Monthly Archives: May 2025

Alumni, College of Education, Featured, FEATURED, Student Profile

Empowering Futures: Brandon Graham’s Journey in Education and Advocacy Benefits other HBCU Students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service)– Tennessee State University’s newly conferred Doctor of Education Brandon Graham is a dedicated advocate and entrepreneur who is making significant strides through his Our HBCUs Matter Foundation. This vital organization promotes educational and economic mobility within the HBCU ecosystem, impacting hundreds of students, educators, and alumni across the nation.


Students wearing Graham’s My HBCU Matters clothing brand.

In 2015, Graham founded the My HBCU Matters clothing brand while transitioning from a full-time high school educator to an entrepreneur. This initiative arose from his experience managing the Youth Business Institute Program through the TJX Company Corporation, which supports college students facing financial hardship to complete their degrees. He created the brand to generate funds for essential student needs like dorm setup and tuition. However, the journey was not without challenges.

“I had to develop systems to understand and address the factors contributing to student drop-out rates while building brand awareness,” he recalls.

The foundation now includes the My HBCU Matters Scholar Academy, which provides essential support and mentorship, while the National Institute of HBCU Success leads in research and policy advocacy. Graham emphasizes the need for robust recruitment and retention strategies at HBCUs, stating, “Effective support systems are crucial to building strong academic services and ensuring students see clear pathways from education to economic opportunities.”

Originally from Atlanta, Graham was named Teacher of the Year from TJX Company in 2015. Inspired by the motto “Be Crazy Enough to Believe You Can,” he embraces a philosophy that emphasizes self-confidence and intentional growth, which he says, has shaped his journey as an educator and activist, particularly in efforts to uplift underserved communities.

“I firmly believe our communities are worth investing in, and our students deserve not only to dream but to thrive,” he explains.

Newly conferred doctoral student and the founder of Our HBCUs Matter Foundation, Brandon Graham.

Graham plans to relocate to Washington, D.C., to continue to grow and expand the Our HBCUs Matter Foundation, and the My HBCU Matters company through the Scholar Academy programs. He will also begin law school at the University of the District of Columbia, with the mission of becoming an attorney committed to dismantling systemic discrimination and inequities in educational access.

“My new (doctoral) degree has equipped me to lead transformative change at the intersection of education, policy, and law,” he shares.

He intends to maintain strong partnerships across the region, continuing collaboration in both D.C. and Atlanta. Brandon aims to serve as an advocate and collaborator with HBCUs, supporting institutional advancement, student success, and strategic innovation. He plans to remain engaged in higher education through teaching, research, and leadership while continuing to grow as an entrepreneur.

“I have seen first-hand how critical it is to push for sustainable investments and accountability,” he reflects. Building independent funding streams and strategic partnerships has become essential for ensuring HBCUs can thrive regardless of political changes.

Graham says the future success of HBCUs hinges on deep investments in student support models. “We must prioritize retention, academic interventions, and career readiness to prepare students for competitive job markets,” he asserts, adding that through fostering environments that promote academic excellence and preserving the cultural significance of HBCUs, Brandon believes these institutions can continue to empower future generations.

Learn more about the Our HBCUs Matter Foundation, Inc at www.ourhbcusmatter.org

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

TSU’s New Students Orientation Welcomes Incoming Tigers to the Land of Golden Sunshine

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – In a celebration of new beginnings, Tennessee State University is set to roll out the welcome mat for nearly 950 first-time freshmen and transfer students during the New Student Orientation (NSO). Taking place over four days—May 21, June 9, June 18, and July 14—the new Tigers will immerse themselves in TSU’s unique campus culture, all while basking in the warmth of the “Land of Golden Sunshine.”

The NSO, designed to ease the transition for incoming students and their families, will run from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day in the Kean Hall on the main campus. Attendees can look forward to a wealth of experiences, including campus tours, program previews, and information sessions covering everything from student activities to financial aid.

“Our New Student Orientation is more than just an introduction; it’s an essential step in helping students begin their journey at Tennessee State University,” said Dr. Angela Duncan, executive director of enrollment services. “This is the time where students and families can really connect with the university community and find their place in this vibrant environment. They’ll interact with current students who serve as ambassadors, meet with academic advisors, and gain valuable insights into campus resources, ensuring they are well-equipped for their first day of classes in the fall.”

Hundreds of students and family members attend a recent new student orientation in Kean Hall on the main campus.

Echoing her sentiments, Dr. Erica Lewis, director of student engagement, said, “NSO is all about building community. Students will not only get essential information to navigate their first semester but also make lasting connections with their peers and university staff. It’s our official welcoming of the new class, and we are excited to support them as they embark on this transformative journey.”

With sessions tailored to majors, students will have opportunities to engage with faculty and delve into various academic programs. Parents, too, are encouraged to engage and establish connections, creating their own support network while preparing their children for academic success.

Registration for the NSO is simple. New students interested in attending can visit www.tnstate.edu/orientation for more information or visit https://futuretiger.tnstate.edu to secure their spot and confirm their assigned orientation date. 

As the countdown begins to the fall semester, TSU looks forward to filling the campus with the spirit and energy of these incoming Tigers—a fresh chapter in the Land of Golden Sunshine.

For more information on admission to TSU, please visit www.tnstate.edu/admissions.

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 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research-intensive institution with an R-2 Carnegie designation, a downtown Avon Williams Off-Campus Instructional Site, and 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, College of Agriculture, College of Engineering, Commencement, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU Honors New Generation of Leaders at Spring Commencement Celebration

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (TSU News Service)– In a celebration steeped in legacy and hope, Tennessee State University held its spring commencement ceremonies on May 2 and 3, honoring more than 800 graduate and undergraduate students at the Gentry Center Complex on the main campus.

The Speakers: Interim President Dwayne Tucker, who delivered the graduate commencement address, presents plaques to Chrishonda O’Quinn and Tyler Vazquez as he congratulates them on their co-keynote addresses at the undergraduate ceremony. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

The ceremonies commenced Friday evening for graduate students with a heartfelt address from Interim President Dwayne Tucker, a proud TSU alumnus from the Class of 1980. In his keynote speech, Tucker urged the students to embrace their roles as future leaders.

“You are the next generation of creators, builders, doctors, and scholars,” Tucker said. “Today represents your transition into leadership. Time is evidence of your commitment—use it wisely.” He reinforced the university’s motto, “Think, Work, Serve,” challenging graduates to give back to their communities as they step into their professional endeavors.

Kaya Johnson, who received her bachelor’s degree in agricultural science, says her journey at TSU was incredible. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

The undergraduate ceremony followed on Saturday morning, where student leaders Chrishonda O’Quinn and Tyler Vazquez delivered speeches that resonated deeply with their peers. O’Quinn, the president of the Student Government Association and a graduate in business administration with a focus on marketing, inspired her classmates with words of empowerment. “We are not just students—we are innovators, problem-solvers, and leaders. Today, we step into a world that needs our voices and visions,” she declared. “Every late-night studying and every challenge we faced has prepared us for this moment.”

Tyler Vazquez, who received his degree in molecular biology and is set to continue his studies in medical school, echoed O’Quinn’s sentiments. “Today is more than just a ceremony; it’s a testimony of our perseverance,” said Vazquez, the student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees. “We made it through uncertainty and doubt, and now we are ready to lift others as we climb.” Vazquez’s message highlighted the shared experiences that bind the graduates together as they forge ahead, ready to make their mark on the world.

President Dwayne Tucker presents the degree of the late Darik Cody to his mother, Verneshia and her brother Antwan. Darik, an architectural engineering major, passed before the completion his studies. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Adding to the inspiring atmosphere, Kaya Johnson, an agricultural science graduate and aspiring veterinarian, reflected on her journey at TSU. “My experience at TSU was incredible. I learned so much and built so many memories. It was tough at times, but every moment was worth it. The quality of education I received here has prepared me for my next steps, and I’m eager to return for graduate school to further my journey in veterinary medicine,” she said.

Among the poignant moments of the ceremony, TSU posthumously conferred the degree of Darik Cody to his family. Cody, an architectural engineering major from Jackson, Mississippi, was remembered fondly by his mother, Verneshia, and her brother, Antwan, as a beacon of perseverance who tragically passed before the completion of his studies.

Additionally,100-year-old Ellie Jewell Davis, now Dr. Ellie J. Dahmer, who was not present, was honored with a reissued Home Economics degree she received in 1947 at the then Tennessee A&I College. She lost her original diploma in a house fire set by the Ku Klux Klan.

As the ceremonies wrapped up, graduates left the stage with not only their diplomas in hand but also a renewed dedication to shaping the future through thought, work, and service.

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 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research-intensive institution with an R-2 Carnegie designation, a downtown Avon Williams Off-Campus Instructional Site, and 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.