NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) — In a celebration of excellence and leadership in technology, Dr. Robbie Melton, provost and vice president of Technology Innovations at Tennessee State University, has been recognized as one of the 50 Most Important African Americans in Technology for 2026 by the Journal of Black Innovation. The honor was presented during an awards dinner in San Diego on January 15 in San Diego. This recognition appropriately coincides with the celebration of Black History Month, highlighting the critical contributions of African American leaders in advancing technology and innovation.
Melton’s groundbreaking work centers around empowering Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) through the integration of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Her strategic vision emphasizes digital transformation and workforce development, positioning TSU and its peers at the forefront of academic innovation and technology adoption.
“I am honored to be recognized for work that is deeply rooted in service, access, and opportunity,” said Melton. “My passion is ensuring that HBCUs maintain their leadership in AI research and emerging technologies while empowering the next generation of innovators and change-makers.”
Beyond this recent recognition, Melton is a founding member of the Center for Digital Education’s Higher Education AI Council and was acknowledged as one of the 2025 Leading Women in AI. These achievements underscore her influential role as a trailblazer in both higher education and technological innovation.
A congratulatory statement from the TSU SMART Center conveyed collective pride in Melton’s accomplishments, praising her unwavering commitment to providing immersive technology access for all, and ensuring that underserved and underrepresented communities can leverage the most powerful opportunities of the digital age.
“This honor, especially during Black History Month, affirms what we at Tennessee State University have always known,” said Dr. Robert Hassell, executive director of the center. “Dr. Melton is a transformative force in education and technology. As our Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Technology Innovations, she does not only lead; she builds pathways. Her vision has equipped countless students, faculty, and administrators with the tools and confidence to become the emerging leaders and innovators our world desperately needs.”
Melton’s accolades during Black History Month highlight the vital contributions of African American women in advancing AI research, education, and technological innovation across the nation. Her leadership not only shapes the technological landscape but also inspires the next generation to seize opportunities in STEM fields.
“Dr. Melton is a transformative force in education and technology. As our Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Technology Innovations, she does not only lead; she builds pathways.” -Dr. Robert Hassell
For more information about Dr. Robbie Melton and her work at Tennessee State University, please visit the TSU SMART Immersive Technology Center.
Featured photo: Dr. Robbie Melton, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, who is also VP of Technology Innovations at TSU, is a founding member of the Center for Digital Education’s Higher Education AI Council and was acknowledged as one of the 2025 Leading Women in AI.
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
