NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – As Summer officially starts this week, here’s a look at a few camps that TSU has to offer for students to have fun while engaging in educational enrichment activities.
While some camps were modified due to the pandemic last year, from activities around medical college knowledge to musical advancements, this year marks the return of more than 15 various summer camps.
Anthony Fallacaro, assistant director of Events Management, Camps and Programs, said this year’s activities include day camps and overnight housing for children from elementary school age up to post graduate students.
“The camps and programs range from athletics, research programs, music, engineering and agriculture,” Fallacaro said. “This summer is especially exciting because we have so many of our camps and programs safely returning to campus after not happening due to the pandemic.”
Among the many programs at this year’s summer camps at TSU is the eSports Center Summer Community Camp. Students were introduced to virtual reality applications, game design and coding. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Among the many exciting camps returning this year is the Verizon Innovative Learning (VIL) Program that is intended to engage students, interacting with technology through on-campus summer intensive courses, as well as year-round mentoring. A partnership between TSU and Verizon, VIL gives the students a firsthand experience in “the vital role technology plays in today’s world, empowering them to become creators and makers,” a Verizon release said.
For the love of gaming, one of the newest camps is the Academic eSports Camp, where students learned about coding and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) programs. During the June 17 camp participants were introduced to virtual reality applications, game design and coding at TSU’s newly launched Academic eSports Center.
Although some of the early summer camps have come to an end, here is a list of camps that will begin in July:
Meharry Cancer Research: May 22 – July 30
Engineering Exploration Camp 2: July 18 -29
College of Agriculture: July 5- 29
National Summer Institute: July 5 – 29
Summer Piano Intensive: July 11- 22
Verizon Innovative Learning Program: July 11- 29
NPA Free Basketball Camp: July 26
For more information regarding upcoming summer camps at TSU, reach the Office of Events Management at [email protected].
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) – Dr. Millicent Lownes-Jackson, dean of the TSU College of Business, has received the coveted Milton Wilson Award for exceptional service. The award is given by the National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable, an organization dedicated to providing a forum for deans of HBCU business schools to address opportunities and challenges associated with enhancing business programs and initiatives.
Dr. Millicent Lownes-Jackson
Lownes-Jackson, now in her ninth year as dean at TSU, and more than 40 years in higher education, was recognized for her leadership, service and commitment to the academic profession.
“It is truly an honor to receive the Milton Wilson Award named in recognition of a true visionary trailblazer,” Lownes-Jackson said, as she received the award at the 2022 HBCU Business Deans Roundtable in Westlake, Texas, June 2-4.
“I am most grateful to the Executive Committee and the Selection Committee of the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable for seeing some of Milton Wilson’s entrepreneurial qualities and personal attributes in me. As I continue my daily walk through life, I will continue to strive to carry Dr. Wilson’s torch of dedicated commitment to business excellence in higher education.”
The highest honor bestowed by the National HBCU Deans Roundtable, the Milton Wilson Award is named after Dr. Milton Wilson, the founder of Howard University and Southern University’s schools of business, and the first dean to attain American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation for two HBCUs’ schools of business. Milton was also among the nation’s first 100 African American CPAs, and one of the first seven African Americans to earn a doctoral degree in accounting in the nation.
Lownes-Jackson, the first African American woman to receive an MBA degree from Vanderbilt University, began her academic career at TSU where she rose through the ranks from Instructor to full professor, associate dean of the College of Business, and interim TSU provost, before heading the College of Business. Lownes-Jackson also holds a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University.
EUGENE, ORE. (TSU News Service) — Tennessee State University track and field legends Ralph Boston ’61 and Wilma Rudolph ’63 were both named to the inaugural class of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame at a ceremony on June 6 at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts.
Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice, TSU’s Director of Track and Field, presents Ralph Boston his award at the induction ceremony. (Lauren Ellsworth, USTFCCCA)
Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice, TSU’s director of Track and Field and Olympic gold medalist, who was present at the ceremony, presented Boston his award. Cheeseborough-Guice also received Rudolph’s award on behalf of her family.
“It was an honor to be selected to present Ralph Boston his award at the inaugural NCAA Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and to be asked to receive Wilma Rudolph’s award on behalf of the Rudolph family,” Cheeseborough-Guice said. “I am so honored to be in the company of greatness and represent Tennessee State University.”
“The Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame is intended to acknowledge the great athletes who have made collegiate track & field and cross country such incredible sports,” said Sam Seemes, CEO of the USTFCCCA. “Not only do we have a large queue of past athletes that are worthy of enshrinement into this hall of fame, but we also recognize a vital responsibility in producing first-class presentations to properly commemorate their accomplishments”
Wilma Rudolph set four world records in her days as a collegian. (Submitted Photo)
Ralph Boston’s greatness was just beginning when he won the NCAA Championships long jump title in 1960. That summer he went on to break the world record set by Jesse Owens in 1935 while qualifying for the Rome Olympics, where he won the gold medal.
His senior season of 1961 saw him break the indoor world record three times, but that was just a prelude for his outdoor season. Boston recorded the first 27-foot long jump a week before nearly winning the NAIA team title for Tennessee State all by himself with four wins and a tie for second. In July he improved his long jump world record to 8.28m (27-2) in winning the U.S.-USSR dual meet in Moscow.
Rudolph didn’t have to travel far to find her home for collegiate track & field. She grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee, about 15 miles outside of Nashville, where Tennessee State had become a mecca for women’s sprinting long before organized national collegiate track and field was a reality for women.
Ralph Boston broke the world record set by Jesse Owen at the Rome Olympic in 1935. (Submitted Photo)
By the time she was enrolled at Tennessee A&I (as TSU was known then) in the fall of 1958, she was surrounded by national champions and Olympic medalists. She had earned a bronze medal with three of the group as part of the U.S. 4×100 relay team at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia while a 16-year-old prep.
Rudolph blossomed while in college, never more so than at the 1960 Rome Olympics, where she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in the same Olympics by winning the 100 and 200 before anchoring the winning 4×100 team. She equaled the world record in the prelims of the 100, one of four world records she set in her days as a collegian.
Without collegiate national championships available to her, Rudolph was dominant at the AAU championships, winning 10 of the 12 AAU championships she lined up for combining indoors and outdoors. She was the first woman to win four AAU titles in the 100 yards/meters, all during her first four years at Tennessee State.
Boston and Rudolph are just two of the initial 30 athletes who will be enshrined. Nearly 150 years has elapsed since the first known intercollegiate competitions of running, jumping, and throwing took place. Those events in the mid-to-late 19th century set the stage for the modern-day sports of collegiate track & field and cross country.
In addition to an annual induction ceremony, plans for a permanent “hall” location are being pursued. “I’m proud that we’re stepping forward to preserve our history,” added USTFCCCA President Leroy Burrell, in his 23rd year as head coach of track & field at the University of Houston. “Many of the coaches in our association agree that a collegiate athlete hall of fame is long overdue to recognize the athletes who have provided us with countless unforgettable moments.”
The induction preceded the 100th edition of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships held at Hayward Field, June 8-11.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State University National Alumni Association (TSUNAA) turned the City of Miami “Blue and White” for the 66th National Convention in the sunshine state. It had been four years since TSUNAA held an in-person annual convention due to the pandemic.
President Glenda Glover with TSU alums mingle at the welcoming ceremony of the 66th National Convention in Miami, Florida. (Photo submitted)
More than 200 members attended the alumni conference including TSU President Glenda Glover. The three-day convention, themed, “Tiger Renaissance: Celebrating TSU Excellence of Yesterday Today and Tomorrow,” included several presentations, panel discussions, and activities such as, “Tiger’s Choice: National Day of Service,” where delegates held community service activities across the city.
TSUNAA National President Charles Galbreath welcomes delegates during the opening ceremony of the 66th National Convention. (Photo submitted)
President Glover held a “fireside chat” to discuss strategies for the University’s sustainability. Her focus was preparing students for success.
“As we continue to evolve as a university, we must continue to meet our objective of molding students minds through education and preparing them for the global marketplace,” President Glover said during the event.
“It is only with your help that we can assist so many students in achieving their academic dreams. With your continued support, we remain excited about what the future holds for TSU students of tomorrow.”
TSUNAA National President Charles Galbreath said the goal of the national gathering of alumni is to provide networking opportunities updates on their alma mater, while fostering loyalty, interest, and university support.
Live entertainment at the Little Haiti cultural complex for participants at the 66th National Convention. (Photo submitted)
“We also have hope in bridging the gap by bringing inspiring and informative plenary sessions and luncheons for all age groups to enjoy,” Galbreath said. “We must continue to identify innovative ways to increase our membership, increase our alumni giving, and increase our impact within the undergraduate experience. The students need us as they are becoming us.”
Highlights of the alumni conference included an open ceremony, followed by plenary sessions and a power luncheon with keynote speaker, Author Candice Benbow, who is an ’04 TSU alum. There were also sessions with the world famous AOB and Athletics. This included a Roar City Live session with Dr. Mikki Allen, director of athletics, including head football and basketball coaches Eddie George, Brian ‘Penny’ Collins and Ty Evans.
Debbie Howard, Director of Alumni Relations, makes a presentation during the convention. (Photo submitted)
The AOB and Industry session featured Director of Bands Dr. Reginald McDonald, Platinum recording artist and producer DUBBA AA, Grammy award winning producer Dr. Dallas Austin, and Multi-award-winning recording artist and producer Dr. Sir the Baptist. The latter two recently received honorary degrees from the university.
There was also a presentation by State Rep. and TSU alum Dr. Harold Love Jr., and Charles Galbreath.
Panelist AVP Terrance Izard and Dr. Carjamin Scott discussed recruitment and admission, which was moderated by TSU alum Portia Johnson, while Microsoft senior executive and TSU alum Reginald Shareef served as the keynote speaker during Saturday’s power luncheon.
Award-winning TSU Aristocrat of Bands leaders and music industry representatives receive special awards at the 66th National Convention. (Photo Submitted)
TSUNAA closed out the three-day convention with an iHEART award ceremony followed by an all-white yacht party.
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 38 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<http://www.tnstate.edu/>.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Items representing Tennessee State University’s legacy of excellence were part of the cargo onboard a Boeing spacecraft that recently returned to earth after a successful six-day mission to the International Space Station.
President Glenda Glover
TSU was one of 14 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) asked to send flags, small pennants and other items representing their institutions, to be flown onboard Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The unmanned spacecraft for Orbit Flight Test-2 or OFT-2, launched May 19. It returned to earth May 25, making a safe landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. The successful mission capped a major milestone for the aerospace giant, having failed in its previous attempt about a year earlier.
“Tennessee State University is proud to be among the 14 historically black colleges and universities that Boeing recognized on the space flight of its CST-100 Starliner with flags, pennants, and other items,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “We are proud of our partnership with Boeing, which has led to internships and other opportunities that have propelled many of our students to successful careers. This recognition shows Boeing’s commitment to equity and inclusion, and highlights, once again, the importance of HBCUs.”
TSU and Boeing have a longstanding relationship that has included grants and funding for various research, training and engineering projects, as well as providing employment and internship opportunities for TSU students.
Ed Gerding, Boeing’s vice president and chief engineer and a long supporter of TSU, said the OFT-2 mission had very special meaning to him because pennants representing TSU were among those on board as the space craft journeyed to the International Space Station and safely landed back on Earth.
TSU flag, jersey, backpack and other small pennants were among items flown to space onboard Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. (TSU Media Relations)
“When I receive the pennants back, I plan to visit TSU with these as a recognition of the strong partnership we’ve built between the university and the Boeing Company,” said Gerding, who is responsible for training, digital and international engineering and global services at Boeing.
Kenneth Rolle II, president of the Student Government Association, said he’s thankful for the partnership between TSU and Boeing and for the spotlight on HBCUs.
“As far as the mission to space and having those paraphernalia from HBCUs and Tennessee State University that’s major, because HBCUs are rarely heard of in conversation about going to space,” Role said. “So, this just shows how global HBCUs really are.”
The higher education mementos from the 14 institutions were part of the approximately 760 pounds of cargo that flew inside the Starliner’s crew module when it launched to the International Space Station for OFT-2. The end-to-end test was a critical developmental milestone on the company’s path toward flying crew missions for NASA.
Dr. Lin Li, interim dean of the College of Engineering, said TSU is fortunate to have Boeing’s continued investment.
“Congratulation for the successful launch of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station,” Lin said. “Boeing continues to invest in the students and academic programs in the College of Engineering. The company’s Recruitment and Retention Initiative for Students in Engineering (RISE) program at TSU identifies high achieving students to receive scholarships as recognized Boeing Scholars. In addition, Boeing’s funding helps support students’ professional development in preparing for the workforce.”
Besides TSU, the represented universities with which Boeing also has a recruiting relationship are Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Alabama A&M University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T; Prairie View A&M University, Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana; South Carolina State University, and Tuskegee University.
Featured Photo by TSU Media Relations TSU flag, jersey, backpack and other small pennants were among items flown to space onboard Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. (TSU Media Relations)
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – As the nation honors our fallen heroes on Memorial Day, Tennessee State University is remembering alumnus and Medal of Honor recipient, Lt. William McBryar. McBryar graduated from Tennessee State Agricultural & Industrial College in 1934 with a degree in agriculture.
President Glenda Glover, and Lt. Col. Paul Coakley, a U.S. Army veteran and President of the Nashville Chapter of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers, unveil the historical marker honoring Lt. William McBryar. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
A Buffalo Soldier, McBryar was awarded America’s highest military decoration for his actions on March 7, 1890, during the Cherry Creek Campaign in the Arizona Territory. According to his citation, McBryar was distinguished for “coolness, bravery and marksmanship” while his 10th Cavalry troop was in pursuit of hostile Apache warriors.
Dating back to the Civil War, there have been 3,473 Medal of Honor recipients – 90 of which were Black, including Lt. McBryar.
In 2017, TSU posthumously honored McBryar at a special Veterans Day program on campus. The following year, on March 20, TSU unveiled a historical marker in front of Kean Hall honoring McBryar. TSU and military officials, as well as lawmakers, federal, state, and local officials attended the ceremony. Representatives from the Nashville chapter of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers were also present for the historic moment.
At the event, TSU President Glenda Glover called McBryar “a role model for all of us.”
“We’re pleased that we can recognize him as our own, and honor him in this manner,” Glover said during the 2018 event. “This unveiling is historical. There are so few African Americans who have made this type of achievement.”
Lt. Col. Paul Coakley, a U.S. Army veteran and president of the Nashville Chapter of the National Association of Buffalo Soldiers, said he, and other soldiers, are where they are today because of soldiers like McBryar.
“They sacrificed … so that we can do what we do today,” Coakley said. “
McBryar went on to serve with the 25th Infantry in the Spanish-American war and fought at El Caney, Cuba. He also saw action in the Philippine Insurrection before demobilizing in San Francisco.
In 1906, after leaving the military, McBryar moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, as a civilian and there he married Sallie Waugh, a nurse. Three years later, he worked as a watchman at Arlington National Cemetery and as a military instructor at what is now Saint Paul’s College.
In 1933, with a desire to complete his degree, McBryar attended Tennessee State Agricultural & Industrial College. He graduated the following year, at age 73, finishing his college education that started at Saint Augustine’s University prior to enlisting in the military.
McBryar died in 1941 at the age of 80. He is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – More than 20 Tennessee State University students, faculty and administrators are in the west African nation of Ghana participating in a series of cultural and educational activities as part of the HBCU Africa Education Coalition (HAEC)100K Strong Africa conference. Called a recruitment conference, the seven-day HAEC gathering includes representatives from 10 HBCUs and 15 African-based higher education institutions. They are discussing ways to eliminate the disparity of access to study abroad opportunities on the continent of Africa, and for students of African descent.
Darius Boyd, left, a senior; Chloe Gray, a junior; and Roneisha Simpson, a doctoral student, say they packed mementos to give their fellow students in Ghana. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
The TSU representatives, who arrived at the conference on May 20, include 12 students from Leadership TSU and the Honors College. They are engaged in study abroad, service learning, networking, and exchange activities. As requested, each student took along items such as school supplies, mementos and books that depict African Americans and people of color, as part of their networking and exchange activities.
“I am very excited to have this opportunity to get a different perspective of life,” said Darius Boyd, a senior business information systems major from Memphis, Tennessee, who was making his first visit outside the United States. “Being an African American male who is used to being in the minority in the U.S. but going somewhere where I am in the majority is a different experience for me. I love the networking opportunity and the chance to see the different ways the people impact their communities.”
Several faculty and administrators are also attending the HAEC conference. From left, are: Frank Stevenson, Associate Vice President of Student Affairs; Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Phillips, Executive Assistant to the President; Dr. Veronica Oates, Professor of Family and Consumer Science; Audie Black, Director of Graduate Recruitment; Mabel Dumenyo, Coordinator of International Students and Scholar Services; and Antoinette Duke, Director of the Career Development Center. In the back is Mark Brinkley, Director of International Education. Not in the photo are Dr. Jewel Winn, Executive Director of International Affairs; and Dr. Napoleon Harris III, Assistant Dean of Student Conduct. (Submitted Photo)
Roneisha Simpson, a doctoral student in counseling psychology, said she is looking forward to an “experience from a cultural competence standpoint.”
“As a psyche major, I am trying to understand the different cultures, traditions and customs,” said Simpson, who is from St. Louis. “I am looking forward to teaching them about the selfcare that we do here as well as learn what they do for selfcare and what they do for fun.”
Other TSU participants at the conference are from the Office of the President, Student Affairs, International Affairs, and the Career Development Center.
Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said with the increase in demand for international studies, TSU sees the Ghana visit as another opportunity for recruitment on the continent and to expose TSU students to the global community.
Reyna Houser’s family traveled from Cincinnati, Ohio, to see the senior chemistry major off, as she boarded the bus to the airport. Left is mom Antoinette Houser, nephew Ausar Jones, and dad Jerre Houser. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“We are taking our students to this conference to brighten their horizon on the global market, as well as exchange of ideas on learning styles,” said Stevenson, the highest TSU senior official on the trip. “Our plan is to take 12 this year and 100 next year. We want our students to have life-changing opportunities at TSU. So, this level of exposure will be something they will share with their kids years to come.”
Mark Brinkley is the director of international education in the Office of International Affairs. His office is coordinating the TSU aspect of the HAEC 100K Strong Conference. He said students with study abroad and career development experiences tend to do better in school and are more retainable.
“TSU is excited to participate in the HAEC conference to develop and retain our student leaders and recruit future international students,” Brinkley said. “Both groups will graduate from TSU prepared for global leadership and opportunities.”
In addition to other yearly exchange and study abroad initiatives TSU students participate in, the university is also engaged in several programs abroad, such as the International Tuition Assistance Grant, which offers assistance to graduating high school students from the Caribbean to attend TSU. The university also has dual enrollment partnerships for underserved students in several African countries where students are taking online courses in coding and creating concepts taught by TSU professors.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University and the Metro Nashville Public Schools have announced a new partnership in which the university will offer 100 MNPS students full scholarships beginning the fall 2023 academic year. TSU President Glenda Glover was joined by Nashville Mayor John Cooper and MNPS officials at a press conference on the TSU campus Wednesday to launch “Trailblazing to TSU.” The new initiative will provide scholarship recipients the opportunity to be educated and trained for career opportunities in four high-demand content areas in the Colleges of Business, Education, Engineering and Health Sciences.
TSU President Glenda Glover, right, and MNPS Director Dr. Adrienne Battle talk to the media about the “Trailblazing to TSU” initiative. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
The partnership will also include early college experiences in collaboration with MNPS, such as college visits, mentorship, guidance, and counseling support. The full-ride scholarship will cover four years of tuition and fees for participating students.
“As an institution of higher learning with deep roots in our community, we are elated to provide this opportunity for 100 Metro Schools graduates to be TSU Trailblazers, earning a degree and treasured life experiences that will help them to succeed in life and careers beyond our campus,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “MNPS students are fortunate to have such a strong advocate in Dr. Battle, who has worked with me and my team to develop this initiative in a way that will maximize the benefits to the students and our respective organizations.”
Trailblazing to TSU, which is one of many partnerships TSU has had with MNPS in the past, is part of a broader initiative of Dr. Adrienne Battle, director of Metro Schools, to create the “University of MNPS,” which aims to develop, strengthen, or expand partnerships between Metro Schools and colleges and universities in the Nashville and Middle Tennessee area.
Mayor John Cooper said he’s thrilled that TSU has stepped up to the plate in a big way for Metro students. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“Elevating our relationship with TSU has been a key focus of mine in developing the University of MNPS initiative, because this institution means so much to so many in our community and among the many teachers and administrators who have used TSU’s College of Education as a springboard to success – including myself,” said Battle, who earned three graduate degrees at TSU, including a doctorate. “This generous offer to provide a no-cost education to 100 of our students will help more of our graduates to live their dreams and be on the pathway to great-paying, highly sought careers in Nashville and beyond.”
The Trailblazing to TSU scholarships will each be individually named after a leader in the struggle for civil rights in America, in recognition of the trail blazed by individuals who fought for their rights, opportunity, and equality in America. To ensure the success of students participating in the program, TSU will assign a mentor to each scholarship recipient to guide them in their collegiate journey and to strengthen their chances for success in life beyond college.
Erin Armstrong, a TSU honor student and a product of MNPS, encourages students to take advantage of the new initiative. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“Investing in our children’s future through education is among our most important responsibilities as a community, and I’m thrilled that TSU has stepped up to the plate in a big way for our Metro students,” said Mayor Cooper. “It’s a fitting tribute that these 100 scholarships will be named for civil rights leaders as living testaments to their role as powerful examples for our future leaders. I’m grateful to President Glover for partnering with us on this initiative and for everything she does for Nashville, as well as to Dr. Battle for her continued leadership and service to Metro Schools.”
Terence Izzard, TSU’s associate vice president for enrollment management, whose office worked along with MNPS officials to bring Trailblazing to TSU to fruition, said TSU’s commitment to MNPS has been longstanding.
“This partnership with MNPS is not a new partnership with TSU in terms of our commitment to MNPS,” Izzard said. “Trailblazing to TSU is an intentional partnership as we launch into 2023, our next class that will be coming in next year. Dr. Battle, her team and our team have been meeting for weeks to arrive at this day. I want to thank everyone for your hard work.”
Izzard announced that as part of the relationship TSU has with Metro schools, the university has already committed 71 scholarships to MNPS graduates to attend TSU in the fall.
Some of the staff of the Office of Enrollment Management who worked on the project with MNPS staff. From left, are Terrance Izzard, Associate Vice President of Enrollment; Shaquille Dllon, Executive Director of Enrollment Services; Tasha Andrews-Carson, Executive Director of New Student Programs; and Dr. Verontae Deams, Assistant Vice President of Enrollment Management. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
Erin Armstrong, a sophomore biology major and an MNPS graduate, who introduced President Glover, said coming to TSU was the best decision she made. She invited current MNPS students to take full advantage of the scholarship program.
“President Glover’s philosophy of University and Student First and shows in everything she does,” said Armstrong, who is a member of the TSU Honors College. ”So, to all MNPS students desirous of furthering their education after high school at TSU, you can expect a great campus life with caring professors and everything to help you succeed.”
Also speaking at the ceremony was Michel Shanchez, principal of Cane Ridge High School. Students who are interested in applying to this exciting program should visit mnps.admissions.tnstate.edu.
Featured Photo byAaron Grayson TSU President Glenda Glover is joined by Nashville Mayor John Cooper and Metro Nashville Public Schools officials to announce Trailblazing to TSU. From left, are Mayor Cooper, President Glover, Dr. Adrienne Battle, Director of MNPS; Erin Armstrong, TSU honor student and MNPS graduate; Michel Sanchez, Principal of Cane Ridge High School; and Terrance Izzard, TSU’s Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
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 eight 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) – Christine Khalil is an American success story. A child of Egyptian immigrants, who escaped persecution as Christians from their homeland when she was just 1½ years old, Khalil has achieved the American dream with her third degree – all from Tennessee State University – including a doctorate.
Dr. Christine Khalil receives her third degree at Tennessee State University. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
On Friday, May 6, Khalil’s parents, along with two younger sisters born in the United States, were among hundreds of relatives and friends cheering on as Khalil and nearly 250 others received advance degrees at TSU’s graduate commencement. Khalil received a doctorate degree in physical therapy. She holds a bachelor’s degree in health science, and a master’s degree in business.
“I give all the credit to my parents,” says Khalil, s first-generation college student. “The gratitude is to my parents for giving me and my sisters the opportunity to live a life of freedom – the freedom to go to church, freedom to speak as a woman, freedom to learn and be anything we want to be.”
The Khalil family celebrates Christine after receiving her doctorate at TSU. From left are: Marlene (sister), Magdy (father), Christine, Kamelia (mother), and Nardeen (sister). (Submitted photo)
With U.S. visas won in a lottery, Khalil and her parents fled Egypt and its repressive lifestyle in 1996, first landing in New Jersey before moving to Tennessee six months later.
Khalil’s parents’ decision to flee Egypt, wasn’t easy. The two had just married with a host of relatives to leave behind, and dreams yet unfulfilled, including her mother’s own desire of becoming a doctor. And, in Egypt, a woman’s idea of success is to get married, have a family and children. Going to college, if you were fortunate to complete high school, was out of the question. With that in mind, Khalil’s parents decided that to give their young child any chance of success in life, they had to leave.
Christine as a young child with her parents just before they left Egypt for the United States. (submitted photo)
“This was a hard decision because my parents were very young and leaving all of their folks behind,” says Khalil. “My mom was not very sure about leaving. But they knew that as Christians in Egypt, we would be safer in the states with many opportunities, and I would be able to go to school. In Egypt, it is very risky to go to church and you never know what will happen when you step out of your home. It is not safe as Christians in Egypt. So, whenever you get an opportunity like this (to go to the US) you take it.”
While Khalil says fulfilling her American dream hinges on her parents’ foresight, hard work and her own desire to be the best, TSU has a lot do with how it all came together. The nurturing, the personal care and family atmosphere, she says, made all the difference.
Christine, her younger sister and parents pay a visit to Egypt. (submitted Photo)
“Getting all my three degrees from TSU shows how much I care for this institution. There is something different about TSU,” says Khalil, who first came to TSU as a transfer student.
“TSU makes me feel like family. I went to other schools in undergrad, but I ended up getting my undergraduate degree from TSU. Other schools are more about your money. At TSU, I never had a professor who didn’t ask me, ‘How do you feel? How is your family? Do you need help? Can I help you in any way?’”
Khalil’s professors and advisors are equally thrilled about their protégé – her seriousness about learning and trying to be the best at everything she undertakes.
“The physical therapy program is fortunate to have a student like Christine,” says Dr. Ronald Barredo, professor and dean of the College of Health Sciences. “She has a strong work ethic, which is evident both academically and clinically. Christine would be a great ambassador for our program and institution. Patients would be most fortunate to have her as their physical therapist.”
Khalil isn’t the only sibling thriving at TSU. Her younger sister is in the graduate program in occupational therapy at the university, while the youngest is in the undergraduate nursing program at Belmont University. Although Khalil says America is her home, she feels great empathy for family members in Egypt and the plight of women and Christians in her native land.
Birmingham, Alabama, Mayor Randall L. Woodfin gave the commencement address at Khalil’s graduation.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
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 eight 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) – Delay was not denial for LaTonya Bell-Fitts of Nashville, who received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Tennessee State University at age 50. The motivation behind her milestone were her three children who all have received college degrees in criminal justice.
The tradition of undergraduates turning their tassel at the May 7 graduation took on a whole new meaning for Bell-Fitts as a non-traditional student. She said it is what made the moment surreal, also noting that Vice President Kamala Harris’ speech, reassured her that the sky was the limit.
LaTonya Bell-Fitts at Spring 2022 graduation (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“It was very motivational and inspiring for me,” Bell-Fitts said. “That was a moment I’ll never forget.”
Bell-Fitts graduated from McGavock High School in 1990 when her son was only four-months-old. She began her higher education journey at Nashville State Community College but was unable to maintain the demands of her course work with her newborn, along with taking care of an ill family member at the time. She dropped out but was always determined to complete what she had started. In 2012 Bell-Fitts decided to pursue an education again and enrolled at Bethel University.
In 2016, she transferred to TSU.
Growing up Bell-Fitts always told her children to finish what they started. She wanted to make sure she took her own advice as well.
While Bell-Fitts was enrolled at TSU she became an administrative assistant in the Division of Student Affairs. “To be able to pour into them (students) … give them the love and guidance they need, helped me as well,” she said, mentioning that the students and staff also motivated her to finish strong.
She is now a TSU alumna like her daughter T’Yana Jackson. Jackson said emotions ran high after witnessing her mother graduate, recalling those days she almost gave up.
LaTonya Bell-Fitts and her daughter T’Yana Jackson smiles at TSU graduation celebration. (Photo submitted)
“It was good seeing her push through,” Jackson, the 2019 TSU graduate said.
“She’s an amazing mom who set the tone … it is not an age limit on doing the things you want to do.”
As her children, grandchildren, and entire family witnessed her walk across the stage to get her degree, she believes that she graduated right on time despite the setbacks. Bell-Fitts looks forward to returning to TSU to receive a master’s degree.
LaTonya Bell-Fitts, her son Markese Osborne and grandchildren on graduation day. (Photo submitted)
“I had a mission to complete,” she said. “You have to walk the journey that God has planned for you, everything happens for a reason. It was very much worth the wait.”
Visit the Tennessee State University YouTube channel at www.tnstste.edu to view the 2022 Undergraduate Spring Commencement Ceremony in its entirety.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
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 eight 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.
