TSU builds on reputation as a Leading Land-Grant university with $63 Million Investment

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is proud to announce its continued commitment as a leading land-grant institution with plans to expand its physical footprint through the construction of two new College of Agriculture buildings.

The Tennessee State Building Commission (SBC) has approved the design phase for a Food and Animal Science building and an Environmental Science building, with a total investment of $63 million and a combined square footage of 110,000. The upcoming project is a combination of federal and state funding to the university.

Rendering of one of the two new College of Agriculture buildings at Tennessee State University, slated for completion in August 2026.

The SBCs decision coincided with the first day on the job for Dwayne Tucker as TSU’s new interim president. Interim President Tucker expressed gratitude to the commission for its approval and highlighted the importance of collaboration with the State on future capital projects.

“I am excited, on my first day, to see two new buildings approved for the University by the State Building Commission,” says Tucker. “These buildings symbolize the future growth of the University in spite of our current fiscal situation. Today’s actions also demonstrate the State government’s continued trust in TSU and ongoing support of our future. It also marks the beginning of our journey to enhance educational offerings and research capabilities with these state-of-the-art buildings.

The new buildings will feature at least 35 faculty offices, 23 research labs, 17 teaching labs, a multipurpose room, and four classrooms. These facilities are designed to foster a unique connection between research and instruction, supporting TSU’s mission to advance agricultural sciences.

Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture stated the decision marked a good day for the university and the college.

Dr. Chandra Reddy

“This is a great opportunity for TSU and our students,” Dean Reddy said. “From a teaching perspective, we will have the most modern teaching labs there. Agriculture is a very skill-based profession, not just a theoretical one, so the teaching labs will help us to provide experiential learning for students. Research wise these buildings will accommodate One Health Center, Precision Agriculture Center, Soil Health Center, and a Water Management Center.”

The expected move-in date for the new buildings is August 2026. They will be the largest on the campus and will feature a lower level along with a first and second floor and feature research laboratories, teaching laboratories, laboratory support facilities, lecture halls, classrooms, offices, collective workspace and support facilities. The SBC also approved TSU’s Organic Agriculture Building from the consent agenda.

Alexis Clark contributed to this article.