Monthly Archives: December 2021

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

Rose Bowl-bound AOB receives rousing send-off from community as members depart for California

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State University community gathered in front of the Performing Arts Center in the early hours Tuesday morning to celebrate as the Aristocrat of Bands prepared to depart for the Tournament of Roses in California. 

President Glenda Glover arrives at the Performing Arts Center in the early hours Tuesday morning to personally bid band members farewell as they board buses for the airport. She flew out to California the next morning to join the students. (photo by Andre Bean)

President Glenda Glover, dressed in TSU blue and white, led a large group of cheering university officials, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and fans in a send-off celebration for the nearly 250 band members as they boarded buses for the airport on their way to the 133rd Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, on Jan. 1. 

“This is one of the most exciting moments for us and especially in the lives of these students to be able to represent the university at the Rose Bowl,” said Glover, who flew out the next morning to join the students.  

“This is so special to represent TSU, the state of Tennessee, and HBCUs. That is just phenomenal. They worked so hard for this. They have earned the right to show the world who they are. So, we are just proud of them.” 

AOB members board the plane at Nashville International Airport for their flight to California. (Photo by Andre Bean)

Sandra Hunt, president of the Nashville chapter of the TSU National Alumni Association, added: “This is extremely exciting for us as alums from across the nation. Not only that many of us will be glued to the TV watching with pride and cheering, but many will be there in Pasadena.” 

The send-off was organized by alumni, staff, students and individuals who provided various support to help make the trip possible. TSU alum and State Rep. Harold Love, Jr., Director of Alumni Relations Debbi Howard; Miss TSU Mallory Moore, TSU Chief of Staff, Dr. Curtis Johnson; and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Frank Stevenson were among those at the send-off. 

“We’ve always gotten tremendous support from President Glover, the university, alumni, the community and the fans, so this is just another example of that support,” Director of Bands, Dr. Reginald McDonald, said.

Director of Bands, Dr Reginald McDonald, left, gives band members a final pep talk as they prepare to depart for their California trip. (Photo by Andre Bean)

“”It’s a great feeling that our supporters came out and showed us love before we set out for California,” added Tiara Thomas, student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees, who plays the French horn in the band.

The AOB, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, is one of only four university bands nationwide invited to participate in the Rose Bowl Parade this year. TSU is also the only band from a historically black college or university (HBCU) that will be performing.  

President Glover and Band Director McDonald talk to the media, as other TSU officials and supporters watch. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

Termed the “West Coast swing,” the AOB’s California visit also includes performances at Bandfest, a two-day exclusive field show for marching bands selected to participate in the Rose Bowl Parade; Disneyland Park; the California African American Museum; as well as a half-time show for the Los Angeles Lakers in the Staples Center.  

Travion Crutcher, head drum major of the AOB, said he is looking forward to performing in the Rose Bowl, but also “experiencing Hollywood from up close.” 

Band members celebrate as they prepare to leave for the 133rd Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Andre Bean)

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

California is home to one of the largest concentrations of TSU alumni. Many are expected to attend the Rose Bowl Parade, while others, including fans from across the nation, are flying in to cheer for their “beloved AOB.”

Featured photo by Andre Bean
Dozens of OAB supporters, including students, staff, alumni and fans gather by a busload of band members to say good bye as the students prepare for the early morning ride to the airport, on their way to the Tournament of Roses in California.

Department of Media Relations

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

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a  premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees.  TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee.  With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students  with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

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

Nearly 1,000 children benefit in Toys for Tots distribution at Tennessee State University

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is making sure children in the area have something to cheer about, as the holiday season takes hold. On Saturday, Dec. 18, nearly 500 parents walked away with at least two toys each for their children during a Toys for Tots distribution organized by TSU and Simply United Together, a nonprofit that coordinates the pickup of donated toys. 

A volunteer helps Diamond Johnson, right, pick out toys for her children. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

Organizers said nearly 1,000 children were served with thousands of toys of different sizes and shapes for boys and girls up to age 12. Volunteers, including TSU students, staff, alumni, and representatives from area charitable organizations and churches, helped with the distribution in Kean Hall on the main campus. 

Diamond Johnson, a Nashville parent with five kids, was among those picking up toys. 

“With prices going up and things getting harder, it feels good to know that there are people who care to help out for people in need,” Johnson said. “I am thankful to Toys for Tots for making sure my children will have gifts for Christmas.” 

Marvin Poole and his wife, Laura, also received toys for their four kids. They said with the pandemic, loss of income, and prices going up, they didn’t know where to turn for gifts. 

Marvin Poole, right, a father of four children, says this is the first time his family has solicited for toys for their kids. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“It’s been a hard year for everybody. We’ve never done anything like this before as a family,” said Marvin.  “To have someone there in times of need, this is just a blessing and we are very thankful.” 

Since 2018, TSU has partnered with Simply United Together, and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots to distribute toys on the TSU main campus. 

Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. William Hytche, coordinator of the Toys for Tots program for TSU, said the university is thankful for the continued partnership with Simply United Together to serve needy families during the holiday. 

TSU student volunteers participate in the toy distribution in Kean Hall. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“It is an important service that I think we do as a community,” said Hytche. “TSU is in the community, so we like to serve the community whenever we get the opportunity. We have had this partnership with Simply United for over three years and it has worked very well. It is unfortunate that we are in this pandemic but we are doing everything we can to minimize the spread.” 

Benetta M. Sears, the local director of Simply United Together Foundation, said she is thankful that TSU has continued to be a site to serve families, especially during this “very critical time.” 

“Tennessee State University is very positive. This is a community school also, and the people here are more willing and ready to serve the Nashville community, and we are thankful to continue our partnership,” she said. 

Sears said she hopes the parents who participated will one day encourage their children to attend TSU. 

For more information on Toys for Tots at TSU, call Dr. William Hytche at 615-963-5069.

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

TSU President Glenda Glover selected as Vice Chair of President Joe Biden’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs

Dr. Glenda Glover

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Dr. Glenda Glover has been appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as the Vice Chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  The Board will advance the goal of the HBCU Initiative, established by the Carter Administration, to increase the capacity of HBCUs to provide the highest-quality education to their students and continue serving as engines of opportunity.
 
The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to supporting the vital mission of HBCUs.  Through the American Rescue Plan and by forgiving capital improvement debt of many of these institutions, the Biden-Harris Administration has already committed more than $4 billion in support.  Reestablishing the White House HBCU Initiative – and placing strong leadership at the head of the Board – will allow the administration to build on that financial commitment with continued institutional support.  
 
Dr. Glover serves as the eighth President of Tennessee State University, a position she has held since January 2013. Under her leadership as the university’s first female president, TSU has experienced a significant increase in alumni and corporate giving, research funding, and academic offerings. The University has also received the Carnegie R2 “high research activity” designation with Dr. Glover at the helm. In 2020 during the pandemic, TSU set a school record with nearly $71 million in research funding.

Her commitment and advocacy of HBCUs spans nearly four decades, including the work she has done as International President and CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Through the sorority and as president of TSU, Dr. Glover has engaged in groundbreaking work to elevate the stature of HBCUs with historic fundraising efforts and marketing. Through her work as international president of AKA, she implemented a fundraising campaign to raise $1 million in one day for HBCUs. She exceeded this goal for four consecutive years raising more than $1 million in one day, which culminated in $2.5 million this past September. This massive fundraising effort resulted in the establishment of endowments at each of the 96 four-year HBCUs, including her alma mater, TSU.

Dr. Glover’s educational development began as a student at TSU, where she majored in mathematics. After graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree, she pursued the Master of Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University. She then completed her doctorate in business from George Washington University, and later completed her law degree from Georgetown University. She is also a certified public accountant, and is one of only three African-American women to hold the Ph.D-CPA-JD combination in the United States.

Her career also includes serving on boards of publicly traded corporations Pinnacle Financial Partners, The Lenox Group, Citigroup-Student Loan Corporation, and First Guaranty Bancshares. Dr. Glover currently serves as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.

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

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.

Alumni, Athletics, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, Uncategorized

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.

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

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.