NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – What a difference a year makes.
Those words resonated with many as Tennessee State University President Dwayne Tucker addressed faculty and staff during the spring Faculty and Staff Institute.
The address outlined a future-forward, student-first strategy that helped position the university more than $13 million ahead of the pro forma financial forecast, which reflects the budget projections presented to state legislators last spring.
The strategy also targets a projected 10% increase in the graduation rate by Spring 2026.
Tucker, who officially became president last semester after serving as interim president since December 2024, is championing a transformative vision for TSU’s future.
“Today is a moment of clarity, purpose and collective commitment,” Tucker said. “We stand ready to advance a vision of a future-forward TSU. One that is innovative, inclusive and impactful.”
He emphasized that TSU is home to innovators and pioneers with a rich legacy and history.
“But the greatest tribute we can pay to those who came before us is not simply to celebrate their achievements,” he said. “It is to build on them. To carry TSU forward with courage and conviction.”
Tucker noted that, through accountability and transparency, the university has strengthened its financial foundation by securing sustainable funding from the State of Tennessee, meeting all MOU requirements and securing $50 million toward a five-year $96 million plan.
He also introduced new members of the executive leadership team to help continue the university’s progress. Key appointments since last June include vice presidents for enrollment management, human resources, and institutional advancement, as well as a director of fundraising, controller, chief financial officer, and chief operating officer. The most recent hire as of Jan. 2, is Chief Financial Officer April Robinson, who will lead the university’s financial strategy, accounting and audit functions.
“We will continue to make changes that improve how we operate, how we support students, how we communicate and how we steward our resources,” Tucker said.
He added that the university has also reimagined commencement. With student voices elevated at the forefront, TSU hosted three ceremonies in the fall that featured undergraduate and graduate student speakers from each college, creating a more personalized celebration for graduates and their families.
As the university celebrates student success, leaders also emphasized the importance of responsible budgeting and long-term financial planning to sustain TSU’s momentum.
During FSI, Jim Grady, who had been acting as chief financial officer, reviewed revised budget adjustments for the current fiscal year, along with investments in student experience, recruiting, technology, and financial forecasting.
One of those investments is the transition to the Banner SaaS platform, a modern cloud system that replaces previous systems and brings key functions such as student records, finance, human resources and recruitment into one integrated, continually updated platform.
Tucker said this move is part of a broader effort to modernize university processes and build more efficient systems.
“By leading this transformation, TSU becomes the first among HBCUs and land-grant institutions to adopt Banner SaaS across its core enterprise operations,” he said. “This milestone positions TSU at the forefront of innovation, setting a new standard for modern, cloud-based higher education administration.”
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Robbie Melton discussed a strategic graduate program plan to support enrollment growth, expand global and online student initiatives and integrate emerging AI technology into teacher preparation.
Leah Granderson, executive director of Planning, Design, Construction and Operations, said she left the session energized.
“I’m walking away from our FSI session, very enthusiastic and motivated by what is to come,” Granderson said. “President Tucker’s transparency is important because everyone needs to understand the journey and the opportunities ahead. What a difference a year makes. I look forward to the years ahead and to seeing TSU continue to thrive.”
FSI also included briefings on a proposed alumni giving model to streamline processes, enrollment goals for next fall, ongoing space utilization efforts across campus and a Q&A session.
Tucker concluded his address by reinforcing his belief in the critical role faculty and staff play in the work ahead.
“This is our moment to become the sustainable, future-forward TSU our students deserve and our TSU community needs,” he said. “If we embrace transformational change, our greatest days are not behind us. They are in front of us.”