NASHVILLE,
Tenn. (TSU
News Service) – More than 400 area students received free back-to-school
supplies, advice on educational opportunities and health screenings, thanks to
an effort by a Tennessee State
University alum who is making sure youngsters are prepared
for the new school year.
TSU President Glenda Glover, right, joins State Rep. Harold Love, Jr., left, and Nashville Mayor David Briley to distribute back-to-school supplies to youngsters at the annual Love’s Healthy Start Festival. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
The seventh annual Love’s Healthy Start Festival, started by State Rep. Harold Love, Jr., took place July 27 in Hadley Park with community partners, parents and vendors, who set up booths and displays with books. The event also included free food, refreshments and live entertainment.
Over
the years, Love has partnered with a number of organizations, including TSU, to
provide hundreds of free backpacks and school supplies, along with educational
information and free health tips.
TSU
President Glenda Glover joined Love, Nashville Mayor David Briley and
volunteers to pass out supplies to students, parents and relatives.
“We
thank Rep. Love for putting this festival together each year to make sure these
students have what they need to be successful academically and in life, ”Dr. Glover said. “We appreciate
him (Love) and all the other leaders for the support they continue to give
this community and TSU.”
President Glover helps staff and volunteers at the TSU stand to give out food safety and health tips to students and parents at Love’s Healthy Start Festival in Hadley Park. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
Love
said the festival is more than a back-to-school event.
“It is
designed to give the entire family an opportunity to start the school year off
right,” he said. “This is not only an effort to give our students a head-start
for the school year with back packs and supplies, but also to let them know that
they are worthy and mean so much to us. This has been a great partnership with
TSU. I can’t thank Dr. Glover enough for what she has done by showing the kids
the next path for them when they leave high school.”
Shamika Simpson,
along with her husband, Darryl, and their two children – Jaden, 12, and
Deborah, 9 – were among the hundreds who attended the festival.
The seventh annual Love’s Healthy Start Festival attracted more than 400 participants. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
“I
love this (the festival). I think
it is great when people come together to do something
for the community,” Shamika Simpson said. “Some people can’t afford to do some
of these things, like health screenings,
because there are some kids here who need physicals before they can go back to
school. This is the community coming together to help the community; that’s
perfect.”
In addition to TSU, a number of other area colleges and universities set up displays at the festival, including Meharry Meharry Medical College and Vanderbilt University. Representatives from TSU’s College of Agriculture gave tips on healthy eating and food safety, and provided crops harvested from the university’s farm.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The use of drones
is a growing multibillion-dollar industry, and Tennessee State University is
preparing youth to be part of it.
The university hosted a camp July 22-26 to teach youth about
drones, such as how they’re impacting the world, and how to fly them.
Camp participant Christopher Jones enjoying drone flight. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
“We want them to see how drones are becoming the future of
aviation,” said Dr. Melissa Riley, a commercial flight instructor and professor
in the Aerospace Engineering Technology Department at TSU. “And how they can
have a career in that.”
Reports show the commercial drone industry is continuing to
grow, and that the market is forecast to be worth $127 billion by 2020.
“And it’s just going to keep expanding,” said Rashad Bailey,
coordinator of the drone camp. “This is the ground floor, and I hope these kids
will get engaged now.”
Thirteen-year-old Glennwood Walker said he’s considering
becoming a physical therapist, but he’s also interested in being a drone pilot,
and he enjoyed the camp.
“This program is a fun environment for kids who want to
learn about drones, or coding,” Walker said. “Drones is definitely something
I’m considering.”
During the camp, participants learned how to program drones,
as well as some basic rules of air space. They also got a chance to spend some
time in TSU’s flight simulator at John C. Tune Airport.
“We wanted to kind of give them an overall experience,”
Riley said.
The camp is one of several initiatives TSU has started to
expose youth, and individuals of all ages, to new technology – particularly
coding.
The week of the camp, TSU launched the first community “Everyone Can Code and Create”
initiative for youth on its downtown Avon William Campus.
Camp participant Cindy Nguyen flies her drone. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
The
initiative is part of the newly established National Center for Smart
Technology Innovations, created through the “HBCU C2 Presidential
Academy” to bring coding and creativity opportunities to students across HBCU
campuses, as well as Nashville students. The Academy, which is supported by
tech giant Apple, was launched the week before.
Leaders of 14 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) – including Tennessee State – from across the country attended the Academy and came away with knowledge and skills in coding and app development from Apple’s comprehensive coding curriculum.
As part
of the initiative, TSU is also working with Metro Nashville Public
Schools, Motlow State Community College and the Metropolitan Nashville Chapter
of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. to expand coding
opportunities to other students in the community.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – More than 450
freshmen attended a recent orientation to learn about the “land of golden
sunshine.”
The July 20 orientation was the last of three such events over
the summer. Altogether, TSU officials said more than 1,100 freshmen attended
the three orientations. One more new student orientation is scheduled Aug. 14
for freshmen and transfer students.
Freshmen attend July 20 orientation. (Submitted photo)
Tiffany Bellafant Steward, assistant vice president of Enrollment
Management and Student Success, said the orientations allowed students to learn
about academic expectations and
curriculum; receive academic advisement
and fall course schedules; attend presentations on residence life, student
activities, student conduct, and technology services; complete parking, student
ID, and postal services processes; and tour the campus, including visiting the
freshmen residence halls.
“The Office of
First-Year Students offered a seamless onboarding experience for our new students
and their families,” Steward said.
Donjalle Boatright of Nashville said she’s looking forward
to being a Big Blue Tiger, and that the orientation she attended was
beneficial.
“I liked the atmosphere,” said the 18-year-old. “The staff
was really nice, and helpful.”
Katherine White, Boatright’s mother, agreed.
“It was great,” White said. “It was very informative. It
gave us an insight into what our child will be experiencing.”
One of the July 20 freshman attendees was Tupac Moseley,
who made national headlines earlier this summer. Moseley was homeless his senior year, but managed to graduate
valedictorian of his class, and receive more than $3 million in scholarship
offers.
TSU
President Glenda Glover personally led a team of senior university officials to
Memphis and presented Moseley with a full-ride scholarship,
including housing and a meal plan.
“For the
president herself to drive down to one of the schools to actually assist a
student personally, one-on-one, to take him or her up there for a visit, it’s
just mind blowing to me,” said Moseley, who will major in engineering.
In 2017,
TSU implemented higher admission standards to attract quality students. At the
same time, the university began initiatives to improve retention and graduation
rates, such as increasing the number of coaches to help students with their
personal and educational goals.
Last month, TSU announced it will receive $2 million to support
retention of academically high achieving students from underserved communities.
The funds were included in Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s budget
during the recent legislative session, and approved by state lawmakers.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE,
Tenn. (TSU
News Service) – Tennessee State University has launched the first community
“Everyone Can Code and Create” initiative for youth on its Avon
William Campus.
Thirty students from Camp Zion, a summer program at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, participate in “Everyone Can Code and Create” at TSU. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
The initiative, which debuted July 23, is part of the newly established National Center for Smart Technology Innovations, created through the HBCU C2 Presidential Academy to bring coding and creativity opportunities to students across HBCU campuses, as well as Nashville students.
The exercise was for youth between ages 6 and 14. More than 30 students participating in Camp Zion, a summer program at Mt Zion Baptist Church, attended the workshop.
They
experienced hands-on coding and creativity using iPads, robotic Sphero balls,
and more.
Dr. Nicole Arrighi, professor of teaching and instruction at TSU, instructs middle school students in coding and creativity. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
Eighth-graders Harmony Kennedy and Devin King were among those who attended. They said the exercises opened their eyes to technology they never knew existed.
“Coding
is really cool,” said Kennedy, from Grassland Middle School in Franklin,
Tennessee, who wants to either be a psychologist, a singer or an actress. “I
like how you program and interact with technology to be able to one day change
the future for good.”
For
King, who wants to be a football player, he thinks coding will be very helpful
in how he manages his career as an athlete.
“It (coding) is something I have been dreaming about,” the Joelton Middle School student said. “This is technology that certainly will help me on my journey in the sports world.”
Summer camp students from Mt. Zion Baptist Church team together to code and create at TSU. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
On
July 19, TSU launched the HBCU C2 Presidential
Academy, which is supported by tech giant Apple. Leaders of
14 historically black colleges and universities – including Tennessee State –
from across the country went away from the Academy with knowledge and
skills in coding and app development from Apple’s
comprehensive coding curriculum. As part of the initiative, TSU is
also working with Metro Nashville Public Schools, Motlow State Community
College and the Metropolitan Nashville Chapter of the National Coalition of 100
Black Women, Inc. to expand coding opportunities to other students in the
community.
According to Dr. Robbie Melton, TSU’s interim
dean of Graduate and Professional Studies, and the initiative’s main
facilitator, the youth camp is part of “an academy that starts from pre-school
to the work world.”
“So, today we have Mt. Zion, next week we are going over to Hadley Park with their summer camp, and then start with Metro Public Schools, where we will have coding classes in the afternoons and on the weekends,” Melton said. “So, TSU is positioned to create and code everywhere you are with whatever group or population.”
She said the Camp Zion participants went through
a series of
creative activities using garage band and iPads to learn how to code robots,
spheros, drones and other items.
“This
will help them with their reading, writing and all of their school subjects
across the board,” Melton said.
Dr.
Nicole Arrighi, professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning, was among
those who facilitated the youth initiative. Using the Garage Band, an application
for the iPad, she helped the students in one session develop drum beats and
“rap names” for themselves.
“The
exercise gave them (the students) the opportunity to see how they can use their
creativity to use an informal coding,” Arrighi said. “In this particular
setting, the coding is in the layout of actual beats to actually make their own
ring tone.”
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE,
Tenn. (TSU News Service)
– The Ph.D. Counseling Psychology program at Tennessee State University has
been selected for a prestigious award by the American Psychological
Association. Recently reaccredited for another 10 years, the program is to
receive the 2019 Richard M. Suinn Minority Achievement Award presented by the
APA’s Commission on Ethnic Minority Recruitment, Retention and Training.
TSU is one of only two programs to win the award, presented each year to a program that has demonstrated excellence in the recruitment, retention and graduation of ethnic minority students. The TSU Ph.D. Counseling Psychology program, with a current enrollment of 45 students, is also one of only two APA-accredited programs at an HBCU. It was recognized for its dedication to social justice and tackling issues relevant to marginalized groups.
The award will be
presented on August 8 during the APA’s annual convention Awards Reception in
Chicago.
The 2019 graduating class of the psychology program appear with some of their faculty members during the commencement ceremony. (Submitted Photo)
“This recognition
by the American Psychological Association demonstrates the excellence of our
faculty in preparing our candidates to go out there to make an impact on the
profession,” said Dr. Heraldo Richards, interim dean of the College of
Education. “What we see is a program that not only meets all the standards, but
goes the extra mile in making sure that our candidates are able to address the
needs of clients they work with.”
A letter from the
APA announcing the award touted the TSU Ph.D. Counseling Psychology program’s
efforts to prepare and produce culturally competent practitioners of color as
impressive and timely.
“Please note that
the program’s nomination was advanced by your own students,” the letter noted.
“Such action highlights the important and valuable work the program
accomplishes to mentor scholars of color. Clearly, the program’s work and its
dedication to the education and training of psychologists has not gone
unnoticed by your students.”
Dr. Keisa Kelly,
chair of the TSU Department of Psychology, said she is glad for the award and
recognition given the TSU program.
“I am very grateful for the national recognition our
department’s counseling psychology program, students, and faculty have received
for their outstanding commitment to equity, justice, and workforce
diversification,” Kelly said. “My team works hard, makes a difference, and
deserves recognition for their significant and impactful accomplishments in
psychology and society more broadly.”
Linda Ly, a
second-year Ph.D. student from Rosemead, California, nominated the TSU program
for the APA award.
“I was impressed by how the program is able to recruit students from diverse backgrounds, which has really enhanced the learning experience for me,” she said. “I’ve learned so much from my peers and faculty members consistently in discussions about individual and cultural differences throughout the program.”
Dr.
Robin Oatis-Ballew, coordinator of the Ph.D. Counseling Psychology program,
described students in the program as talented, committed to learning, and
deeply interested in serving others.
“As
part of their training, the doctoral counseling psychology students provide mental
health services to Davidson and surrounding counties,” Oatis-Ballew said.
“Often, they are working with underserved communities. They also volunteer
their time to assist migrant, refugee, and homeless peoples, as well
as other groups and organizations who are invested in grassroots community
efforts and social change.”
In addition to the Suinn Award, the APA recently recognized two TSU students for outstanding achievement. Erin Carney, a Ph.D. student, is the APA’s Society for Counseling Psychology (Division 17) Student of the Year, for her outstanding work with individuals at risk for suicide. Gabe Lockett, who is pursuing his master’s degree in counseling psychology, was selected for APA’s Minority Fellowship Program.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has launched a national initiative that seeks to bring coding experiences to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and underserved communities.
TSU hosted the inaugural HBCU C2 Presidential Academy July 14-19 through its newly established National Center for Smart Technology Innovations. HBCU C2 will bring coding and creativity opportunities to students across HBCU campuses and to a broad group of students across Nashville.
Apple CEO Tim Cook tweeted about the initiative: “Anything is possible when people come together with a shared vision. Thank you to @TSUedu for your leadership and enthusiasm in bringing coding to your community and HBCUs nationwide!”
TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover (center); Dr. Alisha Mosley, interim Vice President of Academic Affairs (left); and Dr. Robbie Melton, the initiative’s facilitator, talk to media before kickoff. (TSU Media Relations)
Leaders of 14 historically black colleges and universities – including Tennessee State – from across the country came away from the Academy with knowledge and skills in coding and app development from Apple’s comprehensive coding curriculum, which utilizes its popular Swift programming language.
“Tennessee State University is proud to host this great initiative as we give HBCU students and Nashville public schools access to this opportunity to expand their knowledge and gain important workforce development skills,” said TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover. “Coding and app development are a growing part of the global workforce, and we want to help make sure people of color, especially our students, are equipped with the knowledge and skills to be competitive, and successful.”
The HBCUs that were part of the first cohort include: Arkansas Baptist College, Bethune-Cookman University, Dillard University, Fisk University, Fort Valley State University, Lincoln University-Missouri, Morehouse College, Norfolk State University, Prairie View A&M University, Southern University Shreveport Louisiana, Texas Southern University, Wilberforce University and Xavier University of Louisiana.
Participants at the Academy included HBCU presidents, faculty members, IT staff and STEM students interested in becoming app developers.
Program participants showcase apps. (TSU Media Relations)
“I think this program is phenomenal,” said Dr. Sharron Herron-Williams, vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at Southern University. “We have a reputation as HBCUs for taking people from where they are, to where they want to be in life. And it is my belief, that by participating in this program, this is only going to expand our territory.”
TSU business administration major Ahmad Richardson agreed. The junior from Memphis was returning a book to the campus library when he saw signs about coding and inquired about it.
“I talked to two ladies who told me more, and asked if I’d like to join,” recalled Richardson, who plans to start his own business. “And I said, I’d love to. It’s a real opportunity to be able to create something new, to add my own flavor.”
TSU is
also working with Apple, Metro Nashville Public Schools, Motlow State
Community College and the Metropolitan Nashville Chapter of the National
Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. to expand coding opportunities to other
students in the community.
“We want students of all ages and background to have the opportunity to pursue coding and creativity,” said Dr. Robbie Melton, TSU’s interim Dean of Graduates and Professional Studies, and the initiative’s main facilitator. “That’s why TSU is working side-by-side with Metro Nashville Public Schools to empower students from Pre-K through workforce and align curricula to make it even easier for students to learn to code and get credit for that effort.”
Dr.
Douglas Renfro is executive director of learning technology and library
services at MNPS. He says coding provides “opportunities for students that they
had not seen before.”
Participants discuss the app they developed. (TSU Media Relations)
“We’re also showing students you don’t have to necessarily have a four-year degree to get started in life,” said Renfro. “This can become a way that you can boost yourself up, find your interest, and then maybe go get your four-year degree, or your two-year degree.”
As
part of the new initiative, students who complete a Swift coding course at
Motlow State Community College will be able to seamlessly transition to
TSU or other four-year degree programs.
“We are excited to be part of this national effort to expand coding opportunities to students and teachers, and we can’t wait to see the amazing things our community can do with these new skills,” said Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, Dean of TSU’s College of Engineering, and one of the coding trainers.
Apple is
supporting TSU with equipment, scholarships and professional development to
help the university launch its HBCU C2 initiative.
“Students of all backgrounds should have the opportunity to learn to code,” said Lisa Jackson, Apple vice president of Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives.
“We
are thrilled to be working with Tennessee State University to support their new
initiative to bring coding and creativity to underrepresented groups across the
broader Nashville community and to HBCUs nationwide.”
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE,
Tenn. (TSU News Service)
– Tennessee State University is among the safest college campuses in the
nation, a new report shows. The National Council for Home Safety and Security,
in its 2019 report of Safest Colleges in America, lists TSU in the Top 8 percent of
colleges with the lowest crime rate.
TSU Crime Prevention Officer Aerin Washington says the Police Department’s Rape Aggressive Defense program aims to help individuals defend themselves in any given situation. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)
The report ranked TSU No. 46 of the
490 colleges rated, using law enforcement and FBI data on crime rate and police
adequacy.
“It is extremely important that our students, parents, along with university employees, know they are safe on our campus, and this latest ranking is evident of our commitment to the institution’s public safety,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “Campus safety is always a priority and this administration will continue to invest in proactive measures that we believe will also continue to yield even better numbers.”
Over the past three years, TSU has committed millions to upgrading campus safety. This includes increase in police workforce, technology, physical enhancements and crime prevention programs. Officials say fencing of the campus is about 75 percent complete, the university has added checkpoints with “internal and hard external security,” as well as access-controlled entrances in many of the buildings.
TSU students participating in the Collegiate Citizens Police Academy train with the Nashville Metro Police Department. The academy is believed to be the first of its kind in the nation. (Photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)
According to Dr. Curtis Johnson,
associate vice president and chief of staff, the enhancements are all part of
President Glover’s focus and emphasis on campus safety.
“These are all things Dr. Glover values in terms of the safety of our students, faculty, staff and TSU constituents,” Johnson said. “You are now seeing the results of those investments. TSU is a safer campus by any standard.”
TSU Police Chief Greg Robinson, who recently received a prestigious international campus safety award, said the TSU high safety ranking is the result of being proactive and building strong relationships that allow individuals to come forward with information that is beneficial to crime prevention.
A staff member engages in a simulated attack with an aggressor during a RAD or Rape Aggressive Defense basic self-defense class in the TSU Police Department. (Submitted Photo)
“We plan on doing different things with our shift supervisors and building
liaison roles with each residence hall, as well as adding more educational
classes on prevention with students and the community at large,” Robinson said.
“We will continue to depend on the stewards of our community to help us keep up
the positive momentum.”
In Tennessee, TSU is also rated
“extremely high” among schools that have students living on campus, Robinson
said. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, comparing figures from 2017 to
2018, reports that across Tennessee overall, crime report is down 15 percent.
Robbery offenses are down 50 percent. Sex offenses are down 17 percent. Rape
offenses are down 10 percent.
During
that time, Robinson said, TSU saw major improvement.
“We will enhance and expand our current
efforts that will allow us to sustain and even surpass the decline,” said
Robinson, who received the 2019 International Association of Campus Law
Enforcement Administrators (IACLEA) Award for Administrative Excellence, during
a June ceremony in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
“We have had record numbers in decline, and we want
to keep this downward trend. We also want to keep the crime indicator numbers
low but keep TSUPD visibility high so that our students, faculty, staff, and
even our visitors know that we want to serve them in the greatest capacity.”
In
collaboration with campus police, TSU has also initiated a number of other
programs in campus safety and crime prevention that have yielded measurable
results. The university now has the only co-ed R.A.D., or Rape Aggressive
Defense program. RAD, a self-defense program opened to students, faculty and
staff, emphasizes awareness, prevention, risk reduction and avoidance. The
12-hour class is taught over the course of three days in four-hour sessions.
“You
can’t always depend on law enforcement to be the first line of defense when it
comes to your personal safety,” said Aerin Washington, TSU’s crime prevention
officer. “Having a program like this really empowers our community members, as
well as our students, faculty and staff to take their personal safety in their
own hands. We want to make sure they’re able to defend themselves in any given
situation.”
In
2016, TSU and the Nashville Metro Police Department formed what’s believed to
be the nation’s first Collegiate Citizens Police Academy. Students in the
five-week training program are exposed to various aspects of police work,
including domestic violence investigation, and making split-second decisions.
Graduates of the program make up what’s called Tiger Patrol
and work in shifts to guide fellow students on campus, or alert the police if a
situation warrants it. More than 50 students have participated in the program
since its inception about three years ago.
“Tiger Patrol is a very innovative way of
allowing students to take part in the safety of the campus,” said Frank Stevenson,
associate vice president and dean of students, who is the brainchild of the Collegiate Citizens Police Academy. “Tiger
Patrol has been a tremendous success. It allows peer-to-peer interaction, and
allows us to hear students’ concerns, and provide information on things around
campus that should be brought to the attention of the police department.”
According to Stevenson, many of
the graduates of the Tiger Patrol and Citizens Police Academy program have gone
on to professional careers in different forms of law enforcement.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU
News Service) – Frank Stevenson, TSU’s associate vice president and dean of
students, has been selected to participate in the 2019-2020 class of Leadership
Nashville. Stevenson was one of 44 individuals selected from among 280 applicants
to participate in the program’s 44th class, which starts in
September.
Frank Stevenson
For more than 40
years, Leadership Nashville has organized an intensive program that assists
community decision-makers. Over nine months, participants learn about pressing
issues affecting their community and gain an in-depth understanding
of the nature of those problems. The nonpartisan group refrains from
taking positions on issues, and does not endorse political candidates.
Stevenson said he is excited to be
selected for this year’s class.
“I am honored to be chosen out of a very
competitive process,” said Stevenson, who recently reinstituted
Leadership TSU, a top training program that has received national recognition. “I
believe I will benefit immensely from this cohort of amazing leaders from
across the city.”
Jerry Williams, executive director of
Leadership TSU, said selection for the 2019-2020 class was “especially
difficult” because of the large number of very qualified applicants.
“We do not attempt to pass out
solutions,” Williams said. “In fact, our participants are so diverse that they
would never agree with each other. Instead, we expose them to various
viewpoints on each issue, believing that Nashville will be stronger because
decisions these leaders make in the future will come from a broadened,
enlightened perspective.”
The nine-month program aspires to cultivate community leaders. Participants are educators, doctors, bankers, artists, business people, rabbis, ministers, lawyers, and representatives of labor, public service, international communities and the volunteer sector.
In January, Stevenson, a longtime Nashvillian and senior pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, reinstituted Leadership TSU in partnership with FedEx. The program trains and develops students with top leadership skills to help them be more competitive in the workforce. Forty students – from freshmen to seniors – with demonstrated ability to lead, are participating in the program.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Tennessee
State University Department of Athletics has announced a new multi-year
agreement with Nike through BSN SPORTS beginning with the 2019-20 season.
“I am very pleased to have TSU Athletics in a new partnership with BSN/Nike for the provider of equipment and apparel for our sport programs,” said Director of Athletics Teresa Phillips. “We had enjoyed a good relationship for a decade with another major player in sport apparel and simply sought to discover what brand would be best for our student-athletes moving forward. We feel that the Nike brand will bring a superior branding opportunity for our programs and the university community at large. Our entire staff is working feverishly to get our teams ready to represent the swoosh this fall. We can’t wait for our alumni and supporters to be a part of this awesome new look.”
The agreement between TSU and BSN SPORTS is for
five years and makes Nike the official athletic apparel, footwear, accessory
and equipment brand for all 15 Big Blue programs.
“We are looking forward to partnering
with Tennessee State University and NIKE in providing the finest
apparel and athletic products,” said Todd Northrop, Collegiate Select senior
vice president. “This agreement affirms our highest aspirations for BSN’s
Collegiate Select program: delivering elite, customized products and services
to our college customers. We are excited to partner
with Tigers to elevate the performance and impact of their
tradition-rich and growing athletic program.
“Additionally, we can’t wait to get to know all
of the coaches associated with this great program and work tirelessly to put
time back into their day so they can spend more time impacting lives on the
field of play.”
TSU COACHES’ COMMENTS ABOUT THE NEW PARTNERSHIP
Donika Sutton, Head Volleyball Coach:
“I am excited about the move with Nike. Volleyball is one of the first sports
to introduce the transition this fall and we are honored to lead the way.
This move allows Tennessee State University, Athletics and our recruiting to
expand to another level. My favorite part will be watching our girls’ faces on
gear day.”
Brian “Penny” Collins, Head Men’s
Basketball Coach: “This is a great time to be a Tiger… joining the BSN/Nike
Family will be vital to our student athletes’ experience. The swoosh will give
us instant credibility in recruiting potential future Tigers. I’m looking
forward to growing our TSU brand as well as bringing value to Nike as well!”
Jessica Kern, Head Women’s Basketball
Coach “The Nike brand has been an ambassador for social change, promoting all
facets of every athlete and is propitiatory to staying within the
guidelines of being trendsetters while staying loyal to classic looks and
comfort for all shapes and sizes. I am elated and honored to be donning the
swoosh daily.”
Rod Reed, Head Football Coach: “I’m
excited about our new partnership with Nike. I think that this is a brand that
will be big in our recruiting efforts, and it has also created a buzz among our
student athletes.”
Jeremy Taylor, Director of Equipment: “I believe that this partnership with BSN/NIKE opens up some new roads for us. We now have a one-stop shop for over 95 percent of our apparel, equipment, footwear, and product embellishment needs. It allows us to outfit our incoming student-athletes, in all sports, with the same brand of apparel and footwear that they have been wearing during their prospective high school careers, which should help us in recruiting as well.”
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – Dr. Frances Williams has been appointed associate vice president for research and sponsored programs. Williams is currently the associate dean for graduate studies and research in the College of Engineering.
Frances Williams
In
her new role, Williams will provide oversight of TSU’s research enterprise,
including management of research grants and contracts, strategic research initiatives
and partnerships, proposal development, and TSU’s Centers of Excellence.
“I am
excited for the opportunity to serve the university in this capacity,” said
Williams, who is also a professor of electrical and computer engineering, and
director of the Center for Micro-, Nano-, and Bio-technology Research at
Tennessee State University. “I look forward to working with the TSU family
to expand our research and sponsored activities and to foster strategic
partnerships for growth.”
John
Barfield, TSU director of engagement and visibility in the Division of Research
and Institutional Advancement, said he is encouraged by Williams’ appoint
because of her vast research experience.
“Dr. Williams is an experienced researcher who has
gone through every gamut of what it means to be funded and is known nationally
for her research. She also has a good
sense of what research administration takes because she has worked on these
projects over the years. So to have
somebody who has that experience and has also been the associate dean in the
College of Engineering and understands the faculty side of it, I expect her to
take off and take us in new directions.”
A
veteran researcher and university administrator, Williams previously served as
the director of the Center for Materials Research at Norfolk State University
as well as the director of Norfolk State’s Micro- and Nano-technology
Cleanroom, a premiere research facility for fabricating micro- and nano-scale
devices.
Williams has extensive publications, and holds a
patent in the areas of advanced materials and devices, biosensors, and nano-
and micro-electromechanical systems processing and devices. She has received
grants totaling over $15 million as a principal investigator or co-principal
investigator.
For her contributions in teaching, scholarship, and service, she has received various awards including the 2018 STEM Innovation Award at the 32nd Black Engineer of the Year Awards (BEYA) STEM Global Competitiveness Conference. In 2013, she received the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) Outstanding Faculty Award (the highest faculty award given out by the state). She was named an “Emerging Scholar” by Diverse Issues in Higher Education magazine in 2012. She was also awarded Norfolk State’s top distinguished faculty award, the University Award of Excellence in 2010.
Williams holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in electrical engineering from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, and a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
