declare a major, but knew she wanted to be a Sophisticated Lady in the distinguished “Aristocrat of Bands,” like the coordinators who coached her high school majorette team.

She started with general education courses and electives to explore her interest in investigative journalism, but a pre-law class taught by attorney Julian Blackshear sparked her interest in law – the rest is history. In addition to Blackshear, Johnson fondly remembers others at TSU who inspired her along her journey – some even before she started.

Martesha Johnson, a “Sophisticated Lady” at TSU. (Submitted photo)

“Before I made it to TSU, I was inspired by Ms. (Mary) Love and Ms. (Rosa) Hudson who were the directors of Upward Bound,” says Johnson. “Also, I can’t forget about Ms. Judy Gentry who was the coordinator of Sophisticated Ladies. She was a tough coach, but she cared and was like a mother to us.”

After graduating in 2005 with a B.S. in Political Science and minor in English, she went on to live out the University’s motto: Think. Work. Serve. Johnson attended the University of Tennessee Knoxville College of Law and was thoughtful about the type of law she wanted to pursue by exploring her options through internships.

“TSU afforded me every opportunity to excel as a student and paved the way for me to attend law school,” says Johnson. “I didn’t know I wanted to go to law school because I wasn’t exposed to lawyers growing up. Attending TSU let me know that I can do anything.”

During her second year of law school, she served as an intern for Nashville’s Metro Public Defender’s Office and knew immediately that this work was her calling.

“If you’re charged with a crime, you’re quickly painted as a criminal. I wanted to work where people are seen as more than that,” says Johnson. “Everyone is worthy of being treated with humanity and dignity, and that’s what I saw lawyers at the Public Defender’s Office doing.”

Jacqueline Johnson (right), Martesha’s mother, graduated from TSU with her master’s as her daughter was graduating with her bachelor’s in 2005. (Submitted photo)

After completing law school, she worked as a volunteer at the Public Defender’s Office until she was hired as Assistant Public Defender in January of 2009. For nearly a decade, Johnson held several leadership positions in the office and represented thousands of low-income people – advocating for them to be seen as more than a criminal. It all led to her running for Chief Public Defender.

“As tough as this job is, I can’t imagine another role for me as a practicing lawyer,” says Johnson about her calling to serve.

Her faith, team, and clients fuel her motivation. “Many clients come in at the worst time of their lives and I have the opportunity to represent them, educate them about their case, and advocate for change,” says Johnson. “Seeing the hardworking people on my team serve as a lawyer for people who can’t afford it otherwise, fight to make changes, and speak out against injustices related to race and mass incarceration inspires me to keep going.”

As she looks forward to a second term, Johnson says her goals as Chief Public Defender have evolved. She’s thankful to have a “seat at the table,” but is more moved by figuring out how to get “meaningful work done,” referring to deep-rooted disparities that need to be changed.

“I want to continue empowering the community to be engaged in important issues, create a pipeline for women and African American lawyers, and ensure that the PDO is well-resourced so that we can hire, empower, and retain more soldiers in the Public Defender’s army,” says Johnson.

Fiance Derrick Moore and Martesha enjoy a TSU game at Nissan Stadium. (Submitted photo)

Her thoughtfulness, work, and service have not gone unnoticed. Since becoming Chief Public Defender, the National Business Journal has recognized her in their 2020 40 Under 40 feature, 2021 Women of Influence, and 2021 Best of the Bar. She was a part of UT’s inaugural 40 Under 40 and recently elected 2022 President for the National Bar Association.

She wears many hats, but always makes time to enjoy her 11-year-old daughter Jacari, two-year-old son Jax, and fiancé, Derrick Moore, who is also a TSU alum and co-founder of Slim and Huskey’s Pizza Beeria.

Johnson hopes that her journey inspires students to walk in excellence and let their light shine. She encourages them to utilize all resources while on campus and connect with alumni in their field upon graduation.

“I believe you can get everything you need from an HBCU,” says Johnson. “The network of HBCU graduates is so immense and anyone who has graduated should open their door and hearts because that’s what we do. That’s why HBCUs are extremely important.” 

Thinking back, she shares a message to her younger self: “Be kind to yourself. You’re in for the hardest, but most rewarding journey ever. If you stay the course, real change can come.”

TSU proudly salutes alumna Attorney Martesha Johnson during Women’s History Month.

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 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.