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TSU’s AOB celebrates 75 years with trip to Tournament of Roses, receives major Hollywood endorsement

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State University world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with an invitation to the 133rd Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, on Jan 1, 2022.

The Aristocrat of Bands enter campus as they participate in the 2021 Homecoming parade on Jefferson Street. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

The band, the only one from a historically black college or university (HBCU) marching in the parade this year, was one of only four university bands selected nationwide last year to participate in the Tournament of Roses, but the parade was cancelled due to the pandemic.

This year’s reissued invitation comes with the endorsement of Emmy and Peabody Awards-winning actor and director Levar Burton, the 2022 grand marshal of the Rose Bowl Parade. Also known as an educator and lifelong children’s literacy advocate, Burton – with followers in the hundreds of thousands – endorsed TSU and the AOB on his Twitter page. 

Dr. Reginald McDonald, Director of Bands

“Help the Aristocrats get to Pasadena and the Tournament of Roses Parade,” @levarburton tweeted. 

Termed the “West Coast swing,” the AOB’s California visit is also packed with other exciting activities. Before the parade on New Year’s Day, the AOB will take part in Bandfest, a two-day exclusive field show for marching bands selected to participate in the parade, to showcase their musicianship and unique talents. Performances at Disney Land, the California African American Museum, as well as a half-time show for the Los Angeles Lakers in the Staple Center, are also planned.  

And band members and students are exuberant.

Levar Burton, Parade of Roses Grand Marshal, endorses the Aristocrat of Bands. (Submitted Photo)

“I am definitely excited to have this opportunity after waiting for a year,” says Tiara Thomas, student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees, who plays the French horn in the band. She says the visit will be a major exposure for the university. 

“I am very thrilled to be a part. We have a number of things lined up just for people out in California who have not seen us or do not even know where Tennessee State is,” she says. “So, to be able to make this trip with most of my friends, I am really excited and very grateful.” 

Travion Crutcher, head drum major of the AOB, who will be going to California for the first time, says he is looking forward to performing in the Rose Bowl, but also “experiencing Hollywood from up close.”

Tiara Thomas says the West Coast visit will be a major exposure for TSU. (Submitted photo)

“I am looking forward to experiencing in person what I see on TV shows and movies,” says Crutcher, a senior electrical engineering major from Huntsville, Alabama. “I am looking forward to embracing the culture in that part of the US.” 

Dr. Reginald McDonald, TSU’s director of bands, lamented the last-minute cancellation of the California visit last year, but is excited about the return, which he says aligns well with the 75th year of the existence of the AOB. 

“Like everybody else, I was extremely disappointed with us not being able to do the parade last year because of the pandemic, but at the same time I understood,” says McDonald, who announced “75 Years of Excellence” as the theme for the AOB’s anniversary.  

“In a perfect sense, us getting the opportunity to do it (the parade) this year actually aligns well with this very significant year of the AOB. This is the 75th year of the existence of the Tennessee State University AOB. The capstone performance of the anniversary will be the Tournament of Roses on January 1,” McDonald says, calling the appearance at the Rose Bowl a major recruitment tool.
 

AOB Lead Drum Major Travion Crutcher is looking forward to the Hollywood experience. (Submitted Photo)

About the invitation to perform for the Lakers, McDonald says while it is a challenge, it will be fun. “Whether it is the NFL, NBA or NHL, we have done it before.” 

Dr. Robert B. Miller, president and chairman of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, who visited TSU in 2020 to officially invite the AOB, returned to TSU recently to reaffirm the university’s invitation for the 2022 parade. 

“Only the best of the best are invited and the Aristocrat of Bands is one of them,” Miller said in 2020 when he first presented the band with the official tournament flag and invitation, at a ceremony in the Gentry Center Complex.

The band’s last practice, before leaving for their break and subsequently California, is Friday, Dec. 17.

For more information on the TSU Aristocrat of Bands, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/aristocratofbands/ 

Featured Photo Courtesy of DeShun Smith
TSU President Glenda Glover, along with university and band officials, receive the official Tournament of Roses flag during the halftime show of the 2021 Homecoming game at Nissan Stadium. From left, are Band Member Jordan Hampton; TSU Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff, Dr. Curtis Johnson; President Glover; President and Chairman of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, Dr. Robert B. Miller; Director of Bands Dr. Reginald McDonald; and Band Member Rameek Nelson.

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 mourns the loss of NFL great Claude Humphrey

Courtesy: TSU Athletics

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is mourning the loss of Pro Football Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey, who passed away on Dec. 3 at the age of 77.

Humphrey was an All-American defensive tackle at TSU who went on to be one of the greatest pass rushers in the National Football League. Humphrey played for the Tigers from 1964 to 1967. He was initially an offensive tackle, but was switched to defensive end his freshman year, where he became a three-time All-American.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Humphrey’s family during this very difficult time,” said Dr. Mikki Allen, TSU’s director of athletics. “Mr. Humphrey was truly loved by his TSU family and across the landscape of football.”

During the 1980 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Humphrey totaled a team-high 14.5 sacks on the way to an NFC Championship and an appearance in Super Bowl XV.
 
“He played the game with passion and was a hard worker in an era when sacks weren’t an official stat,” said Allen. ”For that, he was properly enshrined as a Hall of Famer as one of the original great pass rushers.”

Even though the sack didn’t become an official NFL statistic until after he retired, Humphrey is still credited with 122 career sacks, including holding the all-time career sacks mark for the Falcons with 94.5
 
“His spirit will live on forever at Tennessee State as a gentleman on-an-off the field,” said Allen.

Humphrey is in the Tennessee State University Hall of Fame, the Georgia Hall of Fame, the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Hall of Fame, the Atlanta Falcons Hall of Fame, and his high school’s Hall of Fame. Humphrey’s college and high school both retired his jersey. 

To see Claude Humphrey featured in a video of TSU Draft Day Memories, visit https://bit.ly/3diDkqO.

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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COVID-19 Omicron variant poses ‘great concern,’ TSU public health expert says

NASHVILLE, TENN. (TSU News Service) – A Tennessee State University public health expert calls the COVID-19 omicron variant “one of great concern,” and is applauding the U.S. government’s quick response in imposing travel restrictions on people coming in from southern African, where the variant was first detected. The Biden administration is going even further by requiring all Americans entering the U.S. to be tested. 

Dr. Wendelyn Inman

Dr. Wendelyn Inman, an infectious disease expert and professor and director of the public health program in the College of Health Sciences, says she does not see the need for a shutdown or lockdown, but calls the measures “another layer of protection for the general public until we have a full understanding of the virus.” 

“It could be two or three weeks before we fully know how the new COVID-19 variant is transmitted between people and if it can cause more severe illness than other mutations of the virus,” says Inman, previously the chief of epidemiology for the State of Tennessee. “What we do know is that the symptoms are milder for healthy people and those that are immunized.” 

As of Friday, the U.S. had reported the omicron variant in five states. Minnesota, Colorado, New York and Hawaii confirmed new cases of the variant on Thursday. The first case was reported Wednesday in California. The infected person, a resident of San Francisco, had just returned from a trip to South Africa. 

With the virus already detected in over 25 countries, the U.S. government and other countries are restricting travel in the hope of keeping the virus from spreading. And, Inman and other scientists are urging the public to continue to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation to get immunized, continue to wear masks, social distance, and wash hands. 

So far, the COVID-19 vaccines have proved to be highly effective in preventing hospitalization and death, with people who are unvaccinated 10 times more likely to be hospitalized if infected. And vaccine-makers are optimistic the current vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. will provide protection against omicron, too. 

“If you are immunized, it is not going to send you to the hospital or to the morgue,” says Inman, who worries that there are still vaccine skeptics in Tennessee, especially Middle Tennessee. “I am more concerned for people in areas where larger numbers of unimmunized people are working, living, and playing. Most people don’t grasp the concept until a family member or somebody they know dies. No one has to die before we take it seriously.” 

According to the CDC, more than 60 percent of Tennessee residents are fully vaccinated. 

At TSU, the university reports a high vaccination percentage among employees and students. More than 70 percent of full-time faculty and staff, as well as hundreds of students are vaccinated. As of Nov. 8, TSU officials say 74.5 percent, or roughly 920 faculty and staff, have had both vaccination shots. More than 2,300 students have presented proof of vaccination. 

“Tennessee State University has worked diligently to keep infections to a minimum,” says Dr. Curtis Johnson, TSU’s associate vice president and chief of staff. “We continue to enforce the guidelines we have in place to protect the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff, along with our visitors. We are grateful for the cooperation we have received from the TSU family. It is encouraging to see the results of our efforts, and it benefits our communities greatly.” 

For more information on TSU’s COVID-19 protocol, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/nanobio/COVID19.aspx 

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, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, GRANTS, NEWS, RESEARCH, Uncategorized

TSU leads collaborative awarded $4 million to address health disparities, advance health equity

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is leading a project that has been awarded $4 million from the National Institutes of Health to address health disparities and advance health equity.

Dr. Rebecca Selove, director of TSU’s Center for Prevention, and Dr. Jemal Gishe, also at TSU, are heading up the Engaging Partners in Caring Communities (EPICC) project. It is designed to support delivery of evidence-based health promotion programs in churches serving African American communities, and engage participants in collectively identifying and addressing social determinants of health.

Drs. Selove and Gishe are joined by investigators at Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University, and Rev. Omaràn Lee, director of the Congregational Health and Education Network (CHEN), which includes about 100 churches in Middle Tennessee.  

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with the academic team and Rev. Lee in learning how to expand the capacity of African American churches to offer research-tested health promotion programs in their congregations,” said Selove.

Added Gishe, “I’m excited to work on EPICC that addresses health disparities using transformative research with strong community engagement and to be able to collaborate with diverse academic team members and community leaders.”    

Dr. Rebecca Selove

Dr. Leah R. Alexander is an associate professor in Meharry Medical College’s Division of Public Health Practice. She said she’s honored to be part of the research team.

“COVID has had such a devastating impact on the black community in ways we could have never imagined, even in the ways we worship,” said Alexander. “I am from Nashville and so excited to be working with churches across the city that may be deciding how to ‘do church’ these days.” 

Dr. Sharon C. Jones, assistant professor in the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, and Dr. David G. Schlundt, associate professor of Psychology in Vanderbilt’s College of Arts and Science, said addressing health inequities is a team effort.

“Educating people to improve their health literacy and be involved in their own health plan is a core piece of what nurses do every day,” said Jones, DNP, RN. “I’m excited that we’re launching this major community-based research project incorporating Nashville General’s CHEN, as well as community advocates, key personnel and consultants. It is vital that we as a community and a society find solutions that mitigate health inequities and overcome health challenges.”

Dr. Jemal Gishe

“EPICC has brought together all the right community partners to help Nashville church congregations enhance the health and well-being of their members,” said Schlundt. “Embracing Vanderbilt’s strongcommitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research and community outreach, we have created a multidisciplinary team that forms an equal partnership with community stakeholders to address health disparities.”

Rev. Lee said the NIH award is a blessing.

“This award will benefit the congregations greatly by providing fiscal resources, needed information to influence healthy lifestyles, and understanding the social determinants of health,” said Lee.

The grant is the latest in a record year of research funding for TSU. During the 2020-21 fiscal year, faculty at TSU received more than $70 million in sponsored research and external funding.

“This award further demonstrates the dedication and success of TSU faculty and staff in pursuing and obtaining new awards to provide valuable services to the community,” said Dr. Frances Williams, associate vice president for Research and Sponsored Programs at TSU.  

The EPICC project is funded by the NIH Common Fund’s Transformative Research to Address Health Disparities and Advance Health Equity Initiative [Grant Number:1U01OD033244-019], which supports projects that aim to prevent, reduce, or eliminate health disparities and advance health equity. 

To learn more about NIH’s initiative, visit https://bit.ly/30ERDTp.

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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Country music star Kane Brown’s campus performance continues to shine light on HBCUs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University made a historic appearance at the American Music Awards on Sunday with country music star Kane Brown’s campus performance.

The five-time AMA winner wooed the crowd with a performance of his hit, “One Mississippi.” He also gave

fans a look into his Tennessee and Georgia roots, as well as a personal musical journey as an African American artist.

“Kane Brown is a Tennessee native, and he’s changing the world through his music,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “It’s amazing to have him here.”

Senior Tiara Thomas, a political science major from Olive Branch, Mississippi, said Brown’s visit was an opportunity to shine a light on not only TSU, but highlight historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in general.

“We are in an era where HBCUs are fighting to prove their importance and relevance,” said Thomas, who is a student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees. “To have our university broadcasted for millions of viewers to see is very beneficial for the advancement of our institution.”

Senior Travion Crutcher agreed.

“Recognition of historically black colleges and universities in any capacity is long overdue,” said Crutcher, a mechanical engineering major from Huntsville, Alabama. “With Nashville’s rich history in the music industry, and Tennessee State University having such an influence on Nashville, this performance was very fitting.”

Brown came to a campus that has produced the likes of Maurice White of “Earth, Wind & Fire”, Grammy super producers Dwane “Key Wane” Weir II and Shannon Sanders, and Sanchez Harley, who wrote and produced songs for the legendary Aretha Franklin.

To see Kane Brown’s performance at TSU, visit https://bit.ly/3l0j9lQ

Read more about TSU being in the spotlight at the AMAs: https://twitter.com/amas/status/1462521725900320768?s=11.

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, FEATURED, NEWS, Uncategorized

US Congresswoman Nikema Williams inspires TSU graduates to ‘live out loud and on purpose’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Nearly 700 undergraduate and graduate students received degrees in various disciplines at Tennessee State University’s Fall Commencement ceremony on Nov. 20.

TSU President Glenda Glover and US Congresswoman Nikema Williams (D-Ga.). (Photo by DeShun Smith)

The event was held in hybrid format with the live ceremony in the Gentry Center Complex, where U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams (D-Ga.) addressed the graduates. The ceremony was also livestreamed.

Before Williams spoke, TSU President Glenda Glover lauded the graduates for their achievement.

“I applaud you for having reached this extraordinary milestone,” said Glover. “You have endured, you have withstood, you have survived. We salute you.”

Williams, who took over the seat vacated by the late civil rights activist Congressman John Lewis, challenged the graduates to “live out loud and on purpose, and lead from where you are.”

“Our differences make us powerful, and our values, our stories, and our voices are what make us strong,” said Williams, who was honored with a plaque from President Glover. “As we look forward to what our country can and should be, it’s going to take diverse voices of all backgrounds to keep fighting for the progress that we need.”

Williams also advised the graduates to be ready for opportunities that come their way, and to take advantage of them.

2021 Fall Commencement ceremony in TSU’s Gentry Center Complex. (Photo by DeShun Smith)

“You can’t always choose the moment; sometimes the moment chooses you,” she said. “As my grandma taught me, if you stay ready, you’ll be ready.”

Williams recalled the events leading up to her being nominated to fill Lewis’ seat. She had just overwhelmingly been re-elected to the Georgia Senate, and she was content with that.

However, under Georgia law, Democrats were required to nominate someone to replace Lewis’ name on the November ballot.

“Running for the 5th District seat was a dream that I had one day, but not that day,” said Williams. “But the moment chose me. and everything that I had done prepared me to answer boldly. I put my name in the running with 132 other candidates, and I emerged on top.”

She told the graduates, “everything that you’ve learned has prepared you for this time.”

President Glenda Glover, Dr. Michael Harris, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs honor Congresswoman Nikema Williams with a plaque. (Photo by DeShun Smith)

“Think about what you’ve learned on this campus, what you’ve learned from your professors and your peers, and commit to bringing it with you along the way,” said Williams. “Think about how you can use your story, and your own power, to connect with others in your community and work with them to create a better world. Tennessee State University graduates, you have everything that you need to step into your power, so live out loud and on purpose, and lead from where you are.”

Graduate Aaron Cauthen of Atlanta, Georgia, said Williams’ speech was inspiring. He said he’s motivated to further utilize what he’s learned at TSU and apply it in the workforce.

“Today means a lot, to get this accomplishment,” said Cauthen, who received a master’s in sports administration. “TSU taught me to get it done. As long as you get it done, in the end, it will work out for you.”

To see a recording of TSU’s 2021 Fall Commencement, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/TSUMedia.

Note: Featured photo by DeShun Smith.

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, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

Graduate develops app to help special needs children enhance their social skills

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Aram Abubaker was presented with a challenge. A friend who worked with children with special needs was looking for something that would help enhance their social skills. Abubaker responded: He made an app for that.

Aram Abubaker

On Nov. 20, Abubaker joined nearly 700 undergraduate and graduate students who received various degrees at Tennessee State University’s Fall Commencement ceremony. Abubaker got a doctorate in computer engineering, where he improved his software developing skills that aided him in making the PeerKnect app.

According to the app’s website, 93 percent of parents or therapists say their child or client has difficulty finding social interactions. The app is intended to provide children with opportunities for connection and to help develop social skills which can increase confidence and autonomy.

“Many parents with special needs children have a problem finding play dates or finding friends for their kids because they have some kind of special need,” said Abubaker. “The app facilitates the process of connecting parents, therapists, and businesses that work with children with special needs.”

By teaching or enhancing their social skills, Abubaker said the kids can become “more engaged, and feel less isolated.”

Emily Bruce is a board-certified behavior analyst and Abubaker’s business partner. In her therapy practice, she said many parents with special needs children ask about ways for them to connect socially, have a play date. She said many of them were unaware of sensory friendly events in their area, like a local mall in Nashville, Tennessee, that allows kids with special needs to take pictures with Santa Claus on a certain day and time in December.

“There are a lot of businesses out there that will host these events because they want families of children with special needs to be included,” said Bruce. “So, we wanted to add that as a feature (to the app) where businesses can post their events. And then of course we wanted to get these families connected either with another parent, or with a therapist. We’re getting users every day, and it’s really wonderful to see people respond to this.”

Roseanna Martinez is a special education teacher in Phoenix, Arizona, who has been teaching special needs children for more than 20 years. She said she likes the connectivity the app provides.

“I think it’s a really neat idea,” said Martinez. “One of the things I find interesting is that parents can link up with other families with kids like theirs. That not only gives kids an opportunity to socialize with people who understand them, but it also gives parents a bigger community to work with.”

“The other thing that appealed to me is the sensory friendly places,” added Martinez. “That’s a big deal. You never know till you get to a place how it’s going to be and how the kids are going to react. So, it’s nice that they (parents) have a little insight into that before they take their kids out.”  

Dr. Robbie Melton is dean of TSU’s Graduate School and Professional Studies and associate vice president of the university’s SMART Global Technology Innovation Center. She encouraged Abubaker to participate in the center’s “Everyone Can Code & Create” initiative, a partnership with Apple. The initiative improved Abubaker’s problem-solving skills, and aided him in finding solutions, such as developing PeerKnect.  

“The Graduate School takes pride in providing both a supporting academic and social environment in helping students like Aram surpass their potential,” said Melton. “Aram is truly a role model!”

Abubaker said developing the app was hard work, but he believes it will help many people.

“I’ve spent hours working on this, and I’ve enjoyed the process, because I believe this is going to change people’s lives,” he said.

To learn more about TSU’s Computer Science Department, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/computer_science/.

For more information about the SMART Global 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, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Top graduate, single mother motivated by striving to be the best for her young son

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – When Dana Bonner received her degree at Tennessee State University’s Fall Commencement on Nov. 20, among those in the crowd cheering her on was her 3 1/2-year-old son, Aspen.

Graduating with a 4.0 GPA, Dana Bonner received her bachelor’s degree in psychology. (Submitted photo)

“It’s been a tough journey, caring for him while trying to keep a job, and balancing that with classwork,” said Bonner, an honor student who graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. “But as hard as it has been the goal has always been to do whatever it takes to complete my degree and try to secure a better future for us.” 

And Bonner is doing just that, building a future by trying to be at the top of her class. The Seattle native was among nearly 700 undergraduate and graduate students who received degrees at TSU’s graduation ceremony. Bonner got her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She plans to return to TSU to pursue her graduate degree. Her career goal is to become a sports psychologist. 

A transfer student, Bonner came to TSU in her sophomore year from Nashville State Community College, where she had majored in physical therapy. The demand of a physical therapy study was too overwhelming and prevented her from giving the necessary care and attention to Aspen whom she had had since her freshman year. Coming to TSU, she switched to psychology, and says that’s the best decision she made. 

“I started my college career with a young child, and I have been a single mother all the way,” she said. “So, I had to learn how to navigate between being a good student and being a mother to my child. Being a single mother is hard enough, and to put school on top of it, and then you throw in having to work is extremely tough.” 

While coping has been tough, Bonner said she is thankful for family support. Nine years ago, mom, dad and sisters moved to Nashville. That transition has helped with raising Aspen. 

“Thankfully, I did have their help, but a lot of time I felt like it was my responsibility to take care of my child. Although I had their help, I tried to take on as much as I could,” she said. 

This balancing act and remaining a top student have not gone unnoticed by Bonner’s professors, who see the young mother as an example of “sheer determination to succeed no matter the odds.” 

Dr. Keisa Kelly, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology, said Bonner’s determination is no surprise. 

“When Dana transferred to TSU, she immediately stood out to me as someone with a purpose,” said Kelly. “With the support of a loving family, Dana overcame difficult challenges as a young adult, and entered TSU with the determination to use her intellect, empathy, resilience, and psychology degree to help others. I am so thrilled to learn that Dana intends to stay with the TSU psychology department to earn her Master’s in Psychology, and it is my hope that she will also complete her doctorate in our APA-accredited Ph.D. program in counseling psychology.” 

Despite her mounting responsibilities, Bonner maintains a full college life, including extracurricular activities. This past year, she was selected for the Scholarly Trainees Acquiring Research Skills program at the University of Tennessee, serving as a research assistant in their psychology department and participating in professional develop opportunities. She is a member of Golden Key International Honor Society, and Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. She coaches high school and club volleyball and is a youth leader in her church. 

“I want my son to know that everything that we have now, I worked so hard so we could have this life, so we could enjoy the things that I know we are going to have,” she said. “I want my child to know what it is like to work hard. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. There is a lot of humility in working hard.”

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, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, RESEARCH, Research and Sponsored Programs, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU, UCOR partnership to spur engineering students’ interest in environmental management

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has entered a partnership with UCOR, a leading cleanup contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Reservation, to spur student interest in environmental management opportunities. The goal is to help build a pipeline of qualified candidates for ongoing environmental management work at Oak Ridge and DOE facilities elsewhere.  

President Glenda Glover receives a check for $25,000 from officials of UCOR to help fund education and training for engineers. In the photo are, from left, Ken Rueter, UCOR President and CEO; Dr. Glover; Sonya Johnson, UCOR Communications, Community, Diversity, and Workforce Development Programs Manager; and Joe Aylor, UCOR Chief of Staff. (Photo by DeShun Smith)

On Nov. 10, UCOR presented TSU with a $25,000 donation to help fund education and training for engineers.  Earlier in the week, representatives from UCOR spoke to students in TSU’s College of Engineering and gave them an overview on Oak Ridge’s environmental management program and career opportunities at UCOR.  

“Tennessee State University is grateful to UCOR for this new partnership, and for their generous donation to our College of Engineering,” TSU President Glenda Glover said.  “Our students will have access to Oak Ridge environmental management experts and opportunities for internships and career growth in this exciting field.”  

Dr. Glover added that through the partnership, UCOR will be connected with TSU’s diverse population of talented students who are involved in cutting-edge research and are taught to be problem solvers and critical thinkers.  

Norel McAdoo, a senior civil engineering major, attended the UCOR presentation at TSU. (Submitted photo)

Ken Rueter, UCOR president and CEO, said, “These partnership agreements continue to enhance our outreach efforts and expanding employment opportunities in environmental cleanup at nuclear facilities like the Y-12 National Nuclear Complex and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. HBCUs are a rich resource for qualified professionals in engineering, environmental science and other disciplines we depend on for mission success.”

Under a Memorandum of Understanding between UCOR and TSU, the partners will work together to identify research, training, and education opportunities and to promote internships and mentoring that enrich the educational experiences of participating students.   

Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, dean of the TSU College of Engineering, called the partnership “a great investment” in the university’s environmental engineering program.  

“This partnership will help support students with experience, engage our faculty through research, and facilitate career pathways for our graduates to Oak Ridge and DOE operations,” Hargrove said.  

Norel McAdoo, a senior civil engineering major, is one of the students who attended the UCOR presentation at TSU. 

“I think this a great opportunity for our engineering program,” said McAdoo, of Little Rock, Arkansas. “During their (UCOR) workshop they gave us ideas for potential projects that we can do at the College of Engineering. I also feel they will be a great resource to help students solidify what they want to do after they graduate.”  

For more information on TSU’s College of Engineering, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/engineering/moreaboutus.aspx 

FEATURED PHOTO
TSU President Glenda Glover, right, along with university representatives, holds discussion with UCOR officials in her office. Pictured are Ken Rueter, UCOR President and CEO, left; Dr. Glover; Joe Aylor, UCOR Chief of Staff; Iris Ramey, TSU’s Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations; and John Barfield, Director of Engagement and Visibility for Research and Sponsored Programs. (Photo by DeShun Smith)

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, FEATURED, NEWS, Uncategorized

Veterans Day program emphasizes benefits veterans bring to the workforce

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University recognized Veterans Day with a special program that emphasized the benefits veterans bring to the workforce.

Keynote speaker Dr. Karon Uzzell-Baggett, , Lt Col (ret), USAF. (Photo by DeShun Smith)

Dr. Karon Uzzell-Baggett, a retired U.S. Air Force lieutenant colonel and former AFROTC Detachment commander at TSU, was the keynote speaker for the program on Nov. 11.

“This is a wonderful day to set aside to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the ideals of democracy and freedom,” said Uzzell-Baggett.

She went on to talk about the 4.2 percent unemployment rate for veterans recently reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, and how that stat can be reduced if more veterans are hired.

Uzzell-Baggett said businesses will benefit from the attributes veterans bring, such as their leadership, resiliency, and the same selfless service that they embodied while in the military.

“Veterans continue to make lasting contributions well past the time that the military service ends,” she said. “Please remember to invest in veterans. It’s worth it.”

Highlights of the program included a wreath ceremony involving TSU President Glenda Glover, current AFROTC Detachment Commander Lt. Col. Nick Callaway, and Cadet Third Class Emily Rodriguez, a sophomore health sciences major at TSU.

TSU sophomore De’Traelyn Hubbard gives stirring dramatic reading. (Photo by DeShun Smith)

There was also a stirring dramatic reading by sophomore mass communications major De’Traelyn Hubbard.

The theme for this year’s program was “Celebrating the Eleventh Hour” because Armistice Day is commemorated every year on the eleventh of November to mark the armistice signed between the allies of World War I and Germany for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front, which took effect at eleven in the morning – the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month of 1918.

“We want to say thanks to all who have served and those who are currently serving,” said Dr. Curtis Johnson, the program’s master of ceremony, and TSU’s associate vice president and chief of staff. “This recognition is a way of publicly acknowledging these heroes and saying, thanks for your service.”

To see a recording of the Veterans Day program, visit https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IldtTk4MMjM.

Note: In featured photo, TSU President Glenda Glover (center), current AFROTC Detachment Commander Lt. Col. Nick Callaway, and Cadet Third Class Emily Rodriguez, a sophomore health sciences major at TSU, participate in wreath ceremony. (Photo by DeShun Smith)

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.