Category Archives: Research and Sponsored Programs

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TSU student lands prestigious internship at Harvard Medical School

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A Tennessee State University student is spending the summer at one of the most prestigious institutions, Harvard Medical School, applying what she’s learned at TSU to cutting-edge biomedical research.

Kyla Hughes in her lab coat during her internship in the Department of Cardiology at Boston Children’s Hospital. (Photo submitted.)

Kyla Hughes, a senior and Dallas native, already has a Massachusetts Institute of Technology internship under her belt as the accolades are continuing to build. The agriculture biotechnology major is undergoing her current paid 10-week internship at Boston Children’s Hospital in the Department of Cardiology, as part of the Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program at Harvard.

“My reaction to getting the internship was very positive,” Hughes said. “I am one of two HBCU students in this program. So being underrepresented in the science field at Harvard, doing the research, is really motivating me.”

She credits her academic preparation to TSU’s College of agriculture and guidance from professors like Dr. Sonali Roy, for equipping her with skills to confidently conduct and present research.

Hughes, who is also a David Scott Farm Bill Scholar, continues to demonstrate how a strong foundation can lead to a profound impact across various disciplines. “Science is translational and cardiology is a new field for me to dive into,” she said. “I’ve learned more about myself as a scientist now and pushing myself intellectually.”

TSU senior Kyla Hughes is spending the summer conducting biomedical research through a Harvard internship at Boston Children’s Hospital. (Photo submitted.)

Associate Dean for Academics and Land-grant Programs Dr. De’Etra Young, said the college is committed to preparing students like Hughes to thrive in competitive environments, contribute to their communities, and lead with purpose. “Through rigorous academic training, hands-on research, and leadership development, we are equipping students to pursue advanced study, enter high-impact careers, and serve as thoughtful, solutions-oriented leaders in agriculture and beyond,” Young said. “Kyla exemplifies the excellence we aim to foster through the David Scott Farm Bill Scholarship and our Dean’s Scholars Undergraduate Research Program. Her internships, along with her campus leadership and service, reflect the breadth of opportunities available to students who are prepared and supported.”

Hughes plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biology or molecular genetics after graduating in 2026.

To learn more about the College of Agriculture, visit www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/.

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TSU Early Learning Center Expands Services with New Year-Round Childcare Model 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) — In a major help for families in Davidson County and beyond, the Tennessee State University Early Learning Center (ELC) is moving into the university’s Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences (COELS) and expanding its programming to offer year-round childcare services. The shift responds to the increasing demand for comprehensive care options for infants and toddlers in the local community.

Dr. Kimberly Smith

Families seeking day-long care for their little ones will benefit from the ELC’s transition to a year-round model, a significant move from its previous school-year schedule. With the integration into COELS, the ELC will now provide an enriched educational experience for children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, including the launch of a brand-new infant/toddler classroom through a collaborative partnership with Early Head Start.

Dr. Kimberly Smith, director of COELS, emphasized the necessity of this expansion.

With the expansion and relocation of the program, the Early Learning Center will now accept children ages 3 -5 year-round.(Submitted photo)

“As an instructor in the College of Human Sciences, I recognized the critical need for infant and toddler services at the ELC,” Smith said. “This enhancement not only benefits our families but also creates invaluable opportunities for TSU students to gain practical, hands-on experience.”

In its new capacity, the ELC will serve approximately 35 children, significantly increasing its current enrollment. The center will offer flexible full-day options tailored to meet the diverse needs of families, ensuring that all children have access to a nurturing environment focused on personal and educational development. 

Akela Barnett

Akela Barnett, ELC director, expressed her enthusiasm about the change, stating, “We are eager to fully embrace this opportunity and maximize this partnership to propel childcare forward. Our vision is to establish our program as a beacon of best practices for the Nashville community.”

According to Tamara Barnhill, director of Early Head Start, “Bringing Early Head Start services to the ELC has been a longstanding goal. We are proud to offer our support to families who may otherwise lack access to high-quality childcare.” 

Tamara Barnhill

With its prime location in the middle of campus, the ELC not only enhances community childcare options but also serves as a valuable training ground for future educators, ensuring that the next generation of childcare professionals is well-prepared to meet the challenges of the field.

For more information about enrollment and services available at the TSU Early Learning Center, contact Akela Barnett at [email protected] or 615-963-5591.

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 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research-intensive institution with an R-2 Carnegie designation, a downtown Avon Williams Off-Campus Instructional Site, and 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. 

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Nissan Fuels Innovation at Tennessee State University with Vehicle Donations

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – In a groundbreaking partnership aimed at propelling engineering students into the forefront of automotive innovation, Nissan has gifted two cutting-edge vehicles to the College of Engineering at Tennessee State University. This generous donation, featuring an electric Nissan Ariya Platinum+ e-4ORCE and an Infiniti AWD QX60, will empower students with hands-on learning experiences that bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application.

Margaret Steele, right, Nissan representative and TSU graduate, presents the keys to the Ariya Platinum+ e-4ORCE to Dr. M. Saleh Zein-Sabatto, chair of the TSU Department of Electrical Engineering. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“Today marks a pivotal moment in the education of our future engineers,” said Dr. Lin Li, interim chair of the College of Engineering. “With these vehicles, our students are no longer confined to the classroom; they will dissect, analyze, and innovate with state-of-the-art technology that represents the future of the automotive industry.”

Dr. Muhammad Akbar, interim chair of the TSU Department of Mechanical Engineering, receives the keys to the Infiniti AWD QX60 from Nissan representative Margaret Steele, a 1995 graduate of TSU. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

The donation not only solidifies Nissan’s ongoing commitment to fostering educational opportunities but also reflects the deepening ties between the automaker and TSU. As a 1995 graduate of the College of Engineering, Margaret Steele, representing Nissan’s Supplier Diversity Development, highlighted the significance of this initiative. “We’re excited to support Tennessee State University and provide students with the tools they need to become the engineers of tomorrow,” Steele said, as she presented the keys to the vehicles during a ceremony at the college.

Devin Barnes

Students across various engineering disciplines, including mechanical and electrical engineering, will utilize these vehicles as invaluable teaching resources. For mechanical engineering students, the Infiniti QX60 will serve as a hands-on model to explore and understand design and manufacturing techniques. Meanwhile, the electric vehicle will give electrical engineering students a platform to study innovative battery systems, circuit layouts, and the intricacies of electric power management.

Junior mechanical engineering major Devin Barnes expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “This opportunity is a blessing. It’s not every day that students get to work directly with real vehicles. It’s a chance to connect what we learn in the classroom with practical experience, which is essential for our future careers.”

Dr. Lin Li, dean of the College of Engineering, checks out the Ariya Platinum+ e-4ORCE electric car, assisted by TSU alum and Nissan engineer Richard Bryant. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Dr. M. Saleh Zein-Sabatto, chair of the Department of Electrical Engineering, stressed the importance of hands-on learning in today’s rapidly changing automotive landscape. “These vehicles will allow students to engage directly with the technologies of both gas and electric vehicles, preparing them for the skills needed in an industry that is shifting toward sustainable solutions,” Sabatto said.

Deondre Davenport, coordinator of Recruitment and Student Services in the College of Engineering, noted the significance of this partnership. “Every school doesn’t have access to real vehicles for hands-on learning, and now we do,” Davenport said. “This not only enhances our students’ educational experience, but it also gives us a unique selling point to attract future students.”

Several TSU officials, faculty and staff join Nissan representatives for the car presentation on the steps of the College of Engineering. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

As the program unfolds, students will utilize the donated vehicles for hands-on projects, competitive challenges, and collaborative learning experiences that will enhance their engineering skills and prepare them to tackle the challenges of tomorrow’s automotive landscape.

For more information on the TSU College of Engineering, visit www.tnstate.edu/engineering/

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TSU hosts Black Maternal Health Fair, tackling health disparities

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –Tennessee State University recently hosted a Black Maternal Health Fair as part of its ongoing efforts to combat disparities and improve Black maternal health outcomes. The event, in partnership with the Black Heart Association, Walmart, 4Kira4Moms, and other key organizations, brought together panelists who shared powerful stories about their own journeys as maternal health advocates.

TSU President Ronald Johnson welcomed attendees, emphasizing the importance of these discussions for the African American community.

TSU Interim President Ronald Johnson

“I am honored to be here today because this issue is vital to the health and well-being of African American families,” Johnson said. “African American women face the highest rates of maternal mortality, and these discussions are essential for accelerating solutions and creating a healthier future.”

Held at TSU’s Health Science building, the event featured two panel discussions, an interactive workshop on community support, and sessions on innovative care models and maternal mental health. Each panel addressed key aspects of Black maternal health, with guest speakers sharing their personal experiences that inspired them to become advocates.

Before the panel discussion, Brian Calhoun, a TSU master’s in public health student, presented his research on the role of African American men in supporting Black women during pregnancy and postpartum. As a father of one with another child on the way with his wife, Calhoun highlighted the significance of his work in creating positive outcomes for families.

Brian Calhoun’s wife and son listen as he presents his research on addressing maternal health disparities.

“Postpartum care is crucial because it’s when many women face the greatest risks,” Calhoun said. “TSU has provided a safe space for these discussions, allowing speakers to share their vulnerabilities and passion for advocacy. I’m proud to be part of this movement, knowing that TSU is at the forefront of addressing maternal health disparities.”

Calhoun referred to TSU’s $2.3 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration last year, which supports the establishment of a research center dedicated to studying maternal health disparities. “I’m extremely proud to say that TSU is leading this effort in Tennessee,” Calhoun said.

Alaurea Paige, a graduate student in public health and the event’s moderator, shared her reflections on the importance of mental health for Black mothers, both during and after pregnancy.

TSU Public Health graduate student, and event moderator Alaurea Paige.

“The biggest takeaway for me was how often Black women and their families are ignored by medical professionals, sometimes with tragic or fatal outcomes,” Paige said. “Mental health is such an important piece, and I hope the audience understands the ongoing challenges that Black mothers face.”

In 2021, for every 100,000 live births, about 70 Black women died from pregnancy-related causes, compared to 27 white women, according to the CDC. The maternal mortality rate for Black women is 2.6 times higher than that of white women and significantly higher than Hispanic women as well.

This reality underscores the need for events like TSU’s Black Maternal Health Fair, which not only provides a platform for raising awareness but also for creating solutions.

Angela Wynn, TSU’s Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations, spearheaded the event and spoke about the power of shared experiences.

TSU’s Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations Angela Wynn.

“Being able to have shared experiences and knowing you aren’t the only one who has been through some of the tough journeys shared during our panel discussions truly helps in alleviating the silo some feel like they are in,” Wynn said, who is a mother herself. “We all have a responsibility to work toward fixing the disparities in Black maternal health, whether we’ve been mothers or have mothers.” Wynn expressed her hope that participants would continue to advocate for change and help eliminate the disparities affecting Black women.

Dr. Ronald Barredo, Dean of the College of Health Sciences, emphasized the significance of the discussions at the fair.

“The Black Maternal Health Fair sparked crucial conversations that not only highlighted the disparities faced by Black mothers but also stressed the urgent need for policy change and culturally competent care,” Barredo said. “This event is a step toward driving meaningful change that will improve maternal health outcomes and support the well-being of our communities.”

The event’s first panel included Corey Burton, Black maternal health advocate; Charles Johnson, founder of 4Kira4Moms; Dr. Cornelia R. Graves, medical director of Tennessee Maternal Fetal Medicine; state Sen. London Lamar; and Kristin Mejia, midwife and CEO of Homeland Heart.

The second panel featured Jasmine Dary, founder and CEO of Twisted Corks; Kenya Frazier, DSW, LCSW, LMFT, owner of RISE Therapy; TSU alum Toni Kelly, LCSW, owner of Toni Kelly Counseling & Consulting; and Psyche Terry, co-founder and CEO of UI Global Brands.

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TSU interim President unveils 100-Day plan during fall gathering 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The new academic year at Tennessee State University began with renewed enthusiasm at the TSU Faculty and Staff Institute (FSI) for 2024-25. The event marked Interim President Dr. Ronald A. Johnson’s first formal appearance before faculty and staff. Dr. Johnson was warmly welcomed by over 300 employees as he introduced key leadership additions and launched his 100-Day Action Plan, the Trajectory Change Initiative (TCI). This initiative is designed to address current challenges and ensure TSU remains future-ready and poised for success.

Pres. Johnson, center, with the 84th Student Government Association student leaders during the 2024-25 Faculty and Staff Institute.

“I am here. I am ready, and I am prepared to pilot the trajectory of this institution,” President Johnson declared to the faculty and staff, who donned TSU blue to show their Tiger spirit.

The 100-Day Action Plan is a year-long effort focused on leadership transition, operational stabilization, and university transformation. The plan also includes addressing operational leadership, assessing and resolving issues, strategic alignment, and financial stabilization.

Dr. Johnson brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience in higher education and has a distinguished career in the HBCU community. Johnson is the former president of Clark Atlanta University and served in key advisory roles for national organizations. He is also an accomplished economist and investment manager, with extensive experience in managing multi-billion-dollar portfolios and holding senior positions at major financial institutions.

“To be more, we must commit to doing more,” he told the audience, outlining his approach to leading TSU. “And the road ahead will not be easy.” He emphasized the importance of understanding internal stakeholder needs and tailoring cross-organizational alignment and execution strategies.

Pres. Johnson, left, meets Duanté Abercrombie, center, who is the inaugural head coach of the men’s hockey team, and Nick Guerriero, right, the Director of Hockey during FSI.  

During the event faculty, and staff engaged in a Q&A session with President Johnson. He highlighted TSU’s achievements, such as the state-of-the-art SMART Global Center and the significant research efforts within the College of Agriculture. He also acknowledged the unprecedented challenges the university has faced and discussed his plans to enhance communication and success across the campus.

President Johnson noted that improving TSU’s services is essential for understanding and meeting student needs, and for integrating delivery channels to provide a seamless student experience across all touchpoints.

He also announced the addition of two seasoned higher education leaders to his team. Dr. Bridgett Golman, who will serve as Interim Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students, and Darryl Thompson, who will serve as Special Advisor for External Affairs, Infrastructure, and Major Projects.

“Their extensive experience and dedication to institutional excellence will be crucial as we continue to execute our 100-Day Action Plan, meet the Board’s strategic goals, and prepare TSU for a successful future,” President Johnson stated.

Nearly 300 faculty and staff donned TSU blue to show their Tiger spirit during this year’s FSI to kick off the Fall 2024 semester.

The annual event also featured brief remarks from every TSU college dean, welcoming President Johnson. Faculty and staff heard from Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robbie Melton, Chair of the Faculty Senate Dr. Artenzia Young-Seigler, Director of engagement and visibility Reginald Cannon, and more. Student Government Association leaders, along with newly appointed student trustee Tyler Vazquez, were also present.

At this year’s FSI, Dr. Johnson set the foundation for TSU’s journey toward becoming a Future-Ready institution, ready to meet the challenges of the next decade and beyond.

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TSU receives $2.3 million grant to combat maternal mortality

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –  Tennessee State University is set to address the increasing death rate of new mothers across the state and the country with a grant $2.3 million from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The five-year grant will support the establishment of a research center dedicated to applied maternal health disparities research. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), maternal mortality rose from 861 maternal deaths in 2020 to 1,205 maternal deaths in 2021, a 40% overall increase.

 Dr. Wendelyn Inman, TSU’s Interim Public Health Program Director, addressed the urgent need for action as the United States has the highest rate of maternal deaths across the globe.

Interim Public Health Program Director Dr. Wendelyn Inman, right, discussing research on maternal mortality with second-year Master of Public Health student J’La Jenkins. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University)

“That should be unheard of,” Inman said. “Part of it is because we don’t have culturally competent providers. Providers aren’t sensitive to their needs.”

TSU has been allocated $483,400 of the HRSA grant for the first year. Inman, who is the principal investigator for the grant, noted the significance for underrepresented women, emphasizing the importance of being part of research from the beginning, rather than entering at a later stage, when it might be too late.

“That will make a big different to some women’s life, and some child who gets to keep their mother.”

The CDC is categorizing maternal mortality as death while pregnant or within 42 days of the end of pregnancy. This is irrespective of the duration and site of the pregnancy, from any cause related to or aggravated by the pregnancy or its management, but not from accidental or incidental causes. Statistics from the World Health Organization, from 2021, revealed “the maternal mortality rate for non-Hispanic Black (subsequently, Black) women was 69.9 deaths per 100,000 live births, 2.6 times the rate for non-Hispanic White (subsequently, White) women (26.6.) Rates for Black women were significantly higher than rates for White and Hispanic women.”

TSU second-year Master of Public Health student J’La Jenkins believes cultural competency is important, even within her program.

 Dr. Wendelyn Inman

“Especially being a Black woman of childbearing age, knowing the importance of how high the rates of maternal mortality are among Black women that look like me,” Jenkins said. “It is important that we have TSU, which is in the heart of a Black community, to be the research center for this work.”

Jenkins added that receiving this grant enables TSU to increase the public health workforce representing underserved communities. She said the numbers are declining and that receiving this grant from HRSA shows the University’s commitment to turning those numbers around.

“Not only is this going to impact me, but generations after me. I was astonished at how the university is currently underfunded, but we are still able to be the house of this research center,” she said.

From 2017 to 2020, the State of Tennessee reported that 113 women died during pregnancy or within a year of pregnancy from causes related or aggravated by pregnancy. These pregnancy-related deaths accounted for 35% of all deaths during that period. A published report from the State also saw a 2.5% increase in birth related deaths for non-Hispanic Black women compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. Cardiovascular diseases, compounded by disparities, emerged as leading causes. TSU, along with 15 other HBCUs, received funding to establish research centers. Dr. Inman expressed the importance of involving the community in the research process to ensure a diverse and inclusive approach from the ground up. Inman said this research, alongside other HBCUs, will create research turned into interventions to help within the community.

Dr. Quincy Quick

“We are going to have research centers so we can train doctoral, master’s level, and undergraduate students to join the public health workforce and the health care workforce to make a difference from the inside out. HRSA knows that if we can get more African American providers out there, we will see better outcomes. This will also highlight the pivotal role it plays in addressing the root causes of maternal mortality.”

Dr. Quincy Quick, TSU’s Associate Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs, stressed the grant’s significance.

“Receiving funding from HRSA at TSU will bolster our capacity and capabilities in public health research, specifically as it relates to maternal mortality rates,” he said.

“This is particularly significant given that the state of Tennessee has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country.”

Both Inman and Quick believe the HRSA grant, and HBCU maternal mortality research initiative will place underrepresented women at the forefront. Just as important, it positions TSU to provide groundbreaking research to address this health disparities and to train a diverse and inclusive public health workforce that can bring the meaningful change needed to save lives for the state of Tennessee and beyond.

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TSU first-year graduate student awarded poultry industry scholarship

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – After working at a local animal hospital in Nashville years ago, Alexis McDade’s passion for the animal industry was fueled. Additionally, McDade’s recent involvement with TSU’s food and animal science program has led her to a unique career path in the poultry sector.

TSU graduate student Alexis McDade received a scholarship from the Tennessee Poultry Association based on her exceptional performance in the poultry research area.

Currently, she is a first-year graduate student at TSU, majoring in food and animal science within the College of Agriculture. She has just received a scholarship from the Tennessee Poultry Association (TPA) based on her exceptional performance in the poultry research area.

McDade expressed her gratitude for becoming a TPA award recipient. “(When) I saw the news, I was ecstatic and even got a little emotional because I know how competitive scholarships can be,” McDade said. “This was my first scholarship award in this setting, so it felt both humbling and rewarding. I’m very proud of myself.”

McDade, who has been in the animal field for eight years now, also noted that she appreciates the university’s helpful insights related to her career path. “TSU offers plenty of opportunities for students like me to gain valuable real-world experience,” she said, “which is why I’m eager to explore ways to optimize the poultry industry.”

McDade found herself captivated by the balance between science, agriculture, and animal health within the poultry industry. She was particularly intrigued by the role that nutrition played in shaping the health and productivity of poultry. “I had the pleasure of participating in Ag Day on the Hill at the Tennessee Capitol, where I met inspiring individuals from the poultry industry who motivated me to continue my hard work on my research,” she said.

Samuel Nahashon, the Department Head of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, said the TPA has been awarding TSU students this scholarship for the last two years. “The scholarship that Alexis McDade received is based on her being in the poultry science research area and aspiring to be in the poultry career,” Nahashon said. He noted that McDade’s advisor within the department, Dr. P. Maharjan, did not hesitate to write a reference letter on her behalf based on how she has excelled in the field. McDade is one of 23 scholarship recipients across the state. The scholarship amount will be disclosed at an upcoming award ceremony at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center.

The Nashville native aims to thrive in the poultry industry and pursue a Ph.D. in poultry nutrition. She also looks forward to conducting further research on gut health within the poultry industry.

About TPA

The Tennessee Poultry Association’s mission is to be a collective voice for the integrated broiler/breeder industry in Tennessee, supporting the promotion of education, policy, and public relations for the industry’s sustenance. TPA collaborates with growers, producers, companies, educators, researchers, universities, state agencies, and agri-businesses to promote and protect the commercial poultry industry in the state.

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Tennessee State University reaches over $100 million in research awards, second among nation’s HBCUs

Continues path to obtain R1 status with record-setting external funding

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has reached a historic milestone, with the institution receiving over $100 million in research awards. The $100,031,082 million in funding is the second highest total among the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. According to TSU President Glenda Glover, the record-setting awards are a part of the University’s plan to reach R1- research status.

“I applaud our Research and Sponsored Programs division for the implementation and continuation of a robust program that speaks to TSU’s commitment to changing the world through our research,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “We understand that a significant increase in research expenditures is the key metric to obtain the R1 designation, the highest research classification for institutions.”

Anthony Thai

Some of the funding will focus on innovations in renewable energy, sustainable technologies, and global food security. University officials believe these research efforts will continue to transform lives and shape the future of TSU students.

“The aim of research in general is so that research will have a societal impact across the board from a local, state, regional and national level,” said Dr. Quincy Quick, associate vice president of Research and Sponsored Programs.

“All of the research that was awarded from the Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences to all the awards in the College of Agriculture will have a huge impact.”

In 2021, TSU’s external research funding was just over $70.7 million and has increased by 34% since then. This includes an $18 million United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA) NEXTGeneration grant awarded to the College of Agriculture that helped to propel TSU to the new record setting total.  

“The USDA/NIFA grant isn’t just a financial fortune, but it is a transformative opportunity that will propel TSU to new heights and academic excellence,” Dr. Quick added.

Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture, right, with Dr. John Ricketts, left, a professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences with the College of Agriculture, is the principal investigator for the NEXTGENeration Inclusion Consortium for Building the “Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences Pipeline (FANHP)” grant funded by USDA/NIFA for $18 million.

Quick also received a $2,970,000 grant from the National Institute of Standards and Technology, adding to the total. The award will be used for the renovation of Harned Hall in the College of Life and Physical Sciences, which houses (13) research labs and (2) teaching laboratories.

“We have hit the highest total in grant awards in the institution’s history. This puts TSU in the upper echelon of research funding among HBCUs.”

Quick, who is leading the R1 designation effort, says the goal is to ultimately reach $150 million in total grant awards within the next five years. TSU has had record awards in three of the last four years, $54 million (2019-2020); $70.7 million (2020-2021); and over $100 million (2022-2023).  

The R1 status is the highest research 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.”

TSU’s Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences and the College of Agriculture received a total of $65.9 million awards of this year’s total.

Here are the top awards received in 2022-23: 

  • Dr. John Ricketts – College of Agriculture, $18,000,000 (USDA NIFA)
  • Dr. Kimberly Smith- RSP, $10,444,445 (TN Department of Human Services)
  • Dr. Andrea Tyler – Title III, $10,254,498 (Department of Education) 
  • Dr. Quincy Quick – RSP, $5,000,000 (Department of Energy) 
  • Dr. Quincy Quick –RSP, $2,970,000 (National Institute of Standards and Technology)
  • Dr. Karla Addesso – College of Agriculture, $2,479,982 (USDA) 
  • Dr. Melanie Cantu – College of Agriculture, $2,016,694 (USDA) 
  • Dr. Rebecca Selove – RSP, $1,772,784 (National Institutes of Health) 
  • Dr. Deo Chimba – College of Engineering, $1,611,168 (Dept. of Transportation) 
  • Dr. Margaret Whalen – RSP, $1,255,618 (National Institutes of Health) 
  • Dr. Roy Sonali – College of Agriculture, $1,158,373 (USDA) 
  • Dr. Jianwei Li, College of Agriculture, $1,118,709 (USDA) 
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TSU awarded record-setting $95 million plus in research funding on road to R1 designation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has reached a new milestone in research awards with over $95 million from various funding agencies and sponsors, for the 2022-2023 academic year. From groundbreaking discoveries to innovations in renewable energy and sustainable technologies, university officials believe these research efforts will continue to transform lives and shape the future of TSU students.

“I applaud our Research and Sponsored Programs division for the implementation and continuation of a robust program that speaks to TSU’s commitment to changing the world through our research,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.

In 2021, TSU’s external research funding was just over $70.7 million. The University has experienced a 34% increase since then. This includes an $18 million USDA/NIFA NEXTGeneration grant awarded to the college of agriculture that helped to propel TSU to the new record setting total.  

“We have hit the highest total in grant awards in the institutions history this fiscal year,” said Associate Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs Dr. Quincy Quick.

 “This puts TSU in the upper echelon of research funding among HBCUs.”

“The USDA/NIFA grant isn’t just a financial fortune, but it is a transformative opportunity that will propel the TSU to new heights and academic excellence,” Dr. Quick added.

Quick, who is leading the R1 designation effort, says the goal is to ultimately reach a $150 million in total grant awards within the next five years. The R1 status the highest research designation, under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning.

“Research expenditures is the key metric for going from R2 to R1,” Quick said.

To date, TSU’s Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences and the College of Agriculture have received a total of  $65.9 million awards of this year’s total.

Here are some of the other top awards received in 2022-23: 

·       Dr. Andrea Tyler – Title III, $10,254,498 (Department of Education) 

·       Dr. Quincy Quick – RSP, $5,000,000 (Department of Energy) 

·       Dr. Karla Addesso – College of Agriculture, $2,479,982 (USDA) 

·       Dr. Melanie Cantu – College of Agriculture, $2,016,694 (USDA) 

·       Dr. Rebecca Selove – RSP, $1,772,784 (National Institutes of Health) 

·       Dr. Deo Chimba – College of Engineering, $1,611,168 (Dept. of Transportation) 

·       Dr. Margaret Whalen – RSP, $1,255,618 (National Institutes of Health) 

·       Dr. Roy Sonali – College of Agriculture, $1,158,373 (USDA) 

·       Dr. Jianwei Li, College of Agriculture, $1,118,709 (USDA) 

·       Dr. D’Etra Young – College of Agriculture, $1,000,000 (USDA) 

·       Dr. Robbie Melton – Academic Affairs, $1,000,000 (Apple/Hewlett Packard) 

·       Dr. Catherine Armwood – College of Engineering, $1,000,000 (NSF) 

·       Dr. Dafeng Hui – College of Life & Physical Sciences, $1,000,000 (NSF) 

·       Dr. Lin Li – College of Engineering, $1,000,000 – (NSF) 

·       Dr. Hongwei Si – College of Agriculture, $1,000,000 (USDA/NSF) 

·       Dr. Richard Mu – RSP, $1,000,000 (NSF) 

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

TSU leads conference to enhance research among nation’s HBCUs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University recently co-hosted an HBCU conference to highlight the groundbreaking research these institutions are conducting and to expand corporate partnerships. The main goals of the HBCU Engage conference co-hosted by University-Industry Demonstration Partnerships (UIDP), were to increase collaboration between HBCUs and corporate engagement. TSU, Fisk University and Meharry Medical College were co-hosts for the two-day event. 

 Dr. Quincy Quick, the Associate Vice President  of Research and Sponsored Programs, spearheaded the event on behalf of TSU.

 “This is a platform to make sure HBCUs are able to engage with corporate industries and partner with government agencies,” Quick said. “Ways that academic institutions can partner with corporate industries and help them develop products.”

The collaboration included representatives from federal agencies and corporations such as the Department of Energy, Amazon, and IBM. The event aimed to engage, educate, and exchange ideas among representatives from industry and higher education, as well as to facilitate learning from peers in government program leadership and research administration. 

Quick said his goal is to broaden the scope of the research enterprise at TSU to pursue the nation’s top research echelon with an “R1” designation under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning.

“This platform is new and innovative,” he said. “In a sense, HBCUs have not had a platform available to them like this before.”

The first day of the conference consisted of federal grant writing, meetings with sponsored research contracting, and partnering with nonprofit funders. Day two consisted of panel discussions, collaboration, and best practices for building research capacity through industry or government partnerships.

Overall, the event moves TSU a step closer to ‘R1” status as the university mobilizes its research enterprise – including teaching faculty, researchers, graduate school, staff, and students – to support its vision for the coveted designation.

About UIDP and its HBCU initiative:

UIDP is a recognized leader in addressing issues impacting academic-corporate collaboration, providing a unique forum for our member representatives to find better ways to partner. An increasing number of companies and R1 universities wish to pursue or strengthen collaborative research partnerships with historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Many HBCUs are interested in utilizing partnerships to bolster research opportunities. The purpose of the UIDP HBCU Initiative is to develop guidance that provides company representatives and R1 universities with the necessary contextual information and best practices for developing a mutually beneficial HBCU engagement strategy.