Monthly Archives: March 2022

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

More than 2000 of TSU’s best and brightest recognized at annual Honors Convocation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University recently recognized more than 2,000 students with the distinction of best and brightest at its Honors Day Convocation on March 22. The event was held virtually for the second straight year due to the pandemic.

President Glenda Glover

All the students recognized maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Among the honorees were 400 President’s List scholars. These are students who have maintained 4.0 GPA throughout their matriculation.

Amaris Johnson, a 2003 TSU graduate, and director of OEM Operations at Eaton Corporation, was the keynote speaker. She was a member of the Honors College while a student at TSU. 

Dr. Coreen Jackson, Dean of the Honors College, left, presents Trinity Gourdin with the Dr. McDonald Williams Highest Senior Honors Award.

Before Johnson’s address, TSU President Glenda Glover congratulated the honorees for their achievements. She challenged them to further develop their talents “to be the leaders you have been chosen to be.”

“Honors Day is more than personal recognition; it is a challenge to soar even higher,” Glover said. “As honors students, we will depend on you to research challenges and issues and to develop solutions that will remake our university. Whether it is the COVID pandemic, or racial injustice, it is you, our honorees, who must contribute to finding a path that leads to solutions to the threats that we currently face.” 

Tiara Thomas, Student Trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees, received the Outstanding Student Leader Academic Award. (Submitted photo)

Johnson, a former Miss Honors, earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management at TSU. Speaking on “Promoting academic excellence, transforming leaders, while beating odds in a global pandemic,” she reminded the honorees that as honors students, they have been prepared to promote excellence in any circumstance they face in life, “even a pandemic.” 

“You see, when excellence is your habit, things like pandemic don’t get in your way. It doesn’t cause you to panic and run,” Johnson said. “They cause you to thrive and shine.” 

Trudie Thomas, Coordinator of the Honors College, right, presents Amaris Johnson, the convocation speaker, with a special award.

She told the students that success is within reach, but they must be vigilant in their pursuits with a clear plan in going after their career. She named five “pearls of wisdom” that foster success and that “separate people that model excellence as a habit from those who don’t.” 

According to Johnson, the pearls of wisdom are: Money talks and everything else walks; Slay every day the power of executive excellence; Your network is your net worth; Chase experiences not money and titles; and Be intentional and know your endgame. 

Aubrey Sales, a senior political science major with a 4.0 GPA, has been admitted to four of the top-10 law schools in the nation. (Submitted photo)

“I have a firm belief that if you don’t define your own race, you will find yourself crossing someone else’s finish line,” Johnson said. “Define your endgame, be intentional and develop your map that matches your vision. You’re a pearl of excellence. Whatever you do, do it with excellence.” 

Aubrey Sales, Torrance Buntyn, and Christopher Buford II were among students honored and who participated in the convocation. They are thankful for the recognition. 

Sales, a 4.0 senior majoring in political science, said it was a humbling experience to be recognized for “your hard work with the world watching.” 

Torrance Butyn, a senior music education major, has been accepted at several top universities to pursue his graduate degree in music. (Submitted photo)

“I am very thankful to Tennessee State University for honoring us,” said Sales, of Huntsville, Alabama, who has been admitted to four of the top-10 law schools in the nation. “I had the best professors at TSU, who I credit for the preparation I received.” 

Buntyn, also a senior, is a music education major from Jackson, Tennessee. He has a 3.9 GPA.  

“The Honors Convocation has always been an exciting event for honoring academic scholars at TSU,” said Buntyn, who has been accepted to several top universities to pursue his graduate degree in music. “Being a part of the Honors Convocation always reminds me that hard work pays no matter what, and that there is always a reason to celebrate the small things in life.” 

Christopher Buford, a senior mechanical engineering major, is staying at TSU to purse his master’s degree. (Submitted photo)

Buford, a senior mechanical engineering major, has a 3.7 GPA. The future business owner plans to stay at TSU to earn his master’s degree in mechanical engineering. 

“I enjoyed being a part of the Honors College,” Buford, a Nashville native, said. “They taught me that life is limitless and I can do more if I put my mind and heart to it.”   For more information on the TSU Honors College, visit  https://www.tnstate.edu/honors/

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, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU takes aim at female gamers, will open academic eSports center in the fall

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The multibillion-dollar industry of video gaming, or eSports, is thought to be a hobby primarily enjoyed by males worldwide. Tennessee State University aims to change that perception.  

Dr. Effua Ampadu-Moss, Director of TSU’s eSports program, left; and Dr. Deborah Chisom, Executive Director of Open Education Resources, congratulate Kiara Davis and Tiara Radcliff, winners of TSU’s first eSports team competition. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

The university recently hosted a special eSports gaming competition for female gamers. Recent statistics show that only 22 percent of women participate in eSports. The goal of the competition was to use video gaming as a pathway to recruit minorities, particularly Africa American females into STEAM Academic programs. 

Tiara Radcliff, a senior psychology major, whose team won the gaming competition, is thankful for the opportunity. She has been playing since she was 6, but never competitively.

“It was my first-time winning in a tournament. I enjoyed it,” said Radcliff, of Indianapolis. “Some girls don’t play because they think it is for guys. I am glad TSU is doing this. It will open up more girls to the game.”  

TSU has six teams, including males and females, and the university is offering classes in eSports this fall. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Kiara Davis, Radcliff’s teammate in the competition, is also thankful that TSU is “opening doors for girls.” She has also been playing from a very young age but was always afraid to join a team.  

“As a young kid, I watched my father and my younger brother play. I was very timid to join the eSports team. So, I didn’t join,” said Davis, a freshman business administration major from Memphis, Tennessee. “When I came to TSU, I decided to give it a go, and I am glad I did. What TSU is doing will get more women involved and they will see that they can actually play.”  

Currently, TSU has six teams, including male and females, and the university is offering classes in eSports this fall though a new Academic eSports Center. 

Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice, Olympic Champion and TSU’s Track and Field Coach, tests her skills at virtual reality gaming, at the eSports competition. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Robbie Melton, TSU’s vice president of the Global Smart Technology Innovation Center, said the university wants to push students to look at eSports as more than just a game.  

“We want to look at the academics of game design, of coding, of entrepreneurship, of the psychology and the management,” said Melton. “It’s a whole gamut of career opportunities that we want to prepare them for looking at what they’re passionate about the interest of eSports.”  

Dr. Effua Ampadu-Moss, director of TSU’s eSports program, will teach a graduate course in the program, called “Special Topics: The Rise of eSports in Higher Education Administration.”  

A local TV station cameraman captures the moment as the eSports team competition got fierce in the Floyd/Payne Campus Center. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“Gaming has always been a male sport, and that’s the stigma we are trying to break by letting them know that girls can get in the game as well,” Ampadu-Moss said. “So, with the competition, we wanted to encourage our female eSports student-athletes to come out and play to help encourage other girls on campus to come out and play as well.”  

 Executive Director Deborah Chisom, who oversees eSports and Open Education Resources, added that eSports helps students build character, leadership skills, as well as teaches them to be strategic.  

“eSports is where the young people are going today,” said Dr. Chisom. “So, in order for us to be a part of it, we needed to start an eSports at TSU, not only for young men, but for our young girls as well. I think it is very important because it allows them some skills and helps them to be engaged. I like to see them collaborate; I like to see them plan.” 

For more information on eSports at TSU, visit the SMART Global Technology Innovation Center at https://tsu-smartinnovationtech.netlify.app/ 

Department of Media Relations

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

About Tennessee State University

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

Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

Caribbean scholars soon to be Big Blue Tigers through grant initiative

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Graduating high school students from the Caribbean will soon experience the excellence of Tennessee State University. Over 200 applicants from the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and other Caribbean nations have applied to become Big Blue Tigers with the help of an International Tuition Assistance Grant (ITAG).

Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Phillips
Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Phillips

Currently, TSU’s student body is made up of individuals from roughly 34 countries. However, a minimal amount come from the Caribbean. To qualify for this ITAG, high school graduates must have a minimum 3.25 grade point average.

“As liaison on Global Initiatives at TSU, part of my responsibility is to build global partnerships and to recruit global scholars,” says Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Phillips, who represents the Office of the President for the ITAG initiative. “This is an opportunity to open our doors to Caribbean students who bring the tenacity to learn and the academic acumen to boost everything that TSU represents.”

Jaden Daniel, of Trinidad and Tobago, is one of the Caribbean scholars coming to TSU in the fall. 

“I’m extremely excited and grateful to join the TSU family,” said Daniel, who is hoping to also make the men’s basketball team. “This opportunity offers a chance to get a higher education, while also allowing me to learn a new culture. These experiences will help me grow in important aspects of my life, such as being a professional and a holistic individual.”

Gregory Daniel, Jaden’s father, says he’s also looking forward to his son attending TSU, and the opportunities he will have.

Jaden Daniel and his father, Gregory Daniel
Jaden Daniel (left) and his father, Gregory Daniel

“Jaden has made his first steps in becoming a true global citizen with opportunities to develop his God-given talents; opportunities to learn in an environment that develops all aspects of his being,” his father says. “And most of all, the opportunity to showcase the quality of the Caribbean student, with a view of opening the doors of TSU to other students of the Caribbean who may be considering this same route to educational excellence.”

Parent Donna Frederick agrees. Her son, Renard Frederick, also from Trinidad and Tobago, will be joining Jaden in the fall.

“The tuition grant offered by Tennessee State University provides an opportunity for students from Trinidad and Tobago, and other Caribbean countries, to explore learning, achieve growth and development, and realize their academic pursuits in another country,” she says. “For this, I am truly thankful.”

Nicholas-Phillips says students also have the option of online learning if they wish to stay in their country. Also, the program is open to nontraditional Caribbean students, and there are talks of a dual enrollment program for high school students.

TSU Officials talk to prospective Caribbean students via Zoom

“We plan to extend this strategic search and continue to expand the internationalization of our campus,” says Nicholas-Phillips. “With the support of Dr. Johnnie Smith (Dual Enrollment), Dr. Robbie Melton (Graduate School), Dr. Jewell Winn (Office of International Affairs) and Mr. Terrence Izzard (Enrollment Management), I am confident that we will meet and surpass the directives given by (TSU) President (Glenda) Glover on international recruiting.”

Dr. Winn points out that International student enrollment has decreased over the last two years due to myriad factors, such as the pandemic and challenging immigration practices.

“Thus, to launch an initiative focused on recruiting a diverse population of international students is timely and certainly aligns with our goal of helping all students become better global citizens,” says Winn, executive director for International Programs and chief diversity officer at TSU.  

Besides the ITAG initiative, the University currently has dual enrollment partnerships for underserved students in several African countrieswhere students are taking online courses in coding and creating concepts taught by TSU professors. The program is part of a STEM literacy partnership with the African Methodist Episcopal Church that gives students digital resources to develop their technology skills. All participating students receive an iPad, supplied by Apple, Inc.

For more information about the ITAG initiative, visit https://aca.admissions.tnstate.edu/

To learn more about TSU’s partnership with Africa, visit https://tsu-smartinnovationtech.netlify.app/

Department of Media Relations

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

About Tennessee State University

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

Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

TSU Alumna Dr. Lakisha L. Simmons adds fuel to the fire as a financial freedom coach

By Ciara Walker Williams

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – When Dr. Lakisha L. Simmons graduated from Tennessee State University with a B.B.A. in Business Information Systems twenty years ago, she set out to live what she thought was the “American Dream” – until it wasn’t.

After earning her bachelor’s, Simmons worked in corporate America at Caterpillar Financial while pursuing her MBA and later receiving her Ph.D. in Management Information Systems. After earning her doctorate in 2011, she transitioned into higher education and worked as a professor at Indiana State University and later Belmont University until she FIRE’d herself in May 2021 at the age of 41 with $850K in investments.

FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early and is a movement that Simmons learned about as she was researching what to do with the profits from selling her home after getting divorced in 2017. At that time, she was a mother of two young boys living paycheck to paycheck.

“Growing up we were financially insecure, and after getting divorced I began to feel like that same young girl,” says Simmons. “I decided to sell our family home and move into something smaller.”

Simmons’ parents were teenagers in high school when she was born. Her father graduated and joined the Marines, but her mother did not graduate and endured some challenges that led to Simmons being raised by family members. She attended different schools, and because of that, her path to college was unclear until she came across a flyer for an HBCU college tour.

“I was very unmotivated in high school. I skipped class and my grades were poor,” says Simmons. “College was not a big factor in my life, but when I saw the flyer for an HBCU tour, I took the number down and that organization brought us to TSU. I was exposed to black colleges for the first time.”

She recalls how touring TSU changed her life. “The students were walking with purpose. They looked happy,” says Simmons. “They looked like leaders who were on a mission to be something and be somebody. That was powerful to see – even as a young girl, and it changed my perspective on life.”

She knew then that she wanted to go to TSU. As a first-generation student, Simmons focused on her academics and was drawn to honor societies such as Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Beta Lambda. She says TSU’s motto – Think. Work. Serve. – was engraved in her by professors like Dr. Kathy Lassiter, Dr. Aurore Kamssu, and Dr. Gerald Marquis.

“I remember all of them like it was yesterday. They had a passion for teaching and wanted to help us excel in life,” says Simmons. “Dr. Lassiter poured into me in ways I didn’t have prior to TSU. She drove 2 ½ hours from Knoxville to teach in Nashville. That’s how much she loved TSU. She taught me how to be a great teacher.”

Although Simmons is no longer a professor, she continues to fulfill her passion for teaching by coaching others on how to achieve financial freedom and retire early through her four-week program The Wealthy AchieveHer. She also hosts speaking engagements, facilitates workshops, serves as a financial spokesperson for Personal Capital, and is the author of “The Unlikely AchieveHer” workbook.

“We need to know our net worth, budget numbers, and how much we need to retire. We have to take steps to figure that out,” says Simmons. “I am inspired when a new [coaching] student has never invested and is now on track to retire in eight to ten years or when a student says their budget is already tight, but at the end of the four weeks they’ve shaved $300 of expenses.”

Her journey and expertise have been highlighted in national publications (magazines) such as Black Enterprise, Cosmopolitan, and People. Simmons has also had guest appearances on BiggerPockets, Journey to Launch, GMA, Business Insider, and most recently CNBC and The Tamron Hall Show. Accolades and awards include 40 Under 40 by the Nashville Business Journal, Rising Star Award by CABLE, and Susan Short Jones Emerging Leaders Award by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Metro Nashville Chapter, just to name a few.

Simmons believes that everyone is worthy of being wealthy and there is no reason many students can’t be financially free by the age of 40 if they start pursuing FIRE right out of college.

Her advice to students: “When you get that first job after college, keep a humble lifestyle. Instead of buying what’s new and flashy, consider creating your financial freedom plan first.”

To get started, she offers several free tools and resources such as the Budget Bestie spreadsheet, free apps for shopping and tracking money, a discount mobile service, and ways to make extra cash on her website www.lakishasimmons.com, YouTube channel “Lakisha L. Simmons, PhD”, and podcast “The Wealthy AchieveHer”.

“Anything is possible. You just have to be willing to believe it,” says Simmons. “It’s not about how much money you make. It’s how much you save and invest.”

TSU proudly salutes alumna Dr. Lakisha L. Simmons during Women’s History Month.

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, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU to expand its online digital, STEM literacy program across Africa; four new countries show interest

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is continuing to bridge the digital divide through a dual enrollment partnership for underserved students in Africa. The university is expanding the program to include four new countries on the continent that have expressed interest. 

Monrovia College (high school) students take online classes in coding and creating concepts taught by TSU professors. The school, located in Monrovia, Liberia, is one of three locations in Africa participating in the TSU digital literacy program. (submitted photo)

TSU officials say Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, and Zambia want to join Liberia and South Africa, where students are taking online courses in coding and creating concepts taught by TSU professors. The program is part of a STEM literacy partnership with the African Methodist Episcopal Church that gives students digital resources to develop their technology skills. All participating students receive an iPad, supplied by Apple, Inc.

“This program has been so successful in just the delivery and the opportunities that we are bringing that these four countries have asked us to duplicate our model to include them,” says Dr. Robbie Melton, vice president of the Smart Technology Innovation Center at TSU. 

Dr. Robbie Melton

Melton says the programs for the new countries are in the works and will start this fall. “We have the capacity to handle those requests, because we have trained teachers on our side, but we are also using the train-the-trainer model, so the teachers over there are being trained to expand the program,” she says. 

 Initiated a year ago, the TSU digital literacy program is serving more than 300 high school and college students in three different locations in Liberia and South Africa: Monrovia College (high school); AME University in Monrovia, Liberia; and Wilberforce Community College in Evaton, South Africa.

The students are thankful for the opportunity. Here are few comments:

“I am very excited about the program. I have always had an interest in technology and am looking forward to advancing my knowledge. The teacher is very good and makes understanding very easy. My goal is to one day study in the US, expand my knowledge, and come back home and start my own firm.” Jacques Monbo, Senior, AME University 

Dr. Johnnie Smith (picture not shown), Head of the TSU Africa Project, interacts with students at Wilberforce Community College in Evaton, South Africa, during a virtual presentation. (Submitted photo)


“I am very excited about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am doing everything possible to do well in this program. It is my dream to come to the US and study, receive a master’s degree, come back to my country to give back and make my people proud.” Mohamed Sheriffi, Jr., Sophomore, AME University 

“I love this program and I love the challenge. The professor is very encouraging. I want to go to college to gain more knowledge. I want to become an air hostess.” Jewel Paye, 12th Grade, Monrovia College 

“Firstly, I am excited about learning new technology, as technology keeps changing and evolving.  We are excited to have this opportunity firsthand and free of charge for us and our students.  Apple coding has been more advanced in learning and designing App.” Sandile Maxwell Vilakazi, Lecturer, Wilberforce Community College 

With the time difference, Prof. Ramona Whitworth, who teaches coding and creating concepts, wakes up at 4:30 a.m. (Central Standard Time) to teach her 10:30 a.m. Saturday class for students at AME University in Monrovia, Liberia. (Submitted photo)

In the program, eligible high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and college students can earn both university and high school graduation credits that will start them on the pathway to degrees in STEM. Other related courses will be available provided students’ desire to continue with their educational studies through TSU.

“With these three locations, we are able to provide coding and creativity skills – basically computational basic literacy,” says Melton. “This is a major empowerment for these countries. So, with the support of Apple in donating the iPad, and with our partners here, from the AME Church, Tennessee State University, and other community partners, we have been able to launch this program to enable these students to jumpstart their knowledge and skills in technology.” 

Dr. Johnnie C. Smith, executive director of the Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Partnership and head of the Africa project at TSU, says the addition of the four countries shows that there is certainly a great need abroad. 

“I think it brings a whole lot of opportunities and energies for the institution and that we are definitely headed in the right direction,” says Smith, adding that nations in other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, have also expressed interest. “We have been having multiple conversations with all of these different groups, just to try to see what their interest is and what TSU can provide.” 

Ramona Whitworth, a TSU adjunct professor, who’s one of the instructors in the program, says the students’ enthusiasm about learning the new technology makes teaching them “so much easier,” even with the six-hour time difference. For instance, she is up at 4:30 a.m. to teach her 10:30 a.m. Saturday class for students in Monrovia. 

“I am teaching them coding and creating concepts, something that is new to them, but they are always ready for the challenge,” says Whitworth, who is also director of graduate admissions at TSU. “Our mission is to teach them these coding concepts, with the goal of them coming up with ideas to develop apps to benefit their community.” 

For more information on TSU’s SMART Technology Innovation Center, visit https://tsu-smartinnovationtech.netlify.app/

Department of Media Relations

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

About Tennessee State University

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

EVENTS, Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

TSU, Regions partner to give students ‘reality check’ about money management

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University partnered with Regions Bank on Thursday to help students better manage their money, and give them a “reality check” about life.

Regions representatives talk to students about money management. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Representatives from Regions, a longtime partner with TSU, held a financial literacy workshop for students in the university’s College of Business. The students participated in an interactive activity to learn about building and balancing a budget, as well as being prepared for unexpected expenses that could affect a budget. Called the Reality Check, students were assigned a role and then had to select real-life options that would directly impact that person’s budget. The challenge was to complete the experience with a budget surplus.

“This event is part of our professional development series,” said Marlo Wilt, director of public service in the College of Business. “We think it is important for our students to be financially healthy. So, we invited Regions to come and do this series. We want our students. as they move out into the workforce, to know how to balance a budget and take care of their money.”

Jonathan Mercer, a junior business management major from Nashville, said the workshop was beneficial.

“It helped me realize just how important a budget is,” said Mercer. “To keep track of everything that’s going on, you need a budget, and one on paper.”

Sophomore Tekayla Turner agreed. The Detroit, Michigan, native is majoring in business administration with a concentration in hospitality, and hopes to one day own a hotel.

“In high school, we didn’t learn about budgeting and finances,” said Turner. “When I got to college, I was like, huh?  So, this is important. We all need to learn about budgeting, and how to manage our money.”

Dr. Reynard McMIllian, an assistant professor in the Department of Accounting, said the College of Business wants to make basic financial literacy a strength of all its business students.

Andrew Singleton (right) with Regions addresses question asked by business student Daniel Berec. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“We want them to have that foundation so they can walk out of Tennessee State University, not only with a degree, but with a plan on how to make that degree work in their favor,” said McMillian.

Andrew Singleton, an assistant vice president and branch manager with Regions, was one of the officials who worked with the students. He said the company holds programs like Reality Check in high regard.

“Regions Bank is all about financial literacy and financial education,” said Singleton. “So, anytime we have an opportunity to get in front of our youth, our future, it’s extremely important to us.”

TSU has continued to make financial literacy a priority. Last month, money management was one of the main topics at a workshop hosted by a group of TSU students, along with the university’s Women’s Center.

Seanne Wilson, director of the Women’s Center, said the workshop was one of the many programs the center provides to empower young women, as well as young men, to think about how they spend their money. 

“I wish when I was in college, someone had talked to me about wealth management, saving money, and not spending unwisely,” said Wilson. “Now, I want to be proactive and help them understand the value of money and not be reckless in spending it.” 

For more information about the College of Business at TSU, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/business/.

To learn about TSU’s Women’s Center, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/womenscenter/.

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, Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

Martesha Johnson recalls how TSU inspired her journey to become Chief Public Defender

By Ciara Walker Williams

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Four years ago, Martesha Johnson made history when she was sworn in as the first African American and second woman to become Nashville’s Metropolitan Chief Public Defender. When Johnson reflects on her journey to that achievement, she credits her beloved Tennessee State University for playing a role in her success.  

Martesha Johnson and TSU President Glenda Glover at Johnson’s swearing-in ceremony for Metropolitan Public Defender in 2018. (TSU Media Relations)

“TSU has always been in the backdrop of my life,” says Johnson. “I couldn’t be from Nashville and not have a love for the school.”

She shares that her mother, Jacqueline Johnson, is a huge football fan, so they would attend games at TSU. That was just the beginning. While at Whites Creek High School, she attended TSU’s Upward Bound program where she recalls staying on campus, attending class, and going on trips to places such as Niagara Falls.

“I would have attended college anyway, but I didn’t enjoy school going into high school,” says Johnson. “The Upward Bound program taught me about being a better student, going to college, and further exposed TSU as a front runner for me.”

Johnson says she applied to several institutions, but TSU rewarded her academic performance with a Presidential Scholarship. She waited to declare a major, but knew she wanted to be a Sophisticated Lady in the distinguished “Aristocrat of Bands,” like the coordinators who coached her high school majorette team.

She started with general education courses and electives to explore her interest in investigative journalism, but a pre-law class taught by attorney Julian Blackshear sparked her interest in law – the rest is history. In addition to Blackshear, Johnson fondly remembers others at TSU who inspired her along her journey – some even before she started.

Martesha Johnson, a “Sophisticated Lady” at TSU. (Submitted photo)

“Before I made it to TSU, I was inspired by Ms. (Mary) Love and Ms. (Rosa) Hudson who were the directors of Upward Bound,” says Johnson. “Also, I can’t forget about Ms. Judy Gentry who was the coordinator of Sophisticated Ladies. She was a tough coach, but she cared and was like a mother to us.”

After graduating in 2005 with a B.S. in Political Science and minor in English, she went on to live out the University’s motto: Think. Work. Serve. Johnson attended the University of Tennessee Knoxville College of Law and was thoughtful about the type of law she wanted to pursue by exploring her options through internships.

“TSU afforded me every opportunity to excel as a student and paved the way for me to attend law school,” says Johnson. “I didn’t know I wanted to go to law school because I wasn’t exposed to lawyers growing up. Attending TSU let me know that I can do anything.”

During her second year of law school, she served as an intern for Nashville’s Metro Public Defender’s Office and knew immediately that this work was her calling.

“If you’re charged with a crime, you’re quickly painted as a criminal. I wanted to work where people are seen as more than that,” says Johnson. “Everyone is worthy of being treated with humanity and dignity, and that’s what I saw lawyers at the Public Defender’s Office doing.”

Jacqueline Johnson (right), Martesha’s mother, graduated from TSU with her master’s as her daughter was graduating with her bachelor’s in 2005. (Submitted photo)

After completing law school, she worked as a volunteer at the Public Defender’s Office until she was hired as Assistant Public Defender in January of 2009. For nearly a decade, Johnson held several leadership positions in the office and represented thousands of low-income people – advocating for them to be seen as more than a criminal. It all led to her running for Chief Public Defender.

“As tough as this job is, I can’t imagine another role for me as a practicing lawyer,” says Johnson about her calling to serve.

Her faith, team, and clients fuel her motivation. “Many clients come in at the worst time of their lives and I have the opportunity to represent them, educate them about their case, and advocate for change,” says Johnson. “Seeing the hardworking people on my team serve as a lawyer for people who can’t afford it otherwise, fight to make changes, and speak out against injustices related to race and mass incarceration inspires me to keep going.”

As she looks forward to a second term, Johnson says her goals as Chief Public Defender have evolved. She’s thankful to have a “seat at the table,” but is more moved by figuring out how to get “meaningful work done,” referring to deep-rooted disparities that need to be changed.

“I want to continue empowering the community to be engaged in important issues, create a pipeline for women and African American lawyers, and ensure that the PDO is well-resourced so that we can hire, empower, and retain more soldiers in the Public Defender’s army,” says Johnson.

Fiance Derrick Moore and Martesha enjoy a TSU game at Nissan Stadium. (Submitted photo)

Her thoughtfulness, work, and service have not gone unnoticed. Since becoming Chief Public Defender, the National Business Journal has recognized her in their 2020 40 Under 40 feature, 2021 Women of Influence, and 2021 Best of the Bar. She was a part of UT’s inaugural 40 Under 40 and recently elected 2022 President for the National Bar Association.

She wears many hats, but always makes time to enjoy her 11-year-old daughter Jacari, two-year-old son Jax, and fiancé, Derrick Moore, who is also a TSU alum and co-founder of Slim and Huskey’s Pizza Beeria.

Johnson hopes that her journey inspires students to walk in excellence and let their light shine. She encourages them to utilize all resources while on campus and connect with alumni in their field upon graduation.

“I believe you can get everything you need from an HBCU,” says Johnson. “The network of HBCU graduates is so immense and anyone who has graduated should open their door and hearts because that’s what we do. That’s why HBCUs are extremely important.” 

Thinking back, she shares a message to her younger self: “Be kind to yourself. You’re in for the hardest, but most rewarding journey ever. If you stay the course, real change can come.”

TSU proudly salutes alumna Attorney Martesha Johnson during Women’s History Month.

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.

Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

Top students in Leadership TSU program shine on Capitol Hill

By Meagan Gosa

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Some of Tennessee State University’s top students were recently on Capitol Hill to learn about the legislative process, and how policies and laws are passed.

Leadership TSU students discuss legislation. (TSU Media Relations)

The 38 students were part of Leadership TSU, one of the university’s top-tier leadership programs that exposes students to theoretical and practical lessons through firsthand experiences. The students range from freshmen to seniors and go through a competitive selection process.

The students’ visit to the state Capitol on Feb. 18 was for Policy Day. They participated in a mock legislative session and debated bills on gun issues, criminal justice, and proposals impacting insurance companies.

TSU student Nykole Clark said she enjoyed her visit to the Capitol, and just being part of Leadership TSU in general.

“As a retired Veteran, it’s an honor to be a member of Leadership TSU,” said Clark, a senior business administration major from Clarksville, Tennessee. “This signifies to me that my leadership extends beyond the military. I hope to be challenged in another light beyond what the military has done.”

Freshman Synia Malbrough of Alpharetta, Georgia, said Leadership TSU gives her something to look forward to during her matriculation at the university.

“I’m ready to gain and learn knowledge from various leaders,” said Malbrough, a graphic design major. “I hope to come out of Leadership TSU a better and stronger version of myself, and a greater leader than before.”

Frank Stevenson, dean of students and associate vice president for student affairs at TSU, said students in the program have exceeded his expectations.

“The idea for students to be challenged to think outside the box was part of this policy experience,” he said of their participation in Policy Day. “I’m so proud of the way our students took advantage of this learning opportunity.”

Added Dr. Napoleon Harris, who assisted Stevenson in coordinating the Capitol visit, “As an alumnus of TSU who learned political activism, engagement, and processes in my sojourn as a student here, this experience meant the world to me. Seeing our students discussing policies and dialoguing with legislators is a sight that will indefinitely be etched into my memory.”

Among the lawmakers interacting with students during their visit were State Sen. Brenda Gilmore and Rep. Harold Love, Jr., both TSU alums.

Students interested in being part of Leadership TSU should contact the Office of Student Affairs at https://www.tnstate.edu/campus_life/contact.aspx, or Dean Frank Stevenson, fsteven1@tnstate.edu. 

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

TSU secures top jobs for students, graduates with spring career fair

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Amid the pandemic, job prospects continue to look very bright for TSU students and recent graduates, thanks to the university’s rigorous career readiness programs that have some major companies offering full-time employment to students. Many of the students will have solidified and secured job placements before graduation.  

NTT DATA representatives Whitney Wells, Campus Recruiter, left: and Horace Jones, Director of Project Program Management and a TSU alum, talk to a student at the Career Fair. The company has already hired three students from the university since February. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

At TSU’s Spring 2022 Career Fair on Feb. 25, it was disclosed that Bank of America, a longtime TSU partner, which last year contributed $1 million to help with students’ job readiness, and NTT DATA Services, a multinational information technology service and consulting company, were the latest among entities quickly recruiting students for high-paying positions.  

In just the last few months, the two companies reportedly have hired six computer science and business majors from the upcoming May graduating class, as well as offered internships to several others from various colleges.

Russell Marcellus Waters will reportedly make more than $75,000 in starting salary with Bank of America. (submitted)

Among the new hires is Russell Marcellus Waters, a computer science major, from Huntsville, Alabama, who is expected to receive a starting salary of more than $75,000 as a technical analyst with Bank of America. He will join several other former TSU students who currently work for the company.  

“It is really a good feeling to not just go into any job, but one that’s paying well, just after graduation,” said Waters, a graduating senior, who has been interning with Bank of American since his sophomore year. He will be assigned in Charlotte, North Carolina, when he starts in July.  

“The first time I stepped on TSU’s campus my goal was to graduate with a job upon graduation,” added Waters. “The exposure I received from the classroom and the preparation from the Career Development Center, whether it was sharpening my interviewing skills or resume writing, allowed me to apply to Bank of America for an internship, and I was accepted in my sophomore year.”  

Peyton Williams is joining NTT DATA as a Business Technology Consultant. (Submitted)

Peyton Williams, who earned a master’s degree in business last fall, is one of three graduates joining NTT DATA as a business technology consultant. Williams and another former student started in early February in the company’s Nashville office. The third will start in August and will also be assigned in Charlotte.  

“I developed a relationship with NTT DATA Services earlier in my years at TSU by attending events hosted by the College of Business and the Career Development Center,” said Williams, of Sunset, Louisiana. “My education at Tennessee State University helped me to continue to build the interpersonal, strategic thinking, and an entrepreneurial spirit necessary to be an effective leader at a company like NTT DATA Services.”   

Sonecia Nard, a senior biology major, right, talks with Ronald Douglas, Jr., Senior Project Manager at HCA Healthcare. Douglas, a 1999 TSU graduate in Business Information Systems, returns to recruit at his alma mater. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

The Spring Career Fair, a potential springboard to internships, co-ops, and job opportunities for many students, this year brought together more than 140 employers, including Fortune 500 companies, federal and local government agencies, the U.S. military, educational institutions, and individuals. They set up booths and displays to review resumes and hold on-the-spot interviews with students.   

Organizers said more than 500 students attended the all-day fair in the Gentry Center Complex.   

Sonecia Nard, a senior biology major; and Khiri Jenkins, a third-year computer science major, were among the first students at the fair. Nard, who graduates in May, was looking for a full-time position, while Jenkins was looking for an internship opportunity.  

Antoinette Duke, Director of the TSU career Development Center, left, interacts with representatives of BAE Systems, one of the more than 140 companies at the Career Fair. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“I am looking for opportunities that will help me get more experience in my career field and give me more options of what I want to do with my life,” said Nard, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who was seen talking with representatives of HCA Healthcare. “Although I am a senior, this is my very first career fair. The employers have been very receptive and helpful. It’s been a nice experience.”  

For Jenkins, a native of Atlanta, he is looking for opportunities that can further his education and position him for a bright career.  

Khiri Jenkins, a third-year computer science major, discusses his resume with Emily Burton, Talent Acquisition Manager at JW Marriott. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“The employers I met were very interested in what I had to say,” said Jenkins. “I am very optimistic about my chances of getting an opportunity with one of these companies.”

The career fair was the second in-person fair since the pandemic. Prior fairs were held virtually. 

Frank Stevenson, associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students, called this year’s career fair a “home run.” 

“It feels amazing to know that our students are going to be leaving this institution with jobs,” said Stevenson. “That’s our whole goal, to know that they are employable, and have the skill sets that these companies and organizations are looking for.”  

“This is probably one of the better career fairs we’ve had,” added Antoinette Duke, director of the Career Development Center. “We have companies here that have already hired some of our students for the summer. So, this is the place to show up in one location to get as many Tigers as they can.” 

For more information on the TSU Career Development Center, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/careers/ 

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.

FACULTY, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal discusses college affordability at TSU workshop

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal held a workshop on Feb. 18 at Tennessee State University to discuss college affordability. It was part of a daylong visit by U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, to address teacher shortages and other educational needs.  

James Kvall, U.S. Under Secretary of Education, left; Dr. Jerri Haynes, Dean of the TSU College of Education; and Rich Williams, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of Education, participate in the discussion at the workshop. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Organizers of the workshop said its main purpose was to allow Kvaal to hear directly from students about their concerns. They included the challenge of paying tuition and the effectiveness of Tennessee Promise, a state initiative that allows high school graduates to attend a community or technical college free of tuition.  

For instance, while Tennessee Promise takes care of tuition, students say they still have to pay for their books, which can sometimes be expensive.  

“They shared problems as students, and things they want to see happen in the future,” said Dr. Jerri Haynes, dean of TSU’s College of Education, and one of a number of educational stakeholders who also attended the workshop.  

Hartlee Hill, a first-year TSU dental hygiene major from Livingston, Tennessee, said she liked the fact that Kvaal took time to listen to their issues.  

“It was so good to be here and to hear everybody’s views and how to help improve the system,” said Hill.   

Accompanied by Rich Williams, chief of staff of the U.S. Department of Education, Kvaal said he wanted to gather information on the needs of students and educators, as well as make them aware of existing services. He said he was impressed by the level of “talented young people” at the workshop.   

“They were very sharp and very passionate about the issues they presented,” Kvaal said. “We talked a lot about the challenges of covering living expenses, books, and the challenges of student support services, such as mental health challenges and the difficulties first-generation college students face in navigating the system.”  

Dr. Curtis Johnson, TSU’s associate vice president and chief of staff, and Jessica Macy, senior director of student impact at Tennessee Achieve, a partnering organization to Tennessee Promise, were among stakeholders at the workshop.  

“This opportunity helped us highlight our students and all of their hard work and persistence, in attending college,” said Macy.  

Earlier in the day, the highlight of Education Secretary Cardona’s roundtable discussion was TSU’s Grow Your Own teacher pipeline initiative in the College of Education. TSU is the number one HBCU for producing teachers and a top institution in the field across the nation. 

“I’m really proud of what I see here,” Cardona told reporters after the roundtable. “We want to see more of this across the country. We know that with the American Rescue Plan funds, and what we’re pushing with Build Back Better, there’s going to be more support for this. It takes seeing programs like this to keep us pushing really hard because we know they work.” 

To learn more about TSU’s College of Education, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/coe/. 

For more information about the state’s Grow Your Own initiative, visit https://bit.ly/36oIgKN.