NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – Tennessee State assistant football coach Tarvaris Jackson passed away late Sunday night in Alabama. Jackson served as the quarterbacks coach for the 2019 season.
“My heart is so heavy with hurt hearing of the passing of Coach Jackson,” said TSU Director of Athletics Teresa Phillips. “We were blessed with him for a short time but he did make an impact with our young men in this one season at TSU. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his young family and all who knew and loved him. We lift up all who are mourning today. Each loss is piercing. Today I ask God’s comfort to spread through the TSU community, the nation and the world.”
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Jackson family in this time of bereavement,” said TSU Head Coach Rod Reed. “We are devastated. He was an awesome young man and he will be missed by our players, our staff and the TSU family.”
Jackson mentored TSU quarterback Cameron Rosendahl to one of the better seasons in Big Blue history. The senior signal caller set a program record for completions in a season (241) and became the fourth player at TSU to throw for over 3, 000 yards. Rosendahl’s 3,023 yards is the second highest total in a single season at Tennessee State.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The COVID-19 pandemic may have suspended in-person recruitment activities for Tennessee State University, but it hasn’t stopped recruiters from seeking out the best and brightest students to join the TSU family. The university is inviting them along with parents and relatives to experience Spring Preview Day 2020 live on Thursday, April 9 beginning at 5p.m., and it can all take place from the comfort of their homes.
“Vision 2020: I See You At TSU” will give these potential students a new and innovative way to learn about the institution, officials say.
Terrence
Izzard, associate vice president for Admissions and Recruitment says the annual
event will be bigger and better than previous ones because of the circumstances
and the live element.
“Vision
2020: I See You At TSU” is more than a theme and staff have worked extremely hard
to plan the ultimate TSU experience for students,” says Izzard.
The
admissions and recruitment team, student ambassadors, faculty and staff will be
on hand for a virtual tour that will include
live student interviews about campus life, meeting academic demands, and most
importantly what it takes to apply and enroll to TSU.
“Live
streaming and virtual meetings are the new normal for institutions across the
country as we navigate COVID-19,” adds Izzard. “However, there is only one
Tennessee State that offers students a path to success that is uniquely ours
based on exceptional academic offerings, cultural awareness and access to a
thriving global market in Nashville.”
Through video clips, participants will also see some of
TSU’s pride points such as the world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands, the
award-winning gospel choir, and our beautiful campus through a virtual tour.
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only
public university, and is a premier, historically black university and
land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a
comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie
designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams
Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in
McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee
State University provides students with a quality education in a
nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be
global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online
at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Dr. Mikki Allen has been named the next director of athletics at Tennessee State University. TSU President Glenda Glover made the announcement on Thursday during a virtual press conference that included top administrators, head coaches and alumni, along with members of the press.
Dr. Mikki Allen
Allen comes to TSU after 11 years in sports administration, including his most recent position as the assistant director of athletics for Player Relations and Development at the University of Tennessee. Under his leadership, Allen set a new standard in the Southeastern Conference by creating a comprehensive development and transitional assistance program for Tennessee football student-athletes. The program was designed to guide football student-athletes from enrollment through their transition to post-football professional careers.
“With the retirement of AD Teresa Phillips after a stellar career here at TSU, it was essential that we find a leader that could build upon our recent successes, as well as our storied legacy of winning,” Glover said. “I believe we have found that in Dr. Allen. He’s a successful leader who puts student-athletes first, builds strong relationships both internally and externally from his success as a fundraiser, and just as important, Allen is committed to the development of coaches and staff to achieve at a very high level. We are extremely excited about the future of TSU Athletics.”
Allen, a four-year letterman and member of the UT 1999 National Championship Team, has strong ties to TSU, where he earned his master’s degree. His wife received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the university as well.
“I’m honored that President Glover has entrusted me to be the new Director of Athletics for Tennessee State University. To have the opportunity to be reconnected to our TSU family means everything to my wife, Jekia, and me,” Allen said.
“Tennessee State University is very special to my family’s legacy. This is about returning to an institution that I not only have a great passion for, but one that has been both impactful and transformative throughout my life. I have an incredible amount of respect and admiration for the work that Teresa Phillips accomplished during her 16-year tenure. As the new Director of Athletics, I look forward to carrying the torch forward and elevating the sports programs at TSU to the top of the OVC pyramid.”
After a brief stint in the NFL due to injury, Allen joined the Tennessee Athletics staff in 2009 and excelled during multiple record-breaking fundraising years. Serving as the Director of Athletics Development, Allen played an invaluable role for Tennessee Athletics in helping to secure more than $20 million in capital campaign gifts during his tenure as an athletics fundraiser.
The new AD will lead TSU Athletics that consist of 15 programs, and will officially begin in his new position May 1. UT Director of Athletics Phillip Fulmer called Allen a born leader and winner.
“Tennessee State is getting a man of great integrity and a born leader,” Fulmer said. “Mikki has made impactful contributions across several departments here at Tennessee over the years and has earned the respect from administrators and staff all throughout campus. The vast experience he’s gained has him well prepared to lead a department of his own. A former national championship student-athlete, he knows firsthand what a winning culture looks like. I know he’ll work tirelessly to build relationships and develop robust support systems to deliver a first-class student-athlete experience.”
Allen replaces Teresa Phillips, who is stepping down after 16 years with the university. Student-athletes excelled in the classroom under her leadership and posted some of the school’s highest graduation rates.
Allen’s wife, Jekia, is a ’99 TSU graduate and currently is an elementary school Assistant Principal. The couple has two children, Mikenzie Rae (12) and Jansen Michael Allen (8).
Allen, 42, is a native of Middle Tennessee (Murfreesboro, TN), received his Bachelor of Arts and Science degree at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville in 2001, Master of Arts and Science degree in Sports Administration from Tennessee State University in 2007 and a Doctoral degree in Educational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University in 2016.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover assured students that TSU is dedicated to accommodating them while they finish the semester remotely as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Dr. Glover and other TSU administrators held a live meeting via Zoom with over 200 student leaders on April 2.
“I wanted to take this opportunity to just stop and make
sure that we are meeting your needs,” Glover said. “We are going to do
everything humanly possible to accommodate you to ensure that you succeed in
spite of this very daunting challenge. It is tough for everyone across the
world as we face the daily uncertainties and dangers that this virus presents.
We’re going to do whatever we can to ensure that you remain whole.”
Students submitted their questions via the chat
component. Topics included student refunds or credits, graduation, summer classes,
and campus preparations for returning students in the fall. TSU registration
opens tomorrow, and students may apply for housing now.
Student Government Association President Katelyn Thompson
of Memphis, Tennessee, said she was pleased with what she heard from Dr. Glover
and other top staff.
“I’m proud of the university and student body coming together,” said Thompson, a graduating senior double majoring in criminal justice and psychology. “At the end of the day, excellence is our habit. We can’t get anywhere unless we come together.”
Charlie Green Jr., a senior from Jackson, Tennessee,
agreed.
TSU President Glenda Glover addresses students in virtual meeting.
“This is a lesson for all of us,” said Green, a double
major in architectural engineering and urban studies. “But Dr. Glover showed
students that she’s about the business of making sure that we are taken care of
and that our needs are being met.”
On March 16, TSU was the first public university in
Tennessee to transition to all online classes as a precaution to contracting
COVID-19. The university also canceled all campus events where large crowds are
expected, and suspended all international travel through the end of April to
minimize exposure to the disease. On March 23, the university ceased normal
operations, allowing most employees to work remotely.
Miss Junior Maya Howard, a
business administration major, said she’s comfortable that when she returns to
the university from Cincinnati, Ohio, that the campus will be thoroughly
sanitized.
“I noticed as I was moving out that they were on top of
making sure that everything was clean,” said Howard.
The university has continued a complete wipe down to
protect the campus from COVID-19 and other diseases. TSU is using
professional cleaning companies with disinfectants and sanitizing equipment to
wipe down its main campus and downtown location.
SGA President Katelyn Thompson talks to students in virtual meeting.
President
Glover told students the virtual meeting will be the first of several she will
hold to keep students updated on campus operations during the COVID-19
pandemic.
Since transitioning to all online instruction and telework for faculty and staff, the university has hosted several virtual student events, such as this. Last week, TSU made history by establishing a chapter of the National Music Honor Society, Pi Kappa Lambda, and inducting its first members.
For more on campus operations affected by the coronavirus, and student information, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/covid19
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASAHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – With nearly all students away and classes online, Tennessee State University is continuing a complete wipe down to protect the campus from the COVID-19 and other diseases.
In the TSU campus wipe down, workers are using equipment and products that are extremely effective in killing the coronavirus. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
The university is using professional cleaning companies with disinfectants and sanitizing equipment to wipe down its main campus and downtown location. Cleaning crews are using protective equipment including gloves, body suits, and products that are “extremely effective” in killing the virus, company representatives say.
Interim
Associate Vice President for Facilities Management Albert Hill says the goal is
to keep the campuses clean and less susceptible to the spread of infectious
illnesses, such as the coronavirus.
“We
just want to make sure that when our students and employees return, they feel
comfortable going into the classrooms, residence halls, and work places,” says
Hill. “We also want to assure parents that their children are safe.”
On
March 16, TSU was the first public university in Tennessee to transition to all
online classes as a precaution to contracting and spreading coronavirus
(COVID-19). The university also canceled all campus events where large crowds
are expected, and suspended all international travel through the end of April
to minimize exposure to the disease. On Monday, March 23, the university ceased
normal operations, allowing most employees to work remotely.
Lecture halls are also receiving thorough cleaning in the campus-wide wipe down at TSU. (Phopto by TSU Media Relations)
“These
decisions were made in the best interest of the university, as both the federal
government and State of Tennessee have declared a state of emergency,” says TSU
President Glenda Glover.
“In
following directives from the Governor and Mayor, we have adjusted the
traditional manner in which we serve our students and operate the university
and will continue to take every precaution necessary to minimize the spread of
the virus. Most importantly, we
are ensuring that students continue to learn and excel academically by
providing all the resources needed to successfully engage and complete online
courses.”
TSU has one confirmed case of a student testing positive for COVID-19. The
individual, who did not live on campus, has been at home in self-isolation for
a number of days while receiving the necessary care to treat their condition.
Dr.
Joseph Perry, TSU’s director of sustainability, says the cleaning crews are doing
an “excellent job” of making sure chemicals they are using are safe for humans
and the environment.
“We
are going to do this until we get to the point where we feel it is safe for
people to come back into the buildings,” says Perry. “Essential staff and
faculty who occasionally come on campus are safe because they are allowed to go
in only certain areas.”
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only
public university, and is a premier, historically black university and
land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a
comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie
designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams
Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in
McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee
State University provides students with a quality education in a
nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be
global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online
at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University made history on March 25 when it virtually established a chapter of Pi Kappa Lambda, the National Music Honor Society, and inducted its first student members.
The initial inductees into the Society of Pi Kappa Lambda are:
seniors Julien Dooley, Jakori Hollinger, Natasha Machlin, Darien Phillips,
Devin Pride and Andrew Walker; junior Jabril Muhammad; and graduates Michelene
McKinney and Jordan Thomas.
Hollinger said the experience is one he will never forget.
“It was an honor to be a part of such a historic moment on our campus, amid troubled times,” said Holinger, a music education major from Montgomery, Alabama. “With the addition of the Lambda Delta Chapter, TSU and our Music Department will continue to remain at the forefront of excellence.”
Jakori Hollinger
The installation had to be done virtually because of the new requirements put in place as a precaution to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Hitting the unmute button when each of their names were called, the new members became a part of the coveted organization that recognizes students for high scholastic achievements as music majors.
TSU President Glenda Glover, Dr. Alisa Mosley, interim vice
president for academic affairs, and Dr. Robert Elliott, head of TSU’s Music
Department, were among the participants in the ceremony that took place live
via Zoom.
Pi Kappa Lambda Regent, Dr. Mark Wait, installed the TSU Lambda
Delta Chapter and assisted in the induction into membership of the first group
of candidates.
The faculty members whose names appear on the charter are:
Robert Bryant, Mark Crawford, Kaylina Crawley, Robert L. Elliott, Susan M.
Kelley and Ljerka Rasmussen.
Founded in 1918, Pi Kappa Lambda is an honor society dedicated
by its founders to the fostering of scholarly inquiry and artistic
accomplishment in the field of music. Of the approximately 70 honor societies
recognized by the Association of College Honor Societies, PKL is one of the
oldest, and it is the only music group so recognized.
TSU’s Department of Music supports a full range of vocal and
instrumental performance opportunities, including the orchestra, string
ensemble, Tennessee State University Choir, Meistersingers, symphonic and
concert band, two jazz ensembles, percussion ensemble, pep band, the
world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands marching band, and a host of small vocal and
mixed ensembles.
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News
Service) – Tennessee State University is helping in
the global fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The University is
stepping to the forefront and using its educational platform to make protective
face gear for doctors, nurses and other medical personnel.
Headband designed by TSU 3D printing machines. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations).
TSU is also sharing information on how families can make their own hand sanitizer while producing the germ fighting solution for campus police.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission has asked TSU to use its 3D printing machines to help design a portion of the mask, which has three components: plastic shield, headband and elastic band. The College of Engineering is leading the campus effort to produce the protective gear, which also includes the College of Agriculture and Library Services.
Reporters from all four Nashville TV stations, as well as WPLN (NPR), came out on March 24 to see demonstrations by TSU professors and grad students.
“We are currently fabricating several of the headbands to donate to THEC,” says Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, dean of Engineering. “We have faculty, staff and students involved in making this product from four different sites at TSU. We hope to collectively support the state’s effort to mitigate and limit the spread of COVID-19.”
TSU grad students Oluwatosin Fagbuyi (left) and Rotimi Joaquim discuss printing technology with WPLN reporter. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)
The masks will be used to protect Tennessee medical professionals, like nurses and doctors, who are on the front lines caring for individuals with the virus. In Italy, the country with the second highest number of COVID-19 cases, more than 20 doctors have reportedly died and thousands of other health workers have been infected since the outbreak.
Oluwatosin Fagbuyi is one of the graduate students helping to make the headbands using the 3D technology. He says he could not pass up the chance “to help save lives.”
“It’s nice
to feel like I can help,” says Fagbuyi, who is majoring in mechanical and
manufacturing engineering. “It’s an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”
In addition to helping with the mask, the College of Agriculture is also making hand sanitizer and sharing instructions on how individuals can make their own. The college is also producing the alcohol-based solution to make available for campus police.
Dr. Sudipta Rakshit in the College of Agriculture talks to reporters about making hand sanitizer. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)
“There is such a shortage because of the virus,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture. “The idea is to help people make their own sanitizer in case they can’t get it commercially.”
The process includes mixing ingredients such as isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. But Ag officials say the main goal is to keep the percentage of alcohol greater than 60 percent.
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE,
Tenn. (TSU
News Service) – Like many Tennessee State University students, Trenton
Jones says he understands why TSU is asking them to go home, but many have
mixed feelings about leaving their campus environment. Students must vacate the campus by Saturday,
March 21.
“The coronavirus is a big deal right now and this move is to help us stay
healthy,” said Jones, a freshman agricultural science major, as he and his
parents emptied out his dorm room in Watson Hall on Wednesday to head back home
to Northport, Alabama.
Tyrani Randolph, left, a freshman dental hygiene major from Memphis, helps classmate Trenton Jones, second from right, move out of Watson Hall. Jones’ parents, Malcolm and Rhonda Skinner, travelled from Northport, Alabama, to pick up their son. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
“Students need to
stay functional and campus offers that,” added Jones. “Being on our own, and to
do class online, you are missing that interaction with teachers and fellow
students. Face-to-face is the best interaction for learning.”
Parents
Ronda Skinner and her husband Malcolm, who travelled from Northport, Alabama,
to pick up their son, Trenton, said the trip was inconvenient, “but worth it.”
“Due
to the circumstances of the coronavirus, an epidemic that has hit our nation
severely, it is understandable that the school would have to make this
decision,” Rhonda Skinner said. “The fact that schools around the country had
to make this decision, I do believe that it is in the best interest of the
students, and comforting for parents.”
TSU
President Glenda Glover said the decision was in the best interest of the
university, as both the federal government and State of Tennessee have declared
a state of emergency.
On March 16, TSU went online with all classes as a precaution to contracting and spreading coronavirus (COVID-19).
“While we have adjusted the traditional manner in which
we serve our students, we are ensuring that they continue to learn and excel
academically,” stated President Glover. “We are taking every precaution
necessary to minimize the spread of the virus.”
The university will soon serve as a mobile testing site. As further precaution, the university has canceled all campus events where large crowds are expected, as well as suspended all international travel through the end of April to minimize exposure to the disease. Also, beginning Monday, March 23, the university will cease normal operations, allowing most employees to work remotely.
Tyrani Randolph, a freshman dental hygiene major from Memphis, Tennessee, who moved out of Wilson Hall, agreed with her fellow classmate.
“I believe everything is for a reason, and I believe this is a safety precaution,” she said.
Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said the university understands the “anxiety that this change causes for students.”
“It is
an interruption into their ‘normal’ way of doing things as students,” he said.
“We are trying to mitigate the situation and help them work through those
feelings.”
Stevenson
said the university is following
the Centers for Disease Control and Infections
guidelines, and best practices recommendations, in accordance with instructions
from the governor’s office.
On
Monday, the University will begin a campus wide wipe down of academic buildings
and residence halls.
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only
public university, and is a premier, historically black university and
land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a
comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie
designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams
Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in
McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee
State University provides students with a quality education in a
nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be
global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online
at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is allowing students to return home and finish the semester online as a precaution to the spreading coronavirus (COVID-19). Online classes started Monday.
University officials announced last Thursday that TSU was transitioning to online learning. In a correspondence to students, TSU President Glenda Glover stated the decision was in the best interest of the university, as both the federal government and State of Tennessee have declared a state of emergency.
“Concerns pertaining to the coronavirus COVID-19 are affecting all of us and continues to worsen,” said Dr. Glover. “Within the last 48-hours, the country has changed drastically, as the number of U.S cases continue to be confirmed.”
TSU will close all residence halls and apartments on Saturday, March 21. The university will evaluate requests from students with extenuating circumstances that need more time to make arrangements. Housing officials said those requests will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Students will continue their classes in an online format and there is no requirement to live on campus.
As further precaution, the University has
canceled all campus events where large crowds are expected, as well as
suspended all international travel through the end of April to minimize
exposure to the disease. TSU has made these decisions to ensure the
safety and health of the campus family.
The university will provide more information on campus operations as decisions are made.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands is going to the Tournament of Roses. The band recently received an official invitation to participate in the 2021 Rose Bowl Parade on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, California.
The crowd applauds after the announcement that the TSU Aristocrat of Bands will participate in the 2021 Tournament of Roses in Pasedina, California. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
The AOB will be
one of only four university bands selected nationwide to participate in the
parade, with a domestic television audience of more than 38 million.
“Only the best of
the best are invited and the Aristocrat
of Bands is one of them,” said Dr. Robert B. Miller, president and chairman of
the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, who came to TSU to personally present the
band with the official tournament flag and invitation.
“It is a major accomplishment
for the band, and for your university. This is a big deal,” he said. “In 132
years of the tournament, 107th Rose Bowl this year, your band is going to be
there. You are going to do entertainment like no other band in our parade does.
Our parade has got 22 bands, 45 floats, the best floral and entertainment groups
in the nation and TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands is going to be there.”
The Aristocrat of Bands entertains the crowd at the Gentry Center as the band celebrates words of their official invitation to the Rose Bowl Parade next year. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
At the flag
presentation in the Gentry Center, amid thunderous cheers from university
officials, relatives, former band members, and Mr. and Miss TSU and their royal
court, Miller congratulated TSU, the AOB and band director, Dr. Reginald
McDonald, for their hard work in submitting a successful application.
Miller, who was
accompanied by his wife, Barbara, also
pinned TSU officials present with the official lapel pin of the Tournament of Roses,
including Dr. Alisa Mosley, interim vice president for Academic Affairs, who
represented TSU President Glenda Glover. Dr. McDonald was also honored in
recognition of his leadership.
In acknowledgment,
the AOB, known worldwide for
their melodious musical renditions and marching prowess, performed such
favorites as “I am so glad I go to TSU,” and “Best Band.”
Dr. Reginald McDonald, TSU’s Director of Bands, says participating in the Rose Bowl is a longtime dream. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
“This is huge and I am just excited beyond measure,” said band member Julien
Dooley, after hearing his first trip ever to California will be to perform in
the Rose Bowl Parade. “The Tournament of Roses is very huge, and I am excited
because I actually have never been to the west coast, and the thought of my
first trip being to perform before such a huge audience has got me very
emotional.”
Dooley, an Atlanta
native and a drum major with the AOB, is a senior commercial music major.
Fellow student Cailyn Sparks, a member of the
AOB Sophisticated Ladies Dance Line, is equally excited. Her parents will be
there to see their daughter perform.
“This is an opportunity
of a life time and I am glad my mom and dad and maybe some other family members
will be there,” said Sparks, a junior elementary education major from Phenix
City, Alabama, who will also be going to California for the first time. “I am
extremely excited about going to the Rose Bowl and excited to be there with my
family.”
McDonald, TSU’s
director of Bands, who could not hide his excitement about the announcement
from the Tournament of Roses president and the reaction of the crowd in the
Gentry Complex, called the invitation and the selection to the Rose Bowl Parade
a “longtime dream.”
“If you know
anything about parades in this country, the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s
Parade are numbers one and two,” he said. “To have either one of those parades
on your performance as a portfolio, says a lot about your band program.”
Four college bands
are selected each year to participate in the Tournament of Roses –two that
apply and two with football teams that play in the Rose Bowl.
“This year it will be Tennessee State University and Georgia State University. That is huge,” McDonald said. “It says a lot about our university, it says a lot about the things we are trying to teach on a year-to-year basis. We selected to apply to the Tournament of Roses because to be recognized as the best, you have to participate in those things that are challenging and hard and are also part of being the best. “
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only
public university, and is a premier, historically black university and
land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees. TSU is a
comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie
designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams
Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in
McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee
State University provides students with a quality education in a
nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be
global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online
at tnstate.edu.
