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.
Glover, a 1974 TSU graduate, was appointed president by the TN Board of Regents in 2013.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Saying she was surrounded by 1,000 of her closest friends, Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover announced earlier that she will retire following the 2023-2024 academic year. Glover first shared her plans during the annual TSU Faculty Staff Institute that marks the beginning of the new academic year. She later shared that same news during a press conference.
“After almost 11 years and having reached nearly every objective and goal I set for myself and TSU, as the leader of this great institution, my beloved alma mater, I stand before you to announce my retirement as President of Tennessee State University, at the end of the spring semester 2024. It was a decision that did not come too easily, and it was not made lightly. My voice is needed now on a more national platform.”
President Glenda Glover announces that she will retire following the 2023-2024 academic year during a press conference at TSU.
Those goals and objects were prominently displayed behind her as she spoke to a crowded room of TSU supporters and reporters. SGA President Derrell Taylor, a Memphis native like President Glover, said it is disheartening moment but exciting at the same time to reflect on all the great things she has accomplished and all the ways she continues to lead the University into excellence.
“I believed that every time TSU had a major accomplishment, we just began to work on the next one or improved more and I appreciate that and believe that is what it takes in a leader,” said Taylor, a business major.
“Dr. Glover has led this institution to understand how to compete globally. Ultimately, I’m disappointed that as students we are uncertain of what the future holds, but I’m very confident that she will do an excellence job in making the transition as smooth as possible to benefit students.”
Having led the institution for over a decade, President Glover said it was more than a full circle moment to serve as president of her alma mater.
83rd SGA president Derrell Taylor, Chrishonda O’Quinn, SGA vice president, Victoria McCrae, Miss TSU, Davin Latiker, Mister TSU, student trustee on the board of trustee, Shaun Wimberly, hugs President Glenda Glover after announcing Monday that she will retire following the 2023-2024 academic year.
“Serving as President of Tennessee State University has been the honor of a lifetime. Words cannot express the emotions I have as I stand before you this morning. TSU prepared me for every accomplishment I have achieved throughout my career. This is where I got my start, where the seeds of excellence were sown for a young teenager from south Memphis who aspired to change the world.”
Known as the national expert and leader for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Glover has guided TSU through a decade of excellence while overcoming challenges and celebrating significant milestones and accomplishments. This includes using her influence to bring national figures to the TSU campus.
“We have elevated the brand, the reputation, and the legacy; and ensured that TSU is on a nationwide platform by increasing the national visibility of this university. TSU is being discussed in rooms where it has never been discussed before. This recognition helped us recruit even more students, not only from Tennessee but from around the country.”
President Glover’s accomplishments are a source of pride for TSU alumni.
TSU President Glenda Glover with college deans, board of trustee members, faculty, after the annual Faculty Staff Institute
“Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover serves her alma mater with tenacity,” said Charles Galbreath, president of the Tennessee State University National Alumni Association.
“For over a decade, Dr. Glover has successfully positioned, protected, and promoted Tennessee State University on international platforms. I am encouraged to see a daughter of the Civil Rights Movement wield the wisdom and power of that era, fighting the good fight for today’s injustices. I admire Dr. Glover’s grace under pressure and her humility when praised. Dr. Glenda Glover is a global trailblazer, and her influence will live for generations to come at our beloved alma mater.”
In her announcements, she thanked students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders for their support.
“I am merely retiring from the presidency of Tennessee State University. Wherever my door may be, it will always remain open to the students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and the Nashville community. I will continue to advance educational opportunities, ensuring fairness, equity, and justice for African Americans and people of color, women, and those often left behind.”
Shaun Wimberly, the student representative to the TSU Board Trustees, commented that it is Glover’s leadership and focus on helping others that he will always remember.
“Our president has served my beloved school and its surrounding community diligently for over a decade. To myself and to many she is the definition of a servant leader. It’s bittersweet to see her go, but it is even more exciting to see where her path may lead next. I couldn’t have picked a better time to come to TSU. Thank you, President Glover.”
President Glover graduated from TSU in 1974 and went on to have a stellar career in the corporate sector and higher education. She is one of a few women to hold the CPA, Ph.D., JD combination.
President Glenda Glover Decade of Accomplishments at TSU
Moved TSU Moved TSU into the R2-high research category, one of only 11 HBCU in R2 category
Expanded internships and permanent placement for students
Established essential new degree programs at undergraduate and graduate levels
More than doubled TSU endowments from $45 million to over $100 million
Significantly increased grant funding with all-time high of over $100 million in 2023
Increased the national visibility of TSU
Noted as the national HBCU leader among and others in higher education
Implemented plan to move TSU from R2 to R1, the highest research category offered
First HBCU to establish a national technology and innovation center
Established the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr Institute and Accelerated medical program with Meharry Medical College
First student-operated physical therapy and occupational therapy clinic
#1 HBCU forensic and debate champions for three consecutive years
Record corporate partnership and million-dollar donations
Aristocrat of Bands first collegiate marching band to win a Grammy
Fall 2022 Largest Freshmen Enrollment among HBCUs
2022 OVC Volleyball Championship
Successful $1 Million in One Month Campaign
Successfully led TSU through the COVID pandemic, tornado recovery, and other crisis moments
Implemented comprehensive campus safety plan, including the installation of fencing
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) –Within the Men’s Initiative Graduation Acceleration Program (G.A.P.), a bond was forged between Tennessee State University students and their dedicated advisors.
These advisors are more than mentors; they became father figures to students like Dwight DeBerry II, a TSU junior hailing from Memphis who holds the title of Mister Junior for the upcoming school year. Reflecting on his journey, DeBerry revealed that he had participated in the program last year and experienced firsthand how it guided students through the maze of life’s challenges.
The 5-week Men’s Initiative Graduation Acceleration Program welcomed a cohort of 22 young male students this summer. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University.)
Now DeBerry has stepped into a leadership role as one of five lead student mentors in the program.
“It’s more than a blessing to have three father figures (the advisors) at all times to guide you through whatever you’re going through at school,” he said. “I appreciate the men’s initiative program because I came from humble beginnings. I never envisioned the man that I am becoming today.”
The 5-week summer program welcomed a cohort of 22 young male students this summer. The participants engage in profound conversations about personal growth, responsibility, integrity, and learning how to navigate life while honing in on their conflict resolution abilities.
Dr. Andre Bean
Heading the Men’s Initiative are program coordinators Martez Safold, Walter Dirl, and Dr. Andre Bean, accompanied by their newest advisor, DeSean Keys. Bean, who is the director of the Men’s Initiative, said the program offers a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire its participants. “The program also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary learning, encouraging participants to make connections across different fields of study,” Bean said. “Through a comprehensive curriculum, community engagement, and mentorship opportunities, the program aims to empower young men to reach their full potential. With each passing year, the program continues to empower and inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Understanding the significance of financial well-being, the G.A.P. program also emphasized financial literacy. The participants were equipped with practical skills during week one to manage their finances effectively.
TSU junior Emmanuel Strickland who is a current first-time member, said so far the program has instilled the importance of budgeting, saving and setting a strong foundation for their financial future.
TSU junior Emmanuel Strickland, right. who is a current member of the G.A.P noted that he looks forward to being a program mentor next year.
Strickland, also known as “Mille Manny” said he appreciate how knowledgeable the first week has been related to his endeavors. Strickland of Memphis, is studying business information systems and is pursuing a career as a singer and songwriter. “The first week has already shown me how to have long term success,” Strickland said. “As young Black men, we need this. It’s important for TSU to have a program like this,” he continue. “This is a small step into creating generational wealth.” Strickland also noted that he looks forward to being a program mentor next year.
“I’d love to keep adding value to this program.”
The Men’s Initiative Graduation Acceleration Program launched in 2019 and since then has shaped many alumnus throughout their college years. The program has also set alums on a path towards success, with support of their advisors, mentors, and cherished memories.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Ramona Crawford of Nashville, is a 1978 TSU graduate who told the University that she recently started making her own organic juices at home to live a healthier, nutritious lifestyle. Now, along with her juices, Crawford will be creating new and easy recipes after receiving free produce and observing food demonstrations during TSU’s SNAP-Ed program F.R.E.S.H. Fair community event.
TSU alumnus Reggie Marshall hands TSU senior, Zahria Austin a mint beverage with ingredients picked from his local farm.
“A lot of people, when they get older, they need to eat healthy nutrients to have a long life style,” Crawford said. “I came because I wanted to sample the vegetables and the pinto bean salad. I liked it, and I will try to make it at home myself.”
Crawford was one of more than 60 community attendees for the first ever F.R.E.S.H. Fair to cultivate a healthier, more connected community.
On July 15, program hosts, vendors and volunteers arrived early to set up their abundance of produce, resources and cooking demonstrations. Tennessee State University dedicated the morning to continuing its commitment to fill the gap in its North Nashville community categorized as a grocery store desert.
Free produce was given out to community goers who attended the F.R.E.S.H event hosted by the SNAP-Ed program.
Hosted by the SNAP-Ed program, the event took place at Friendship Missionary Baptist church.
The event also brought awareness to the University’s efforts in fighting food insecurity and free available resources. Something that TSU senior, Zahria Austin, said she was grateful to be a part of. Austin, who is a family consumer science major, volunteered for the event. “I assisted making food demonstrations and teaching everyone the importance of nutritional snacks they can make,” Austin said. “It was a great turn out and a lot of people tried different samples.”
In addition to the recent event, Austin had been teaching nutritional classes to lower income residents and local homeless shelter residents.
“I wanted to spread the love and help out the community.”
SNAP-Ed program agent demonstrates how to make a quick and easy, affordable vegetable recipe.
One of the many demonstrations began with the art of making homemade hummus. A member of the SNAP-Ed program whipped together chickpeas, lemon juice, and an array of ingredients in a blender to show the crowd the simplicity of the process.
They learned quick and easy, healthy recipes that could be made without cooking and were then given a bag full of ingredients to make the recipes at home. From hummus, to black bean dip to hearty vegetable salad, participants said they enjoyed the samples and demonstrations.
TSU alumnus Reggie Marshall, a farmer from West Tennessee, supported the event as one of the five vendors.
He provided bell peppers, 15 varieties of herbs, freshly made lemon zucchini bread and mint tea. All the ingredients were picked right from his own farm, Reggie Veggie Farm in Antioch.
SNAP-Ed program agents demonstrate how to make homemade hummus during the community event.
“I’ve been given so much in life and this is a small token of appreciation and gratitude,” Marshall said about attending his alma maters event. He noted that he wanted to educate the community on different herbs to elevate meals rather than just using salt and sugar. “Try something new,” he told the participants.
“We become creatures of habit. Nothing taste as good as healthy feels.”
Through the ongoing efforts, program host continued to inspire individuals of all ages, proving that healthy eating was not only possible but also a joyful and enriching experience.
TSU SNAP-Ed Agent Angela Settles said the goal was to create and develop incentives for the community during the event with impact on parents, first-time parents, and children.
Director of community outreach Rita Fleming, left and SNAP-Ed Agent Angela Settles shows ingredients to the community during a food demonstrations at the F.R.E.S.H fair.
TSU Director of community outreach, Rita Fleming, said the event did just that.
“Today was an opportunity to meet people where they are and give them an idea of what we do for nutrition education,” Fleming said. “We made great connections today.”
ABOUT TSU F.R.E.S.H. Fair
The fair was presented through a collaborative effort by the University’s SNAP-Education and the Family Consumer Science Programs.
The fair had five vendors present:
Dr. Arvazena Clardy (Associate Professor of Horticulture and Extension Specialist/ TSU Community Garden)
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) – It was lights, camera, action as Tennessee State University was the site for an upcoming national Chevrolet commercial featuring TV Personality and actor Terrence J! General Motors representatives and a production team filmed commercial scenes on the TSU campus to highlight the 2023 Chevy Discover the Unexpected (DTU) Fellows, a partnership the manufacturer has with our nation’s HBCUs.
The commercial featured 10 journalism and marketing students from various institutions, showcasing the remarkable talent from the HBCU community. Terrence J, who is also an HBCU grad, serves as a 2023 Chevy DTU ambassador and expressed his enthusiasm for shooting the commercial at one of his favorite HBCUs.
“As an HBCU alumnus, I’m excited to be on the Tennessee State campus with the HBCU students of the 2023 Chevy Discover the Unexpected,” Terrence J said. “HBCU energy and sense of pride is unmatched as I watch these students unite to learn marketing and journalism driving their career forward.”
Chevrolet says the DTU program will support the next generation of journalists and marketers while enhancing their partnership with HBCU student talent through storytelling and content creation.
Charles Chapman, General Motors Multicultural Marketing Manager, said this is the second year Chevy Discover the Unexpected descends upon the city where the Annual National Newspaper Association convention convenes.
“We are honored and thankful to film Chevrolet content at Tennessee State University, exposing the DTU students to the only public and largest HBCU in Tennessee while showcasing the amazing history and architecture,” Chapman said.
While the students in the commercial were not from TSU, the campus was selected as the shooting location due to its scenic backdrop and significance as one of the largest public HBCUs in the country. However, Chevrolet’s DTU program looks forward to involving TSU students in the internship next year. The DTU program, in partnership with the National Newspaper Publication Association (NNPA), hosts a 10-week internship program for HBCU students, and TSU students will have the opportunity to join this esteemed program.
The DTU internships will take place from June 5 to August 11, commencing in Detroit with a three-day boot camp. Upon completion of the program, Chevrolet and the NNPA will award each fellow $18,000 between scholarships and stipends, totaling over $750,000 to date. TSU students can learn more about Discover the Unexpected and its opportunities at https://www.nnpa.org/chevydtu/.
June 2nd marked Mayson Harris’ second trip to New York City. But in a twist of fate, this visit to the Big Apple held something extraordinary in store. The prospect of performing at Carnegie Hall fueled Harris, a member of the TSU Meistersingers, with ambition, and the students embarked on a mission to turn their dream into reality.
Through donation after donation, the TSU premiere choral group’s fundraising efforts totaling $20,000 were successful, leading to an unforgettable performance at Carnegie Hall—a musical ensemble of a lifetime.
“Carnegie Hall is a grand place,” said Harris, a rising senior at TSU studying music. “To actually perform there, the acoustics were amazing. I could hear all the voices blending together. I can’t wait to see what our choir does next,” the baritone singer said.
TSU Meistersingers and Dr. Angelica Dunsavage visits the Met Art Museum during their trip to New York before performing at Carnegie Hall.
Eight TSU Meistersingers traveled to NYC to premiere a new musical piece alongside students from other universities, captivating an audience of hundreds with their sound on June 5. Out of more than 80 singers from various colleges and community choruses, TSU was the only HBCU to be a part of the 30-minute performance at Carnegie Hall.
“Having more Black voices in Carnegie Hall, especially from HBCUs, will always have a big impact,” said Harris from Nashville. “If one can do it, we can take it a step further and have all HBCUs at Carnegie Hall.”
Accompanying the TSU Meistersingers during their performance was their passionate Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Angelica Dunsavage.
Dr. Dunsavage expressed that the Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), an organization the singers collaborated with, were amazed by their performance.“They (DCINY) were really impressed by our students,” said Dunsavage, noting that they commended their preparation and professionalism and extended an invitation to return for any future opportunities.
TSU Meistersingers and Dr. Angelica Dunsavage attends Hadestown the Musical in New York .
The students showcased a musical piece titled “Where We Find Ourselves,” inspired by a series of photographs taken during the Jim Crow era in North Carolina. This piece is a Carnegie Hall premiere composed by Michael Bussewitz-Quarm. Dunsavage emphasized that exposure at this level is crucial for the TSU Meistersingers.” It means a lot to our students to start building travel up and getting more of a national reputation for the choral program.”
The performance also held great significance for TSU student Link Fisher III, who considered singing on the same prestigious stage as some of his favorite vocalists like Sarah Vaughan or Ella Fitzgerald an exceptional opportunity.
“Sharing a stage that all these greats have shared, it was a moment to thank God for allowing me to be here,” Fisher said. “All these opportunities keep presenting themselves. You take them and you learn from them.” Fisher, a senior studying performing arts and French, revealed that his post-graduation plans involve “living life to the fullest.” He plans to attend graduate school in Paris to pursue a career in conducting music and opera singing.
The enthusiasm and dedication of the TSU Meistersingers will propel them to new heights. Sharing their voices with professional musicians at Carnegie Hall is another accolade that will unlock endless opportunities.
For more information about TSU Meistersingers visit www.tnstate.edu/music/meistersingers. Check out a video of the TSU Meistersingers rehearsing for the Carnegie Hall performance with composer Michael Bussewitz-Quarms and students from other universities here.
