NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) — For many students, transferring colleges can feel uncertain. But for Nashville State Community College (NSCC) student Julise LaFortune, it is not a question of if, but when. With plans to enroll at Tennessee State University this fall, she sees the transition as a clear path forward, not a challenge.
LaFortune’s path is now supported through the newly launched Tiger Track Transfer Program, a strategic partnership between TSU and NSCC designed to create a seamless pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree.
“I’ve always wanted to attend an HBCU, and after hearing great things about TSU, I’m excited to give it a shot,” said LaFortune, a Nashville native studying psychology with a minor in Spanish. “I’m in my second year at Nashville State, and I plan to transfer to TSU to complete my bachelor’s degree and eventually pursue my master’s.”
LaFortune was among the students who attended TSU Day at Nashville State, held as part of the program’s launch, where all TSU academic colleges were on site to connect with prospective transfer students, answer questions, and provide a firsthand preview at programs and campus life.
“I’m excited to join you all this fall,” she added. “One of my cousins told me how great TSU’s psychology program is, and that really sparked my interest.”
LaFortune’s confidence underscores the purpose behind the new partnership between TSU and NSCC. On March 24, the two institutions formalized their collaboration with a Memorandum of Understanding, launching the Tiger Track Transfer Program.
Following the signing, the event transitioned into TSU Day at Nashville State, giving students direct access to the university faculty, staff, and admissions representatives, while reinforcing the message that their next step is within reach.
“This partnership ensures that students are supported, empowering them with clear pathways and confidence to reach their academic and career goals,” said Dr. Shanna Jackson, president of Nashville State and a TSU alumna. “Education is the strongest ladder to economic mobility. I am excited to take our partnership with TSU to the next level. This is a win for students, employers, and our shared community.”
TSU President Dwayne Tucker said the program reflects the university’s commitment to removing barriers and creating opportunities for student success.
“Through this partnership, we are ensuring that Nashville State students have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to seamlessly transition to TSU,” Tucker said. “We are proud to provide a high caliber academic environment where students can complete their degrees and prepare to lead in a global workforce.”
University leaders emphasized that the Tiger Track program is part of a broader effort to strengthen Nashville’s higher education pipeline and expand access to TSU, the city’s only public land-grant institution.
Dr. Eric Stokes, vice president of enrollment management at TSU, said the collaboration strengthens the connection between the two public institutions and helps students visualize their academic journey beyond community college.
“It’s important for us to have a strong partnership as students move throughout the higher education pipeline,” Stokes said. “This gives students the opportunity to stay connected to TSU while they’re at Nashville State, so they can clearly see that next step.”
Through the Tiger Track Transfer Program, students who may not be ready to begin at a four-year university, whether for academic, financial, or personal reasons, can start at Nashville State while receiving ongoing advising, counseling, and support from both institutions.
Participants benefit from guaranteed admission to TSU, an application fee waiver, enrollment counseling, and access to scholarships, including a $3,000 annual award for students who meet academic requirements.
Students are encouraged to complete their associate degree before transferring, but the program is designed to support them at any stage, ensuring flexibility while maintaining a clear pathway forward.
For students like LaFortune, that pathway represents more than just a transfer. It represents a future already taking shape.
“For me, the process feels seamless,” she said. “I’m excited to learn and further my education.”
To learn more about applying and or transferring to TSU, visit www.tnstate.edu/admissions/transfer.aspx.
