TSU Receives Major Gift from Industrial Giant Cummins to Enhance Engineering Education

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has received a major donation from Cummins, a global power technology leader, as part of a long-standing partnership between TSU and the company. On Nov. 11, during a ceremony on the main campus, the industrial giant presented the College of Engineering with a Cummins QSB 6.7 engine, a vital resource that will provide students with hands-on learning opportunities and reinforce their education in engine design, performance, and sustainability.

The QSB 6.7 engine, known for its clean and efficient performance, will serve as an invaluable teaching tool for those studying modern engine technology. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“This remarkable donation exemplifies Cummins’ commitment to supporting education and developing the next generation of engineers,” said Dr. Robbie Melton, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at TSU. “I would like to recognize Dean (Lin) Li and acknowledge our deepening relationship with Cummins. We are thrilled to receive this engine, which will greatly enhance our engineering curriculum. This partnership shows that our students are valued, and that Cummins believes in their potential to excel in the field.”

Teejay Momoh, Vice President of Industrial Engineering at Cummins. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Teejay Momoh, vice president of the Industrial Engineering Organization for Cummins’ North American Distribution Business, emphasized the importance of fostering the ongoing partnership between Cummins and TSU. “Cummins has had more than 20 years of strong engagement with the College of Business through supply chain initiatives and extending that relationship to engineering was the natural next step,” Momoh said. “We value HBCUs like TSU as essential partners in cultivating diverse, highly skilled talent.”

Axel Tomlinson, middle, a senior electrical engineering major, who recently secured a co-op position with Cummins, inspects the engin along with fellow engineering majors. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Students from the Department of Mechanical Engineering will have the opportunity to learn from one of Cummins’ most advanced technologies. The QSB 6.7 engine, known for its clean and efficient performance, will serve as an invaluable teaching tool for those studying modern engine technology. “The air that comes out of our tailpipes is often cleaner than the air going in,” Momoh noted, highlighting the engine’s innovative features.

Dr. Lin Li, Interim Dean of the College of Engineering, extolls the partnership between the college and the industrial giant. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Dr. Lin Li, interim dean of the College of Engineering, said he is grateful to Cummins for their generous gift and the ongoing internship program that has benefitted many TSU students. “This partnership allows our students to gain practical experience and skills that are essential for their future careers,” he said. “We are excited to integrate this engine into our curriculum and further enhance our educational offerings.”

April Guest, Director of Master Belts at Cummins, is a 2005 graduate of TSU. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Among those impacted by the partnership is Axel Tomlinson, a senior electrical engineering major, who recently secured a co-op position with Cummins. “I’m incredibly excited to join Cummins as an electronic engineer this June,” Tomlinson said. “My passion for engineering drives me, and I am grateful for this opportunity to gain hands-on experience in an area I truly love.”

April Guest, a 2005 TSU graduate and director of Master Belts at Cummins, alongside fellow TSU alum Nuri Shabazz, underscored the significance of their return to TSU. “I’m extremely excited about today and our continued partnership with TSU and the College of Engineering,” Guest stated. “It’s an honor to come back and support an institution that played a crucial role in my career.” Shabazz, who, in 2022 earned a degree in supply chain management, is account management specialist at Cummins.

The dean, chairs, faculty, and students of the College of Engineering join Cummins representatives at the presentation in the Industrial Arts Building. (photo by Aaron Grayson)

Dr. Muhammad Akbar, interim chair of the TSU Department of Mechanical Engineering, applauded Cummins for their donation, which he described as a tremendous resource for students. “This new addition will allow our students to gain real, hands-on understanding of engine operations, significantly enhancing their educational experience,” he said.

The presentation ceremony in the Industrial Art building included faculty, staff, students, and university administrators who celebrated the milestone, reinforcing the collaborative spirit between TSU and Cummins.

For more information about the College of Engineering, please visit www.tnstate.edu/engineering/.

Featured photo: TSU administration and College of Engineering officials were on hand to thank Cummins reps for the engine. L-r are: Dr. Muhammad Akbar, interim Chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Lin Li, Dean of COE; Teejay Momoh, VP of Industrial Engineering at Cummins; Dr. Robbie Melton, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs; Nia Hicks-Shaw, Marketing Analyst at Cummins; and April Guest, Director of Master Belts at Cummins.