NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University held its annual “Day at the Capitol” on Feb. 25, where faculty, staff, students, and alumni converged to showcase the university’s academic achievements, research initiatives, and innovative programs to state lawmakers. A highlight of this year’s event was a cutting-edge display from the TSU SMART Innovation Center, featuring a humanoid robot and Blue the robot, which welcomed visitors and underscored the university’s commitment to leading in educational engagement and technological advancement. The day was particularly memorable, not just for the presentations of academic excellence but also for the active engagement of students, who took the opportunity to share their experiences and aspirations directly with legislators.
The day kicked off in one of the Senate chambers, bustling with lawmakers, interest group representatives, lobbyists, and stakeholders who welcomed the wave of TSU blue filling the space. Among the engaged students was Calvin Pickett, the current Student Government Association President, who expressed his motivation from the event. “Today’s TSU on the Hill is deeply inspirational. It is a powerful reminder of the impact our community continues to make,” Pickett said. “Being here with our legislators shows that our voices matter, and we are ready to play an active role in shaping our future.”
Student interns also played a pivotal role in the day’s activities, sharing their personal journeys and the insights gained through their legislative internships. Ayanna Jackson, a senior majoring in criminal justice and currently interning with Rep. Jeremy Faison, said, “This experience has helped me a lot. I’m doing well communicating with people, putting myself out there, and following up on job opportunities after graduation. Right now, this feels like a clear career direction for me.” She plans to go to law school.
Similarly, Kennedy Havard, a senior political science and urban studies major interning with Rep. Johnnie Shaw, shared how her internship has shaped her career goals. “Honestly, before this, I thought I wanted to be an attorney, but after working with Rep. Shaw and seeing how he integrates ministry with politics, I realized I want to serve my community in a deeper way. I’m now considering the path of becoming a legislative assistant or an elected official,” Havard said.
The importance of student engagement was echoed by alumnus and State Rep. Harold Love, Jr., who praised the gathering’s significance. “It warms our hearts to see our students, faculty, and alumni engaged here on Capitol Hill. We need your voices to help advance TSU,” Love said, emphasizing the critical role that the TSU community plays in shaping legislation that affects them.
TSU President Dwayne Tucker expressed his enthusiasm for the event. “What a great opportunity to showcase the talents of the students at Tennessee State University,” he said. “Them sharing their time at TSU and how that benefitted them as adults is a fantastic way to spread the word about the kind of students we’re preparing.” Tucker also underscored the importance of building relationships with lawmakers: “Engagement like this is what forms the foundation for future opportunities. Even if politics differ, good relationships can make all the difference as we work toward a brighter future for TSU.”
Tennessee State Comptroller Jason E. Mumpower echoed Tucker’s sentiments, commending the president’s leadership in revitalizing the university’s direction. “I’m thrilled about the rejuvenation happening at Tennessee State University,” Mumpower said. “Under President Tucker’s leadership, TSU is filling the confidence gap that held it back. His vision and commitment to collaboration, especially in fostering relationships across the political spectrum, are paving the way for exciting opportunities for students and faculty alike.”
Kasey Anderson, a legislative lobbyist with a personal commitment to TSU’s engineering programs, provided insight on advocating for students while highlighting the unique dynamics of the Tennessee General Assembly. “Legislators need to hear directly from you. Your voices matter in this conversation,” Anderson said. She spoke about her collaboration with Leah Love, TSU’s legislative liaison, emphasizing their shared dedication to ensuring that legislators are informed about the positive developments at TSU. “Leah’s hard work is vital in making sure legislators recognize the good things happening at TSU,” Anderson added.
The event concluded with TSU students delivering gift bags filled with university paraphernalia and plants from the College of Agriculture to lawmakers, symbolizing the university’s commitment to outreach and building strong community ties.
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.
