NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Dr. Carolyn Baldwin Tucker, a two-time Tennessee State University graduate, had a special moment last night when she pinned her grandson, Josiah Jones, as he begins his journey as a legacy student at TSU this semester. Tucker, an author and retired Davidson County council member, received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from TSU and sees her grandson’s enrollment as a continuation of their family legacy. Tucker’s husband and two children are graduates of TSU.
Dr. Carolyn Baldwin Tucker ’69, pins her grandson Josiah Jones, as her husband, Jesse F. Tucker ’70, and daughter, Attorney Susan Tucker Jones ’96 ’97, look on. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“Tennessee State University provided me the means to achieve the things that I have achieved,” Tucker said. “I came here in 1965 as a freshman. TSU laid the foundation for me, and I am glad that my grandson is here to continue that legacy.”
Josiah Jones, a business administration major, and his grandmother, participated in the TSU Legacy Pinning Ceremony, organized by the Office of First-Year Students. The ceremony honored students with immediate family members who are TSU graduates.
TSU President Glenda Glover, along with Chief Operating Officer Jason T. Evans, and Debbi Howard, director of Alumni Relations, were among the officials who spoke at the event.
President Glover greets students and family members at the Legacy Pinning Ceremony, as Dr. Tasha Carson, Assistant Vice President of First-Year Students, looks on. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“It is a privilege to greet you on this occasion set aside to honor our legacies,” Glover said. “We pay tribute to those who attended TSU and those who had the thought to send their sons and daughters back to TSU. They have carried the spirit of Tennessee State in their hearts and kept it and passed it down to their children. When a family leaves a legacy, it means giving something back that will be valued, treasured for the next generation, those coming behind us.”
During the ceremony, TSU’s legacy students took part in the reading of the Legacy Creed, pledging to uphold the legacy of those who came before them and maintain the scholastic standards and mission of ‘Think, Work, Serve.’ They also vowed to forge their own path of greatness.
From left, Debbi Howard, Director of Alumni Relations, Jason T. Evans, Chief Operating Officer, and President Glenda Glover applaud participants at the pinning ceremony. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Talia Talley, a health science major from Birmingham, Alabama, expressed her gratitude for her father, Anthony Talley, pinning her as a legacy student. She, along with other speakers at the pinning ceremony, thanked their parents for encouraging them to attend TSU and for passing down the vision and values they gained from their experiences at the university.
“I am truly honored to be a legacy student at TSU,” Talia said. “My father always speaks so highly of his experience at TSU, and it’s wonderful to see his legacy live on. I am grateful for the vision my dad had in encouraging me to attend the same institution that gave him his foundation.”
Talia Talley receives her pin from her father Anthony Talley ‘97. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Dr. Tasha Carson, assistant vice president of First-Year Students, thanked her staff, Student Ambassadors, and the office of Alumni Relations for their help in organizing the pinning ceremony. She recognized Jefferey Thomas on his vision for the Legacy Ceremony, now in its third year.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Aria Obay, an aspiring fashion merchandizing major, has fulfilled her long-time dream of becoming a Big Blue Tiger at Tennessee State University. As a legacy student, following in the footsteps of many family members, including her mother, Obay was part of the first group of students to participate in Freshman Move-in on Monday. The day marked the beginning of an exciting new chapter for incoming students as they checked into their dorm rooms and gained access to key resources such as meal plans, IDs, and parking permits.
Aria Obay, left, and her mother Terri Obay, help the incoming freshman move her belonging in the new residence hall. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
Choosing TSU was an easy decision for Obay, who expressed her fascination with the university and its renowned fashion program.
“Most of my family members went here, and I have an interest in going into fashion. TSU has a great fashion program. So, the decision was easy, besides, I wanted to go to an HBCU,” Obay said.
Deaderick Jones is a TSU alum and the author of the book “Peace Like Never Before.” He dropped off his son, Josiah Jones, at TSU, expressing his happiness that his son is attending the same institution that helped him “break the barrier” as the first in his family to earn a college degree.
Deaderick Jones, left, a TSU graduate and author, drops off his son Josiah Jones on the first day of Freshman Move-in. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
“I grew up here in the project and the first in my family to even think about college,” said Deaderick, whose book is about overcoming the odds. “For me, it was breaking the barrier, and I am making sure I instill that in my son.”
Deaderick’s son, Josiah, a business administration major from Nashville, is coming to TSU on a full scholarship.
Coinciding with the start of Freshman Move-in, August 14-16, TSU President Glenda Glover announced her retirement after 11 years as the first female president of the university. President Glover made the announcement during the annual fall faculty staff institute and later held a press conference with several faculty, staff, alumni, and community members. Reflecting on her accomplishments, which included securing record research funding, doubling the university’s endowment, student success, and infrastructural improvements, President Glover expressed her desire to make a larger impact on the national stage. She emphasized her commitment to addressing vital issues such as protecting access to education and fighting for social justice.
A TSU student moves luggage to helps incoming freshmen settle in their new dorm rooms. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“I am immensely honored to have had the privilege of serving as President of Tennessee State University for the past 11 years. This institution holds a special place in my heart, and it has been a remarkable journey working alongside our dedicated faculty, staff, and students in advancing the mission of TSU,” Glover said.
“I am eternally grateful for the support and accomplishments we have achieved together. As I embark on this new chapter, I remain committed to fighting for access to education and addressing the pressing issues our nation faces. TSU will always hold a special place in my heart, and I have faith that it will continue to thrive and uplift future generations.”
Melanie Curry, a chemistry major, middle, her mother Mary-Annie Curry, and father Dominic Curry, unload Melanie’s belonging at the new residence hall after an early morning ride from Memphis. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
The retirement announcement caught many by surprise, including incoming students and parents who were on campus for drop-offs.
Melanie Curry, an incoming student from Memphis, who encountered the president during visits to TSU, expressed her support for President Glover’s decision.
“It is going to be weird not seeing her around campus. But if she feels this is the best decision for her, I support her regardless,” Curry said.”
A TSU student helps another move their belongings into Wilson Hall during Freshman Move in day. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
TSU officials expressed their gratitude for President Glover’s exceptional leadership while expressing their sadness about her departure. Chief Operating Officer Jason T. Evans, who oversees enrollment management, welcomed the new students and their parents and commended President Glover for her outstanding contributions to the university.
“We warmly welcome all the new students and their families to TSU. We are excited to embark on this journey with you and provide the support you need to excel academically and personally,” Evans said.
There was no shortage of help on Monday as TSU staff, students and alumni jumped in to help move luggage or provide direction as the the new Tigers arrived on campus. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“President Glover has been an exceptional leader, and we commend her for her tireless efforts in advancing TSU. We are sad to see her go, but we are grateful for the foundation she has laid for the university’s future success.”
Frank Stevenson, Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, acknowledged President Glover’s attentive approach to students’ needs, referring to her as a mother figure to the TSU community.
“President Glover’s announcement may have surprised many of us, but her legacy of care and dedication to our students will forever be remembered. She has truly been a motherly figure, always attentive to the needs of our students,” Stevenson said.
“We extend a warm welcome to all the new students joining our TSU family. Know that we are here to support you, guide you, and help you make the most of your college experience.”
Classes for the new academic year at TSU will begin on August 21. Faculty and staff are actively preparing to provide engaging and meaningful learning experiences for the students.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – As Tennessee State University prepares for the new academic year, staff members are embracing a new mindset after participating in an all-day campus-wide customer relations training Wednesday. Led by industry experts and experienced professionals in customer service, the training aimed to better equip staff to serve their clients, specifically students.
President Glenda Glover reminds faculty and staff that customer service is about creating an excellent experience and inclusiveness that honors the TSU brand. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
Isabelle Langham, Sterlin Sanders, and Greg Robinson, who hold key positions at TSU, expressed their appreciation for the timely training and its ability to help them better serve both internal and external customers.
Langham, the Executive Director of Student Success, commented, “This training is important, especially before the start of a new academic year because it helps us define and identify the needs of our customers.”
Sanders, Assistant Chief Information Officer, added, “This training has been transformative. It offered highly beneficial information and practices that will enhance the overall customer service experience at TSU. This training will support the university brand that ‘Excellence is Our Habit’.”
The training provided valuable insights into effective communication strategies and handling inquiries. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
Robinson, the Chief of TSU Police and Assistant Vice President, shared his excitement about the insights provided during the training, stating, “I was very pleased and excited about their reiteration of some of the same things we have talked about at this university from the standpoint of public safety.”
The training, which follows the establishment recently of the Customer Relations Office under the oversight of Chief Operating Officer, retired Army Lt. Gen. Jason Evans, engaged participants in interactive discussions and hands-on activities. It provided valuable insights into effective communication strategies, timely handling of inquiries, personalized support, empowering TSU employees to consistently deliver exceptional customer service.
More than 100 employees from various departments across campus attended the training in the Health Sciences Building. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
At an opening ceremony on the main campus, TSU President Glenda Glover expressed her satisfaction with the participation and commended COO Evans for engaging the services of the industry-leading Moran Consulting firm for the training. President Glover emphasized the significance of customer service in the higher education setting, noting that students are not just customers but also the products of the institution.
“We are happy that these experts are here to work with us and carry us through this process as we become better communicators and better customer relations individuals. Customer service and customer relations are more than just answering the phone, listening to complaints, and solving problems. It is about creating an excellent experience and inclusiveness that honors the TSU brand.”
Jessica Powell is the new Assistant Vice President for Customer Relations.
COO Evans added, “My hope is that this will be the beginning of an ongoing initiative to have the highest level of customer service for our students, faculty, and staff.”
Jessica Powell, Assistant Vice President of Customer Relations, expressed her hopes that the training offered concrete steps for employees to interact with customers at the highest level, both internally and externally. Over 100 employees from various departments across the campus attended the training, demonstrating a commitment to providing exceptional customer service to the TSU community.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The TSU Customer Relations Office is up and running, and recently held a campus-wide training session. The newly established office’s primary goal is to provide exceptional service and support to students, faculty, staff, and other key stakeholders. Customer Relations is led by Assistant Vice President Jessica Powell, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role.
Jessica Powell, Assistant Vice President of Customer Relations
“I am excited about leading this department,” said Powell, who has a long line of family members who attended TSU.
“In addition to having the professional background that is going to be needed to make meaningful changes, this job is also deeply personal for me. Every day, I’m coming in to make improvements on a university that means so much to the family members I love and working to make changes to better the university so that it can continue to have a positive impact on students for years to come.”
Working with Powell in the Customer Relations Office are Dr. Seneca McPhee, assistant director, and Ciera Walker, customer relations coordinator.
Dr. Seneca McPhee, Assistant Director of Customer Relations
Shaun Wimberly, Student Trustee, spoke highly of the initiative and highlighted its potential impact on the student body.
“As a student, I believe that the establishment of the Customer Relations Office will greatly contribute to student success and satisfaction,” he said. “It demonstrates TSU’s commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of its students.”
Frank Stevenson, Vice President for Student Affairs, described the opening of the Customer Relations Offices as a “gamechanger.”
“The Customer Relations Office aligns perfectly with our mission to provide comprehensive support services that foster student success and personal growth. By centralizing and streamlining communication efforts, we are better equipped to address the diverse needs of our students and ensure their overall well-being throughout their academic journey at TSU.”
Ciera Walker, Coordinator of Customer Relations
The university’s new Chief Operating Officer, retired Army Lt. Gen. Jason Evans, who provides oversight for customer relations, expressed his enthusiasm for the establishment of the office.
“Regardless of whether we are public servants or in the military, or as servants of the state, we are serving someone. That someone is our customers, our customers are the students primarily, and we also have other key stakeholders,” Evans said.
The Customer Relations Office is in the Floyd-Payne Campus Center on the main TSU campus.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is pleased to announce retired Army Lieutenant Gen. Jason T. Evans as the institution’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). In his role as COO, Evans will provide strategic leadership and oversight for enrollment management, the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the newly established Customer Relations Office, and the TSU Police. Evans was introduced to the TSU campus community during the 2023 Fall Faculty Staff Institute.
Retired Lt. Gen. Jason T. Evans led complex organizations at every level of the U.S. Army in his 40 years of military service. (Photon by Aaron Grayson)
“The Chief Operating Officer and Customer Relations Office are both new to TSU and will play vital roles in helping to enhance the delivery of services to our students and their families,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
“Gen. Evans’ commitment to excellence and his expertise are ideal for this role, as I look to him to strengthen TSU’s enrollment management process, advance our IT infrastructure, and implement customer relations.”
With a distinguished military career that spanned four decades, Evans brings a wealth of command and staff leadership experience to TSU. He has held various senior executive positions that include leading complex organizations at every level of the United States Army. This culminated with his selection as the Army’s first Deputy Chief of Staff, G9 (Instillations) where he was responsible for providing the best military advice to Army Senior Leadership for budget management of an $18 billion portfolio, policy, and regulatory guidance for 141 camps, posts, and stations Army-wide.
“I am deeply committed to advancing the university’s strategic initiatives and finding innovative solutions to the challenges we face in enrollment management, technology, customer relations, and the university police. I look forward to working with the dedicated professionals at TSU to provide a world-class educational experience for our students and contribute to the continued success of the university.”
As the COO, Evans will work closely with senior university administrators, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to streamline and optimize enrollment management, enhance the university’s IT capabilities, and cultivate positive and lasting relationships with students, parents, and community members.
” I feel honored to have the privilege and opportunity to serve such a storied institution of excellence. I see this as a similar opportunity I had in the Army, enabling an institution for young people to be successful,” Evans said.
A native of Baltimore, Evans was born into the military life. His father spent 30 years in the Air Force. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s degrees in business administration and national resource strategy. The decorated veteran holds many awards and accolades, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Parachutist Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.
Evans and his wife, Machelle, of 39 years, are the parents of three adult children and four grandchildren.
The COO’s office is located in the Floyd-Payne Campus Center on the main campus.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Chandler Cotton, a Tennessee State University junior biology major, has been selected as one of only five students nationwide to receive the prestigious 2024 Jordan Smith Undergraduate Student Fellowship Award. This highly competitive fellowship program aims to enhance the leadership skills and knowledge base of undergraduate students, empowering them to promote and cultivate first-year student development on their respective campuses.
Out of hundreds of undergraduate student nominations, Chandler, who is from Tulsa, Oklahoma, emerged as the sole recipient from a Historically Black College or University. He will receive his award at the 43rd National Conference on The First Year Experience, scheduled to be held in Seattle, Washington, in February 2024. As an award recipient, Chandler will have the opportunity to attend the conference, where he will meet and collaborate with faculty, staff, and students dedicated to serving first-year students. The fellowship award covers travel and hotel accommodations, as well as conference registration.
At TSU, Chandler has consistently demonstrated his commitment to supporting and advocating for first-year students. He has served as a stellar Tiger PAL (Peer Advocate Leader) mentor, a University Ambassador, and a student advisor and charter member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society for First-Year Students. Most recently, he was elected by the student body to serve as the Representative at Large for First-Year Students in the Student Government Association.
Chandler’s exceptional achievements and dedication to student success was recognized by Dr. Tasha A. Carson, assistant vice president of First-Year Students, who nominated him for the award.
“Receiving this award is truly an honor, not only for my collegiate journey but also for my future career as a pediatrician,” Cotton said. “I am grateful to Dr. Carson for her recommendation and for igniting a passion in me for the first-year experience. As a reserved freshman, I have grown through my involvement and experiences, and I appreciate the opportunity to enhance my leadership skills through this prestigious award.”
Dr. Carson, thrilled with Cotton’s selection, expressed her pride and admiration for his accomplishments, stating, “I was very happy to nominate Chandler for this award and I’m really proud that he was selected,” Carson said. “He has remained a continuous support and advocate for first-year students through various roles.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – New faces and enhanced spaces will kick off the new academic year at Tennessee State University. Freshman move-in, a highly anticipated event, will take place over three days from August 14-16. Returning students will arrive later that week. As students unpack and prepare to focus on their academics for the next nine months, a registration assistance one-stop will be available to help them with essential resources.
Floyd-Payne Campus Center floors have been remolded and new seating will be installed for the upcoming fall semester.
TSU President Glenda Glover says helping students transaction from summer at home to college life is important. She will be there to welcome the new and returning Tigers.
“We are excited to welcome all of our students to the new academic year. TSU is a place of knowledge, growth, and opportunity whether you are a first-time freshman, transfer student or returning student. Our goal is to continue providing our students an environment that promotes academic excellence, personal development, and community engagement,” says President Glover.
Chief Operating Officer, Jason T. Evans, who oversees enrollment management and student success, also shares his excitement for the return of students for the fall semester.
“At TSU, we are dedicated to providing first-class support that enables our students to excel,” says Evans, the retired Army Lieutenant General, who joined the university recently. “We believe in nurturing students’ talents and equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in their chosen fields. Together, we will build a strong foundation for their future success.”
The Harold Love Student Success is undergoing new ceiling renovations in preparation for the upcoming fall 2023 semester.
Prior to embarking on their academic journey, prospective students and their parents participated in orientation programs offered on campus from May through June, with a final session on August 15. These programs provided an opportunity for families to familiarize themselves with TSU’s academic offerings, campus resources, and vibrant campus life. The university ensured that students and parents gained a comprehensive understanding of the university’s values and the support systems available to help them thrive.
Students will also see physical upgrades and enhancements to several buildings including student dining services and academic buildings that will feature new technology and other amenities. Over the summer, the student cafeteria received a major makeover, while academic buildings had upgrades ranging redesigned from lecture rooms, new roofs, to new seating for the Forum and Poag auditorium.
Vice President for Student Affairs, Frank Stevenson, highlights the university’s commitment to student success, stating, “TSU is focused on fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment that promotes holistic development. We are dedicated to offering a transformative educational experience that empowers our students to become leaders in their communities and beyond.”
Classes for the new academic year will begin August 21, with TSU faculty and staff eagerly preparing to provide engaging and meaningful learning experiences.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – College lab classes should come easy for a group of incoming freshmen who recently attended Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture Summer Enrichment Program. The 23 students, with different majors, conducted real-world scientific and cutting-edge research during the four-week program. Activities included several laboratory and field experiments. The last day culminated with a closing ceremony where the students presented their finished works as scientific papers.
Jai’Da Le’Nae Seafous was one of four program participants awarded full scholarships to attend TSU. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Jai’Da Le’Nae Seafous, a senior from Summer Creek High School in Houston, expressed her excitement about attending TSU, saying that the program further fueled her passion for the university. Her research project focused on extracting fecal and different blood samples from goats to check for parasites.
“The program most definitely made my decision much easier to major in animal science,” Seafous said. “The hands-on experience was so helpful.”
Seafous was one of four program participants awarded full scholarships to attend TSU starting this fall.
Another high school senior, Christopher Dewanye McKay Jr., from Ridgeway High School in Memphis, conducted research on genetics and DNA, stating that he discovered many things he didn’t previously know about plants.
Christopher Dewanye McKay Jr., received insights in plant science during his research on genetics and DNA. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“When I got here, I really didn’t know much about plant science. I was just looking for something to do,” said McKay, who wants to major in computer science. “But I am glad I did. Now I have a whole different appreciation for agriculture.”
Dr. Chanra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture, emphasized that the program, which has been held each summer for more than 10 years, provides students with exposure to different opportunities within the agricultural sector. He also highlighted the program’s success, with approximately 85 percent of participants choosing to continue their education at TSU.
“We are very happy about the success rate of the program. This teaches them about the STEM opportunities in the college,” Reddy said.
Dr. De’Etra Young, Program Coordinator, assists a group,p of students with their presentation at the closing ceremony. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Dr. De’Etra Young, program coordinator, explained that students had the chance to work on various subjects, ranging from food and animal science to genetics, forestry, GIS, precision agriculture, nutrition, and child development.
“We tried to expose the students to the whole offerings in the College of Agriculture,” said Young, who is associate dean for academics and Land-Grant programs. “This provides exposure but also gives us the opportunity to serve as a bridge to help them prepare for college.”
A cross section of family members, faculty and staff attend the student presentation in the AITC on the main campus. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
The Summer Enrichment Program was funded through a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program accepts high school sophomores through seniors and incoming college freshmen from across the country. This summer’s participants were from Tennessee, Mississippi, New York, Texas and Georgia.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University and Amazon have partnered to provide the company’s hourly employees an opportunity to take college courses as a part of the Career Choice tuition assistance program. Career Choice is part of Amazon’s $1.2 billion commitment to upskill more than 300,000 employees by 2025. The program offers opportunities for employees to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees or certificates for specialized training. TSU joins the growing list of historically black college and university (HBCUs) nationwide participating in the program and is the only one in Tennessee in the Career Choice network.
President Glenda Glover
“We are pleased that our existing relationship with Amazon has grown into this new partnership where Tennessee State University will train and educate hundreds of Amazon’s employees through the Career Choice initiative to help enhance job skills and advance their careers,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
“TSU has the resources for Amazon employees to flourish and complete any of our academic programs with dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to seeing them succeed and graduate.”
Beginning this fall, Amazon will pre-pay tuition for employees to pursue courses – online or in person – from bachelor’s degrees to certifications at TSU that lead to in-demand jobs. The company accounts for nearly 30,000 employees in Tennessee, with several fulfillment centers. A new downtown office is expected to bring more than 5,000 tech and corporate jobs to Nashville.
“We’re looking forward to Tennessee State University coming on board as an education partner for Career Choice, adding to the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees,” said Tammy Thieman, Global Program Director of Amazon’s Career Choice program.
“We’re committed to empowering our employees by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether that’s with us or elsewhere. We have intentionally created a partner network of third-party educators and employers committed to providing excellent education, job placement resources, and continuous improvements to the experience. Today, over 130,00 Amazon employees around the world have participated in Career Choice and we’ve seen first-hand how it can transform their lives.”
Dr. Verontae L. Deams, with TSU’s Enrollment Management, said the new partnership is part of the University’s commitment to helping companies build their workforce and provide opportunities for professional growth and development.
“With this partnership, Amazon employees will have access to a range of educational programs designed to help them acquire new skills, enhance their existing skill set, and place them on the track of upward mobility through higher education,” said Deams, who serves as assistant vice president and university registrar.
“Whether an Amazon employee is enrolling as a first-time freshman or transfer student, TSU is here to help that individual obtain an undergraduate degree or certification. We are committed to all of our students from application to graduation.”
Since launching in 2012, Amazon Career Choice has connected with hundreds of schools across 14 countries to assist with its employees’ future career success. To date, more than 130,000 Amazon employees have participated in Career Choice.
LoLita Toney, TSU’s assistant vice president of Institutional Advancement, serves as the liaison for the partnership with Amazon. She said the Career Choice benefit addresses the barrier of cost that many students face in their pursuit of a college degree.
“We’re honored Amazon selected TSU as a partner,” she said. “Together, TSU and Amazon are providing educational opportunities that will have a lasting positive impact on individuals and their families. We’re excited about the collaboration and look forward to welcoming Amazon associates to Big Blue.”
Amazon employees interested in Career Choice should visit the company’s designated portal and complete a TSU application as well.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Two Tennessee State University graduate students have been selected for the Tennessee Hospital Association’s (THA) Agenda 21 Internship Program. J’la Jenkins, and Bege Mallam, both public health majors, were among 12 students from schools across the country who participated in a 12-week, paid supervised learning experience for qualified graduate students in healthcare administration or a related field.
A native of Alabama, Jenkins, who is pursuing her master’s degree in public health, will intern at Vanderbilt Medical Center, while Mallam, who is from Nigeria, and also pursuing his master’s degree in public health, will intern at West Tennessee Healthcare in Jackson, Tennessee.
Jenkins was not immediately available to comment on her selection, but Mallam said he is grateful to TSU for the support he has received and honored to be one of only 12 selected to be a part of the prestigious THA internship program.
“I’m humbled to be able to explore the opportunities in healthcare and to experience the practice of what we learn in class,” Mallam said. “Thank you for the recognition, and here’s to illuminating a path toward a brighter future in healthcare!”
Mallam said his long-term goal is to engage in medical outreach and health interventions among marginalized communities. TSU College of Health Sciences Dean Ronald Barredo said the public health program continues to produce quality students who will go on to excel in the field because of opportunities like this provided by THA.
“We are extremely proud of the selection of J’la Jenkins and Bege Mallam for the Tennessee Hospital Association’s Agenda 21 Internship Program,” said Dr. Barredo. “Their selection embodies not only the mission of the College of Health Sciences in preparing tomorrow’s healthcare leaders, but also — and more importantly — the institution’s motto of Think, Work, Serve.”
Dr. Wendelyn Inman is interim director of the TSU public health program. She said she is extremely proud of Jenkins and Mallam.
“Tennessee State University is noted for producing outstanding leaders,” Inman said. “With the training Jenkins and Mallam are getting from TSU, combined with their experience from the Tennessee Hospital Association’s Agenda 21 Internship Program, they get to step into leadership roles.”
Designed to increase diversity in hospital executive leadership, the Agenda 21 Internship Program provides selected candidates with additional exposure, knowledge and skills, that prepare them for a successful career in the healthcare industry. Through close work with administrators and staff, Jenkins and Mallam will gain hands-on experience as part of their hospitals’ leadership teams.
“The Agenda 21 Internship Program has operated for 28 years with the mission of providing learning opportunities in Tennessee hospitals for students who are from minority and under-represented groups in hospital executive leadership.” said Karizma Whitfield, Agenda 21 program manager at THA.
Applications for the Agenda 21 Internship Program are accepted in the fall semester each year and students are placed the following spring with THA member hospitals for their summer internships. Learn more about the Agenda 21 Internship Program at https://tha.com/focus-areas/agenda-21-internship-program/.
