Class of 2028 officially begins academic with Freshman Convocation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Fall 2024 Freshman Convocation marks the official start of transformation and growth for the newest TSU Tigers. Tennessee State University officially welcomed hundreds of students from the class of 2028 on Sept. 11. First-time students filled Kean Hall, with females dressed in all white and males in dark-colored suits, as they were formally introduced by TSU faculty and staff as official TSU Tigers.

TSU Interim President Ronald Johnson addresses the Class of 2028 during his first formal interaction with them at the freshman convocation.

The annual assembly signifies the beginning of their academic journey at the university and their transformation as college students.

This was the first formal interaction between the new class of students and TSU Interim President Ronald Johnson, who welcomed them with words of encouragement.

“Welcome to TSU,” Johnson said. “Let’s travel together over those hurdles, gain access, and conquer self-doubt. We now know that on the other side, we will have the capacity to own opportunities.”

Dr. Tasha Carson, Assistant Vice President of First-Year Students, reminded the students that they are a vital part of the university, and the goal is to meet their needs and inspire their aspirations. “Class of 2028, you are symbolic of our commitment to TSU’s motto: Think, Work, and Serve,” Carson said. “I now pass to you an eternal light representing knowledge and truth because you are the light of our institution.”

Smiling students from the class of 2028 attend the Fall 2024 Freshman Convocation in Kean Hall, officially marking the start of their TSU journey. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University.)

Student Government Association President Chrishonda O’Quinn, now a senior, reassured the freshmen that she was in their shoes just four years ago. She encouraged them to stay strong during their Tiger Journey and leave a lasting legacy at the university.

“TSU is not just a place where you’ll get a degree. It’s where you discover who you are, what you stand for, and the legacy you want to create,” O’Quinn said.

Victoria Cooksey

“This is an environment of rich culture, leadership, and purpose. You are the next generation of scholars, leaders, and innovators,” she continued. “Whether you realize it or not, each of you has a voice, a unique talent in progress, and now is the time to find that.”

Victoria Cooksey, a freshman from Salt Lake City, Utah, and a member of the Tennis Team, said her first month at TSU has been a great experience. “Adapting to the tennis life, the school life, and also socializing at events … it’s been super fun, and I love it so far,” said Cooksey, who is studying mechanical engineering. She noted that the freshman convocation was uplifting and a great way to interact and kick off the school year with her class. “I feel so happy to be here and to see everyone, even the alumni who came back. I feel like it really shows how great this school is, and I’m excited.”

Tyler Huey, of Memphis, a third-generation legacy student, said the freshman convocation made him feel celebrated as a new student at TSU and was a great opportunity to connect with classmates and network.

Huey, who is studying health sciences, said attending TSU was a no brainer.

Tyler Huey

“I’m a legacy student. It just feels good to be somewhere where my family before me walked,” he said. “The history of historically Black colleges is deep. I’ve always felt like attending an HBCU was for me. Why not go to a school that was made for us, by us?”

At the end of the ceremony, legacy students were presented with pins to honor their dedication to continuing their family’s legacy at their alma mater. To close the convocation, students pledged to commit themselves “to serious intellectual and cultural efforts” and to conduct themselves “with honor and dignity to become better prepared to live a full and useful life in society.”

The Grammy Award-winning Aristocrat of Bands delivered a great performance to close out the ceremony. Other notable speakers at the Freshman Convocation included Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Bridgett Golman, TSU Associate Vice President and University Registrar Dr. Verontae Deams, Miss TSU Chandler Holt, and Mister TSU Chandler Cotton.