NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State University Honda Campus All Star Challenge (HCASC) team earned a spot in the top eight teams at the National Tournament held in Torrance, California. HCASC is a knowledge bowl competition for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) sponsored by the American Honda Motor Company, which supports HBCUs.
Members of the HCASC TSU team competes against Tuskegee University during the national competition in California. From left to right: Kelley Zumwalt, Tyler Vazquez and Morgan Gill.
This tournament brought together 32 HBCUs from around the country. The TSU team earned a total of $12,000 in grant money from American Honda for earning a spot in the top eight teams.
The team’s coach, Dr. John Miglietta, who is a professor of political science, said the HCASC is a unique competition that brings together scholars and showcases their knowledge from many HBCUs throughout the country.
“We are very grateful for the support that American Honda provides to HBCUs,” Miglietta said. “The grant money we receive will benefit both our students and our HCASC program.”
TSU’s HCASC team earns a spot in the quarter finals after competing on a national level in California. From left to right: Tyler Vazquez , coach, Dr. John Miglietta, Morgan Gill, team captain Cameron Malone and Kelley Zumwalt.
The tournament was divided into two parts, followed by a single-elimination playoff with the top two teams playing a best two out of three.
TSU played in the Purple Division with teams from Alabama A&M, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, and Hampton University.
TSU compiled a 4-2 record, winning the division and advancing to the playoffs. TSU then lost a challenging match against Tuskegee University.
The team earned $10,000 in grant money from American Honda with an additional $2,000 grant due to one of the team players outstanding performance. Morgan Gill, a sophomore majoring in urban studies, was named the All-Star player in the Purple Division based on the number of toss up questions answered correctly.
TSU’s HCASC member Tyler Vazquez competing against a Tuskegee University student during a knowledge bowl competition in California.
“The team was very excited to finish in the top eight and play on the big stage,” Miglietta said. “It takes a great deal of preparation to get to that level.” The team is proud of its accomplishment and is preparing to win the overall competition next year.
The Team members are:
Cameron Malone (Captain), junior Electrical Engineering major from Oak Ridge, TN
Morgan Gill, sophomore Urban Studies major from Conyers, GA
Tyler Vazquez, sophomore Biology major from Winston-Salem, NC
Kelley Zumwalt, junior majoring in History, Political Science, and English from Loveland, CO
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University Student Government Association has a new group of officers for the 2023-2024 academic year, many of which are familiar faces within the student delegation. The new student leadership, including a Mister TSU and a Miss TSU, was announced Friday during Tiger Fest, an annual event followed by student election commission week.
Student election commission winners during the 2023 Tiger Fest. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Derrell Taylor, a junior from Memphis studying business administration with a concentration in management, was elected as the 83rd SGA president. Chrishonda O’Quinn, a junior from Chicago, Illinois, studying business administration with a minor in mathematics, was elected as SGA vice president. Victoria McCrae, a rising senior from Memphis studying biology pre-med, was crowned as the 94th Miss TSU. Davin Latiker, a junior from Chicago studying mass communications, was elected as the new Mister TSU and will accompany McCrae.
O’Quinn, McCrae, and Taylor were all members of the junior delegation. Taylor, who previously served as the junior class president, said he is elated to serve as the next SGA president. “I am praising God and I am very grateful for this opportunity,” he said. “TSU, the mission begins now.”
Former Mister and Miss TSU welcomes the newly elected royaltys. From left to right; Tre’Veon Hayes, Mr. TSU Davin Latiker, Miss TSU Victoria McCrae and Sa’Mariah Harding. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Cristal Powell-Roach, assistant dean of student activities and leadership, said she looks forward to working with the dynamic newly elected leaders while the students embrace new opportunities for growth and development. “We have a great team,” Powell-Roach said. “I am very excited about our winners.”
O’Quinn said her biggest passions are representation and leadership. “I am eager to be a voice for the voiceless, to be a selfless, passionate, and strategic leader,” O’Quinn said. “And to work alongside not only SGA and administration but the student body to build our institution.”
McCrae, who previously served as Miss junior, said she had dreams of becoming Miss TSU one day. “I knew I wanted to be a queen since I got here freshman year,” she said. “I worked hard, and it has come to fruition. I am so blessed and thankful.”
While Mister TSU, Latiker said he is grateful for the opportunity as well. “It is great to enter this legacy and have the opportunity to expand my network, give back to my school, and serve the students.”
O’Quinn said she is confident that the student leaders will take proactive steps towards achieving their desired goals on campus with a positive narrative.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University recently co-hosted an HBCU conference to highlight the groundbreaking research these institutions are conducting and to expand corporate partnerships. The main goals of the HBCU Engage conference co-hosted by University-Industry Demonstration Partnerships (UIDP), were to increase collaboration between HBCUs and corporate engagement. TSU, Fisk University and Meharry Medical College were co-hosts for the two-day event.
Dr. Quincy Quick, the Associate Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs, spearheaded the event on behalf of TSU.
“This is a platform to make sure HBCUs are able to engage with corporate industries and partner with government agencies,” Quick said. “Ways that academic institutions can partner with corporate industries and help them develop products.”
The collaboration included representatives from federal agencies and corporations such as the Department of Energy, Amazon, and IBM. The event aimed to engage, educate, and exchange ideas among representatives from industry and higher education, as well as to facilitate learning from peers in government program leadership and research administration.
Quick said his goal is to broaden the scope of the research enterprise at TSU to pursue the nation’s top research echelon with an “R1” designation under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning.
“This platform is new and innovative,” he said. “In a sense, HBCUs have not had a platform available to them like this before.”
The first day of the conference consisted of federal grant writing, meetings with sponsored research contracting, and partnering with nonprofit funders. Day two consisted of panel discussions, collaboration, and best practices for building research capacity through industry or government partnerships.
Overall, the event moves TSU a step closer to ‘R1” status as the university mobilizes its research enterprise – including teaching faculty, researchers, graduate school, staff, and students – to support its vision for the coveted designation.
About UIDP and its HBCU initiative:
UIDP is a recognized leader in addressing issues impacting academic-corporate collaboration, providing a unique forum for our member representatives to find better ways to partner. An increasing number of companies and R1 universities wish to pursue or strengthen collaborative research partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Many HBCUs are interested in utilizing partnerships to bolster research opportunities. The purpose of the UIDP HBCU Initiative is to develop guidance that provides company representatives and R1 universities with the necessary contextual information and best practices for developing a mutually beneficial HBCU engagement strategy.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands Director, Dr. Reginald McDonald, has achieved yet another first. McDonald is a recipient of the Tennessee Music Education Association (TMEA) award for Outstanding University Music Educator of the Year. McDonald, who is also a tenured associate professor in the music department, is the first music professor at the university to receive this award.
“Anytime you win something of this magnitude, it is a huge honor and confirmation in regard to you as a teacher,” McDonald said. “This is confirmation that hard work pays off. Not for me, but for my students.”
The TMEA is a voluntary, non-profit organization representing all phases of music education at all school levels in the state. McDonald has been teaching music for more than 30 years.
As an experienced and committed teacher, over the years McDonald’s objective and expectations for his students has stayed the same. “My objective is to teach individual life coping skills and to develop the highest level of musicians.” He noted that life coping skills is his main priority due to teaching K-12 grades his entire career to minority students.
McDonald said his main goal for his students is to help development thick skin, a strong mind and to dream big. “My goal for them is to be able to accept the challenges of life and not run away from them.”
He has won teacher of the year five times throughout his career, including three awards from TSU. He has been a part of the TMEA since 2001 and was nominated to be the award recipient this month.
“Out of all the music professors in the state, I was chosen. I am honored and shocked,” he said. The award was not just a recognition of McDonald’s past achievements, but a reminder to him of the responsibility to continue being an outstanding music educator for years to come.
About TMEA
The Tennessee Music Education Association was officially formed in 1945 as a voluntary, non-profit organization representing all phases of music education at all school levels. The mission of TMEA is to promote the advancement of high-quality music education for all.
Occupational Therapy Month is celebrated in April every year to recognize the contributions that help people improve their ability to participate in daily activities and achieve greater independence. From bathing to eating or helping with clothing yourself, the occupational therapy (OT) master’s program students at TSU are becoming healthcare professionals to provide for all ages to overcome physical, cognitive, or emotional barriers.
TSU student Emily Bailor, right, practices assisting fellow student with adaptive equipment to help with bathing. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“Whatever is ailing you, we look at how that is affecting your occupation,” said Emily Bailor, a second year OT master’s student, said. “If we can get someone back to doing their occupation it’s a direct increase to quality of life, which is our goal.” Bailor stated that OT is a huge part of the healthcare field. “Physical therapy will get you up and walking, but occupational therapy will get your clothes on.”
There are currently 60 TSU students in the program.
While Bailor wants to work with patients of all ages and needs, Justin Brown, a second year OT master’s student, anticipates working with burns or traumatic brain injuries. Brown, of Alabama, said he chose TSU’s affordable program because it, “feels like home.”
TSU student Justin Brown practices using adaptive equipment on fellow classmate for occupational therapy. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“To pursue a higher degree at an HBCU just shows it is prominent,” Brown, who attended TSU as an undergraduate, said. “I am trying to show kids that you can be Black and be an occupational therapist. Whoever you are, you can get a higher degree in your profession.”
Not only does Brown look forward to diversifying the field, so does Dr. Lisa Porter, an assistant professor in the occupational therapy department. This month Porter is heading to the American OT Association conference with a student to present a conversation related to underrepresented minority groups in their field. “Occupational therapy is a very white profession,” Porter said. “It is important to promote diversity to fit the population we are serving.”
Occupational Therapy students during a pediatric lab practicing clinical observations of sensorimotor abilities. (Photo submitted)
Along with attending the national conference, in honor of OT month, the program has had guest speakers.
OT students and staff also participated in TSU Mud Day this week to give children ages 3-5 different sensory experiences. It is a celebration hosted by the Child Development and Family Studies program.
Porter said OT also focuses on “working to help kids access their education,” from self-regulation to motor skills and mental health. “Our focus on occupation, not just your job but meaningful activities,” she said.
TSU mud day is a celebration of the Week of the Young Child, which is promoted internationally by the National Association for the Education of Young Child. The April 13 event was a fun sensory experience hosted by The Child Development and Family Studies program in the Department of Human Sciences in collaboration with the Departments of Occupational and Physical Therapy. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
TSU has an affordable OT program and a Tiger Community Rehabilitation Clinic that is a free and student-run. The clinic offers outpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy services to the public. “Having a state school that isn’t as expensive as some of these private programs is important too because it should be more accessible to students,” Porter said.
For more information about TSU’s Occupational Therapy Program, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/ot/ . If you’re in need of OT or PT services, visit the Tiger Clinic website at www.tnstate.edu/tcrc/.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Hollywood superstar and multi-award winning actress Nia Long had a message for Tennessee State University students, honorees, and guest: Be graceful, be fearless, and be your authentic self.
Hundreds gathered on April 11 for the highly anticipated annual TSU Women of Legend and Merit (WOLM) Awards, a ceremony recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of women in the community.
WOLM honorees, President Glenda Glover and actress Nia Long. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
The elaborate awards dinner in Kean Hall honored dozens of local notable women with Hollywood legend Nia Long as the keynote speaker.
“If you change your thinking, your doing will be different,” Long said during the event. “Be fearless. No one is going to believe in you the way you believe in yourself.”
With an extensive body of work that includes television, film credits and production, Long detailed the journey of her career and overcoming obstacles as a woman in the entertainment industry. “Sometimes we are given less than. But don’t pay attention to that, keep moving forward.”
Hundreds gathered on April 11 for the highly anticipated annual TSU Women of Legend and Merit (WOLM) Awards ceremony. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
During the event, three TSU students asked Long questions, including Miss TSU Sa’Mariah Harding, who asked how the Hollywood actress was able to overcome and be able to step into her own lane as a Black woman.
Miss TSU Sa’Mariah Harding, a senior from Indiana, hugs Nia Long moments before the annual Women of Legend and Merit awards. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“Be yourself no matter what,” Long told Harding. “Stick to what feels real.”
TSU President Glenda Glover congratulated the honorees and recognized Long for her thriving career on the big screen that has earned her many accolades.
Long received a lifetime achievement award in recognition of her range within the entertainment industry.
The WOLM awards is designed to bring awareness and raise funds to support the TSU Women’s Center, which offers student-focused programming to empower individuals and student organizations. The center’s Director, Seanne Wilson, said this year’s WOLM event, themed “Extraordinary Women Living Legendary Lives,” was aimed to empower both men and women to discover their destiny without fear.
President Glenda Glover and actress Nia Long. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
The honorees this year, in various categories, were Dr. Cherae M. Farmer-Dixon, Dean of School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College – Medicine; Dr. LaDonna Boyd, President/CEO R.H. Boyd – Media; Dr. Laquita Stribling, Vice President, Tennessee Manufacturing and logistics – Business; Patricia Malone Smith, Director of Corporate Relations, Urban League of Middle Tennessee – Community Service; Janet Rachel, President, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Metropolitan Nashville Chapter – Leadership; Laura Fitzgerald Cooper, Attorney and Freelance Writer – Education; and Jennifer Bell, Associate Athletic Director, Tennessee State University – Athletics.
Tamar Williams, a sophomore mass communications from Memphis, Tennessee, received a Women’s Center student ambassador award.
Nia Long recently produced and starred in the Netflix smash hit thriller Fatal Affair which debuted at number one on the platform. Additionally, Nia starred opposite Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie in the Apple film, The Banker, for which she received an NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.” Other recent film credits include Janicza Bravo’s Sundance-nominated.
Lemon, and Netflix’s Roxanne Roxanne with Chanté Adams and Mahershala Ali. In TV, recent credits include Kenya Barris’ #BlackAF and Justin Simien’s Dear White People. Nia is well known for her iconic work in Boyz In The Hood, Friday, Love Jones, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Third Watch, and The Best Man franchise; the latter two garnering her three NAACP Image Award wins. Recently, she headlined the Sony feature film Searching 2, a follow-up to the hugely successful and critically acclaimed box office hit Searching, as well as the Netflix feature Plus/Minus. She also starred in the Peacock limited series The Best Man: The Final Chapters, where she reprised her two-time film role alongside the original cast, and also appeared in the Netflix comedy, You People, opposite Jonah Hill and Eddie Murphy, with Kenya Barris directing.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – It wasn’t the first time Tennessee State University professor Dr. Andrew Patrick’s Black Lives Matter (BLM) signs had been stolen from the front yard of his Sylvan Park neighborhood home. However, it was the first time his home had been vandalized with swastikas and hate messages because of his support for the organization.
“This happens a lot. But the actual vandalizing of our houses with the Neo-Nazi signs and statements is new,” said Patrick, who is a 10-year history professor at TSU.
Dr. Andrew Patrick (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
On March 19, Patrick and his family woke up to the new paint job. Their home, along with four others, were vandalized with racist and anti-semitic graffiti in the Sylvan Park neighborhood.
Patrick’s home was vandalized with three swastikas symbols and two “white power” signs spray painted on the sides. The act was caught on one of Patrick’s neighbors Ring doorbell cameras around 1:30 a.m. The footage shows two individuals vandalizing the home, with one attempting to cover the camera with spray paint.
Patrick and his family have lived in their Sylvan area home for a decade. A community Patrick describes as, ‘a liberal inclusive enclave,’ that has seen a pattern of their community signs being stolen overtime.
“It seems like they were just going after their political opponents like me, as a supporter of BLM,” said Patrick, who identifies as a non-religious white male who was raised Catholic.
Within hours, dozens of neighbors came together to remove the messages and symbols of hate from the vandalized homes. Two of those supporters were TSU professors who also live in the neighborhood, husband and wife, Dr. Elizabeth Dachowski and Dr. John Miglietta.
Patrick noted that the outpouring of support and cleanup included his son and some of his friends.
Andrew Patrick’s son being interviewed by local media while creating new signs for their front yard. (Photo submitted)
“They got down to it and did most of the clean up on the house,” Patrick said. “They made many different signs of love and support for BLM and the Jewish community. ”
Now, there are more than 100 signs plastered on Patrick’s home: ‘Hate has no home in Sylvan Park.’
He also stated that he is very appreciative of the support from his TSU colleagues.
“Dr. Miglietta and Dr. Dachowski, as soon as they heard they came over right away,” he said.
“Other colleagues have been calling to make sure I am okay. Everyone has been extremely helpful and kind.”
Dachowski, a TSU history professor, and Miglietta, political science, rushed over after they received a call from Patrick’s wife about being vandalized. “I found this very disturbing,” Dachowski said.
“All of the homes targeted had signs indicating support for disadvantaged groups. Something like this could be the beginning of an isolated incident or a nasty campaign against people.” Dachowski and Miglietta noted that they took pride in the neighborhood joining forces to support one another in solidarity.
Although Patrick is proud of the outpouring of support, he voiced his biggest concern with the state of Tennessee.
Andrew Patrick’s son during clean up to remove the messages and symbols of hate from Sylvan Park vandalized homes. (Photo submitted)
“I am a little more concerned about Tennessee’s white supremacy problem,” he said. “So, that is the next step. My neighborhood is going to band together, we are going to be unified, but I want to see some reaction here.” Patrick reiterated that he is not a vengeful individual but wants justice as the two suspects are still at large as of April 11.
“I already forgive them for what they have done. But it would be nice to talk to them,” he stated. “Chucking a few white supremacists in prison for a little while, I don’t think that’s really going to help. The Tennessee government has to do a lot more to fight these hate groups.”
On a federal level, hate crime laws are classified as crimes committed on the basis of the victim’s perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability, according to the U.S Department of Justice.
Patrick told the University that the homes with signs and or flags representing disadvantaged groups being vandalized isn’t a coincidence. He noted that the first time his BLM signs were stolen out of his yard happened during the 2020 election cycle.
“They are trying to intimidate us,” he said. “This is politically motivated vandalism. Not only is it not going away, but it is also getting worse.”
Click here to see video of Dr. Patrick sharing what happened the morning of March 19.
The incident is currently under investigation. If you recognize the individuals from the camera footage, contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – From Ethiopian injera, a pancake-like flatbread, to Indian samosa, a fried pastry with a vegetable filling, the savory smell of exotic spices filled Elliot Hall on the Tennessee State University campus.
TSU student Aziz Alqari serving Saudi Arabian cuisine during an International Food Festival and Cultural Exchange event.
More than 150 students and staff members visited booths during the International Food Festival and Cultural Exchange event hosted by TSU’s Office of International Affairs (OIA).
The annual student activity included representation from seven regions and dozens of countries from around the world like Brazil, Turkey, and Nepal.
The OIA Executive Director, Dr. Jewell Winn said it was a great time for students to showcase their heritage through their international dishes.
“To see so many people come out, it warmed my heart,” Winn said. “They were very proud to be able to share their culture.”
This festival was also an opportunity for local businesses and artisans to showcase their products.
TSU alumna Martha Lupai roasting Ethiopian coffee beans during the food festival. (Photo by Dylan Tate)
TSU alumna Martha Lupai of Ethiopia, has a business in Nashville’s local Farmers Market. During the event Lupai had made Ethiopia coffee from scratch to share.
“Food brings people together,” Lupai said. “It’s my duty as a student of TSU to share my culture. I love sharing my culture with food, clothes, and products. That is my passion in life to connect people to their roots.”
Aziz Alqari, a TSU master’s student from Saudi Arabia shared the same sentiment.
“We have a lot of international students from all over the world at TSU,” Alqari said. “So, I think it is a chance to see the variety in our school.”
More than 150 students and staff members visited booths during the 2023 International Food Festival and Cultural Exchange event.
Alqari, who is receiving his MBA in supply chain logistics, said he enjoyed everyone tasting the middle eastern cuisines.
“Everyone had a good time. I made a lot of friends and tasted a lot of different food.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands marched through the doors of the Grand Ole Opry with Tiger spirit for their historic debut in front of thousands.
TSU’s Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands debut at the Grand Ole Opry April 4, 2023. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Fondly referred to as AOB, the band has had many firsts, with appearances across country at several iconic venues.
Now, the trailblazing band can add to its list of ‘first to do it’ following their debut at the Grand Ole Opry on April 4.
“Being at Opry tonight as an HBCU band … this opportunity is breathtaking,” said AOB’s director Dr. Reginald McDonald. “To be a band of firsts, we are excited. This is another opportunity for our students to learn beyond the classroom.”
TSU Sophisticated Ladies debut at the Grand Ole Opry. (Photo by Jenai Hayes)
There were about 80 band members and five Sophisticated Ladies that participated in the 12-minute performance.
“It feels so good to be here,” said Joshua Knox, an AOB drum major from Detroit, Michigan. “Being able to perform at this historic stage makes everything so great being here with my fellow band members.”
AOB performed two songs off their Grammy-award winning album The Urban Hymnal. The band performed Dance Revival and Blessings on Blessings with soulful sounds from the Grammy-award winning duo Louis York, who is featured on the song, along with TSU alumna Ashley “FluteBae” Crawford.
Joshua Knox
TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands is the first collegiate marching band to win a Grammy, the music industry’s highest honor for Best Roots Gospel Album.
Aimee Rollins, a freshman from Atlanta who plays the clarinet, said the overall experience was another one for the books. “Every time we perform it is a great time,” Rollins said, noting that the crowd’s energy was lively. “When they come and experience something new, introducing them to a new world of music they didn’t know about before .. with a lot of TSU people in the crowd hyping us up, I really did appreciate it.”
Aimee Rollins
Louis York singer and music producer Claude Kelly, described the experience of performing with AOB at the Grand Ole Opry as ‘next level history.’
Check out the Aristocrat of Bands debut at the Grand Ole Opry here. Listen to The Urban Hymnal album on all music streaming platforms such as Apple Music, YouTube, and or Spotify.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Over 100 TSU graduate and undergraduate students presented their groundbreaking research during the Tennessee State University 45th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium. With cash prizes ranging from $50-250, students delivered thought-provoking insights on a wide range of research topics, including the use of essential oils on strawberries, and analyzing estrogen receptor response to breast cancer cells.
J’la Jenkins, a second year public health masters student, speaks with another student about her research on promoting cancer health equity. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
The symposium, which is largely composed of presentations from the science, engineering, business, and humanities disciplines, was a week-long event sponsored by TSU’s Division of Research and Sponsored Programs. The symposium featured research and studies conducted by faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students. There were over 20 oral and poster presentation winners placing in first, second and third during the symposium award ceremony.
“The research symposium continues to be a cornerstone for showcasing Tennessee State University’s student and faculty research talent,” said Associate Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs Dr. Quincy Quick.
“The Division of Research and Sponsored Programs is always excited and overjoyed to support and sponsor this annual event across the university and look forward to the novel and innovative contributions presented.”
Pallavi Rathore, a second-year masters student, speaks with another student about her poster presentation during the university-wide research symposium. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Students were judged on originality, organization, presentation, knowledge and overall.
Pallavi Rathore, a second-year masters student studying plant sciences, won 1st place for poster presentation in the “graduate agriculture,” interdisciplinary category.
“It was really nice winning an award,” Rathore of India, said. “It was a boost of confidence, and the first award I’ve ever won at the University.” Rathore research was a study on root system architecture traits, with the goal bringing new plants into the world to fight climate change. Rathore said she looks forward to receiving her PhD after graduation, studying plant molecular biology.
Anarra Williams
This year’s symposium theme is “Ascending to New Heights,” something that Anarra Williams did as she achieved a new level of success by winning first place for the undergraduate oral presentation interdisciplinary category. Williams is a senior from Ohio, studying food and nutritional science with a minor in English. Her research was related to ‘reversing the entrepreneurial curse: Assessing issues faced as a self-employed juicing business owner.’
Williams owns her own juicing business, “A Dose of Wholesomeness.”
During the award ceremony, Williams was shocked about winning first place within her category. “As a senior, it is good to know they were interested enough to present me with first place … I am lost for words,” she said. “You never know where these competitions will take you.” Williams will be attending Virginia Tech for her master’s to pursue a career as a food chemist.
Keynote speaker TSU alumna Dr. Maria Thompson being awarded a gift on behave of the Research and Sponsored Program, presented by the program’s chair, Reginald Cannon. (Photo by Celeste M. Brown)
Keynote speaker for the closing event was TSU alumna Dr. Maria Thompson, who is the former president of Coppin State University and previously served as the vice president of Research and Sponsored Program at TSU. Thompson gave a heartfelt speech about how she started her research as a freshman at TSU, not knowing its longevity within her professional career.
“Research can be a foundation for your career, but also an approach to your whole life,” Thompson said.
Thompson expressed how proud she is of the students and their research.
“The whole world is before them,” Thompson told the University. “Once they have their foundational education and their research experience here at Tennessee State University, there is no door they can’t open, there is no experience they can’t create.”
Thompson was then awarded a gift on behave of the Research and Sponsored Program, presented by the program’s chair, Reginald Cannon. Cannon noted that the 45th Research Symposium is a chance to bring the internal research community together. “It is excellence to showcase how well our students are doing.”
