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TSU Takes Center Stage at 2024 World Food Prize Foundation Conference

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University, a leader in agricultural and environmental sciences, played a major role in this year’s World Food Prize Foundation Conference, which convened over 1,200 participants from more than 60 countries to engage in critical discussions on global food security, diversification, and sustainability in agriculture.

President Ronald A. Johnson

An 1890 Land-Grant institution, TSU attracts significant funding and grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, contributing to its mission of fostering innovation and enhancing food accessibility. This year’s conference held in Des Moines, Iowa, Oct. 29-31, spotlighted the urgent need for sustainable practices to increase the quality, quantity, and availability of food globally.

A highlight of the conference was the Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue, featuring a distinguished panel on “Cultivating the Next Generation of Food and Agriculture Leaders.” TSU President, Dr. Ronald A. Johnson, and senior environmental science major, Kennedy Bentley, represented the university on the panel. Bentley, a 4.0 GPA student and a USDA Institute of Food and Agriculture NexGen Scholar, embodies the university’s commitment to developing future leaders in environmental conservation. Recently, she showcased her dedication by speaking at the G-7 Summit in Italy and participating in food preservation training in Senegal.

Kennedy Bentley

Dr. Manjit Misra, Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), moderated the panel and highlighted the USDA’s investment of $262 million over five years in its NextGen program, aiming to attract 20,000 young professionals to the field of food and agriculture. “We have already engaged 5,500 youths in the program, putting us on track to achieve our ambitious vision,” Misra stated.

In response to questions about innovative educational solutions to reach underserved communities, Dr. Johnson likened the world to a jigsaw puzzle, emphasizing the necessity of diversity. “Without these critical pieces, solutions to our global challenges will remain elusive,” he asserted.

Dr. Chandra Reddy

Bentley underscored the importance of creating meaningful engagement opportunities for youth, citing her incredible experiences with the NextGen program. “It was phenomenal. It promoted academic success and fostered global interactions,” Bentley stated. “Youth voices need to be heard in high-level discussions.”

Dr. Johnson further stressed the importance of equity in representation within the agricultural sector: “We must bring in individuals who were previously overlooked and enable them to contribute to societal growth and impact.”

As the only Historically Black College and University represented at the conference, TSU’s participation was significant in addressing the industry’s need for new leadership to replace retiring professionals. Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean of the TSU College of Agriculture, emphasized, “TSU’s involvement at such a prestigious forum not only highlights our brand on an international scale but also reinforces our responsibility to cultivate the next generation of agriculture leaders.”

The panel also included remarks from industry leaders like Paul Schickler, Chair of the World Food Prize Foundation Council of Advisors, and Wendy Wintersteen, President of Iowa State University, who shared insights on addressing the challenges faced in the agricultural realm.

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TSU Students Lead Voter Mobilization Initiatives for Upcoming Presidential Election

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – With one of the most anticipated presidential elections just days away, Tennessee State University students are actively ensuring that their voices are heard, and their votes are counted. Student leaders will hold a series of voter education and civic engagement initiatives to mobilize fellow students for the upcoming General Election. Events include rallies, a social media campaign, and an Election Day Watch party Nov. 5, from 7-10 p.m., at the Floyd-Payne Campus Center. Absentee ballot awareness is a major focus to help registered students to vote in other areas.

Chrishonda O’Quinn

Chrishonda O’Quinn, Student Government Association President, emphasized her administration’s commitment to civic engagement since the start of the fall semester. In a push to maintain momentum leading up to the election, TSU’s student Instagram platform features a countdown to Election Day campaign, fostering excitement and engagement within the student body.

“We started with voter registration, holding an open house with voter registration tables in the campus center where students could register on the spot,” said O’Quinn. “We also organized a voter awareness rally and, in collaboration with the Office of Alumni Relations, hosted an empowerment panel discussing the significance of voting, complete with student performances that really energized our peers to get involved.”

Dr. Bridgett Golman

Under the theme, “Be Empowered Tigers,” TSU students are mobilizing to maximize voter participation and education. Dr. Bridgett Golman, Vice President of Student Affairs, expressed the university’s dedication to ensuring students are well informed about the voting process and their rights.

“At Tennessee State University, we believe in the power of our students’ voices,” Golman said. “It is crucial for every student to understand not only how to vote but also the impact that their participation has on their community and the future of our nation. We are committed to providing them with the resources and knowledge they need to make informed decisions.”

Mecca Sales

Many students are taking their responsibility to vote seriously. Mecca Sales, a junior majoring in Family and Consumer Sciences, shared her perspective. “I think the election is very important, especially as a person of color. It is vital to take advantage of the freedoms we have fought hard to obtain. I will be going home to cast my ballot.”

Fellow student Dashia Ramsey, a junior in Nutrition and Dietetics from Birmingham, Alabama, shared her experience voting via absentee ballot. “This election is crucial for us to express our voices. Our ancestors paved the way for us to vote, and it is essential that we participate. TSU is doing an incredible job facilitating voter registration events and helping us be heard.”

Dashia Ramsey

University officials are equally committed to energizing students about civic participation. Cristal Roach, Assistant Dean of Student Activities, highlighted the importance of being involved not just in presidential elections but also in local and state elections. “We want students to understand the significance of voting and to actively take part in the electoral process, especially first-time voters who may not know the requirements,” Roach stated. “We’re making it fun and informative, with activities centered on real issues that students care about.”

The purpose of the events are to promote an understanding and interest in the political process. The Student Election Commission will play a major role in the proceedings, ensuring that students are aware of voting rights.

For more information on TSU’s civic engagement activities or to get involved, please contact the Office of Student Activities at (615) 963-5250, or visit https://www.tnstate.edu/activities.

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TSU leads Breast Cancer Awareness Month with education and advocacy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – As Breast Cancer Awareness Month comes to a close, Tennessee State University has made strides in advocating for awareness, education, and action. Throughout October, the campus has contributed to several initiatives to educate students about breast health, honor survivors, and contribute to cancer research.

One of those efforts came from Dr. Dorsha James, TSU’s Director of Health Services, who led a hands-on educational session every Tuesday and Thursday during October. Students were invited to the TSU Health Center to learn how to perform breast self-exams, using a simulated breast model to understand what to check for and how to recognize abnormalities.

Dr. Dorsha James, right, demonstrates breast self-exam techniques to TSU student Cameron Bennett, left, using a simulated breast model at the Health Center.

“With it being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I wanted to create this effort because I’ve had students coming in with breast pain and not really understanding what’s going on,” Dr. James said. “I decided to offer my services and the nurses’ services on how to do exams so people know what their normal is.”

Dr. James emphasized the importance of early detection, especially for Black women, who face a higher risk of breast cancer. “Especially among Black women, we are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women are. We also have the lowest five-year breast cancer survival rate. So, with family history, that’s a high risk,” she noted.

Approximately one in eight women in the U.S. will develop invasive breast cancer at some point in their life, according to BreastCancer.org. Despite advances in screening and treatment, the number of people diagnosed continues to rise.

Dr. James’ program reached dozens of TSU students, including Cameron Bennett, a junior biology major, and Brayana Peacock, a sophomore studying nursing. Bennett is passionate about cancer research. “I participated in breast cancer research over the summer, and my family has been impacted by this disease before,” Bennett shared. “I think it’s extremely important because cancer disproportionately affects the Black community, and it’s great that TSU is providing these services, so we know how to protect ourselves.”

Brayana Peacock, left, examines a simulated breast model for abnormalities with guidance from Dr. Dorsha James.

Peacock echoed the same sentiment, saying the simulation helped her learn new skills. “The fact that you can come to TSU’s Health Center and get a demonstration of how to check yourself for free is pretty good,” she said. “I definitely will be doing these checks on myself.”

Beyond individual efforts, TSU students took part in community events, including the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Nashville through the McNair Scholars program. Bennett, along with students like Janasica Joyner, said she walked in honor of loved ones and to show solidarity with those affected by cancer. “I decided to participate in honor of my grandfather who passed away from cancer two years ago,” said Joyner, a chemistry major from Memphis. “It’s a great way to advocate in a positive way and support the community.”

TSU students participate in the Making Strides Against Breast Cancer walk in Nashville as part of the McNair Scholars program community events

For the second year in a row, Bennett also hosted an event in honor of breast cancer awareness. She and fellow TSU students are writing letters to encourage cancer survivors, which they plan to deliver to the Cancer Center at Vanderbilt. “I think the university is doing a great job spreading awareness, and I hope these efforts continue,” added Joyner, who looks forward to more TSU events supporting the cause.

TSU’s commitment to cancer awareness extends beyond the color pink and the month of October. In 2021, the Meharry Medical College/Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center/Tennessee State University Partnership (MVTCP) received renewed five-year funding. This supports the continued efforts to eliminate cancer health disparities and a ongoing contribution to the research and health care field.

Dr. James encourages students to take advantage of the free resources available at TSU’s Health Center, located in Kean Hall, and reminds them that early detection can be life-saving. “I want younger people to become familiar with their bodies and what their breasts look like,” she said. “This is an opportunity to learn how to feel for abnormalities and know what to look for.”

She also highlighted key breast cancer screening recommendations. Women should begin yearly mammograms at age 40, and younger individuals, starting at age 25, should receive health provider exams every three years. She stressed that men are not exempt from breast cancer risks and should also stay informed about their health.

As TSU wraps up Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the university continues to advocate and educate all while offering vital health resources to its students, the Nashville community and beyond.

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TSU students showcase talent at Grammy U Fall Summit

By Rynia Dickerson

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – For Tennessee State University music students, breaking into the music industry isn’t easy. However, Grammy U’s Fall Summit, presented by Mastercard, provided TSU students with a platform to showcase their talent and connect with top industry professionals.

Grammy U, the Recording Academy’s membership program, offered TSU students the chance to engage with trailblazers and gain invaluable tools for career success at the event held Earlie this month.

TSU senior Emmanuel “Mille Manny” Strickland not only participated in the summit but also performed, making a significant impact and demonstrating his skills.

TSU students and a high school student attend Day 1 of the 2024 GRAMMY U Fall Summit, presented by Mastercard in Nashville. (Photo by Tibrina Hobson/Getty Images for The Recording Academy)

“Being a Grammy U member and an HBCU student, this opportunity meant a lot,” said Strickland, who is studying business information systems and pursuing a career as a singer and songwriter. “It was a stepping stone for me—one step closer to performing at the Grammys.”

Joshua ‘LilCEOJosh’ Akhidenor, who is also a senior, business major and music artist, expressed how meaningful the experience was for him to gain the exposure and support his classmates. “Watching my friend (Strickland) perform and seeing the crowd embrace him was inspiring. I feel like this is the start of his Grammy journey,” he said.

Latoya Bennett-Johnson of Mastercard set the tone for the summit, telling TSU students they were already on the path to becoming the leaders they aspire to be—CEOs, business owners, and more.

“My personal challenge is to give you every opportunity to reach your greatest potential,” Bennett-Johnson said. Her words resonated throughout the event as students gained insight from panels featuring singer-songwriters Charli XCX and Troye Sivan.

Adren Gilmore, a TSU sophomore studying commercial music and a Grammy U representative, played a key role in bringing these opportunities to his fellow TSU students. “One reason I pursued the representative position was to address the underrepresentation of Black students in Grammy U programs,” Gilmore said. “Seeing TSU students on stage, alongside big names like Charli XCX and Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason Jr., was a proud moment.”

The summit not only provided students with inspiration but also gave them a platform to share their unique perspectives. These opportunities at Grammy U allow TSU students to represent their culture, break barriers, and connect with a broader audience.

“This year’s summit was one to remember,” Gilmore reflected. For TSU students, it was just the beginning of their Grammy journey, leaving a lasting impression and equipping them with both inspiration and the tools needed to succeed in the music industry.

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TSU Students receive coveted White House honor

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service)-Two accomplished Tennessee State University students have been selected as HBCU Scholars through the White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity.  TSU’s Erin Armstrong, a senior health science major, and Chandler Vidrine, a Ph.D. student in the public policy and administration program, were chosen for the prestigious program. They were among 110 students selected from HBCUs nationwide.  

Selection criteria included exceptional academic achievements, leadership potential, and community service. The HBCU Scholars program, now in its 10th year, aims to empower students through mentorship, leadership development, and networking opportunities with industry leaders and policymakers.

Armstrong, a Nashville native, is an honor student and attends TSU on an academic scholarship. She currently serves as the senior class press with the TSU Student Government Association and aspires to become a pediatric dentist. She expressed her excitement about starting her senior year at TSU with this recognition.

“I’m excited about being able to represent my university on a broader scale, growing professionally, developing more leadership skills, and advocating for HBCUs across the nation,” she said. “Academically and personally, I am just excited to see myself evolve. I entered TSU being shy, and now I’m a representative of the university at an all-time high.”

Vidrine is from Ville Platte, Louisiana, and completed his undergraduate degree at Southern University, a fellow HBCU in Baton Rouge. He said that he chose TSU for its promising online program and to reconnect with the HBCU culture. The doctoral student emphasized the significance of the White House HBCU recognition for him as a first-generation college graduate.

“This testimony means everything,” Vidrine said. “When I was selected as an HBCU Scholar, I was super excited, especially with me being a first-time college graduate from my family.”

He looks forward to networking with peers from diverse backgrounds. “It’s always good to share different ideas as well, and how to address certain situations and utilize those innovative ideas.”

The HBCU Scholars will also be invited to the 2024 HBCU Week National Annual Conference, from September 15-19, in Philadelphia, PA. The annual conference theme is “Raising the Bar: Where Excellence and Opportunity Meet.” In a press release from the U.S. Department of Education, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona emphasized that The White House initiative for HBCU students, aligned with the department’s mission to “Raise the Bar,” and encourages students to “uplift their communities, foster unity, strengthen democracy, and contribute to economic growth.” 

“For 10 years, the HBCU Scholars program has celebrated the exceptional academic talent and achievements of students at our Historically Black Colleges and Universities,” said U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. “This year’s 110 outstanding students exemplify Black excellence – and fill us with hope for the promise of tomorrow. We couldn’t be prouder to support them on their journey.”

Through workshops, leadership programs, and networking events, the TSU students, along with other selected HBCU Scholars, will have the opportunity to enhance their skills and expand their horizons.

As Armstrong and Vidrine embark on this journey for the 2024-25 school year, their selection as HBCU Scholars highlights the recognition and support from the White House Initiative for exceptional students at Tennessee State University.

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SGA launches Speak TSU to elevate student voices

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –  The Tennessee State University Student Government Association recently introduced the Speak TSU: Your Roar, Our Ears initiative. This platform empowers TSU students to elevate their voices and address any concerns within the campus community. Launched in August as part of Interim President Ronald A. Johnson’s 100-Day plan, the initiative aims to tackle the university’s pressing challenges and ensure it is well-positioned for future success.

Interim President Ronald Johnson speaks with students about his initiative to address the university’s pressing challenges.

Recently, TSU faculty, staff, deans, students, and Speak TSU executive members gathered for the initiative’s first session. The event featured an open conversation and Q&A with President Johnson and other university leaders.

President Johnson highlighted that Speak TSU aligns with the Trajectory Change Initiative (TCI), a year-long effort focused on leadership transition, operational stabilization, and university transformation. “Our students are the heart of TSU,” Johnson told the attendees. “By empowering our students’ voices through Speak TSU, we will strengthen our institution and continue to do more to be more.”

Johnson encouraged students to use this platform to address concerns related to financial aid, maintenance, facilities, or academics. He emphasized that this initiative will foster effective communication and drive positive change across the campus. “This is essential in amplifying the student voice and advancing our goal of a future-ready TSU,” he said.

Dr. Daarel Burnette, newly appointed Senior Advisor and Interim Executive Vice President, helps a student during a Q&A session at Speak TSU.

SGA President Chrishonda O’Quinn explained that Speak TSU provides an effective way for students to voice campus concerns and receive timely responses. “The goal is for you to submit any student concerns with any department. We’ll compile this data, present it to faculty and staff, and provide you with accurate feedback,” O’Quinn assured. “It’s more efficient to get information directly from student government and the faculty and staff.”

College deans were also present to address any questions students had about their academic journey and advisement. During the Q&A session, students received answers from Dr. Curtis Johnson, Vice President for Administration and Chief of Staff, and new TSU leadership.

Dr. Daarel Burnette, newly appointed Senior Advisor and Interim Executive Vice President; Dr. Bridgett Golman, Interim Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students; and Darryl Thompson, Special Advisor for External Affairs, Infrastructure, and Major Projects, were all present to meet with students and discuss various topics.

Dr. Curtis Johnson, left, assists a student during the first session of the Speak TSU initiative.

Burnette spoke about the historical lack of resources from an HBCU or public school perspective and the challenge of maximizing impact with limited resources. “We need this platform to guide us in taking the appropriate actions to address campus concerns,” Burnette said.

Thompson added that Speak TSU efforts are aimed at setting new expectations and monitoring progress. “It starts with understanding standards and resetting expectations.” We’re establishing benchmarks to guide performance,” Thompson noted.

Regarding financial aid and scholarship delays, Golman highlighted the university’s commitment to working closely with students. She emphasized the importance of clear communication and staying informed about deadlines. Golman encouraged students to reach out for further clarification or assistance as needed, reinforcing that the administration is dedicated to supporting students throughout the process.

Dozens of students attended the first session of Speak TSU at the Humanities Building to have an open conversation with TSU faculty and staff.

As TSU student leaders collaborate with university leadership and administration, these efforts will shape a future where every Tiger’s voice is valued and celebrated.

Speak TSU Student Executive Members: Student Trustee Tyler Vazquez, SGA Vice President Anyah Sanders, SGA President Chrishonda O’Quinn, Miss TSU Chandler Holt, Mister TSU Chandler Cotton, Sr. Class President Erin Armstrong, Jr. Class President Tommy Applewhite III, and Sophomore Class President Trinity Clark.

To learn more about Speak TSU, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/activities/speaktsu.aspx.

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TSU Transfer students to benefit from new transcript technology

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has a new automated system that will significantly reduce wait time for students eager to know about their accepted credit hours. University officials say Parchment Raptor allows students to receive news about their credit evaluations within minutes, compared to waiting days. This will benefit transfer students and those who take college courses while still in high school.

TSU is the first public institution in the State to use the cutting-edge transcript processing software. The Registrar Office launched the Parchment Raptor on August 5.

Click here to watch Dr. Deams discuss the Parchment Raptor launch:

“We are excited to announce the launch of this new feature that automates the collection, data extraction, and integration of transcripts into Student Information Systems,” said Dr. Verontae Deams, TSU’s Associate Vice President and University Registrar.

“This collaboration with Parchment Raptor not only enhances efficiency and accuracy but also significantly reduces processing time, providing a seamless and improved experience for students and academic advisors alike.”

Cameron Felker

Previously, the process of receiving and evaluating transcripts could take anywhere from several hours to days. Now, with the automation powered by artificial intelligence, that timeframe has been decreased to just two minutes. Upon submission of their transcript, students receive an automated message notifying them that their transcript has been evaluated, along with the option to review their course credits through their DegreeWorks or MyTSU account.

Transfer students like Cameron Felker, a music major from Chicago, and Sheldon McMillan, a supply chain management major from Atlanta, are excited about the new system, despite having experienced the longer waiting periods themselves.

Felker, who transferred from the University of Memphis, recalls waiting nearly a month for an update on his transcript. “I would check almost two to three times a week to see if it came across,” he said. “With this automated system, it will make it way easier for students.”

McMillan had a similar experience, saying he waited over a month for answers regarding his credits from an online program. “I am glad that students coming after me will not have to deal with the same delays that I experienced.”

Prior to partnering with Parchment, TSU processed and managed transcripts manually, often times labor-intensive based on the number of credits and institutions that students had previously attended.

For more information on records and registration or to learn more about the Office of the Registrar, visit TSU Records and Registration.

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TSU prepares Class 2028 for college life

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Metro Nashville students are proving that staying close to home can be advantageous as they prepare to attend Tennessee State University this fall. Incoming freshman and Nashville native Eric Thomas joined hundreds of students for the first week of new student orientation (NSO) at TSU.

Thomas, a Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) graduate, is benefiting from a partnership between the school district and TSU that launched two years ago. This partnership provides 100 scholarships to top students from MNPS. When NSO concludes in August, Thomas is expected to be among nearly 1,000 new first-time freshmen enrolling at TSU as the Class of 2028.

2024 New student orientation had nearly 1,000 new first-time freshmen enrolling at TSU as the Class of 2028.

Thomas graduated from Hillsboro High School with a 3.8 GPA and has an interest in mass communications and accounting. “I really enjoyed orientation today,” Thomas said. “All the ambassadors were really enthusiastic and had great spirits. I love the environment.”

New student orientation offers first-time freshmen several opportunities to visit the TSU campus, from late July to August, to prepare for college life. Called the ROAR Experience, the orientation also provides parents and students an opportunity to ask any lingering questions regarding financial aid, course advisement and selection, and student activities alongside university ambassadors.

Thomas stated that he looks forward to spending his collegiate years at TSU and is grateful for the partnership between TSU and MNPS that resulted in a scholarship for him. “I really haven’t processed how blessed I am to be in a position to have a full-ride scholarship.”

Incoming freshman Eric Thomas, left, and his mother, Ta-tanisha Thomas, during NSO.

Thomas’ mother, Ta-tanisha Thomas, said he had been accepted into several colleges, and it speaks volumes that he chose TSU.

“This is a huge opportunity for him, and I know that he’s going to do really well,” she said. “I’m very happy that he’s part of the TSU family, and we are too now.”

TSU is also the university of choice for out-of-state students. Atlanta native Jordan Harris and his family were just as excited for him as he joins his older brother at TSU. Jordan plans to major in agriculture business this fall, while his brother Julian Harris, a rising senior, is studying biology. The Harris’ parents, Walter and Julia, said that they both enjoyed the seamless process of NSO and are excited to know both of their sons will be together to support one another.

“Just sitting here going through the new student orientation, I can tell that they’re very organized,” Julia Harris said. “They are ready for this incoming class to come in, as well as my son having a support system with his older brother.”

Jordan and Julian’s parents Walter, left, and Julia Harris at new student orientation in Kean Hall.

The annual event for incoming freshmen was held on the main campus in Kean Hall. Activities featured tours, program previews, and information sessions for students and parents on various student and university services.

Dr. Portia Johnson, the Executive Director of Recruitment, said this opportunity gives students an exciting glimpse into their next four years at TSU while ensuring parents have a smooth transition into college.

“We want them to feel excited about coming to college. This is a new journey for them as they are leaving the nest and high school,” Johnson said.

The final orientation date for new students is Tuesday, August 13, 2024. To enroll or learn more about the first-year student experience at TSU, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/fye/.

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TSU hosts nursing summer camp for middle school students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University School of Nursing and Nurses Middle College (MC) Nashville hope to inspire 32 middle school students to become the next generation of healthcare professionals. The group of rising 7th and 8th graders recently visited TSU as a part of a nursing summer camp, where they learned CPR and patient care simulations. They received instruction from the School of Nursing faculty and learned about the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, cardiac arrest, identifying life-threatening situations, and more.

Middle school students attend the nursing camp gather in TSUs Health Science Building’s patient care simulation area. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University)
 

Khloe Garrison, a Rose Park Middle Magnet 8th grader said the camp experience was one to remember as she learned techniques and terminology she hadn’t been exposed to before.

“Camp has been really cool,” Garrison said. “We did CPR on the (mannequin) babies. Seeing people here at TSU who look like me inspires me because I know they’ve achieved it, and it makes me believe I can too.”

TSUs Executive Director of Nursing Dr. Courtney Nyange said the University was proud to partner with NursesMC Nashville for the nursing camp. Dr. Nyange added that hosting the summer program helps the nursing school fulfill its mission to foster students of all backgrounds to become the leading healthcare professionals of tomorrow.

Middle school students, camp counselor demonstrations CPR skills during NursesMC camp. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University)
 

“The opportunity to contribute to the continued diversification of the nursing profession in Tennessee and the nation is a privilege that our School of Nursing is honored to have and has embarked upon as an institution for decades,” Nyange said. “Our partnership will help create a pipeline of students who will be equipped with the knowledge, skills, and compassion needed to become successful nurses, capable of delivering high-quality client care.”

Dr. Cathy Lovelace, Associate Professor in the School of Nursing, provided the one-day CPR training workshop for the participants.

Dr. Courtney Nyange being interviewed by a local news reporter to discuss the nursing profession and creating a pipeline for underrepresented healthcare professionals. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University)

Amir Rahman, who is a Nolensville High School student, participated in the event as a camp counselor. “It’s important that everyone came together and empowered each other,” Rahman said during the camp. “HBCUs are important, and I know the camp students appreciate this.”

Rahman, who aims to become a Certified Pediatric Nurse, has TSU on his list of potential colleges after high school.

 NursesMC Nashville Executive Director Dr. Andrea Poynter, who formerly served as a nursing professor at TSU for four years, said seeing the students’ excitement was one of the many highlights of the camp.

Amir Rahman

“The biggest takeaway is just them being able to learn how impactful they can be to people in their families and their communities,” Poynter said. “This exposure will be memorable to our aspiring next-gen nurses. Due to the hands-on clinical opportunities, the diverse school and local community, the level of preparedness from nursing graduates from TSU is so impactful.”

In addition to TSU, NursesMC Nashville partnered with HCA Healthcare TriStar Division and Belmont University to offer students diverse hands-on experiences. The TSU and NursesMC Nashville summer camp exemplifies the university’s commitment to nurturing future healthcare professionals through early exposure and practical campus experiences.

Students receive gifts from the School of Nursing during the NursesMC camp, hosted at TSU. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University)

NursesMC Nashville, launching next year, will be a tuition-free public high school in Davidson County, integrating nursing education, workforce experiences, and industry credentials to prepare graduates for college and careers in healthcare.

To learn more about the summer camp and the new NursesMC public nursing high school coming to Nashville, visit www.nursesmcnashville.org/contact/. To learn more about TSUs School of Nursing, visit www.tnstate.edu/nursing/.

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Tyler Perry Studios selects TSU student for internship

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) just announced their second cohort of talented interns selected nationwide, and one of their hand-picked interns is a familiar face in the Big Blue community.

Briana Thomas, a mass communication student at Tennessee State University, was selected as one of 14 TPS Dreamers Intern Class of 2024 out of over 1,000 applicants. Thomas, of San Diego, California, is a rising senior with dreams of becoming an independent filmmaker. She just started the 6-week paid internship based in Atlanta, Georgia, working in deliverables, where she is responsible for delivering the movie or show episode for distribution.

“I was super excited when I was selected as I knew this was a great opportunity to learn and gain experience,” Thomas said. “It feels great to represent TSU and showcase the character, integrity, and work ethic instilled in me.”

Thomas noted that she found out about the opportunity in April and applied right away as she hopes to learn the ins and outs of production and how a studio is run day-to-day.

During her internship, Thomas is gaining work experience and networking opportunities to meet professionals who are available as mentors and industry contacts. Thomas said she is excited to contribute to one of the largest film production studios in the United States and is grateful that her university prepared her for this very moment.

“The whole mass communications department at Tennessee State University has prepared me for this opportunity,” she said, showing gratitude to her TSU professor and mentor who wrote her letter of recommendation.

Erik Werner, TSU’s Director of the Center for Media Arts and Production, said the department does its best to provide students with the skill set that will land them internship opportunities of this magnitude. Werner stated that he is proud of Thomas’ success so far and “feels great knowing that I helped.”

“Networks and studios will be fighting to hire her,” Werner said about Thomas’ drive and work ethic. “That’s how good she is and how good she is going to be.”

He noted that Thomas knew exactly what she wanted throughout her collegiate years for her career and has put in the effort to obtain any of her goals.

“It’s one thing to learn the basic skills but it’s another to turn around and learn the advanced skills and be adaptable,” Werner said. “To be able to adapt and roll with it is a huge ability that not everyone has.”

TPS Dreamers program allows interns like Thomas to receive first-hand knowledge of working for a multi-faceted entertainment company.

As Thomas continues her journey at Tyler Perry Studios, she looks forward to applying the knowledge and skills gained from this internship to her future career in filmmaking, aiming to tell compelling stories from diverse narratives, she said. Supported by her mentors and the foundation built at TSU, Thomas is excited about making a significant impact in the film and entertainment industry.

To learn more about the College of Liberal Arts, visit www.tnstate.edu/cla/.