NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is set to enhance its academic offerings through the establishment of an endowed professorship in sustainability. This initiative is made possible by a $500,000 matching grant from the Southern Company Foundation as part of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Sustainable Communities Initiative (HBCU SCI), a collaborative effort overseen by INROADS, the United Negro College Fund, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
TSU is one of four HBCUs selected for this funding, to empower students with the skills essential for leadership in energy and environmental sectors. Over the next four years, the professorship will provide training and resources for at least 120 students.
“Today marks a powerful investment in the future of sustainability, innovation, and student success,” said Tiffany Callaway Farrell, vice president of operations at Atlanta Gas and Light and Chattanooga Gas, a Southern Company subsidiary. “Through the HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative, we are proud to support this endowed professorship at TSU, an investment that will expand access, reduce financial barriers, and prepare students to lead in the rapidly evolving energy landscape. This partnership reflects our deep commitment to HBCUs and our belief that institutions like TSU play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.”
TSU President Dwayne Tucker expressed his appreciation for the long-standing support. “This investment from Southern Company, through the HBCU SCI initiative, reflects a partnership that began at a critical time for Tennessee State University and has never wavered,” Tucker said. “Their commitment to establishing an endowed professorship in sustainability not only strengthens our academic mission but also positions our students and faculty to lead in solving the environmental challenges of the future.”
Ron Houston, president and CEO of INROADS, said the investment represents more than a check. “it’s a long-term commitment to the future of HBCU students and the vital role these institutions play in developing the next generation of leaders,” he said. “Through our partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and UNCF, and with the support of the Southern Company Foundation, the HBCU Sustainable Community Initiative is creating meaningful pathways for students.”
TSU Students are enthusiastic about the announcement. Tarik Williams, a senior mechanical engineering major, said, “This isn’t just an investment in sustainability, it’s an investment in students. It gives us the access, the resources, and the confidence to lead in a future we’re helping to build right here at TSU.”
Dr. Lin Li, dean of the College of Engineering, announced that the sustainability program will launch within a year as an interdisciplinary minor. “We are deeply grateful to Southern Company, through the HBCU CI nitiative, for this transformative $500,000 investment,” said Li. “This funding will enable us to build a program that prepares students across the university to lead in energy and sustainability. By launching this program as an accessible minor, we will equip a diverse cohort of students with the knowledge and skills needed to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”
Dr. Erik Schmeller, interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, noted the academic significance of the gift. “This investment marks a major advancement in Tennessee State University’s commitment to academic excellence in high-impact fields. With support from Southern Company through the HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative, this endowed professorship will strengthen faculty leadership, drive interdisciplinary innovation, and prepare our students to lead in addressing critical environmental challenges.”
Representing her company as a TSU alumna, Tondra Fields, talent and program manager at Southern Company, added, “It’s a privilege to return home and represent my alma mater, but it’s equally meaningful to bring my company back in a way that reflects our continued commitment. Leading the re-engagement of this partnership is something I’m especially proud of. It speaks to the strength of the relationship and the opportunities ahead.”
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.
