Monthly Archives: February 2017

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

TSU to hold recruitment fair in Memphis for prospective college students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – If you’re a high school student in the Memphis area who’s looking for a higher education institution that makes excellence a habit, then Tennessee State University wants you.

TSU will host a recruitment fair on Saturday, Feb. 11, at Metropolitan Baptist Church from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

metroBC_Memphis“This recruitment fair is part of our ongoing efforts to connect Memphis high school students with the vast educational, professional and personal development offerings at Tennessee State University,” said Dr. John Cade, vice president for enrollment management, who added that university representatives were also in Memphis this past fall. “It represents an excellent opportunity for prospective students and parents to meet with recruiters to receive firsthand information on admission requirements, financial aid options, scholarships, academic programs, housing and student life.”

TSU has been successful in attracting students from the Memphis area over the years because of its strong partnerships with the community and schools there.

Kevuntez King and Alicia Jones are two Memphians who attend Tennessee State.

Jones, who is Miss TSU, said she was considering joining the Army, but decided to go in another direction.

“No one in my immediate family is a college graduate,” said Jones, a senior.

King, who made national headlines when he used money he made from selling newspapers to attend TSU, said anyone who attends the university will get a great education.

“Education, that’s the key to my success,” said King, who is Mr. Freshman. “That’s my way out.”

On Feb. 1, Tennessee legislative leaders got a chance to visit with faculty, staff, students and alumni during TSU Day at the Capitol, where the university showcased research and innovative initiatives.

Lt. Gov. Randy McNally welcomed TSU visitors to the state Capitol and shared a personal experience in which he and several other lawmakers took a public administration course at Tennessee State.

“I really enjoyed my experience at TSU,” McNally said. “On behalf of the Senate, we really honor our relationship with TSU, and look forward to what you do, and the great students that you produce for the state of Tennessee. It really makes a difference in our state.”

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 25 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

 

Alumni, Athletics, EVENTS, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU Graduate is New Mr. Clean

Courtesy: The Tennessean

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State graduate Mike Jackson cleans up pretty well.

So well in fact, that he was selected to replace the iconic cartoon character Mr. Clean.

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Mike Jackson is also featured in a limited edition  Mr. Clean Calendar. (Courtesy photo)

The folks at Procter & Gamble decided that after 59 years on the job the powerful-looking Mr. Clean, with his white pants, skin-tight T-shirt and single golden earring needed some time off.

So they held a contest to find a fill-in, and Jackson, who graduated from TSU in 2003, was selected from hundreds who submitted audition videos to fill Mr. Clean’s white shoes.

Jackson made his debut during the activities surrounding Super Bowl LI in Houston.

“I’m a big football fan so being at the Super Bowl is pretty incredible,” said Jackson, who spent the week on radio row in his Mr. Clean garb doing interviews for the product. “I was really excited when I heard that would be my first duty as Mr. Clean. I can’t wait to see what else they have in store for me the rest of the year.”

A 30-second Mr. Clean commercial aired during the Super Bowl. It was the first time the product has had a Super Bowl spot.

Jackson played high school football in Atlanta and attended every TSU home game while he was there, which included an undefeated regular season his freshman year.

“It was great following TSU because we had really good teams,” said Jackson, who majored in marketing and now works in sports marketing.

Jackson was joined on radio row throughout the week by Denver Broncos linebacker DeMarcus Ware, who was tabbed the “black Mr. Clean” last year when he appeared on “The Tonight Show” because of his clean-cut appearance after the Super Bowl.

Ware has been associated with Procter & Gamble in the past.

Not only is Jackson muscle-bound with a slick bald head, much like the original Mr. Clean, but he also offers diversity to the brand.

Jackson also is featured in a limited edition Mr. Clean calendar.

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

TSU’s Tameka Winston Named 2017 Women of Influence Award Winner

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Dr. Tameka Winston, interim chair of Tennessee State’s Communications Department, has been named a 2017 Women of Influence Award winner by the Nashville Business Journal.

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Dr. Tameka Winston

Recognized for inspiring and mentoring students, Winston is among 32 honorees chosen for this year’s award, which will be presented at a luncheon on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at the Omni Nashville Hotel.

The Women of Influence Awards honor women who lead and make it a priority to give back, to encourage and to inspire.

Past winners include Nashville Mayor Megan Barry, Tennessee House Speaker Beth Harwell, and Jacky Akbari, employer services director of the Nashville Career Advancement Center.

“It is a great feeling to be recognized with so many successful women in Nashville,” Winston said.

Winston’s passion for education and for inspiring students has earned her a number of accolades. She was a finalist for the 2016 Nashville’s Emerging Leaders Awards sponsored by the Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce and YP Nashville. The award recognizes professionals younger than 40 who have made significant accomplishments in their chosen field and contributions to the community.

Nashville Lifestyle Magazine also named Winston one of Nashville’s 25 Most Beautiful People in 2016.

In 2015, she received the Woman of Achievement Award at the 35th Annual Women in Higher Education in Tennessee conference. Winston was also named College of Liberal Arts Professor of the Year for the 2015-2016 academic year.

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 25 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU’s HIV/AIDS Awareness Day to Feature Renowned Human Rights Campaigner

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is helping to educate students about HIV/AIDS and how they can protect themselves from the virus.

thOn Tuesday, Feb. 7, the university, in partnership with Street Works, a leading Tennessee HIV service organization, will host a series of activities in recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

The event will be held in Kean Hall beginning at 11 a.m. Activities will include a luncheon, a guest speaker, vendors, displays, free HIV/AIDs testing and counseling, and information sharing.

According to the TSU office of Student Health Services, which is organizing the activities on campus, the day will conclude with a play about four advocates who introduce biomedical advancements in HIV/AIDS. The play will take place in Poag Auditorium.

Marvell L. Terry II, who is the HIV/AIDS project manager for Human Rights Campaign, a Washington, D.C.-based advocacy group, will be the keynote speaker.

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Marvell L. Terry II, HIV/AIDS project manager for Human Rights Campaign

Harvell is also founder of The Red Door Foundation, a non-profit organization that seeks to change the stigma about HIV/AIDS, according to its website. Harvell has been living with HIV since 2007. He has received several national recognitions and honors for his advocacy work.

KaShawna Parker is the public health coordinator in Student Health Services at TSU. She said one goal of the HIV/AIDS Awareness Day is to clear up misconceptions about the virus.

“It is important that our students attend a program like this, because there is a stigma about HIV/AIDS that it is a gay disease …it is not,” Parker said. “Some people don’t know how you get HIV/AIDS, how you can transmit it to other people. It is important that our students know these things. Because if they can learn it, they can take that message into their communities.”

Studies show that Blacks account for more new HIV infections, people estimated to be living with HIV disease, and HIV-related deaths than any other racial/ethnic group in the U.S.

One report by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation shows that although Black Americans represent only 12 percent of the U.S. population, they accounted for 44 percent of new HIV infections and an estimated 44 percent of people living with HIV in 2010.

JerMilton Woods, a junior Human Performance and Sports Sciences major, said he believes the awareness day will “change the trajectory.”

“Making us aware gives us a better sense of how to go about things and how to protect ourselves,” Woods said.

For information or to register for the HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, follow the link https://tnstateu.az1.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_0lD5UEKbfixXf8x or visit the Streetworks website (www.street-works.org) for more information.

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 25 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

 

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, NEWS, RESEARCH, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

State lawmakers experience wave of Tiger Blue at 2017 TSU Day at the Capitol

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee legislative leaders got a chance to see Tennessee State’s excellence up close during TSU Day at the Capitol.

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TSU President Glenda Glover cuts ribbon at TSU Day at the Capitol kick-off ceremony. Photo by John Cross (TSU Media Relations)
University administrators, faculty, students and alumni converged on Legislative Plaza and the Hill on Wednesday, Feb. 1, to showcase the university’s research and other innovative initiatives at the annual event.

TSU President Glenda Glover started the day with a ceremony in the Senate chamber. She was joined by legislative leaders that included Lt. Gov. Randy McNally, House Speaker Beth Harwell, Sen. Thelma Harper, and Reps. Brenda Gilmore and Harold Love, Jr.

“This is our day, this is TSU day,” Glover said. “It gives us a great opportunity to share with our lawmakers, our leaders, the success of TSU, and the needs of TSU, as we continue to nurture some of the best and the brightest minds of this generation, our TSU students.”

Lt. Gov. McNally welcomed the TSU visitors to the state Capitol and shared a personal experience at the university. When he was a state representative, he said he and several other lawmakers took a public administration course at Tennessee State.

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Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, dean of TSU’s College of Engineering, talks about life-size robotic tiger designed and built by TSU students. Photo by Lucas Johnson (TSU Media Relations)

“I really enjoyed my experience at TSU,” McNally said. “On behalf of the Senate, we really honor our relationship with TSU, and look forward to what you do, and the great students that you produce for the state of Tennessee. It really makes a difference in our state.”

House Speaker Harwell said she enjoyed seeing all the Tiger Blue throughout the Plaza and Capitol.

“All this blue looks beautiful; I love it,” she said. “I was presiding this morning and I had a TSU pen in my hand as I was making notes, I want you to know that.”

TSU Student Government Association President Aarian Forman also spoke at the kick-off ceremony, and said TSU’s students were excited to be at the Capitol.

“We’re so glad to be here today to show you why TSU is the true blue, and we’re the best blue in the state of Tennessee,” Forman said.

Displays from the school’s various colleges and departments lined both sides of the hallway in the Legislative Plaza. Robotics, red maple trees, research presentations and goats were among the booths showcasing the university’s diverse academic offerings.

One of the main attractions was a life-size robotic tiger designed and built by TSU’s College of Engineering.

“TSU Day at the Capitol is a day to demonstrate the work that’s being done here in the state of Tennessee, and the legislation and the support the state gives to universities, in particular TSU, and the rate of return by producing outstanding graduates that actually work in the great state of Tennessee,” said Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, dean of TSU’s College of Engineering.

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Emily Hayes, a TSU graduate student and research assistant in the College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Sciences, attends to some of the goats being used for research. Photo by Lucas Johnson (TSU Media Relations)

Also on display at the Capitol was nationally recognized goat research in TSU’s College of Agricultural, Human and Natural Sciences. Its 15-year study of goats and how to address the demand for goat meat in the U.S. is one of the most extensive on that particular topic in the country.

“I probably give 10, 12 talks a year across the country on the research,” said Dr. Richard Browning, who leads TSU’s goat research. “We have a lot of ethnic groups that have goat as a main part of their diet, and that’s why there’s a demand for goat meat. But we don’t produce enough here. A lot of it is imported from other countries.”

Rep. Harold Love, Jr., whose district includes TSU, said he was glad his colleagues got a chance to see the excellent work going on at the university firsthand.

“Oftentimes you can’t see it in a booklet, or a pamphlet, you need to see it face to face,” Love said.

In wrapping up the ceremony, Glover told the legislative leaders that the university appreciates the funding its received over the years, and that it’s been used in an efficient and strategic manner. But she said TSU still has “tremendous needs.”

“Excellence is our habit, but excellence is not cheap; excellence is costly,” Glover said. “So we’re here today to ask you to support our excellence.”

Sen. Harper, whose district also includes TSU, said she and other lawmakers who have been staunch supporters of the university will continue to advocate on its behalf, and will encourage others to do the same.

“We come here to do business, and we do business for TSU,” Harper said.

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 25 graduate and seven doctoral programs. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.