NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Leah Louallen has been named Strategic Advisor to the President at Tennessee State University, joining the executive leadership team as the institution continues advancing its multi‑year transformation strategy. In this role, she will support strategic planning, financial aid, student‑centered initiatives, and institutional priorities aligned with President Dwayne Tucker’s vision for TSU’s future.
A lifelong Middle Tennessean, Louallen brings more than 25 years of experience advancing educational opportunities for students across the state. She began her career in the financial aid office at Nashville State Community College, where she built a strong foundation in student support and compliance. Louallen later joined the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), where she serves as Senior Director of Institutional Financial Aid and Compliance.
Louallen said her experience working closely with TSU over the past year solidified her desire to join the University in an official capacity. “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve the students of TSU,” she said. “I witnessed firsthand the remarkable talent of TSU students, the depth of its legacy, and the transformative progress taking place within the institution.”
She added, “President Tucker’s vision and leadership are positioning TSU for national recognition. It is an incredible privilege to contribute, even in a small way, to this historic moment for the University. I believe in TSU, and I believe in its students.”
A longtime leader in higher education, Louallen has held key roles within THEC as well as on the executive boards of the Tennessee Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (TASFAA) and the Southern Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (SASFAA). Known for her student‑centered approach and ability to navigate complex challenges, she consistently works to create equitable and accessible learning environments across Tennessee. “TSU students are my why,” Louallen shared. “They deserve the best possible experience, and I am committed to ensuring that is felt across campus in every department.”
At THEC, Louallen oversees the Compliance and Training division responsible for administering more than $600 million in state financial aid programs. Her leadership has strengthened institutional accountability, streamlined operational processes, and created innovative strategies to expand access to higher education.
She said those experiences will directly inform her work at TSU. “During my tenure at TSU, I will keep students at the center of every decision made on behalf of the University,” she noted. “As a mother, I want every student to feel supported and valued.”
Louallen’s addition to the executive leadership team reflects TSU’s continued commitment to accountability, strategic growth, and student‑centered transformation as the University builds for long‑term success.
