NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Governor Bill Lee presented a budget proposal that would enhance the growth and development of Tennessee State University during his State of the State address on Jan. 31.
TSU President Glenda Glover
The Governor is proposing that the University receive $60 million for a new engineering building, and $250 million for strategic initiatives. This would include infrastructure improvements, repairs, renovations of multiple buildings, as well as planning, design, and out year construction. It also includes a new library and new food science building. Another $8 million is included for building maintenance. This is the largest funding recommendation in the University’s 110-year history. It will be up to lawmakers to deliver on Lee’s budget recommendation.
“We are pleased that Governor Bill Lee made Tennessee State University a priority in his budget,” says TSU President Glenda Glover. “Governor Lee has taken a crucial step in highlighting the State’s commitment to our infrastructure needs, but more importantly to our students. His budget recommendation will enhance TSU, directly benefiting our faculty, staff, students, and all Tennesseans. This is a historic moment for TSU and our legacy. I am hopeful that lawmakers will help us build upon that legacy and be a part of it.”
Rep. Harold Love, Jr., also a TSU alumnus, agrees that Governor Lee’s proposal is important to the competitive growth of the university. “I appreciate the governor including in his budget proposal to the legislature a significant investment in the infrastructure of Tennessee State University’s campus,” says Love. “Now the work begins to keep it in the budget and get the budget passed.”
Rep. Harold Love, Jr.
The Governor also is proposing $90 million to fully fund the outcomes-based funding formula which will benefit each of the State’s 4-year public universities.
Dr. Glover adds that the administration will bring forth a bill for lawmakers to consider that will increase the Hope Scholarship dollars to $5,100 per year for all four years at TSU. This is a much-needed increase over the current $3,500 for years one and two, and $4,500 for years three and four.
Glover is optimistic Governor Lee’s plans for TSU will come to fruition with lawmakers passing his funding bill. She and key administrators will continue working with lawmakers to try to make that happen. The legislative session could end as early as April.
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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) -New and returning Tennessee State University students say they are glad to be back on campus despite continuing challenges posed by the pandemic. Classes began on Monday, Jan. 24, following a one-week delay due to the COVID-19 omicron variant.
A father helps his daughter to unload her luggage at Wilson Hall. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
For the first two weeks of class, the university is enforcing a safer-in-place policy for students arriving on campus. The policy requires students to stay in their places of residence unless they need to perform essential activities, such as getting food, or going to medical appointments. During this time, all classes will be online.
Even with these policies, many students are highly enthusiastic about returning to campus. Just ask senior health sciences major Tredarius Lassiter, of Atlanta.
Tredarius Lassiter
“I am very excited, and I am sure other students are as well,” says Lassiter. “Of course, safety protocols are in place but it’s been so long that we haven’t actually had a college experience. I think that’s the reason why we are so ready and anxious to get back.”
Dr. Curtis Johnson, associate vice president and chief of staff, leads the university’s COVID taskforce. He says students want to come back because the university has “gone to great lengths” to be as accommodating as possible.
Chandler Cotton
“The safer-in-place policy allows us to create a bubble for the students in the event that they are positive (for COVID),” Johnson says. “We are better equipped to deal with it immediately and to also conduct contact tracing to determine if others have the potential to test positive and be quarantined right away.”
Chandler Cotton, a freshman, who spent his first semester taking classes online, says he was able to interact with some classmates virtually and even join some student organizations.
“Even though my first semester was virtual, I was still able to connect with other students, join other organizations, such as the Freshman Institution,” says Cotton, a biology major from Tulsa, Oklahoma. “So, I am excited to get back to that. I first came here in my sophomore year of high school during a college tour. When I stepped on campus during that visit I felt right at home. I said right then that TSU is the place for me.”
Carla Boudal
Tasha Andrews, TSU’s executive director of new student programs, says that because many incoming freshman students missed out on starting in-person classes in the fall, the delay further fueled their excitement about being on campus.
“They are very excited to know that after all that the world has been going through, being able to come to college for the very first time, live in a residence hall, and be a part of organizations and clubs is really very exciting,” says Andrews. “It is a great time to be at Tennessee State University, and to be a Tiger.”
Carla Boudal and Nil Moinet, now in their second year at TSU, are student athletes from France. Boudal is a junior international business major on the volleyball team, while Moinet, also a junior majoring in exercise science and kinesiology, plays tennis for the Tigers. The students say although they miss their families and friends back home, their experiences at TSU make them anxious to come back.
Nil Moinet
“I get to keep all of my classes, finish my major, and get to prepare for our next season,” says Boudal, who is from Cannes. “It’s been a tough time …missing family and friends, but coming back gives me more time to work out and practice with my teammates.”
Adds Moinet, “It might sound kind of childish, but I met some friends here that I have missed, and I get to see them again. It is a whole new experience living in the United State and coming to TSU. I just enjoy everything about it.” Moinet is from Guadeloupe, France.
Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, says students are going the extra mile to adhere to the university’s safety measures.
“We feel good about how we will manage this spring semester, especially as it relates to our COVID protocols,” says Stevenson. “Our students have done a great job of following rules and regulations from fall 2021 and I am hopeful it will continue.”
Excitement about campus living is expected to continue next fall when TSU opens its new 700-bed ultra-modern residence hall on the main campus. The building, estimated at $75.3 million and the first new residence hall on the campus in nearly 25 years, will house lower and upperclassmen. It is described as a mixed community living facility that will offer upscale living, dining, recreational and leisure concepts.
FEATURED PHOTO BYAaron Grayson A Family from Massachusetts made the overnight drive to Nashville to check their son in at Eppse Hall on the main campus.
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.
Nashville, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover praised employees for their contributions to the success TSU has achieved, and she challenged them to take the university to even higher heights over the next five years.
Faculty and staff attend event that was also live streamed. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
In her state of the university speech to the 2022 Faculty-Staff Institute on Tuesday, Dr. Glover addressed the university’s successes and challenges, particularly operating amid the coronavirus and its variants. She applauded employees for their dedication.
“I commend you on how you have responded to this COVID crisis,” said Glover, who spoke in-person at the event that was also live streamed. “You made adjustments in your personal lives to meet the needs of our students. You are the source of our tremendous vitality.”
In pointing out TSU’s successes, the president discussed faculty attracting more than $70 million in sponsored research and external funding during the 2020-21 fiscal year, a school record. She also cited using federal dollars (CARES Act) to pay off students’ balances, and that the university is owed $544 million by the state of Tennessee. Discussions are currently underway to determine exactly how much the university will receive.
“I am reminded again and again that TSU is an extraordinary place,” said Glover.
The highlight of her presentation, however, was a five-year strategic plan for the university. It includes achieving an R1 research status (currently R2); 10 to 15 new doctoral programs; doubling research funding to $150 million; increasing overall enrollment from 8,000 to 10,000; boosting the endowment to $200 million, and $75 million in reserves; and establishing at least five high impact named centers with contributions of $2 million each.
“It’s an exciting time for Tennessee State University,” said Dr. William Johnson, faculty trustee on TSU’s Board of Trustees. “The vision laid out by the president is … a high bar. But that’s what Tennessee State University does. We reach for the high bar and we overcome it.”
Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said the university family is ready for the challenge.
“She’s challenged us over the next five years to move the needle on how Tennessee State University provides education and opportunities to our students,” said Stevenson. “And we’re ready to step up and accept that challenge.”
Dr. Nolan McMurray, Jr., interim dean of the College of Life and Physical Sciences, agreed.
“President Glover presented a strong and positive atmosphere for TSU’s future,” said McMurray. “She’s definitely going to take the school to the next level.”
Classes at the university are scheduled to begin on Jan. 24.
Note: Featured photo also by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations.
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.
Nashville, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has been awarded a $284,000 grant to help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is the first public institution in Middle Tennessee to offer an inclusive higher education program.
Dr. Anita McGaha
TSU is among four higher education institutions to receive the Tennessee Believes grant from the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD).
TSU’s grant will be spread over two years to create TigerEDGE (Educate, Develop, and Grow for Employability). The non-degree certificate program will allow young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to experience college life while also preparing them for employment. The program will target enrollment of eight students in Fall 2022.
Nationally, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have an 80 percent unemployment rate, according to a recent statistic.
“TigerEDGE gives participants an “Edge” in their transition to independent adulthood by providing person-centered inclusive learning and choice,” says Dr. Anita McGaha, director of disability services at TSU and the grant’s principal investigator. ”The services delivered will focus on improving the quality of life through the development of social skills, academics, career, and job readiness. The experience of learning, living, and working together in an inclusive environment enhances the lives of all students and the TSU community as a whole. I am thankful for President Glenda Glover’s leadership in encouraging an inclusive learning environment and in providing all students an opportunity to succeed.”
Adds McGaha, “TSU is currently the only public institution in the Middle Tennessee area that will provide IDD students with the opportunity to experience college life while preparing them for successful independent living.”
Program participants will be between 18 and 26 years of age and will live on campus. They will be paired with an undergraduate student, or peer mentor, majoring in special education.
Dr. Jerri Haynes, dean of the College of Education at TSU, says the grant is an opportunity for the College, TSU, and other agencies to work together to reflect a university that speaks to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
“The College of Education is excited because our teacher candidates will be allowed to work with students with disabilities serving as a mentor on the TSU campus, reflecting a true inclusion model,” says Haynes. “We are at the forefront of leading an inclusive culture that aims to create a feeling of belonging, a community in which all students are equal despite their needs and the support they receive. The aim is to ensure support for every student within their group.”
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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s classes for the spring semester will be delayed for one week and will begin on Monday, January 24, 2022, due to the COVID-19 omicron variant. TSU opened as planned on January 3 for administrators and staff.
The University will continue to monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and will follow state and local guidance regarding any developments pertaining to COVID-19 and related variants.
Federal, state, and local health and safety guidance will also continue to drive the University’s actions regarding course delivery and in-person operations affecting the TSU community.
Faculty, staff, and students should visit the TSU website for updates.
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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University officials say a new 700-bed ultra-modern residence hall scheduled to open in the fall is indicative of TSU’s growth and desire to create a better living and learning environment for students.
President Glenda Glover
With growing enrollment and the need for new facilities, officials say the building will play a major role in recruitment efforts, as well as facilitate socialization and engagement, and provide an atmosphere for academic success. It is part of several planned and ongoing construction projects, including a new Health Sciences Building that was recently dedicated.
“The university is undergoing a renaissance of sorts,” says TSU President Glenda Glover. “It began with our new, higher admission standards, and continues with the new construction of the residence hall and Health Sciences Building for prospective students to enjoy and reap the benefits.”
Dr. Curtis Johnson, Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President, who oversees campus construction, makes a point to George Herring, Chief Project Director, left; and Hendrell Remus, Director of campus Emergency Management. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
The new building, estimated at $75.3 million and the first new residence hall on the campus in nearly 25 years, will house lower and upperclassmen. It is described as a mixed community living facility that will offer multiple upscale living, dining, recreational and leisure concepts.
“This particular facility is designed to be a city or community for the students,” says Dr. Curtis Johnson, TSU’s chief of staff and associate vice president, who oversees campus construction. “In that concept, the intent is for the students to be able to do almost everything they need to do in that facility, without having to go across campus.”
The new residence hall will have a variety of room types, such as four-bedroom suites with bathrooms, common areas, and kitchenettes, among others. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
Recently, Johnson conducted a tour of the ongoing construction with the campus chief project manager, representatives from Aramark, the food services provider, and the director of the campus Emergency Management department. The goal, he says, was to “bring the team members together to make sure we are on one accord.”
The team reviewed the advanced technology makeup of the building – monitors, access control, secure mechanisms – for the convenience and security of occupants; as well as living arrangements, such as a variety of room types for students and employees. Among them, four-bedroom suites with bathrooms, common areas, kitchenettes, as well as doubles, and pods with community bathrooms that are shared with select groups of individuals.
Travion Crutcher, a senior mechanical engineering major and student ambassador, says the new building will help boost recruitment.
“The new residence facility is a mixture of spaces,” says Johnson. “When we initiated this project, one of the things we looked at was living spaces for traditional students and the non-traditional students. So, how do you accommodate all of those different groups? We also looked at being able to include space for camps and different programs should the need arise. So, having the building configured in a manner to accommodate that was also important.”
Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, says the new residence hall will foster a sense of community that creates greater opportunities for students to interact with each other.
Aaliyah Doss, a sophomore agricultural sciences major, says she hopes to be one of the first occupants of the new residence hall.
“It is really exciting to have this residence hall coming online with an amazing living learning community-style,” says Stevenson. “Students will be able to experience some of the most modern amenities. We spare no expense in terms of making sure our students have a comfortable living space during their learning experience.”
Students are also excited about the prospect of a new residence hall and what it offers in terms of recruitment and upscale living.
“I think that this new addition is really good for the campus,” says Travion Crutcher, a senior mechanical engineering major from Huntsville, Alabama, who is a student ambassador. “That will help a lot with recruitment, and when we are talking to students about coming to TSU.”
Aaliyah Doss, a sophomore agricultural sciences major from Chicago, relishes the opportunity to be one of the first occupants of the new building.
An architect’s rendering of the new building stands next to Eppse Hall, where the new construction is taking place. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“I lived in Epps Hall my freshman year and now in Rudolph Hall,” says Doss. “This new building will definitely give the campus a great look and make lots of students want to come to TSU.”
During the tour, Kathryn Crockett, district manager of Aramark, disclosed that dining in the new building will include brands such as Firehouse Subs, Twisters Tacos, Bojangles, Bento Sushi, and Noodle Rice Bowl. Chick-fil-A, Pizza Hut, and Starbucks are already fixtures on campus.
During a tour of the ongoing construction, Kathryn Crockett, District Manager of Aramark, explains the various dining concepts and brands that will be in the new building. From left, are Dr. Johnson; Chief Project Manager Herring; Terry Hammond, Aramark General Manager; Jeanne Charlebois, Concept Innovation Manager at Aramark; and Crockett. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
“We are thrilled to be here at TSU. We really enjoy taking care of this campus community and serving the students, faculty, and staff,” says Crockett. “We are really looking to round out our footprint here and continue the evolution of dining services on campus.”
Johnson adds that existing concepts will be upgraded and modified to blend in with the new offerings.
“We are also looking at Sport Zone to create a concept for students in the apartments,” says Johnson. “So, there is a whole metamorphosis of activities surrounding dining and food services for the students. We are working with our partner, Aramark, to enhance what we have by bringing in new concepts and upgrade those things that we already have.”
Others who accompanied Johnson on the tour of the ongoing construction were: George Herring, chief project manager; Hendrell Remus, director of campus Emergency Management; Terry Hammond, general manager of Aramark; and Jeanne Charlebois, concept innovation manager at Aramark.
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.
Nashville, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A top Los Angeles Lakers executive said the organization was proud to have Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands perform at a halftime game during their visit to Pasadena, California, for the 2022 Rose Bowl Parade.
TSU was one of only four marching bands to participate in this year’s Tournament of Roses on New Year’s Day, and the only one from a historically black college or university.
“The Lakers are honored and proud to host the world-famous Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands in our house, ringing in the New Year and celebrating 75 years of legacy!” Kiesha Nix, Vice President of Charitable Affairs & Lakers Youth Foundation, said before the halftime performance. “No coincidence that the TSU Aristocrat of Bands and the NBA are both celebrating 75 years of excellence and triumph.”
Kiesha Nix
Called the “West Coast Swing,” the AOB also wowed crowds during other performances that included the Disneyland Park and California African American Museum.
At Crypto.com Arena, formerly Staples Center, the AOB followed a longtime Lakers tradition, in which the HBCU selected to perform in the Rose Bowl Parade is also invited to perform at a Lakers game during the school’s visit.
“The Lakers count it a privilege to be a part of this epic moment in time and to make lifelong memories for the TSU students,” said Nix.
She added that it is important to feature HBCUs to Lakers’ fans.
“This is significant since all of us have not experienced the privilege of attending a Historically Black College or University,” said Nix. “I feel as though the rich history, traditions, and pride will be felt in every musical note, dance movement, and instrument that graces our arena floor. I am confident a story will unfold live and in-person that embodies the spirit of Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands and carries all the HBCUs along with it.”
AOB band member and lead drum major Travion Crutcher said his experience in California was “truly amazing.”
“We had the opportunity to showcase to the world what makes the AOB different from other marching bands,” he said. “This trip was filled with memorable moments created with friends and with once-in-a-lifetime performances. Thank you to everyone who had a part in making this experience possible for me and my fellow band members.”
California is home to one of the largest TSU alumni in the country. Many attended the parade, while other fans traveled from afar to hear their beloved AOB perform.
“We are still getting positive feedback from folks at all of our events,” said TSU Director of Bands, Dr. Regional McDonald. “I must say thank you to our alumni. They came in droves like a homecoming or at a classic game. Their support was overwhelming.”
NOTE: All AOB photos by Aaron Grayson (TSU Media Relations)
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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands once again showcased its excellence to the world with a spectacular performance in the 2022 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.
TSU President Glenda Glover receives rousing acknowledgement as her image is projected on the jumbotron in the Crypto.com Arena, during the AOB’s halftime show for the Los Angeles Lakers’ game. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
One of only four university marching bands and the only one from a historically black college or university (HBCU) to participate in this year’s parade in Pasadena, California, the AOB also captivated huge crowds and fans in a “West Coast swing” that included performances in Disneyland Park, the California African American Museum, and a halftime show for the Los Angeles Lakers in the Crypto.com Arena, formerly Staples Center.
TSU President Glenda Glover, who traveled to California with a large group of TSU supporters and alumni to cheer on the AOB, also received rousing applauses during the various stops, including a cheering acknowledgement when her image was projected on the jumbotron in the Staples Center.
The TSU Aristocrat of Bands march in the 133rd Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, to cheers from the thousands of spectators. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“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 Parade,” said Dr. Glover before leaving for Pasadena. “This is so special to represent TSU, the state of Tennessee, and HBCUs. That is just phenomenal.”
The Aristocrat of Bands is celebrating 75 years of existence this year. Officials call the appearance in the Rose Parade the highlight of the anniversary celebration, themed “75 Years of Excellence.” TSU was invited to participate in the Tournament of Roses last year, but the parade was cancelled due to the pandemic.
President Glover joins the Los Angeles Chapter of the TSUNAA in presenting a plaque of appreciation to Director of Bands, Dr. Reginald McDonald. From left, are Charles Galbreath, TSUNAA National President; LaVonne Williams, President of the LA Chapter; Dorothy Thornhill, VP of the LA Chapter; Dr. McDonald; and President Glover. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“In a perfect sense, us getting the opportunity to do the parade this year actually aligns well with this very significant year of the AOB,” said Director of Bands, Dr. Reginald McDonald, when the university received the reissued invitation. “This is the 75th year of the existence of the Tennessee State University AOB. The capstone performance of the anniversary is definitely the Tournament of Roses.”
With the parade and the “West Coast swing” now under their belt, band members and students can’t say enough about the experience, excitement and opportunity afforded them to represent their university.
TSU alum and Tennessee State Rep. Dr. Harold Love, Jr., who traveled to California to support the AOB, makes a statement at the Tournament of Roses Parade celebration. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“As a graduating senior, my California experience was an amazing way to end my time in the Aristocrat of Bands,” said Tiara Thomas, who plays the French Horn in the band. “Each performance was electric and allowed us to make our mark in California. This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.”
Fellow band member and lead drum major Travion Crutcher added, “My experience on the Aristocrat of Bands’ tour through California was truly amazing. We had the opportunity to showcase to the world what makes the AOB different from other marching bands. This trip was filled with memorable moments created with friends and with once-in-a-lifetime performances. Thank you to everyone who had a part in making this experience possible for me and my fellow band members.”
Kiesha Nix
At the Crypto.com Arena, the AOB followed a longtime Lakers tradition, in which the HBCU selected to perform in the Rose Parade is also invited to perform at a Lakers’ game during the school’s visit. But this year, Lakers officials said the AOB’s performance was “out of this world.”
“No coincidence that both the TSU Aristocrat of Bands and the NBA are both celebrating 75 years of excellence and triumph,” said Kiesha Nix, vice president of charitable affairs and executive director of the Lakers Youth Foundation. “The Lakers count it a privilege to be a part of this epic moment in time and to make lifelong memories for the TSU students!”
Band members Travion Crutcher, lead drum major, left; and Tiara Thomas, French horn player and TSU Student Trustee, thank the audience on behalf of the AOB during the Tournament of Roses Parade Celebration. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
Overall, band director McDonald said he is grateful for the opportunity and support from fans and supporters, and glad that the “students gave it their all with outstanding and superb” performances in all of their appearances.
“The experience in California was really great. Our students were outstanding in their performances, and remarkable in how they conducted themselves. It says a lot about our students, our band staff and just everybody involved,” McDonald said. “We are still getting positive feedback from folks at all of our events. I must say thank you to our alumni. They came in droves like at Homecoming or at a classic game. Their support was overwhelming.”
The Sophisticated Ladies of the AOB strike a pose at the Tournament of Roses Parade Celebration. (Photo by Debbi Howard)
California is home to one of the largest concentrations of TSU alumni. Many attended the parade, while others, including fans from across the nation, traveled to cheer their “beloved AOB.”
Featured photo by Aaron Grayson The TSU Aristocrat of Bands march in the 133rd Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, to cheers from the thousands of spectators.
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.
