Category Archives: Student Profile

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TSU student-athlete to graduate with 4.0 GPA, along with two degrees and an OVC championship

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – For three years, Gina Rivera-Ortiz’s parents would drive two hours to get her to volleyball practice, in her native territory of Puerto Rico. Dedication that has paid off in the long run with Rivera-Ortiz’s becoming a decorated libero, a back-row defensive specialist, for Tennessee State University volleyball team. Add to her accomplishment an Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) championship and OVC tournament MVP in 2022 for the TSU Tigers.

Last season, Rivera-Ortiz became the all-time career leader in TSU history in digs.

Not only has Rivera-Ortiz, a TSU graduate student, put blood, sweat and tears on the court, she has put her all into her education as well.

“Since pre-kindergarten I’ve never passed a class with anything less than an A,” she said. “My parents raised me to want to be the best. I use my parents as motivation. I know they sacrificed for me to be who I am today.”

Rivera-Ortiz will be graduating this week with a master’s of arts and education in sports administration with a 4.0 GPA. She also had a 4.0 while attending TSU as an undergraduate.

For Rivera-Ortiz, volleyball is like a game of chess on a court, where every move counts. She told the university her main key factors on strategizing how to succeed in being a student athlete.

“Time management, discipline, and passion,” Rivera-Ortiz said. “Everything I do, I do it with passion. Be humble but use that drive of thinking you’re the best and working to be the best.”

Rivera-Ortiz, left, with Coach Sutton, right during a home conference match in Kean Hall at TSU.

TSU head volleyball coach Donika Sutton couldn’t agree more about Rivera-Ortiz’s work ethic as an athlete and person.

“Gina has realistically surpassed expectations,” Sutton said. “We are talking about someone who all five years has had a 4.0 GPA.”

Coach Sutton said she recruited Rivera-Ortiz from Lajas, Puerto Rico, and offered her a scholarship in 2018. Since that time, Sutton has watched her continuously grow every year.

“She helped me lead this team. The ability, the work ethic and her leadership were a huge part as to why this team was successful this year.”

Rivera-Ortiz after the TSU volleyball team won the OVC Tournament championship in 2022.

The TSU volleyball team won the OVC Tournament last November for the first time in 15 years. Out of the 132 games, Rivera-Ortiz never missed one. The international student said she is most grateful for TSU’s welcoming environment, that helped her succeed while being 1,700 miles away from home.  

“This was a place that made me feel the most wanted. That’s one of the things that kept me here.”

Rivera-Ortiz has already accepted a job offer at local non-profit organization Backfield in Motion, as a senior youth coordinator. The job aligns with her dream career related to community engagement for the NBA.

While Rivera-Ortiz was a part of the Puerto Rico women’s national under-23 volleyball team last year, she looks forward to one day competing for a spot on the Olympic volleyball team after obtaining a doctorates degree in psychology.

Check out the Puerto Rico native’s stats and recent accolades as the all-time OVC leader in career digs and in TSU history.

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TSU student inspired by alumna Oprah Winfrey, anticipates commencement address as a dream come true

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Timbrel Williams has known since childhood what career path she intended to take after college. At age 8, Williams would line up her stuffed animals as audience members, mimicking what she saw on the Oprah Winfrey television show in her Chattanooga home. A show that inspired her journey, and love of journalism. William’s mother was amazed by her creativity and encouraged her to pursue her dreams. On May 6, Williams will be lining up to walk across the stage during Tennessee State University’s undergraduate commencement ceremony in front of the global media leader and philanthropist who inspired her to become a journalist, TSU alumna Oprah Winfrey.

Williams was hired at WKRN News Channel 2 working as an operations technician. (Photo submitted)

“One of the first Black journalist I saw on TV was Oprah Winfrey,” Williams said. “That’s how I started to gain my love for television.” Williams, who is receiving her degree in mass communications, said Winfrey’s impact on the Black community and her storytelling give the representation needed within the news industry.

Winfrey is the keynote speaker for the undergraduate commencement on Saturday, May 6 at 8 a.m., in Hale Stadium.

“I am so glad she can come back and pour into TSU for graduation day,” Williams said, noting how Winfrey’s path aligns with how she foresees her own future.

Last semester Williams was an intern for WKRN News Channel 2. This semester she was offered a position as an operations technician. Williams has spent her college career reporting for TSU TV news, interviewing students, and reporting stories about the campus community.  Williams will be graduating magna cum laude with a 3.7 GPA, with hopes of one day working for Good Moring America or hosting her own TV show.

Williams at WKRN News Channel 2 working as an intern last Fall.

Williams applauded the Department of Communications for her successful college career. “We have well-rounded professors who are patient and care about our students,” she said. “I feel well prepared to venture out and go into the real world.”

Joseph Richie, an associated professor for the communications department, applauded Williams for her role as an active student journalist.

“She is one of our most outstanding journalism students,” Richie said. “And she has mastered the subject. Timbrel will do very well.”

The Department of Communications is the fourth largest department on campus with 300 students in total. The department focuses on making sure student journalists are reporting facts and are open-minded in their focus, according to Richie.

“Oprah Winfrey represents every aspect of our program,” he said. “A person who got her training in news, now an entrepreneur and a multi-billionaire. She is the standard bearer when it comes to any of our students.”

Timbrel Williams and TSU President Glenda Glover at WKRN News Channel 2 when Dr. Glover made an appearance during Black History Month with other local community leaders. (Photo submitted)

Williams said she looks forward to graduating, sharing what she learned from her university, and telling stories that matter the most.

“It’s important to have Black journalists,” Williams said. “To see Oprah Winfrey break through that barrier, it’s amazing to see her journey. I went to TSU, and she went to TSU. This is a full circle moment and such a great opportunity.”

Spring 2023 commencement

Tennessee State University alumna Oprah Winfrey is coming home to headline TSU’s Spring Commencement as the keynote speaker for the undergraduate Commencement on Saturday, May 6 at 8 a.m. CDT, in Hale Stadium. Due to demand and security and safety protocols, this is a ticketed event and not open to the public. United States Congressman Bennie G. Thompson, Miss-Second District, will address graduate students at an indoor ceremony on Friday, May 5 at 5 p.m. CDT, in the Gentry Center Complex. Over 800 students will receive degrees in various disciplines. Both commencement ceremonies will be live streamed from the TSU YouTube Channel, www.tnstate.edu/livestream.

For more information on TSU 2023 Spring Commencement and full bios on Ms. Winfrey and Congressman Thompson, visit www.tnstate.edu/commencement.

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TSU earns spot in top eight teams at the Honda Campus All Star Challenge national championship

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State University Honda Campus All Star Challenge (HCASC) team earned a spot in the top eight teams at the National Tournament held in Torrance, California. HCASC is a knowledge bowl competition for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) sponsored by the American Honda Motor Company, which supports HBCUs.

Members of the HCASC TSU team competes against Tuskegee University during the national competition in California. From left to right: Kelley Zumwalt, Tyler Vazquez and Morgan Gill.

This tournament brought together 32 HBCUs from around the country. The TSU team earned a total of $12,000 in grant money from American Honda for earning a spot in the top eight teams.

The team’s coach, Dr. John Miglietta, who is a professor of political science, said the HCASC is a unique competition that brings together scholars and showcases their knowledge from many HBCUs throughout the country.

“We are very grateful for the support that American Honda provides to HBCUs,” Miglietta said. “The grant money we receive will benefit both our students and our HCASC program.”

TSU’s HCASC team earns a spot in the quarter finals after competing on a national level in California. From left to right: Tyler Vazquez , coach, Dr. John Miglietta, Morgan Gill, team captain Cameron Malone and Kelley Zumwalt.

The tournament was divided into two parts, followed by a single-elimination playoff with the top two teams playing a best two out of three.

TSU played in the Purple Division with teams from Alabama A&M, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania, and Hampton University.

TSU compiled a 4-2 record, winning the division and advancing to the playoffs. TSU then lost a challenging match against Tuskegee University.

The team earned $10,000 in grant money from American Honda with an additional $2,000 grant due to one of the team players outstanding performance. Morgan Gill, a sophomore majoring in urban studies, was named the All-Star player in the Purple Division based on the number of toss up questions answered correctly.

TSU’s HCASC member Tyler Vazquez competing against a Tuskegee University student during a knowledge bowl competition in California.

“The team was very excited to finish in the top eight and play on the big stage,” Miglietta said. “It takes a great deal of preparation to get to that level.” The team is proud of its accomplishment and is preparing to win the overall competition next year.

The Team members are:

  • Cameron Malone (Captain), junior Electrical Engineering major from Oak Ridge, TN
  • Morgan Gill, sophomore Urban Studies major from Conyers, GA
  • Tyler Vazquez, sophomore Biology major from Winston-Salem, NC
  • Kelley Zumwalt, junior majoring in History, Political Science, and English from Loveland, CO

Check out the TSU HCASC team national quarter finals against Tuskegee University.

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TSU announces new student government association leadership for 2023-24 academic school year

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –  Tennessee State University Student Government Association has a new group of officers for the 2023-2024 academic year, many of which are familiar faces within the student delegation. The new student leadership, including a Mister TSU and a Miss TSU, was announced Friday during Tiger Fest, an annual event followed by student election commission week.

Student election commission winners during the 2023 Tiger Fest. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Derrell Taylor, a junior from Memphis studying business administration with a concentration in management, was elected as the 83rd SGA president. Chrishonda O’Quinn, a junior from Chicago, Illinois, studying business administration with a minor in mathematics, was elected as SGA vice president. Victoria McCrae, a rising senior from Memphis studying biology pre-med, was crowned as the 94th Miss TSU. Davin Latiker, a junior from Chicago studying mass communications, was elected as the new Mister TSU and will accompany McCrae.

O’Quinn, McCrae, and Taylor were all members of the junior delegation. Taylor, who previously served as the junior class president, said he is elated to serve as the next SGA president. “I am praising God and I am very grateful for this opportunity,” he said. “TSU, the mission begins now.”

Former Mister and Miss TSU welcomes the newly elected royaltys. From left to right; Tre’Veon Hayes, Mr. TSU Davin Latiker, Miss TSU Victoria McCrae and Sa’Mariah Harding. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Cristal Powell-Roach, assistant dean of student activities and leadership, said she looks forward to working with the dynamic newly elected leaders while the students embrace new opportunities for growth and development. “We have a great team,” Powell-Roach said. “I am very excited about our winners.”

O’Quinn said her biggest passions are representation and leadership. “I am eager to be a voice for the voiceless, to be a selfless, passionate, and strategic leader,” O’Quinn said. “And to work alongside not only SGA and administration but the student body to build our institution.”

McCrae, who previously served as Miss junior, said she had dreams of becoming Miss TSU one day. “I knew I wanted to be a queen since I got here freshman year,” she said. “I worked hard, and it has come to fruition. I am so blessed and thankful.”

While Mister TSU, Latiker said he is grateful for the opportunity as well. “It is great to enter this legacy and have the opportunity to expand my network, give back to my school, and serve the students.”

O’Quinn said she is confident that the student leaders will take proactive steps towards achieving their desired goals on campus with a positive narrative.

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TSU celebrates Occupational Therapy Month

Occupational Therapy Month is celebrated in April every year to recognize the contributions that help people improve their ability to participate in daily activities and achieve greater independence. From bathing to eating or helping with clothing yourself, the occupational therapy (OT) master’s program students at TSU are becoming healthcare professionals to provide for all ages to overcome physical, cognitive, or emotional barriers.

TSU student Emily Bailor, right, practices assisting fellow student with adaptive equipment to help with bathing. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“Whatever is ailing you, we look at how that is affecting your occupation,” said Emily Bailor, a second year OT master’s student, said. “If we can get someone back to doing their occupation it’s a direct increase to quality of life, which is our goal.” Bailor stated that OT is a huge part of the healthcare field. “Physical therapy will get you up and walking, but occupational therapy will get your clothes on.”

There are currently 60 TSU students in the program.

While Bailor wants to work with patients of all ages and needs, Justin Brown, a second year OT master’s student, anticipates working with burns or traumatic brain injuries. Brown, of Alabama, said he chose TSU’s affordable program because it, “feels like home.”

TSU student Justin Brown practices using adaptive equipment on fellow classmate for occupational therapy. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“To pursue a higher degree at an HBCU just shows it is prominent,” Brown, who attended TSU as an undergraduate, said. “I am trying to show kids that you can be Black and be an occupational therapist. Whoever you are, you can get a higher degree in your profession.”

The field is 82% prominently white, according to the American OT Association.  

Not only does Brown look forward to diversifying the field, so does Dr. Lisa Porter, an assistant professor in the occupational therapy department. This month Porter is heading to the American OT Association conference with a student to present a conversation related to underrepresented minority groups in their field. “Occupational therapy is a very white profession,” Porter said. “It is important to promote diversity to fit the population we are serving.”

Occupational Therapy students during a pediatric lab practicing clinical observations of sensorimotor abilities. (Photo submitted)

Along with attending the national conference, in honor of OT month, the program has had guest speakers.

OT students and staff also participated in TSU Mud Day this week to give children ages 3-5 different sensory experiences. It is a celebration hosted by the Child Development and Family Studies program.

Porter said OT also focuses on “working to help kids access their education,” from self-regulation to motor skills and mental health. “Our focus on occupation, not just your job but meaningful activities,” she said.

TSU mud day is  a celebration of the Week of the Young Child, which is promoted internationally by the National Association for the Education of Young Child. The April 13 event was a fun sensory experience hosted by The Child Development and Family Studies program in the Department of Human Sciences in collaboration with the Departments of Occupational and Physical Therapy. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

TSU has an affordable OT program and a Tiger Community Rehabilitation Clinic that is a free and student-run. The clinic offers outpatient physical therapy and occupational therapy services to the public. “Having a state school that isn’t as expensive as some of these private programs is important too because it should be more accessible to students,” Porter said.

For more information about TSU’s Occupational Therapy Program, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/ot/ . If you’re in need of OT or PT services, visit the Tiger Clinic website at www.tnstate.edu/tcrc/.

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Hollywood actress Nia Long highlights TSU annual Women of Legend and Merit awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Hollywood superstar and multi-award winning actress Nia Long had a message for Tennessee State University students, honorees, and guest: Be graceful, be fearless, and be your authentic self.

Hundreds gathered on April 11 for the highly anticipated annual TSU Women of Legend and Merit (WOLM) Awards, a ceremony recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of women in the community.

WOLM honorees, President Glenda Glover and actress Nia Long. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

The elaborate awards dinner in Kean Hall honored dozens of local notable women with Hollywood legend Nia Long as the keynote speaker.

“If you change your thinking, your doing will be different,” Long said during the event. “Be fearless. No one is going to believe in you the way you believe in yourself.”

With an extensive body of work that includes television, film credits and production, Long detailed the journey of her career and overcoming obstacles as a woman in the entertainment industry.  “Sometimes we are given less than. But don’t pay attention to that, keep moving forward.”

Hundreds gathered on April 11 for the highly anticipated annual TSU Women of Legend and Merit (WOLM) Awards ceremony. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

During the event, three TSU students asked Long questions, including Miss TSU Sa’Mariah Harding, who asked how the Hollywood actress was able to overcome and be able to step into her own lane as a Black woman.

Miss TSU Sa’Mariah Harding, a senior from Indiana, hugs Nia Long moments before the annual Women of Legend and Merit awards. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“Be yourself no matter what,” Long told Harding. “Stick to what feels real.”

TSU President Glenda Glover congratulated the honorees and recognized Long for her thriving career on the big screen that has earned her many accolades.

Long received a lifetime achievement award in recognition of her range within the entertainment industry.

The WOLM awards is designed to bring awareness and raise funds to support the TSU Women’s Center, which offers student-focused programming to empower individuals and student organizations. The center’s Director, Seanne Wilson, said this year’s WOLM event, themed “Extraordinary Women Living Legendary Lives,” was aimed to empower both men and women to discover their destiny without fear.

President Glenda Glover and actress Nia Long. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

The honorees this year, in various categories, were Dr. Cherae M. Farmer-Dixon, Dean of School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College – Medicine; Dr. LaDonna Boyd, President/CEO R.H. Boyd – Media; Dr. Laquita Stribling, Vice President, Tennessee Manufacturing and logistics – Business; Patricia Malone Smith, Director of Corporate Relations, Urban League of Middle Tennessee – Community Service; Janet Rachel, President, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Metropolitan Nashville Chapter – Leadership; Laura Fitzgerald Cooper, Attorney and Freelance Writer – Education; and Jennifer Bell, Associate Athletic Director, Tennessee State University – Athletics.

Tamar Williams, a sophomore mass communications from Memphis, Tennessee, received a Women’s Center student ambassador award.

For more information on the TSU Women’s Center, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/womenscenter/. 

About Nia Long

Nia Long recently produced and starred in the Netflix smash hit thriller Fatal Affair which debuted at number one on the platform. Additionally, Nia starred opposite Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie in the Apple film, The Banker, for which she received an NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.” Other recent film credits include Janicza Bravo’s Sundance-nominated.

Lemon, and Netflix’s Roxanne Roxanne with Chanté Adams and Mahershala Ali. In TV, recent credits include Kenya Barris’ #BlackAF and Justin Simien’s Dear White People. Nia is well known for her iconic work in Boyz In The Hood, Friday, Love Jones, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Third Watch, and The Best Man franchise; the latter two garnering her three NAACP Image Award wins. Recently, she headlined the Sony feature film Searching 2, a follow-up to the hugely successful and critically acclaimed box office hit Searching, as well as the Netflix feature Plus/Minus. She also starred in the Peacock limited series The Best Man: The Final Chapters, where she reprised her two-time film role alongside the original cast, and also appeared in the Netflix comedy, You People, opposite Jonah Hill and Eddie Murphy, with Kenya Barris directing.

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TSU international food festival highlights cultural exchange, world-wide cuisines

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –  From Ethiopian injera, a pancake-like flatbread, to Indian samosa, a fried pastry with a vegetable filling, the savory smell of exotic spices filled Elliot Hall on the Tennessee State University campus.

TSU student Aziz Alqari serving Saudi Arabian cuisine during an International Food Festival and Cultural Exchange event.

More than 150 students and staff members visited booths during the International Food Festival and Cultural Exchange event hosted by TSU’s Office of International Affairs (OIA).  

The annual student activity included representation from seven regions and dozens of countries from around the world like Brazil, Turkey, and Nepal.

The OIA Executive Director, Dr. Jewell Winn said it was a great time for students to showcase their heritage through their international dishes.

“To see so many people come out, it warmed my heart,” Winn said.  “They were very proud to be able to share their culture.”

This festival was also an opportunity for local businesses and artisans to showcase their products.

TSU alumna Martha Lupai roasting Ethiopian coffee beans during the food festival. (Photo by Dylan Tate)

TSU alumna Martha Lupai of Ethiopia, has a business in Nashville’s local Farmers Market. During the event Lupai had made Ethiopia coffee from scratch to share.

“Food brings people together,” Lupai said. “It’s my duty as a student of TSU to share my culture. I love sharing my culture with food, clothes, and products. That is my passion in life to connect people to their roots.”

Aziz Alqari, a TSU master’s student from Saudi Arabia shared the same sentiment.

“We have a lot of international students from all over the world at TSU,” Alqari said. “So, I think it is a chance to see the variety in our school.”

More than 150 students and staff members visited booths during the 2023 International Food Festival and Cultural Exchange event.

Alqari, who is receiving his MBA in supply chain logistics, said he enjoyed everyone tasting the middle eastern cuisines.  

“Everyone had a good time. I made a lot of friends and tasted a lot of different food.”

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TSU’s Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands makes historic performance at the Grand Ole Opry

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands marched through the doors of the Grand Ole Opry with Tiger spirit for their historic debut in front of thousands.

TSU’s Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands debut at the Grand Ole Opry April 4, 2023. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Fondly referred to as AOB, the band has had many firsts, with appearances across country at several iconic venues.

Now, the trailblazing band can add to its list of ‘first to do it’ following their debut at the Grand Ole Opry on April 4.

“Being at Opry tonight as an HBCU band … this opportunity is breathtaking,” said AOB’s director Dr. Reginald McDonald. “To be a band of firsts, we are excited. This is another opportunity for our students to learn beyond the classroom.”

TSU Sophisticated Ladies debut at the Grand Ole Opry. (Photo by Jenai Hayes)

There were about 80 band members and five Sophisticated Ladies that participated in the 12-minute performance.

“It feels so good to be here,” said Joshua Knox, an AOB drum major from Detroit, Michigan. “Being able to perform at this historic stage makes everything so great being here with my fellow band members.”

AOB performed two songs off their Grammy-award winning album The Urban Hymnal. The band performed Dance Revival and Blessings on Blessings with soulful sounds from the Grammy-award winning duo Louis York, who is featured on the song, along with TSU alumna Ashley “FluteBae” Crawford.

Joshua Knox

TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands is the first collegiate marching band to win a Grammy, the music industry’s highest honor for Best Roots Gospel Album.

Aimee Rollins, a freshman from Atlanta who plays the clarinet, said the overall experience was another one for the books.
“Every time we perform it is a great time,” Rollins said, noting that the crowd’s energy was lively. “When they come and experience something new, introducing them to a new world of music they didn’t know about before .. with a lot of TSU people in the crowd hyping us up, I really did appreciate it.”

Aimee Rollins


Louis York singer and music producer Claude Kelly, described the experience of performing with AOB at the Grand Ole Opry as ‘next level history.’

Check out the Aristocrat of Bands debut at the Grand Ole Opry here. Listen to The Urban Hymnal album on all music streaming platforms such as Apple Music, YouTube, and or Spotify.

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TSU students, faculty showcase ground-breaking research at symposium 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Over 100 TSU graduate and undergraduate students presented their groundbreaking research during the Tennessee State University 45th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium. With cash prizes ranging from $50-250, students delivered thought-provoking insights on a wide range of research topics, including the use of essential oils on strawberries, and analyzing estrogen receptor response to breast cancer cells.  

J’la Jenkins, a second year public health masters student, speaks with another student about her research on promoting cancer health equity. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

The symposium, which is largely composed of presentations from the science, engineering, business, and humanities disciplines, was a week-long event sponsored by TSU’s Division of Research and Sponsored Programs. The symposium featured research and studies conducted by faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students.  There were over 20 oral and poster presentation winners placing in first, second and third during the symposium award ceremony. 

“The research symposium continues to be a cornerstone for showcasing Tennessee State University’s student and faculty research talent,” said Associate Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs Dr. Quincy Quick. 

“The Division of Research and Sponsored Programs is always excited and overjoyed to support and sponsor this annual event across the university and look forward to the novel and innovative contributions presented.” 

Pallavi Rathore, a second-year masters student, speaks with another student about her poster presentation during the university-wide research symposium. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Students were judged on originality, organization, presentation, knowledge and overall.

Pallavi Rathore, a second-year masters student studying plant sciences, won 1st place for poster presentation in the “graduate agriculture,” interdisciplinary category. 

“It was really nice winning an award,” Rathore of India, said. “It was a boost of confidence, and the first award I’ve ever won at the University.” Rathore research was a study on root system architecture traits, with the goal bringing new plants into the world to fight climate change. Rathore said she looks forward to receiving her PhD after graduation, studying plant molecular biology. 

Anarra Williams

This year’s symposium theme is “Ascending to New Heights,” something that Anarra Williams did as she achieved a new level of success by winning first place for the undergraduate oral presentation interdisciplinary category.  Williams is a senior from Ohio, studying food and nutritional science with a minor in English. Her research was related to ‘reversing the entrepreneurial curse: Assessing issues faced as a self-employed juicing business owner.’ 

Williams owns her own juicing business, “A Dose of Wholesomeness.”

During the award ceremony, Williams was shocked about winning first place within her category. “As a senior, it is good to know they were interested enough to present me with first place … I am lost for words,” she said. “You never know where these competitions will take you.” Williams will be attending Virginia Tech for her master’s to pursue a career as a food chemist. 

Keynote speaker TSU alumna Dr. Maria Thompson being awarded a gift on behave of the Research and Sponsored Program, presented by the program’s chair, Reginald Cannon. (Photo by Celeste M. Brown)

Keynote speaker for the closing event was TSU alumna Dr. Maria Thompson, who is the former president of Coppin State University and previously served as the vice president of Research and Sponsored Program at TSU. Thompson gave a heartfelt speech about how she started her research as a freshman at TSU, not knowing its longevity within her professional career. 

“Research can be a foundation for your career, but also an approach to your whole life,” Thompson said. 

Thompson expressed how proud she is of the students and their research. 

“The whole world is before them,” Thompson told the University. “Once they have their foundational education and their research experience here at Tennessee State University, there is no door they can’t open, there is no experience they can’t create.” 

Thompson was then awarded a gift on behave of the Research and Sponsored Program, presented by the program’s chair, Reginald Cannon. Cannon noted that the 45th Research Symposium is a chance to bring the internal research community together. “It is excellence to showcase how well our students are doing.” 

See the full list of participants for the symposium at www.tnstate.edu/researchsymposium/. For more information on research at TSU visit the research and sponsored program site at www.tnstate.edu/research-1/.

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TSU career fair success for students 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University students were dressed for success for the 2023 Spring Career Fair, hoping to secure employment after graduation. Approximately 750 TSU students attended the event with nearly 200 employers. Students met with potential employers and left with more knowledge about internships and job market opportunities.

Jea’Lon Davis, a senior from Jackson, Mississippi, who is studying health sciences, said he enjoyed speaking with the wide variety of employers, with hopes of career opportunities this Fall post-graduation. “This is a good thing for our students to explore what opportunities are out there,” Davis said. “You never know who you will bump into at these career fairs. This is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

TSU senior Jea’Lon Davis speaks with a potential employer from Texas, Coordinator of Recruitment & Retention Dr. Kishawna Wiggins, during the 2023 Spring Career Fair. (Photo by John Cooper)

Davis spoke with employers who notified him about summer internships to apply for as he looks forward to becoming a sports nutritionist.

The fair included representatives from government agencies, aerospace, banking, engineering, healthcare, and several other industries.

“We had a good turnout of employers who were actively seeking to hire our students for internships and full-time employment,” said Angela Davis, the Assistant Director of the Career Development Center.

“We hope that students received  opportunities on the spot, as they did last year. We also hope that our freshman that attended had the experience of networking and interviewing with employers in preparation for their sophomore year,” she added.

The students took advantage of meeting employers who set up tables and displays in the Gentry Center Complex to network and showcase career and employment opportunities.

TSU freshman Paradise Jenkins speaks with employers during the 2023 career fair (Photo by John Cooper)

While seniors were there for current career development, freshman like Paradise Jenkins and Emmanuel Coleman stopped by to practice networking skills and gain exposure. “I came because I wanted to see what experience and opportunities I would be able to have in the near future,” Jenkins said, who is a Dallas native studying criminal justice.

Coleman, a business administration major from Detroit, said the career fair can broaden student’s horizons. “It’s important for freshmen to see the opportunities that they can come across even as a first-year student. Even if you don’t get an internship, these companies still see and hear you.”

TSU freshman Emmanuel Coleman says its important for students to see the opportunities available at the career fairs even as first-year students. (Photo by John Cooper)

Bank of America (BOA) was one of several returning employers for the career fair. BOA recently contributed $1 million to the University as part of an initiative to help students finish college and find employment in a competitive workforce.


Dontia Brown, the Vice President of Diversity and Campus Strategy Recruiting for BOA, said it was great to return to TSU after hiring students last Fall on the spot.

“We met with a lot of them during the Fall career fair then hired them into full-time programs,” Brown said, noting that the company had more full-time hires than interns last semester. This time, Brown said she met many freshmen who were eager to work.

“Meeting a lot of freshmen has been great, they have been super engaged early on. We have opportunities that are open for students going into their sophomore year, so this is the perfect time for them to learn about what BOA has to offer.”

Dontia Brown, the Vice President of Diversity and Campus Strategy Recruiting for Bank of America, speaks with a TSU student about internship and job opportunity. (Photo by John Cooper)

TSU graduate Iyana Clemente was excited to see familiar faces at her alma mater in her role as an employer. Clemente received a degree in aeronautical and industrial technology in 2021 and works for the Federal Aviation Administration. “Giving back to HBCUs is extremely important,” Clemente said. “Being able to see students that I was on campus with, being able to give back to them is a great opportunity for me.” 

If you are a prospective employer or TSU student looking for more information about the TSU Career Services Department, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/careers/ .