Category Archives: NEWS

College of Agriculture, EVENTS, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Summer Camps

2022 TSU summer camps give students fun and real-world educational experience

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.

Alumni, FEATURED, Featured

Former Miss TSU and Memphis educator Pippin passes at age 96

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Harriet Louise Johnson Pippin, who was the oldest living former Miss Tennessee State University, and 30-year Memphis area educator, has died at age 96. Pippin was described as a sweetheart, as she was born on Valentine’s Day. She died on June 10 in Memphis, Tennessee. 

Pippin was Miss TSU in 1946-47 and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated. 

Harriet Louise Johnson Pippin (Photo submitted)

Her career as an educator with Memphis City Schools, included Booker T. Washington High School and Georgia Avenue Elementary, retiring 31 years later. She loved her family and had a passion for traveling and serving Christ as a member of Metropolitan Baptist Church in Memphis for over 70 years, according to her obituary. 

Barbara Murrell, former Miss TSU, who won the crown 13 years after Pippin, said she was “a determined, extraordinaire queen.” 

“She will be remembered for her warm and caring personality, inspiration provided to other queens at our Annual Teas, and dedication to serve as a role model for all of us who respected and loved her dearly,” said Murrell, who was a senior administrator at TSU for many years. She noted that Pippin’s poise as a queen exuded dignity and determination. 

President Glenda Glover with former Miss TSU Harriet Louise Johnson Pippin at a recent Miss TSU Tea at the President’s residence. (Photo submitted)

The Ashland, Kentucky native married William Pippin just a year before graduating from TSU. The pair had four children and several grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. 

Pippin’s family expressed their sentiments in her obituary by writing, “We will miss her tremendously, yet her legacy will continue to live in each of us.”

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.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU’s Millicent Lownes-Jackson receives National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable highest honor

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.

For more information on the TSU College of Business, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/bis/.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU track and field legends Ralph Boston and Wilma Rudolph named to USTFCCCA Hall of Fame

By TSU Athletics

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.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS

TSU takes over Miami with National alumni conference, The Tiger Renaissance

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.

For more information about the National organization visit www.tsualumnionline.org/.

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 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/>.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, RESEARCH, Research and Sponsored Programs, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU spotlighted on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner successful six-day space mission

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. 

For more information on the College of Engineering, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/engineering/moreaboutus.aspx

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)

Athletics, NEWS

30 Days of Giving Launches June 1

Original Post by Nick Guerrio, TSU Athletics

NASHVILLE — Tennessee State Athletics will use the Month of June for its ’30 Days of Giving’ to bring Roar City together to pledge support for the Tigers.

The month of giving is an opportunity for every Tiger to support their favorite athletic program at TSU. Alumni, friends, and supporters interested in making their mark on TSU Athletics are encouraged to participate in June and support specific programs that resonate with their TSU experience.

“We are thrilled to launch the ’30 Days of Giving’ initiative because it provides an opportunity for everyone that loves this storied program to have an impact,” said TSU Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen. “Furthermore, it enhances our department’s ability to provide a transformational experience for our current student-athletes and future Tigers.”

The TSU Athletics Giving Challenge will help the Tigers’ 15 intercollegiate athletic teams raise funds for specific equipment, travel and training enhancements for their program. Every gift made to this campaign contributes to the training, opportunities, and success of Tennessee State student-athletes, and to building an even stronger foundation for athletic success.

Each day in June, a coach, a member of the athletic staff, an alum, or a member of the University will tell you why they support Tennessee State Athletics and why you should donate to the Tennessee State Athletic Fund.

To learn more about the TSU Athletics ’30 Days of Giving’, please visit our campaign website at tsuathleticfund.com/thirty-days-of-giving/index.html for information and to make your contribution.

College of Engineering, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Student Profile

TSU students among brightest minds selected for Thurgood Marshall College Fund Inaugural Apple Engineering & Innovation Program

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Three Tennessee State University students have been selected to participate in the inaugural class of Apple’s Engineering & Innovation (E&I) Program. The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) announced that Derrion Boyce, Ashleigh Thomas and Tenille Cochran are the TSU Apple Scholars for the program.

All showed their gratitude for the scholarship award of $15,000 for the academic school year.

Derrion Boyce

Boyce, a first-generation college student and rising senior majoring in electrical engineering, said the Apple HBCU Scholars award allows him to have a seamless journey to obtaining his degree.

“This scholarship has given me more hope, and less worry about college,” Boyce said. The Chicago, Illinois, native said he looks forward to becoming a prominent figure and role model at TSU as he will take full advantage of the scholarship opportunity. “I really appreciate the opportunity given to me to help pay for my education, that will help my future.”

Ashleigh Thomas


Ashleigh Thomas of Suwanee, Georgia, who is a computer science major, also stated that the opportunity has motivated her to continue thriving and finish off her last year in college strong.

“Being an Apple scholar has motivated me to remain focused on obtaining my degree,” Thomas said. “It has given me the confidence that I will one day be an innovator as Apple has been to people and the world.”

Professor and Interim Dean of Civil Engineering Dr. Lin Li said the innovative program will prepare the students to become the next generation of diverse leaders.

“It is such great support to three TSU students with the inaugural class of Apple’s E & I Program,” Dr. Li said.

Rising junior and Nashville native Tenille Cochran, who is an architectural engineering major said she was shocked when she received recognition from TMCF and Apple.

Tenille Cochran

“To be acknowledged for my accomplishments as an undergraduate student, it has given me confidence and broaden my perspective regarding my personal and professional development,” Cochran said.

“It helped me realize that all I needed was courage, effort, and confidence to achieve my goals. I can’t express how much the Apple Scholars program changed my life.”

President & CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund Dr. Harry L. Williams said The E&I Scholars are recognized as among the best in the country. “With the support of Apple, we look forward to advancing and elevating the critical importance of science and automation in preparing tomorrow’s tech leaders,” he said.

In total, 43 Apple E&I Scholars were selected from applicants from engineering programs at America’s publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs).

The Apple Engineering & Innovation Program is an initiative designed to equip the next generation of Black tech leaders through financial assistance, access to training and professional development experiences, and real-world skill application. The program will also allow scholars to engage in technical learning opportunities and participate in sessions led by Apple executives and industry leaders, according to a report from TMCF.

Apple Engineering & Innovation Scholars will also have opportunities to secure internships and full-time employment after graduation.

About the Thurgood Marshall College Fund

Established in 1987, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member-schools include the publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions, enrolling nearly 80% of all students attending black colleges and universities. Through scholarships, capacity building and research initiatives, innovative programs, and strategic partnerships, TMCF is a vital resource in the K-12 and higher education space. The organization is also the source of top employers seeking top talent for competitive internships and good jobs. TMCF is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt, charitable organization. For more information about TMCF, visit http://www.tmcf.org> www.tmcf.org<http://www.tmcf.org.

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 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/>.




Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU honors alumnus Lt. William McBryar, Buffalo Soldier and Medal of Honor recipient

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.

NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

“What does that mean for my grandparents?” TSU student and New York native, professors reflect on fatal Buffalo attack, Black mental health

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – More than 700 miles away from Tennessee State University, the 198th mass shooting of 2022 in Buffalo, New York, has impacted communities across the country. TSU psychology and history experts and an incoming student from New York said the attack was extremely personal.

Incoming freshman Michkayla Lewis, who starts classes at TSU in the fall, said the attack has put fear into her community. The Elmont, New York native lives in a predominantly Black neighborhood, about 400 miles from Buffalo. 

Incoming freshman Michkayla Lewis visits TSU for new student orientation. (Photo submitted)

“I don’t know if I can ever see New York the same,” Lewis said. “It’s really scary. I always had a fear of something like this happening,” she said.

“To target older people … what does that mean for my grandparents?”

On May 14, the predominately black community was a target of racist rage when a white supremacist carried a semi-automatic rifle into the Buffalo neighborhood, killing 10 residents inside the community’s Tops Grocery Store, and traumatizing those who watched it all unfold across the country.   

Dr. Thurman Webb, associate professor of psychology and program coordinator, and Dr. Learotha Williams Jr., associate professor of African American and public history, both expressed their outrage and sadness regarding the incident. Both agreed that the anxiety, a result of the mass killing, will have far-reaching consequences for years and even centuries to come.

Mourners at scene of the fatal Buffalo grocery store attack. (Photo: CNN)

“If anyone had a right to mental illness, it would be people of color,” Webb said. “These shootings are becoming almost like common news. It affects me a lot.”

Noting that May is National Mental Health Awareness Month, Webb mentioned African Americans have made headway in the stigma of mental health. Sixteen percent (4.8 million) of African American people reported having a mental illness, and 22.4 percent of those reported a serious mental illness over the past year, according to Mental Health America. Black adults are 20 percent more likely to report serious psychological distress than others, reports show.

Dr. Thurman Webb

Webb said rather than disassociating from the trauma, understanding how it impacts “our daily decisions” is best, stating that as a Black community, continuing to speak truth to power is key.

“And I don’t mean just verbally, your actions are a communication too,” he said. “Stay diligent. Don’t let this become familiar. This is not normal.”

As of May 26, the country has seen 214 mass shootings this year, according to the Gun Violence Achieve. 

Police identified the Buffalo gunman as Payton Gendron, 18, who lives 200 miles southeast of Buffalo – which is among the 20 most segregated cities in the country, according to the 2020 Census.

“My reaction was very similar to when I saw George Floyd get killed, when I saw our folks who were slaughtered in Charleston,” Williams said. “It went from anger, to sadness … frustration and right now, I am alternating between rage and despair.”

In the midst of grieving for the Tops Grocery Store victims in Buffalo, just 10 days later the country witnessed yet another mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, that led to the death of 19 children and two adults.

Dr. Learotha Williams Jr.

As a historian, Williams said he has witnessed attacks throughout American history, “where the pain and the suffering endured are often times ignored or marginalized … to the point where people think we can absorb these bad things.”

In connection with the Buffalo shooting, Gendron was indicted on one count of first-degree murder. But Williams said, it appears, history repeats itself. 

“You see acquittal, after acquittal,” he said. “Being consumed by despair is an understatement.”

As the Senate unanimously passed an anti-lynching legislation this year, Williams mentioned how it took more than a century to do so, and how an anti-Black hate crime legislation has yet to become law.

“It speaks to the valuation of Black life in terms of it being less than,” William said.

Webb stated individuals should seek help if they have become depressed or anxiety-ridden over the New York shooting or the recent tragedy in Texas.

The Tennessee State University Counseling Center (UCC) offers counseling and psychological services, crisis support and intervention, and campus outreach and consultation. The goal of the counseling program is to improve the health and wellness of all students and across broader communities. 

To schedule a session or access forms about telehealth counseling, email [email protected] or call the counselors office at 615.963.5611. 

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 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.