NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University will serve as the lead institution to promote STEM education and careers for Nashville’s HBCUs. TSU is one of 11 minority serving institutions that will share a $30 million grant from the U.S Dept. of Energy to invest in the next generation of STEM leaders. The goal is to develop highly qualified students and foster a well-trained, technically skilled, and a more inclusive workforce.
TSU in partnership with Fisk University and Meharry Medical College were awarded $5 million in total.
“Preparing more technically skilled students will allow TSU graduates to be more competitive in the global marketplace,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
TSU is serving as the lead institution of a Tennessee HBCU consortium with Meharry Medical College and Fisk University to create an education workforce pipeline for the DOE’s Environmental Management Office.
“With our efforts, this grant will provide access to internships and career opportunities that have traditionally been non-existent or very limited for the HBCU student population.”
Dr. Quincy Quick, professor and interim assistant vice president for Research and Sponsored Programs at TSU, said this is an outstanding effort for Tennessee HBCUs.
“Tennessee State University is serving as the lead institution of this Tennessee HBCU consortium with Meharry Medical College and Fisk University to create an education workforce pipeline for the Department of Energy’s Office of Environmental Management as part of the Minority Serving Institutions Partnership Program,” Dr. Quick said.
“Socially, this partnership will also contribute to the DOE’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is an outstanding opportunity for all Tennessee HBCUs and the students we serve. Tennessee State University is honored to lead this effort.”
Dr. Quincy Quick, professor and interim assistant vice president for Research and Sponsored Programs .
These grants are distributed by DOE’s Office of Environmental Management’s (EM) Minority Serving Institution Partnership Program (MSIPP).
U.S. Secretary of Energy Jennifer M. Granholm said leveraging the full potential of America’s best and brightest means including students from every pocket of the nation, and of all races and ethnicities.
“DOE is following through with our previously announced commitments to MSIs to remove barriers and unlock opportunities for millions of Americans—inspiring the next generation of science and technology leaders and positioning America to lead the world in the industries of the future, from artificial intelligence and clean energy to quantum computing and advanced engineering,” Granholm said.
By advancing the education and training of a culturally diverse workforce of scientists, engineers, and managers, MSIPP builds upon the Biden-Harris Administration’s efforts to increase the participation, leadership, and success of students from underrepresented and historically marginalized communities.
Photo CUTLINE: TSU is serving as the lead institution of a Tennessee HBCU consortium with Meharry Medical College and Fisk University to create an education workforce pipeline for the DOE’s Environmental Management Office.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Office of International Affairs (OIA) is celebrating International Education Week (IEW) 2022, and kicked off events Nov. 7, as students are spreading awareness about their countries and interacting with fellow students who are also studying abroad.
The week, which began Nov. 7 and concludes on Nov. 11, features many activities that highlight international students countries and culture, including a Cultural Sharing Day, Dance Hall Night, and Lunch-N-Learn Story Circles. The OIA even visited local HBCUs throughout the week.
Nirmal Thapa in the student center during International Education Week shows represents his country by waving a Nepal flag. (Photo by Aaron Grayson.)
Nirmal Thapa, a PHD student from Nepal, South Asia, said this is his first semester at the university and IEW has provided an inclusive environment.
“It was exciting for us,” Thapa said after participating in the weeks first event. “We had a chance to exchange ideas between different countries … a great event for the exchange of cultures.”
Thapa, who is studying agricultural sciences, said he was able to speak with another student from Nepal, along with students from all around the world.
There are over 200 international students at the university representing 40 countries across the world. (Photo by Aaron Grayson.)
Mark Anthony Brinkley, Director of the Office of International Affairs, said this is an opportunity to celebrate the benefits of international education and exchange worldwide.
“This initiative is a joint venture between the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Department of Education which was created to promote programs that prepare Americans for a global environment and attract future leaders from abroad to study, learn, and exchange experiences,” Brinkley said.
“We encourage all Tennessee State University students, faculty, and staff to participate in our week of events.” OIA provides leadership in advocating and promoting excellence in student services, cultural programming, collaborative partnership, and international education.
Students at game night during International Education Week 2022. (Photo by Aaron Grayson.)
There are over 200 international students at the university representing 40 countries.
OIA’s office suite provides the space needed to holistically provide international students with support. The office also has designated meditation areas where students can pray and continue to observe their culture, as well as a conference room where study abroad workshops can be held.
For the third consecutive year, TSU has been selected as a Fulbright Historically Black College and University Institutional Leader from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA). The recognition is for demonstrating exemplary work with its foreign exchange program for students, faculty and staff.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – More space, more resources, and a better opportunity. This semester, Joshua Akhidenor spent time crafting his talent in a new music studio located on campus that he considers a safe haven.
Joshua Akhidenor, also known as LilCEOJosh, practices his guitar while listening to music at TSUs campus studio. (Photo by Alexis Clark)
The music studio, which is accessible to members of the Men’s Initiative campus program, is fully loaded with quality equipment to engineer, record music, and produce beats. Akhidenor, a sophomore majoring in business, said he has been producing music since he was in high school, and is grateful to now have a place on campus to express his passion.
“I feel like I belong in here,” Akhidenor said as he sat in the studio. “It (the studio) helps me visualize who I can become. I came to college and took advantage of the networking opportunity.” Since his arrival at the university, Akhidenor has taught himself how to play the guitar and piano.
As many students utilize the space to break into the music industry, Hahidenor looks forward to one day owning a record label focused on finding talent from students enrolled at a HBCU.
The studio, located on the ground floor of Kean Hall, is painted black with neon lights around the perimeter. On the walls are graffiti art, music plaques and awards dedicated to music phenom and TSU alum Aaron ‘DUBBA-AA’ Lockhart, who funded the studio.
TSU alum, platinum recording artist and producer Aaron ‘DUBBA-AA’ Lockhart graduated in 2016. (Photo by T Time Productions)
Lockhart, a platinum recording artist, and one of the executive producers for the Aristocrat of Bands’ gospel album The Urban Hymnal, said his efforts came about to give students studio space that he didn’t have when attending TSU.
“I wanted to give my resources and use my talents to give back to the institution that helped me become who I am today,” Lockhart said.
Joshua Akhidenor and David Nyenwe said the music studio is a safe haven to help express their passion for music. (Photo by Alexis Clark)
“I want to give the students the opportunities that they should be having on a college campus. We need something on our campus for us, by us.”
David Nyenwe, a TSU freshman majoring in business administration who also produces music, said he has not utilized the studio yet, but looks forward to the sound he can create once he does.
“A lot of people are better at music than they think, they just need the resources. So, supplying a studio for people to use, will help shed light on the talent that’s at the school,” Nyenwe said. “I feel like this is a safe haven.”
Dr. Andre Bean, director of the Men’s Initiative and interim assistant dean of student activities, said the program is all about providing support to Black male students on campus.
The Men’s Initiative currently has more than 100 members. Bean said the studio offers a great opportunity for the students to discover their hidden talents.
Dr. Andre Bean, Director of the Men’s Initiative program.
“We have to find new and innovative ways to engage the Black male students that are enrolled in higher education,” Bean said.
“And this space is open and available to our Men’s Initiative guys … to create beats and have an opportunity to tinker and toy with things of their interest.”
The studio is an engagement tool for the university. According to Bean, although the studio is for students in and or connected to the program, the university looks forward to one day opening another studio on a larger scale that will be accessible for everyone.
Joshua Akhidenor said he looks forward to breaking into the music industry and one day creating his own record label to find artist from HBCUs.
For Akhidenor, a Memphis native, who has already spent a number of hours in the facility, said it afforded him the chance to produce and “show off my talent” to Lockhart, he said.
“I appreciate the opportunity,” he added.
The Men’s Initiative mission is to plan, implement, and coordinate high-impact programming that holistically promotes persistence, academic success, and sense of belonging. The goal is to support African American/Black Male students to help them succeed each semester as they continue their studies towards graduation.
If you are interested in becoming a member of the Men’s Initiative program, email [email protected].
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has received a major recognition for innovation. A program developed by the university using 5G technology to recruit and retain underserved students in the STEM field, won first place in the inaugural T-Mobile “Unconventional” Awards for innovation in customer experience, at the Mobile World Congress in Nevada, Las Vegas. The TSU academic eSports program, geared toward creating pathways for students from gaming to STEM, took the top honor in the first-ever awards created to recognize and celebrate T-Mobile’s business customers who dare to innovate.
TSU beat out several top institutions and companies to win first place for innovation. (Submitted photo)
As a first-place winner, TSU was awarded a $25,000 in in-kind donation to the university’s favorite charity.
“Being chosen by T-Mobile for Business as an Unconventional Award winner offers TSU more validation for its innovative and decidedly creative approach to addressing the issue of diversity in STEM fields,” says Dr. Robbie Melton, associate vice president for SMART Global Technology Innovation Strategies.
“This award highlights the educational value of using 5G technology to support eSports as a pathway to STEM programs and careers. Students are rewarded, not punished, for their passion for playing video games.”
TSU’s T-Mobile recognition in innovation comes in just the second semester of the opening of its Academic eSports Center, which aims to use video games as a crucial steppingstone toward STEM careers.
T-Mobile celebrates the winning teams at its inaugural ‘Unconventional” Awards ceremony. TSU’s team members appear far left. (Submitted photo)
Egypt Garrett, a competitive eSports gamer and freshman computer science major, says it is no surprise that TSU won the award.
“I am very excited about TSU winning this award,” says Garrett, of Alexandria, Virginia, who is a member of one of the six teams at the university. “Personally, being at an HBCU, and someone one who enjoys technology and playing, having good gaming is having the best specs (PCs), the best wi-fi, and the center has those. I am so grateful for all the investment that went into it.”
T-Mobile’s President for Business Group Callie Field says the Unconventional Awards was created to “honor organizations driving business and education forward with original thinking.”
Egypt Garrett, a competitive eSports gamer and freshman computer science major, says she is not surprised TSU won the award. (Submitted photo)
“We know a thing or two about innovating and transforming how work gets done, and we wanted to recognize that same spirit in the customers we support,” says Field. “This is more than just celebrating the winners’ accomplishments — it’s also a tribute to being bold and taking risks to advance business and education.”
Melton, who is also interim provost and vice president for academic afffairs, says the TSU Academic eSport Center offers a career pathway program to get students interested in “behind-the-scene” work in areas such as coding, programming, game design, business management and entrepreneurship.
“A state-of-the-art eSports center built on cutting-edge 5-G technology gives students the tools to dive deeply in gaming,” she says. “It also helps level the playing field for those who may not have had access to the technology required to participate in eSports.”
Following TSU in the category of “Customer Experience” at the Sept. 29 awards were: Amazon Explorer, second place; and Motlow Sate Community College, third place. Other categories were “Employee Enablement,” and “Industry.”
Award criteria were based on embracing unconventional DNA, demonstrating originality, and measuring impact.
Featured Photo (Submitted) A T-Mobile representative presents the First Place Award for Innovation in Customer Experience to the TSU team. Team members are, from left, Dr. Robbie Melton, Associate Vice President for SMART Global Technology Innovation Strategies; Dr. Effua Ampadu-Moss, Director of Esports Programs; Dr. Deborah Chisom, Executive Director of eSports Programs; and Robert Hassel, Director of Faculty Training for SMART Technology.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – With the extreme divide between Democrats and Republicans, and a “major strain” on the democratic process, a Tennessee State University political scientist says this midterm election will determine where “our political values truly lie” as a country.
Dr. Shameka N. Cathey
“Our current political climate is one of the most intense moments that we have experienced in some time as a nation,” says Dr. Shameka N. Cathey, assistant professor of political science. “As we emerge from a global pandemic, while facing an economic recession and concern over climate change, our everyday existence – the very basic things in our lives – from gas prices to education, to inflation and healthcare are key political issues in this moment.”
An estimated 125.6 million Americans are expected to turn out for November’s midterm elections, according to a national pollster. Voters are coming out in full force, with 25 million who have already cast their ballots in early voting, as of Oct. 31. With the stark differences in how to lead the country forward, Cathey says she understands why voters are coming out in huge numbers. Democrats want to hold on to power, while Republicans aim to change that.
“If there is a shift in the current makeup of the House, Republicans can block the President’s agenda for the rest of his term. Everything from student debt release, women’s right to choose, police reform, and healthcare will be on the line,” says Cathey.
Jaiden Walker
She adds that with a flip in the entire makeup of Congress, Republicans will pass their own legislation, block any of Biden’s Supreme Court nominees, if that were to happen again, and stop any important investigations into former President Trump. Republicans will also be in a better position for a 2024 Presidential candidate, she says.
Jaiden Walker, a second-year political science student from Selman, Alabama, agrees that with the issues at stake, he’s not surprised at the record number of people expected to vote in the midterm. He calls on his fellow students to participate in the process, as “difference makers.”
“I think that midterm elections always have important implications in the day-to-day lives of Americans,” says Walker. “It is important for students to participate because that’s one major way we can effect change by expressing our rights.”
Historically, the outcomes of midterm elections have not been so favorable to the party in power. Could this term be any different? Cathey says with the surge in early voting and other factors, the outcome could go either way.
“The tendency in midterm elections is to favor the out party due to what is called surge and decline theory,” she says. “Presidential elections often bring a surge of voters who are less partisan, and those voters stay home (decline) in the midterm elections. A change in direction could come from motivated voters due to Biden’s party pledge to protect abortion rights, student debt forgiveness, and his social and economic agenda.”
Cathey also says several Republican candidates are being viewed as vulnerable. States like Georgia, Ohio, Arizona, and North Carolina can be a tossup for either party. In Georgia, for instance, more than 1.6 million have already cast their votes, according to recent projections.
Election day is Nov. 8. Early voting is underway in many states, including Tennessee.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The U.S. General Services Administration recently held a two-day training session at Tennessee State University to educate historically black colleges and universities on seeking contracting opportunities with the federal government. Called “Growth ’22 Series,” the event was part of a GSA regional outreach training initiative geared toward advancing equity for HBCUs in the federal market place. It was part of the White Initiative on HBCUs aimed to ensure that these institutions have equal access to GSA contracting programs to purchase products and services.
Dr. Quincy Quick, third from left, TSU’s interim Assistant VP for Research and Sponsored Programs, welcomes GSA officials. From left are: Dale Terry, Special Assistant to the Commissioner; Thomas Meiron, Federal Acquisition Service Regional Commissioner; Dr. Quick; Cheryl Thornton-Cameron, Executive Director; Trina Bilal, Program Manager; and Lanelle Chisolm, National Account Manager. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Representatives from several HBCUs including Clark Atlanta University, Alabama A&M University, and Jarvis Christian University joined TSU at the workshop, that also included presenters from the U.S. Departments of the Treasury and Energy.
Cheryl Thornton-Cameron, executive director of the GSA Office of Acquisition Operations, said the agency is “100 percent” committed to spending time with the HBCU community to make them aware of all federal funding and grant opportunities, as well as employment opportunities for HBCU graduates.
“Today we want to bring more awareness to our HBCUs organizations through our Growth ‘22 Series,“ Thornton-Cameron said. “The Biden/ Harris administration is committed to making sure that these institutions are given more opportunities to get federal government business and funding, and also look at hiring more HBCUs students. What we do know is that some of the brightest employees actually come from HBCUs.”
Among HBCUs represented at two-day training were Clark Atlanta University, Alabama A&M University, Jarvis Christian University, and TSU. (Photo by Reginald Cannon)
According to Thornton-Cameron, TSU was the first stop of the Growth ’22 training tour. The next workshop will be at Jackson State University.
“We want to thank President (Glenda) Glover for opening the doors and allowing us to come and set up to where we can have a conversation with other HBCU brothers and sisters, because lots of HBCUs don’t even know that they can play in the federal government market place. HBCUs can tap into billions, whether it is federal procurement, grants or hiring HBCU students.”
Dr. Quincy Quick, professor and interim assistant vice president for Research and Sponsored Programs at TSU, said the GSA training allows the university to enhance its systems, and helps staff to be more efficient in seeking contract opportunities.
“The forum provided an opportunity for HBCUs to partner with GSA, and gave us the ability to acquire contracts from the federal government,” Quick said. “The forum also gave us another way for us to be able to identify research opportunities that will be more contract base.”
The event at TSU followed a Feb. 16 roundtable discussion GSA held in Atlanta aimed at increasing the number of HBCUs with “Multiple Award Schedule” (MAS) contracts and provide training and education to help the institutions achieve success in the federal marketplace. The MAS, also known as the “Federal Supply Schedule,” is a procurement option often overlooked by public institutions of higher learning.
Kenny Sessions, a doctoral student and a representative of the Small Business Administration at TSU, said he went to the workshop to see how the GSA can expand its services to the university in ways that help business owners.
“We found today in working with the GSA that there is a lot of initiatives coming in from the White House in which HBCUs can expand their reach, as well as participate in projects that can bring them revenues for services that they can provide government agencies,” Sessions said. “There is a large reach and as most of the GSA representatives presented, they need to get familiar with us and we need to get familiar with them.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The tiger spirit has been embedded in Tennessee State University since 1912. However, a new groundbreaking Nike “Yardrunners” sneaker collection has given alumni and students a new way to strut their school spirit.
“THINK. WORK. SERVE. ” has always been the motto at Tennessee State University. But in this instance, TSU students are ‘serving’ looks this fall as Nike launched a multicolor Dunk Low sneaker displaying the university’s colors designed by TSU alum, Kalynn ‘KT’ Terrell.
TSU alum Kalynn ‘KT’ Terrell is a fashion designer who customized a Nike sneaker this year displaying the university’s colors. (Photo by Hunter Hart photography)
“This was a goal that I always wanted to accomplish and the prototype was my exact design,” Terrell said.
Head drum major of the Aristocrat of Bands Marro Briggs, said he was excited to get his hands on a pair of the sneakers as the historical aspect, is deeper than the aesthetic.
“This is a once in a lifetime … a piece of history,” Briggs, an economics and finance major, said. “I was really excited because I love shoes. This sheds a bigger light on us and our culture. I am happy they (Nike) chose TSU.”
The TSU themed sneakers feature tiger-printed shoelaces with a “Tiger Pride” branding on the striped insoles. The shoes also feature 1912 embroidered on the heel tabs. The inner tongue highlights the TSU mottowith a color scheme of red, blue, black, white, and yellow.
Terrell, a 2016 TSU graduate, added that the yellow gives the sneaker a special touch. The color symbolizes the land of golden sunshine, another university moniker fondly used by alumni.
AOB drum majors from left to right, Jeremiah Mensa, Joshua Knox, Curtis Olawumi, Marro Briggs, all purchased TSU Dunk Low sneakers. (Photo by Julian Curry)
“For me it (yellow) represents completion,” Terrell said. “It’s not your alma mater until you walk the stage … so, it symbolizes that I made it. I did it.”
Terrell is a fashion designer, wardrobe stylist and serial entrepreneur from Huntsville, Alabama, who began a partnership with Nike in 2020.
When Terrell was a teenager, she knew that fashion and tennis shoes were more than just a hobby, they were a lifestyle. During undergrad, Terrell said she always had a sense of self as she walked the campus with confidence, graduating with a degree in psychology.
“I became who I am because of Tennessee State University,” Terrell said. “If I had never attended TSU, I probably wouldn’t be comfortable dressing how I dress now.”
Terrell’s style and branding landed her with an opportunity of a lifetime, designing a shoe for Nike.
“This opportunity meant the world to me. It’s groundbreaking and it lets me know that I am on the trajectory of going in the right direction.”
The TSU themed sneakers feature white or tiger-printed shoelaces with a “Tiger Pride” branding on the striped insoles. The shoes also feature 1912 embroidered on the heel tabs, and the TSU motto on the inner tonguewith a color scheme of red, blue, black, white, and yellow. ( Photo courtesy of Nike)
This year, Nike Yardrunners class focused on “HBCU alumni who are forging a legacy through fashion that will inspire future generations.”
Tennessee State University Dunk Low is part of a four-piece HBCU Yardrunners first-ever shoe collection that also highlighted sneakers created by women who attended Clark Atlanta University, Florida A&M University, and North Carolina A&T University.
TSU Nike Dunk Low was released during homecoming week at local retailers like ROOTED and City Gear, and online on SNKRS, selling out within hours.
Former Miss TSU and fellow Alabama native Mallory Moore said she’s thrilled to see her alma mater in the spotlight and proud of the individual behind the design.
“HBCU’s are finally being showcased for their positive contributions to society and the leaders they produce, specifically Tennessee State University,” Moore said.
“TSU has a big sneaker community, so it feels amazing. I am grateful that the university I once served is being celebrated in a major way.”
Kalynn Terrell is a fashion designer, wardrobe stylist and serial entrepreneur from Huntsville, Alabama, who began a partnership with Nike in 2020. (Photo by Chrisean Rose)
Everyone is hopeful that the Nike spotlight will bring future endeavors to the university. Terrell said she looks forward to collaborating with her alma mater again. She noted how HBCUs and African Americans move the culture forward in the fashion industry.
“We are the style,” Terrell said. “We are the standard.”
Terrell is the owner of three product base businesses: Nose In The Air, KT Wore It, and Nose In The Air Hair Co. She said operating her businesses and staying true to herself has aligned her with opportunities she was destined for.
“When I am gone, what’s going to be here to keep my name afloat,” Terrell said when asked about leaving a legacy. “I am trying to create something that is bigger than me. I would love to leave a staple.”
About Nike Yardrunners
Nike’s Yardrunners is a series to celebrate the cultural contributions and history of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, along with their students and alumni.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – As the Tennessee Titans continue their long-standing partnership with Tennessee State University, on Thursday the team officially announced the launch of their Impact Program, ‘ONE Community.’
The ONE Community platform includes multi-faceted programs that reach many of Nashville’s most underserved communities with a focus on three areas – Opportunity, Neighborhoods, and Education.
TSU is one of 16 local and regional organizations that is a part of the community benefits platform.
Tennessee Titans held a press conference at TSU on Thursday to officially announce the launch of their Impact Program, ‘ONE Community.’
“TSU is excited about the expansion of our partnership with the Titans and the opportunities students will gain to be successful through internships and employment with the team,” said Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover during a press conference held at the university.
“Our historic relationship, an HBCU and NFL franchise, spans over 25-years and centers around both organizations’ commitment to serve communities in the city we proudly call home, Nashville.”
With ONE Community, TSU and the Titans will be expanding their long-standing relationship by launching a new partnership that will establish several initiatives including athletics, academics, students and university support through scholarship and job shadowing programs, professional development opportunities, and employment opportunities.
The team will also continue its partnership by hosting TSU games at the new stadium and engage in other TSU-related initiatives.
Tennessee Titans President Burke Nihill speaks during a press conference announcing the launch of, ‘ONE Community.’ (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
The Titans will serve as the annual presenting sponsor of the John Merritt Classic and partner with TSU to expand gameday activation and expanded branding opportunities.
TSU graduate student Nykole Allen-Clark, who is the division captain for Project Destined, an organization that also partners with the Titans, said this opportunity is huge for the university.
“I am extremely excited about the Tennessee Titans partnership,” Allen-Clark said. “This program will provide students and adult learners with unmatched exposure to a development in the community.”
Adolpho Birch, Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer for the Tennessee Titans, said ONE Community represents a substantial amount of work and effort and is a product of extensive interaction and feedback from residents and community leaders.
“Ultimately, increasing opportunities for workforce and small business development, nurturing and enhancing our neighborhoods in need, and supporting education at all levels are what the community believed would be most impactful,” Birch said.
Johari Matthews, a TSU alum and Titans Foundation’s programs director, said they are proud to announce their partnership. “Our valued relationship with President Glover, the TSU athletic department and the students and staff are all very critical to the Titans story,” Matthews said.
The Titans Foundation’s Programs Director, TSU alum Johari Matthews (center) with TSU students during a Titans press conference. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“We believe that every student deserves an educational journey with the resources, experiences, and access necessary to create a meaningful path to vocational and life success.”
The project has been underway for more than two years. The announcement comes on the heels of the city of Nashville and the Titans reaching an agreement on a newly proposed football stadium earlier this week estimated at $2.1 billion.
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) – Student Government Association President Kenneth Rolle, II and Vice President Aliyah Holmes attended a roundtable discussion on reproductive rights and how the Dobbs decision could impact college students across the country. Vice President Kamala Harris extended the invitation to Rolle and Holmes, as well as to other student leaders to hear their thoughts first-hand regarding the issue.
TSU Student Government Association President Kenneth Rolle, II and Vice President Aliyah Holmes said experiencing a roundtable discussion on reproductive rights at the White House was a monumental moment and looks forward to spreading awareness on campus. (Photo submitted)
Rolle said the opportunity was monumental for the university’s student body and brought forth additional information on how overturning Roe vs. Wade impacts students and young adults.
“It was a great day in D.C,” Rolle said. “This is a great opportunity for Tennessee State University to showcase the student leadership that we produce here, but on a national stage. They (White House officials) want to hear the student’s perspective, and how we feel about the issue of women’s reproductive rights.”
Rolle said the roundtable discussion with Vice President Harris provided students with information on how to advocate for change and properly educate the campus on this issue. The Orlando, Florida native said he looks forward to becoming more knowledgeable on how the Supreme Court’s ruling affect women’s rights following the visit. “I foresee us doing a push to raise awareness.”
SGA leaders take a selfie in front of portraits of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris during their visit at the White House.
Prior to their arrival, Holmes said her focus was spreading awareness on campus when she returned from Washington D.C. “HBCU students even being invited to the White House to participate in this discussion makes us feel like our voices do matter,” Holmes said. “It was a great experience. Being able to come back to our institution to share the knowledge that we gained is a great opportunity. Inviting TSU student leaders will have a huge, lasting impact on our institution and our student body.”
In August, TSU President Glenda Glover visited the White House, at the request of VP Harris, for a similar roundtable discussion and to obtain pertinent information that could aid TSU students in making well-informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University, Nashville’s only public university, aims to become only the second HBCU to reach the nation’s top research echelon with an “R1” designation under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning. The designation would mean more doctoral programs, research initiatives and funding for students and the university. Currently, TSU is one of only 11 HBCUs with an R2 designation under the category of “high research activity.”
Dr. Quincy Quick is leading the university’s effort to achieve the ‘R1’ designation.
For its drive to “R1” status or “very high research activity,” the university is mobilizing its research enterprise – teaching faculty, researchers, graduate school, staff, students – to support its vision for the coveted designation. Howard University, an “R2” institution, achieved the “R1” designation in 2000 but lost it in a reclassification.
On Friday, Oct. 14, under the theme, “R2 to R1,” the university’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs held an open forum to acquaint the research community with what is needed to help move the university to an R1 status.
“One of the goals of the forum was to find out the needs of researchers as they commit themselves to the execution of the many grant-awarded research projects going on throughout the campus,” said Dr. Quincy Quick, interim assistant vice president of Research and Sponsored Programs.
TSU’s move to achieve an R1 designation comes just three years after receiving the R2 status. (File photo)
“Our goal was to provide an accurate understanding of exactly what is R1 and what going from R2 to R1 requires. We wanted to make sure everyone understood that research is important but it really comes down to programs and the number of Ph.D. completers that you have.”
The R1 designation by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning is based on characteristics such as number of doctoral degrees conferred and money spent on research. In Tennessee, if TSU’s effort is successful, it will join the University of Memphis and the University of Tennessee Knoxville as the only institutions with the R1 designation.
Branndon Jones, a Ph.D. candidate in engineering and computational sciences, said he’s very optimistic about TSU’s effort.
“The research enterprise here at TSU is led by professors and advisors who have immense passion and dedication to their work and field of study,” said Jones, of Franklin, Tennessee, who is in his second year of his doctoral studies.
“The research areas are also unique since many are in the area of security and defense which forces researchers to think outside the box to develop novel approaches to solve today’s problems and problems that may arise 10 years in the future.”
A cross section of the university’s research community – faculty, staff, administrators – participated in the discussion to make the case for TSU’s quest for the top research designation. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
TSU has a thriving research enterprise. Over the last two years, the University has been awarded more than $70 and $67 million in sponsored research and external funding, the highest in school history.
The university’s move to achieve an R1 designation comes just three years after receiving the R2 status, joining three of Tennessee’s four-year public institutions with that designation. Climbing to the top tier of R1 will be quite a fete. With nearly 4,000 colleges and universities classified by the Carnegie system, only 3 percent are R1s, considered the best research institutions in the world.
“The fact that there is no HBCU in that R1 classification, we are trying to set the standard,” said Dr. Robbie Melton, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.
“We need to let everyone know that HBCUs have the same quality, rigor, and support for an R1 classification.”
To be considered for an R1 classification, an institution must award at least 20 research and or scholarship doctoral degrees during the update year, which takes place every three years, as well as spend at least $5 million in total research expenditures according to the National Science Foundation’sHigher Education Research & Development Survey. The institution must also score high on the Research Activity Index calculation, which is an aggregate level of overall and per capita research activity.
Quick, who is leading the university’s efforts and oversees the research enterprise, said achieving the R1 designation wouldn’t be easy, but TSU is up to the task.
“We are in a much better shape than most people realize,” he said. “TSU is very strong in the STEM disciplines. We are producing a good number of Ph.D.s in those areas, as well as in education and agriculture. We are also doing well in the number of non-faculty Ph.D. researchers, which now stands at 18.”
Quick added that research expenditures, which stood at $15.4 million in TSU’s most recent ranking, is another area of improvement. The greatest challenge, he said, is in the humanities, which does not currently have doctoral programs.
“Where we are going to meet the challenge is with the humanities, and there is a consensus across the board at the highest leadership, with President (Glenda) Glover, Academic Affairs, Research and Sponsored Program, and Institutional Research on what it is going to take to meet this challenge,” adds Quick.
Dr. Samantha Morgan Curtis, interim dean of the College of Liberal Arts, said the college is looking at a number of programs that could be elevated to the doctoral level.
“One of the first one we are looking at is criminal justice. There is also great interest in music, another incredibly strong program,” Morgan Curtis said. “We have a master’s program in music that will be rolling out shortly. The natural growth there is to look at the doctorate.”
For more information on research at TSU, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/research-1/
Featured Photo by Reginald Cannon Dr. Quincy Quick (at the podium), head of TSU’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the University’s chief research officer, spearheads the discussion as he and other officials present the institution’s case for an “R1” research designation. Sitting from left are: Dr. Robbie Melton, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. William Johnson, Executive Research Director for R2 to R1 for New Academic Programs; andDr. John Robinson, Interim Dean of Graduate Studies.
