Category Archives: SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

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TSU, Amazon partnership to provide college education for employees in Career Choice program

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University and Amazon have partnered to provide the company’s hourly employees an opportunity to take college courses as a part of the Career Choice tuition assistance program. Career Choice is part of Amazon’s $1.2 billion commitment to upskill more than 300,000 employees by 2025. The program offers opportunities for employees to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees or certificates for specialized training. TSU joins the growing list of historically black college and university (HBCUs) nationwide participating in the program and is the only one in Tennessee in the Career Choice network.

President Glenda Glover

“We are pleased that our existing relationship with Amazon has grown into this new partnership where Tennessee State University will train and educate hundreds of Amazon’s employees through the Career Choice initiative to help enhance job skills and advance their careers,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.

“TSU has the resources for Amazon employees to flourish and complete any of our academic programs with dedicated faculty and staff who are committed to seeing them succeed and graduate.”

Beginning this fall, Amazon will pre-pay tuition for employees to pursue courses – online or in person – from bachelor’s degrees to certifications at TSU that lead to in-demand jobs. The company accounts for nearly 30,000 employees in Tennessee, with several fulfillment centers.  A new downtown office is expected to bring more than 5,000 tech and corporate jobs to Nashville.

“We’re looking forward to Tennessee State University coming on board as an education partner for Career Choice, adding to the hundreds of best-in-class offerings available to our employees,” said Tammy Thieman, Global Program Director of Amazon’s Career Choice program. 

“We’re committed to empowering our employees by providing them access to the education and training they need to grow their careers, whether that’s with us or elsewhere. We have intentionally created a partner network of third-party educators and employers committed to providing excellent education, job placement resources, and continuous improvements to the experience. Today, over 130,00 Amazon employees around the world have participated in Career Choice and we’ve seen first-hand how it can transform their lives.”

Dr. Verontae L. Deams, with TSU’s Enrollment Management, said the new partnership is part of the University’s commitment to helping companies build their workforce and provide opportunities for professional growth and development. 

“With this partnership, Amazon employees will have access to a range of educational programs designed to help them acquire new skills, enhance their existing skill set, and place them on the track of upward mobility through higher education,” said Deams, who serves as assistant vice president and university registrar.

“Whether an Amazon employee is enrolling as a first-time freshman or transfer student, TSU is here to help that individual obtain an undergraduate degree or certification. We are committed to all of our students from application to graduation.”  

Since launching in 2012, Amazon Career Choice has connected with hundreds of schools across 14 countries to assist with its employees’ future career success. To date, more than 130,000 Amazon employees have participated in Career Choice.

LoLita Toney, TSU’s assistant vice president of Institutional Advancement, serves as the liaison for the partnership with Amazon. She said the Career Choice benefit addresses the barrier of cost that many students face in their pursuit of a college degree.

“We’re honored Amazon selected TSU as a partner,” she said. “Together, TSU and Amazon are providing educational opportunities that will have a lasting positive impact on individuals and their families.  We’re excited about the collaboration and look forward to welcoming Amazon associates to Big Blue.”

Amazon employees interested in Career Choice should visit the company’s designated portal and complete a TSU application as well.  

Vist the Amazon Career Choice portal here: https://atoz.amazon.work/career_choice/welcome

For the TSU application, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/admissions/apply.

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TSU’s accelerated program prepares inaugural class for medical school

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s accelerated medical program is one step closer to fulfilling part of its mission as the first cohort prepares to enter medical school. In 2021, TSU put out a national call to recruit students, aspiring to become medical doctors and dentists, for the innovative Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute Meharry Medical College/Tennessee State University Medical/Dental Accelerated Pathway Program. One of those students answering the call was Samantha Altidort. The Nashville native looks to become a family medicine physician.

Samantha Altidort working in a Western Blotting and protein assay techniques lab during honors undergraduate research.

“When I found out there was a program at Tennessee State University that was geared towards increasing the number of minority physicians and preparing them for a future in medicine, I immediately applied,” said Altidort, who is a part of the inaugural class preparing for medical school at Meharry Medical College.

Established in honor of Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr., a renowned heart surgeon and TSU alumnus, the program serves as a pipeline for minority students to become medical doctors. The program was also created to ensure that there is a steady supply of physicians and dentists committed to addressing health equity in underserved communities.

Jaden Knight, of Dayton, Ohio, aims to attend Meharry Medical College and become an orthodontist. Knight added that he looks forward to addressing the underrepresentation of African American men in the field and improving minority patient satisfaction.

“It’s important for TSU to have a program like this because there is a lack of minorities in the field,” Knight said.

Jaden Knight

Reflecting on his decision to apply for the program two years ago, Knight referred to it as an opportunity he couldn’t pass up.

“You have this support system of peers who are going through the same journey. It’s great to have someone to lean on.”

In addition to increasing the number of minority doctors to address health disparities such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease in communities of color that have the highest numbers for these diseases, the program also boasts exceptional academic students like Brooke Major.  Major is also a part of the first Levi Watkins Jr. Institute cohort and the inaugural cohort of the Oprah Winfrey Leaders Scholarship program (OWLS).

With aspirations of becoming an OBGYN, Major finds motivation in seeing minority medical students participate in panels and formal discussions facilitated by the program.

Brooke Major during a Dr. Levi Watkins white coat ceremony.

“It was motivating for me to see Black young women who are interested in the same career field on the other side,” Major shared. “I feel blessed.”

Approaching her third year, the Dallas, TX native shared that she has faced academic challenges due to the fast-track accelerated program. But revealed, it’s the unwavering support of the program’s faculty and staff that she truly loves.

“That’s the biggest takeaway for me about the program that I love,” she expressed with gratitude. “Overall, they want to see us succeed. They just want us to get where we want to be, and they want to produce more Black doctors.”

Barbara C. Murrell, chair of the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute and director of community relations expressed confidence in the program’s future. As the first cohort studies for the upcoming MCAT, Murrell said the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute is in good hands and will thrive with those following in the footsteps of the inaugural class.

 “It is important to pass the baton on to new students because it guarantees the continuation of the program and production of more African American and other minority physicians and dentists,” Murrell said.

Amari Johnson graduated from high school as valedictorian with a 4.4 GPA.

She explained that incoming freshman Amari Johnson is a prime example. Johnson, from Greenwood, Mississippi, received acceptance letters from 36 colleges, with over $1.1 million in scholarships offers from 17 of the institutions. As a valedictorian with a 4.4 GPA, Johnson says she always wanted to attend an HBCU.

When deciding on a college Johnson asked herself, “Where am I going to feel most at home? Where am I going to be able to reach my full potential?” Johnson shared.

Johnson aspires to become a surgeon, representing minorities and addressing health disparities and equity. “Who better understands the African American woman’s body than an African American woman,” she said.

“We need to see more people in those positions, and this program is instrumental for that,” Johnson said. “It will inspire more doctors and nurses.”

Dean Barbara C. Murrell

Murrell also acknowledged the program’s potential to increase retention and make substantial contributions to society.

“Our society has a definite need to improve healthcare in the African American and other minority communities by helping to eliminate the disparities in healthcare and promote health equity,” Murrell stated.

Grateful to witness the making of history as minority students become medical and dental professionals committed to serving underserved communities, Murrell shared a final piece of advice, “Dream big, work hard, stay focused, and make wise decisions.”

To learn more about the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute Meharry Medical College/Tennessee State University Medical/Dental Accelerated Pathway Program and the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/watkins/

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TSU College of Agriculture adds high-demand Master of Science Program

By Dr. Alyssa Rockers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University College of Agriculture will welcome the first students in a new Master of Science in Agribusiness and Leadership degree program in Fall 2023. The new program will allow students pursuing a master’s degree in agricultural business or agricultural leadership, education, and communications (ALEC) to take a program of study more specific to their needs and interests. TSU will offer this new degree both in person and online, with and without the thesis option.

PhD student Sunil Gurung at TSUs small farm expo.

“The new MS degree will broaden the scope of graduate degree offerings in the College and meet the tremendous market demand and student interest,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of TSU’s College of Agriculture.

According to Dean Reddy, Agribusiness is a popular undergraduate major at TSU and many other institutions, and the new program will align graduates with their career choices, which will benefit students in finding better employment opportunities.

“Agricultural Leadership, Education, and Communication is very popular with those wanting to be leaders and communicators in the agricultural sector,” he said. “Many of our extension agents have been asking for such a graduate degree for a long time. The new degree is a more robust program and will be helpful to students seeking employment.”

Dr. Prabodh Illukpitiya, agricultural business professor in the College of Agriculture said the college has been anticipating this great opportunity as it will have a tremendous impact and benefit for the university.

“It’s a great collaboration between agribusiness and agricultural leadership, education, and communications,” Illukpitiya said.

 TSU alum Madison Lewis showcasing an Ag. Literacy presentation during her masters program.

“The program will benefit TSU by providing more opportunities to minority students and will enhance student retention and TSU’s reputation in agribusiness and ALEC programs.”

Agricultural education professor Dr. John C. Ricketts noted that in addition to creating workforce development opportunities, the program will specifically allow the university to offer agriculture teachers and extension agents an online program that’s respective of their needs. In addition to an experience for those who aren’t looking to become a bench scientist.

“It’s also going to provide content that meets their needs as educators,” Ricketts said.

“They will be able to take research and statistics courses that are meant for them as social scientists. Our students will be prepared to lead others and perform at top levels in business, education, government, nonprofit, and communication sectors,” he said.

To learn more about this new program and specifically the Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication focus, contact Dr. John Ricketts ([email protected]). If students are interested in Agribusiness Management, contact Dr. Probodh Illukpitiya ([email protected]). To apply for the program contact Dr. Bharat Pokharel ([email protected]), the department of Agriculture Director of Graduate Programs.

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TSU Campus site of Chevrolet Commercial Featuring HBCU Students, Actor Terrence J

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – It was lights, camera, action as Tennessee State University was the site for an upcoming national Chevrolet commercial featuring TV Personality and actor Terrence J! General Motors representatives and a production team filmed commercial scenes on the TSU campus to highlight the 2023 Chevy Discover the Unexpected (DTU) Fellows, a partnership the manufacturer has with our nation’s HBCUs. 

The commercial featured 10 journalism and marketing students from various institutions, showcasing the remarkable talent from the HBCU community. Terrence J, who is also an HBCU grad, serves as a 2023 Chevy DTU ambassador and expressed his enthusiasm for shooting the commercial at one of his favorite HBCUs.

“As an HBCU alumnus, I’m excited to be on the Tennessee State campus with the HBCU students of the 2023 Chevy Discover the Unexpected,” Terrence J said. “HBCU energy and sense of pride is unmatched as I watch these students unite to learn marketing and journalism driving their career forward.”

Chevrolet says the DTU program will support the next generation of journalists and marketers while enhancing their partnership with HBCU student talent through storytelling and content creation.

Charles Chapman, General Motors Multicultural Marketing Manager, said this is the second year Chevy Discover the Unexpected descends upon the city where the Annual National Newspaper Association convention convenes.

“We are honored and thankful to film Chevrolet content at Tennessee State University, exposing the DTU students to the only public and largest HBCU in Tennessee while showcasing the amazing history and architecture,” Chapman said.

While the students in the commercial were not from TSU, the campus was selected as the shooting location due to its scenic backdrop and significance as one of the largest public HBCUs in the country. However, Chevrolet’s DTU program looks forward to involving TSU students in the internship next year. The DTU program, in partnership with the National Newspaper Publication Association (NNPA), hosts a 10-week internship program for HBCU students, and TSU students will have the opportunity to join this esteemed program.

The DTU internships will take place from June 5 to August 11, commencing in Detroit with a three-day boot camp. Upon completion of the program, Chevrolet and the NNPA will award each fellow $18,000 between scholarships and stipends, totaling over $750,000 to date. TSU students can learn more about Discover the Unexpected and its opportunities at https://www.nnpa.org/chevydtu/.

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TSU Alumni provide Scholarships for engineering students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Former Tennessee State University graduates are paying it forward for the next generation of engineers. The TSU Engineering Alumni Association (TSUEAA) has awarded academic scholarships to 12 talented undergraduate and graduate students. The College of Engineering Alumni Scholarship Endowment (ASE) is twofold, the investment not only relieves a financial burden, but also ensures that current students achieve their overall goal of graduating.

Warona Mdlulwa, who is a junior studying engineering, said she is grateful to be an ASE recipient. “Receiving the TSU Engineering Alumni Association Scholarship has not only lightened my financial burden but has also provided me with renewed motivation and confidence to pursue my academic and career goals, ” Mdlulwa said. “This recognition serves as a testament to my hard work and dedication, and it reassures me that my efforts have not gone unnoticed.”

The TSUEAA President, Sherrill Toran, said the selected applicants were granted a range of $1,000 – $3,000.

“The scholarship is essential for our students because it helps them understand that there is a financial barrier, but there is support for them,” Toran said. “It’s important for them to continue their educational endeavors and move on to their global careers.”

Kamren James, a senior who is also a scholarship recipient, said he is honored and that this scholarship opportunity will allow him to focus on his studies even more. “This scholarship will go a long way in helping me to achieve my academic and career goals,” James said. “It will allow me to focus on my studies and reduce the financial burden.”

Toran noted that the students had to submit essays regarding their engineering aspirations and community efforts as part of the selection process.

The association is set to have a scholarship recipient reception in the fall. Toran told the university that the organization will also have a professional development seminar showcasing how to apply for scholarships, requirements with proper documentation, and expectations. The TSUEAA is continuously raising additional funds for the next cycle of academic scholarships. The new applications portal for Fall 2023 opens on July 1 to align with getting funds in accounts prior to the academic semester beginning.

“People come here to get an education,” Toran said. “And we want to continue to invest in our students.”

If you are interested in the academic scholarship, email Toran at [email protected]. If you’d like to donate to the ASE campaign, click here. For more information about the College of engineering visit www.tnstate.edu/engineering/

The College of Engineering Alumni Scholarship Endowment recipients: 

Christopher Buford II, first year graduate student; Jose Portillo, First year graduate student; Kayla Wallace, Graduating senior – Dec. 2023; Anthony Wheeler, Graduating senior – Dec. 2023; Michael Stevens, Graduating senior – Dec. 2023; Zackee Dosky, Senior; Kamren James, Senior; Lakeesa Gilyard, Senior; Kasi Cost Junior; Warona Mdlulwa, Junior; Tamuari Murray, Junior; Marvellous Eromosele, Sophomore.

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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) 

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TSU College of Agriculture Awarded $18 million Grant Award from USDA

By Dr. Alyssa Rockers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture has been awarded an $18 million grant from the United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA). TSU’s award is a part of USDA NIFA’s NextGen grant program, a $262.5 million investment in higher education to create and sustain a more diverse workforce for the next generation of food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences professionals. Of the 33 awarded projects across 24 states, TSU is only one of five institutions awarded Tier 3 funding. This includes projects up to $20 million and at least three partnering institutions across two states.  

“This is game changer for Tennessee State and further enhances our stellar reputation as a premier land-grant institution, with one of the top Agriculture programs in the country,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.

“Our goal as an institution is to provide our students with a quality education that will position them to compete and have successful careers in the global marketplace. This amazing opportunity with USDA will allow us to continue to fulfill that goal due largely to the commitment and vision of Dean Chandra Reddy and Dr. John Ricketts, principal investigator for the grant, and their staff.”

 The program is funded by President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Dr. Chandra Reddy, TSU’s Dean of Agriculture, and Dr. John Ricketts were on hand for the official announcement in Washington.

“We are quite excited with this announcement today by USDA Secretary Vilsack that the TSU College of Agriculture will be receiving $18 million to cultivate the next generation of agricultural graduates,” said Dean Reddy. “We are one of the select few institutions that received this level of funding recognizing our longtime efforts in this area through many successful initiatives particularly the Dean’s Scholars Program.” 

“I congratulate Dr. Ricketts and the team for putting together a comprehensive proposal and we will deliver on our commitments.”

 TSU’s project entitled, “NEXTGENeration Inclusion Consortium for Building the Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences Pipeline (FANHP)” is led by Ricketts, who is a professor in the Department of Agricultural Sciences at TSU.

“This project will establish an inclusive consortium of institutions to build and sustain the future of the workforce in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences,” said Ricketts.

“Through this project, TSU and our partners will be able to advance equity in this workforce for future generations.”

Scholarships and learning opportunities are crucial components of the grant. The project will allow TSU students to apply for full scholarships covering tuition, board and other related expenses,  internships, and other learning opportunities to expose them to careers in Agriculture. Dr. De’Etra Young, who oversees all the College of Agriculture’s scholarships, will serve as a co-project director along with Dean Reddy.  

“I am excited to be a part of this historical funding opportunity from USDA,” added Dr. Young, associate dean for the college’s academics and land-grant programs.

 “The Next-Gen grant will allow us to transform our student success portfolio, provide greater access to higher education through scholarships, and strengthen our current experiential learning and study abroad opportunities.” 

Additionally, programs related to FAHNP will be provided to community members to help them gain more information about the career options available to their young people. In addition to TSU, this project is a partnership with faculty from Fort Valley State University, Alcorn State University, the University of Houston, Chief Dull Knife College, Middle Tennessee State University, University of Tennessee – Martin, University of Tennessee – Knoxville, Virginia Tech, Vanderbilt University, and the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences organization.

TSU faculty involved in this project along with Dr. John C. Ricketts (Principal Investigator), are College of Agriculture Dean, Dr. Chandra Reddy (Co-Project Director), Dr. De’Etra Young, ( Co-Project Director , Dr. Alyssa Rockers, Dr. Brione Lockett, Dr. LaPorchia Davis, Dr. Thomas Broyles, Dr. Yujuan Chen, Dr. M.S. Mahmud, Dr. Pramir Maharjan, Dr. Dilip Nandwani, Dr. Kilonzo-Nthenge, and Dr. Samuel Nahashon.

 For more information about programs sponsored by this grant award, please contact TSU Media Relations at 615.963.5331 or [email protected].

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A national reputation: TSU Choral Group performs at Carnegie Hall

June 2nd marked Mayson Harris’ second trip to New York City. But in a twist of fate, this visit to the Big Apple held something extraordinary in store. The prospect of performing at Carnegie Hall fueled Harris, a member of the TSU Meistersingers, with ambition, and the students embarked on a mission to turn their dream into reality.

Through donation after donation, the TSU premiere choral group’s fundraising efforts totaling $20,000 were successful, leading to an unforgettable performance at Carnegie Hall—a musical ensemble of a lifetime.

“Carnegie Hall is a grand place,” said Harris, a rising senior at TSU studying music. “To actually perform there, the acoustics were amazing. I could hear all the voices blending together. I can’t wait to see what our choir does next,” the baritone singer said.

TSU Meistersingers and Dr. Angelica Dunsavage visits the Met Art Museum during their trip to New York before performing at Carnegie Hall.

Eight TSU Meistersingers traveled to NYC to premiere a new musical piece alongside students from other universities, captivating an audience of hundreds with their sound on June 5. Out of more than 80 singers from various colleges and community choruses, TSU was the only HBCU to be a part of the 30-minute performance at Carnegie Hall.

“Having more Black voices in Carnegie Hall, especially from HBCUs, will always have a big impact,” said Harris from Nashville. “If one can do it, we can take it a step further and have all HBCUs at Carnegie Hall.”

Accompanying the TSU Meistersingers during their performance was their passionate Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Angelica Dunsavage.

Dr. Dunsavage expressed that the Distinguished Concerts International New York (DCINY), an organization the singers collaborated with, were amazed by their performance.“They (DCINY) were really impressed by our students,” said Dunsavage, noting that they commended their preparation and professionalism and extended an invitation to return for any future opportunities.

TSU Meistersingers and Dr. Angelica Dunsavage attends Hadestown the Musical in New York .

The students showcased a musical piece titled “Where We Find Ourselves,” inspired by a series of photographs taken during the Jim Crow era in North Carolina. This piece is a Carnegie Hall premiere composed by Michael Bussewitz-Quarm. Dunsavage emphasized that exposure at this level is crucial for the TSU Meistersingers.” It means a lot to our students to start building travel up and getting more of a national reputation for the choral program.”

The performance also held great significance for TSU student Link Fisher III, who considered singing on the same prestigious stage as some of his favorite vocalists like Sarah Vaughan or Ella Fitzgerald an exceptional opportunity.

“Sharing a stage that all these greats have shared, it was a moment to thank God for allowing me to be here,” Fisher said. “All these opportunities keep presenting themselves. You take them and you learn from them.” Fisher, a senior studying performing arts and French, revealed that his post-graduation plans involve “living life to the fullest.” He plans to attend graduate school in Paris to pursue a career in conducting music and opera singing.

The enthusiasm and dedication of the TSU Meistersingers will propel them to new heights. Sharing their voices with professional musicians at Carnegie Hall is another accolade that will unlock endless opportunities.

For more information about TSU Meistersingers visit www.tnstate.edu/music/meistersingers. Check out a video of the TSU Meistersingers rehearsing for the Carnegie Hall performance with composer Michael Bussewitz-Quarms and students from other universities here.

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TSU graduate students selected for prestigious Tennessee Hospital Association’s Agenda 21 Internship Program

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Two Tennessee State University graduate students have been selected for the Tennessee Hospital Association’s (THA) Agenda 21 Internship Program. J’la Jenkins, and Bege Mallam, both public health majors, were among 12 students from schools across the country who participated in a 12-week, paid supervised learning experience for qualified graduate students in healthcare administration or a related field.

A native of Alabama, Jenkins, who is pursuing her master’s degree in public health, will intern at Vanderbilt Medical Center, while Mallam, who is from Nigeria, and also pursuing his master’s degree in public health, will intern at West Tennessee Healthcare in Jackson, Tennessee.

Jenkins was not immediately available to comment on her selection, but Mallam said he is grateful to TSU for the support he has received and honored to be one of only 12 selected to be a part of the prestigious THA internship program.

“I’m humbled to be able to explore the opportunities in healthcare and to experience the practice of what we learn in class,” Mallam said. “Thank you for the recognition, and here’s to illuminating a path toward a brighter future in healthcare!”

Mallam said his long-term goal is to engage in medical outreach and health interventions among marginalized communities.  TSU College of Health Sciences Dean Ronald Barredo said the public health program continues to produce quality students who will go on to excel in the field because of opportunities like this provided by THA. 

“We are extremely proud of the selection of J’la Jenkins and Bege Mallam for the Tennessee Hospital Association’s Agenda 21 Internship Program,” said Dr. Barredo. “Their selection embodies not only the mission of the College of Health Sciences in preparing tomorrow’s healthcare leaders, but also — and more importantly — the institution’s motto of Think, Work, Serve.”

Dr. Wendelyn Inman is interim director of the TSU public health program. She said she is extremely proud of Jenkins and Mallam.

“Tennessee State University is noted for producing outstanding leaders,” Inman said. “With the training Jenkins and Mallam are getting from TSU, combined with their experience from the Tennessee Hospital Association’s Agenda 21 Internship Program, they get to step into leadership roles.”

Designed to increase diversity in hospital executive leadership, the Agenda 21 Internship Program provides selected candidates with additional exposure, knowledge and skills, that prepare them for a successful career in the healthcare industry. Through close work with administrators and staff, Jenkins and Mallam will gain hands-on experience as part of their hospitals’ leadership teams.

“The Agenda 21 Internship Program has operated for 28 years with the mission of providing learning opportunities in Tennessee hospitals for students who are from minority and under-represented groups in hospital executive leadership.” said Karizma Whitfield, Agenda 21 program manager at THA. 

Applications for the Agenda 21 Internship Program are accepted in the fall semester each year and students are placed the following spring with THA member hospitals for their summer internships. Learn more about the Agenda 21 Internship Program at https://tha.com/focus-areas/agenda-21-internship-program/.  

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TSU School of Nursing executive director, professor named 2023 Rising Star nurse leader

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s school of nursing executive director and professor Dr. Courtney Nyange has been recognized by the Tennessee Nurses Association, the Tennessee Hospital Association, and the Tennessee Action Coalition for her outstanding leadership in the nursing profession. 

Dr. Nyange is the first at TSU to receive this honorable recognition as a Rising Star.

Left to right, students Reina Bueso and Deon Myles with Dr. Nyange during the BSN May 2022 pinning ceremony.

“This honor is an opportunity to showcase excellence,” Nyange said. “Excellence on the individual level, and excellence in the School of Nursing. We too, are doing great things in the School of Nursing at Tennessee State University and I’m glad we are being recognized for it.”

Out of 25 rising stars from universities and colleges across the state, TSU is listed as the only HBCU to have a recipient this year as a nurse leader to receive the recognition.

“All too often HBCUs get overlooked and we don’t receive the recognition that we deserve,” Nyange said. “I’m extremely proud of this honor and hope that it is a catalyst for other HBCU nursing programs, faculty, and minority nurses to be recognized.”

The Tennessee Action Coalition said that the Rising Star Nurse Leader program aspires to engage and empower young nurses to lead the profession in improving the health of Tennesseans.

Students provided education on Automated External Defibrillator (AED) usage and heart health during the Library’s Heart Health Event in February, 2023. From left to right, student Sharmeen Abdulah , Dr. Nyange, students Me’Yori Hillman, Patricia Bell, and Cayse Perry.

“This is an elite group of young Tennessee nurse leaders representing the three grand divisions of Tennessee, a variety of racial and ethnic backgrounds, frontline clinicians, academicians, and managers,” according to a press release from the Coalition.

Nyange’s goal for TSU’s School of Nursing is to become the premier HBCU nursing program in the southern United States. “I plan to recruit and retain top nursing faculty and ensure they are well prepared to educate the next generation of minority nurses.”

Nyange said this recognition brings a sense of representation to inspire nursing students.

“They will see that they are being taught and led by highly qualified faculty who look like them and I think they’ll be excited to be a part of our School of Nursing.”

To learn more about TSU’s nursing program, visit www.tnstate.edu/nursing/