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TSU freshmen recount first semester of college, say university offers environment for success

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – With their first semester mastered, many first-time freshmen say coming to TSU was worth the effort while they are gearing up for the spring semester that will begin on Jan. 17.  In fact, many who were asked to recount their first semester college experience, say not only are they returning for their second semester, but they also plan to stay and graduate.

Keyon’Dre Boyd

“My first-semester experience was everything I expected it to be since I dreamed of becoming a Tennessee State Tiger,” says Keyon’Dre Boyd, from Atlanta, a biology major, who dreams of becoming a pediatric pathologist. “It has been an honor to connect with students from all backgrounds and classifications, as well as to be able to excel academically.”

Boyd says the ever presence of student organizations that have helped him to easily assimilate and grow, as well as great professors, outstanding student advising, and finding a “loving” church home that even gave him a scholarship have helped to make his experience more rewarding.

“This is fulfilling the dream I had when I signed up for TSU and is helping me reach my career goal.  I see myself as a TSU Tiger for the next three years until I graduate,” he says.

Boyd is not alone.

Zoe Hammond

Zoe Hammond, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, who came on a full-ride scholarship, and Kendall Paxton, of Memphis, Tennessee, say the family atmosphere and the HBCU culture were a major reason why they chose TSU, and they were not disappointed in their first semester.

“I am grateful that I got the opportunity to come to TSU. When I came here, I just love the environment, people just care for you,” says Hammond, who is majoring in public health. “I took a chance coming to TSU because I had not come here before. Although I got the scholarship, I didn’t know what lied ahead, but I was opened to trying something new, and it’s paying off.”

For Paxton, a political science major, who is also a member of several student organizations, a campus tour with her mother during her senior year in high school gave her an immediate feel that TSU is where she wanted to be.

Kendall Paxton

“It felt like home. Everybody was speaking to everybody,” says Paxton, a Tiger Tour Guide, and a member of Bloom Academy, a leadership program for first-year females.

Adjusting to college life can be a struggle for many students. How to manage the newly gained freedom, learning to live with roommates, handling finances, and dealing with new academic demands are just a few of the new challenges. Admissions officials at TSU say the goal is to ensure a nurturing environment where students “immediately see and feel that one-on-one” presence of advisors, councilors and others ready to listen.”


“Creating an environment of belonging and a culture of care is the driving force that causes our students to return and continue their studies at TSU,” says Terrence Izzard, TSU’s associate vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success. “There are very real challenges in making that transition to college and we are committed to supporting each student.” 


Tasha Andrews-Carson is assistant vice president for New Student Programs and Retention. She says the university is “very intentional about providing engagement opportunities to support students as new Tigers.”

Garrison Holland

“It was a very busy semester for the Office of First Year Experience,” says Andrews-Carson. “From their welcome week activities to getting them prepared for their finals, it was my goal to provide support from beginning to end of their first semester.”


Garrison Holland, of Milledgeville, Georgia, agrees.

“My first semester at Tennessee State University has been wonderful. I am glad that I picked this wonderful institution to attend,” says Holland, a business administration major with a concentration in supply chain management, and a minor in psychology.

Freshman Orientation is Jan. 12, 2023. Classes begin for all students on Jan. 17. For more information, visit the Office of Academic Affairs at https://www.tnstate.edu/academic_programs/index.aspx

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TSU, local non-profit’s toy distribution event benefits nearly 5,000 area children and their families

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University and a local non-profit were able to spread lots of cheer during the holiday season. The university and Simply United Together partnered again to host Toys for Tots on the campus to make sure hundreds of Nashville children awoke Christmas morning with smiles on their faces.  On December 17,  nearly 2,000 parents were able to select gifts for their children during the annual toy distribution organized by TSU and Simply United Together, a nonprofit that coordinates the pickup of donated toys.

A volunteer, right, helps Erica Dowlen picks out toys for her two children. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Erica Dowlen, of Nashville, a mother of a 6-month-old and a 6-year-old, was among those picking up toys. She said with a new baby and barely enough income to cope, she had nowhere else to turn.

“I really didn’t have anywhere else to turn and I heard about TSU. I went and was able to pick out some nice stuff for my kids,” said Dowlen. “I am totally grateful because this was a down year for me. I had just had a baby. I wasn’t able to work as I wanted to provide from my kids.”

It’s estimated that nearly 5,000 children, boys and girls up to age 12, received toys as a result of the program. Volunteers, including TSU students, staff, alumni, and representatives from area charitable organizations and churches, helped with the distribution in Kean Hall on the main campus. Since 2018, TSU has partnered with Simply United Together, and the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots to distribute toys on the TSU main campus. 

Volunteers help with distribution at the Toy for Tots giveaway in Kean Hall. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. William Hytche, coordinator of the Toys for Tots program for TSU, said the university is thankful for the continued partnership with Simply United Together to serve needy families during the holiday. 

“It is an important service that I think we do as a community,” said Hytche. “TSU is in the community, so we like to serve the community whenever we get the opportunity. We have had this partnership with Simply United for over four years and it has worked very well.” 

A volunteer helps stack up toys for parents during Saturday’s program on the main TSU campus. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Benetta M. Sears, the local director of Simply United Together Foundation, said she is thankful that TSU has continued to be a site to serve families, especially during this “very critical time.”

“Tennessee State University is very positive. This is a community school also, and the people here are more willing and ready to serve the Nashville community, and we are thankful to continue our partnership,” she said. 

For more information on Toys for Tots at TSU, please call Dr. William Hytche at 615-963-5069.

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Tennessee State University professor part of historic Civil War Trails marker unveiling in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The first Civil War Trails marker paying homage to three African American regiments has been unveiled in Nashville. The marker is located on Foster Avenue near STEM Prep High School. Tennessee State University associate professor of history Dr. Learotha Williams played a major role in the historic project that details the story of the former slaves fighting in the city during the Civil War for the first time as United States soldiers. 

The historical marker is located on Foster Avenue near STEM Prep High School.

Williams said during the event that the marker site highlights the important contributions of the U.S. Colored Troops (USCT). 

“This battle, this marker, and this moment only represents a new chapter in our understanding of the Civil War in history and our collective memory,” Williams said. “Be mindful that this should be the starting point and not an end. There is much more that we have to discover and learn about the Civil War.” 

Dr. Williams helped bring the marker to light by providing his research about the regiments of the USCT. It was noted that this dedication took place 158 years to the exact date of the Battle of Nashville in 1864, involving the three Black regiments. 

The unveiled marker is the story of the former slaves fighting in the city during the Civil War for the first time as United States soldiers. 

Those attending included representatives from the Battle of Nashville Trust, Stem Prep High School, Civil War Trails, and Tennessee Department of Tourist Development. During the unveiling, several presenters spoke about the need to preserve and expand the number of markers that honor the impact African Americans made on the war. 

One of Williams’ history students, Jasmine Sears, said she is excited to see another part of history being honored in a positive light in Nashville. 

“I view the unveiling of this marker as a testament to the achievements of African Americans and their role in the development of Nashville,” Sears of Atlanta, GA, said. 

Jasmine Sears

“Many people don’t fully understand the impact African American soldiers had on a war that was fought so close to home, but I hope this marker will change that.” 

Sears said she looks forward to pursuing a career in public history to educate people on unknown history that is closer to them than they think. 

USCT regiments are also noted to have fought valiantly at Peach Orchard Hill, which is five miles south of were the new marker stands. Dr. Williams says he has hopes that a marker will be placed there in the near future.

The state of Tennessee joined the Civil War Trails program in 2008 with over 350 sites in Tennessee for guest to visit the footsteps of trailblazers like the men who were honored this week for their bravery on Dec. 15, 1864. 

In 2018, Dr. Williams also spearheaded and unveiled a historical marker recognizing victims of Nashville’s slave market. This marker is located at the corner of 4th Avenue North and Charlotte Avenue. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations).

Visit this link here to hear Dr. Williams’ remarks and see the unveiling of the historic marker. 

To learn more about the Civil War Trails visit www.civilwartrails.org/. 

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TSU students to compete as finalist in Morgan Stanley HBCU Wall Street Exchange Case Competition

Four students from the college of business department of economic and finance will be headed to New York next year to compete as finalist in a Morgan Stanley HBCU Wall Street Exchange Case Competition.

Dr. Izadi and finalist during the Exchange Case Competition.

The students who were selected to advance in the next round of the competition are Leandra Sanchez and Jalen Hatton, who are both seniors studying finance, from Taos, NM, and Columbus, OH. Mylan Townsel, a senior from Memphis, majoring in economics and finance, and Julian Mitchell, a junior from Jackson, MS, also studying economics and finance.

Tennessee State University is one of four finalist out of 13 HBCUs who participated in the competition.

Hatton said he is more than proud to be a finalist representing the university. “It was a real team effort and we did our best,” Hatton says. “It’s a blessed feeling. The case scenario was a real world example … and it took a lot of collaboration and research.”

Students were given a case study to present and had three weeks to prep for the first round of judging. Morgan Stanley’s central regional judging committee selected four university’s as finalists to attend the Professional Development Bootcamp and Regional Case Competition.

TSU’s competition team sent a PowerPoint and video of their presentation for the finance scenario case study and were selected to advance to the next round in New York.  

Townsel said with many other HBCUs being apart of the competition, he was in shock when he was notified about being a finalist. “It was much of a surprise,” Townsel said. “We worked hard and put in a lot of effort and time. I look forward to meeting with Morgan Stanley representatives and getting able to go to New York.”

Dr. Selma Izadi

Dr. Selma Izadi, assistant professor of finance, in the college of business formed and advised the finance team of undergraduate students. “The team worked very diligently on the Wall Street Exchange Case … this is a great opportunity,” Izadi says. “The students invested a lot of time, including late night meetings, doing research, preparing this report, and recording the video.”

The case study was presented to Morgan Stanley representatives via zoom earlier this semester.

TSU alum Chuck West, who is a financial advisor for Morgan Stanley, is apart of the companies HBCU initiative committee and his goal was to ‘advocate for TSU students.’ “This opportunity is getting more kids to work for Morgan Stanley,” West says. “This is  just a small step on the grand scheme of getting our graduates hired.”

Chuck West

The students will have an all-expense paid trip to New York to present their case study findings and networking opportunities to land employment after graduation.

TSU students will be competing against Texas Southern University, Jackson State University, and Florida Memorial University. The official date of when the competition will take place in New York has not been announced as of Dec. 2022.

About Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley is a financial services company. Corporations, organizations, and governments rely on Morgan Stanley as a global leader in investment banking. The company advises clients on transactions including mergers, acquisitions, restructurings, initial public offerings (IPOs), convertibles, share repurchases, debt offerings, derivatives and more.

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A Dream Come True as TSU Choral Group Prepares for Performance of a Lifetime at Carnegie Hall 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – It’s a singers dream to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City in front of thousands. For the TSU Meistersingers, it was on their Christmas wish list – a once in a lifetime experience that has come to fruition sooner than expected. 

Next May, for the first time ever, 11 members of the TSU Meistersingers are set to participate in a festival performance with MidAmerican Productions at Carnegie Hall. 

The premier chamber choral ensemble is raising $20,000 to make the trip of a lifetime to perform with professional orchestras. 

Dr. Dunsavage left, and a few of TSU Meistersingers students after a performance at the McKendree United Methodist Church in downtown Nashville.

TSU senior Dominic Davidson, who is a voice major, says he looks forward to the choir raising the funds to be able to participate in a life changing experience. “I have actually always dreamed of performing at Carnegie Hall ever since I was a child,” Davidson of Hendersonville, says. “As a choir, we have always wanted this kind of opportunity. We love singing, we love music, and we love the power that singing gives us and brings to others.” The tenor singer says performing at Carnegie Hall will give him a new level of confidence and a greater appreciation for his gift of singing. 

Marla Lowery of Knoxville says she was in disbelief when they received the news about the performing. Lowery, a sophomore studying political sciences, says she has never performed in front of a crowd of thousands. “It will be great to network with other schools and to see how orchestras practice up until the actual performance day. This will be exciting,” Lowery, says. The alto singer has been hitting notes since elementary school and looks forward to showing off her vocal skills in New York. 

Rhameek Nelson, a senior music education major, says this experience will be an opportunity to better his education and bring exposure to HBCUs. “TSU has never done anything like this before,” Nelson says. “This will take our choir to the next level. The experience will show that … people who look just like me will have the same opportunity here at TSU. I chose TSU, and now they chose me to travel and perform to Carnegie Hall … this is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” says Nelson of Georgia. 

TSU Meistersingers during their last performance of the Fall semester.

Director of Choral Activities, Dr. Angelica Dunsavage, says she is just as excited as this will also be her first time performing at Carnegie Hall.  

“To be able to do a work, especially with a professional orchestra on the stage of Carnegie Hall is going to be a really amazing experience for the students,” Dunsavage says. 

“We would like the community’s help to be able to get us there.” 

So far, the choir has raised $3,500 by performing at cooperate and church events, along with small fundraisers on campus. Dunsavage says this experience will open doors to endless possibilities for the students and their careers.  

The $20,000 will cover airfare, housing and participation for the Carnegie Hall performance. The students are slated to stay in New York for the event May 10-14, 2023. 

See the TSU Meistersingers’ final performance of the semester at TSU Meistersingers – Fall 2022 (vimeo.com)

If you are interested in making a donation or would like to sponsor a student, please visit Meistersingers Fund (tnstate.edu). For more information contact Dr. Dunsavage at [email protected]. 

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TSU commencement speaker Symone Sanders inspires graduates to be prepared for life’s unexpected changes 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – National political strategist and commentator Symone D. Sanders-Townsend Saturday inspired Tennessee State University graduates to be prepared for the unexpected as they pursue their career goals. Giving the fall commencement address as more than 600 received degrees in the Gentry Center Complex, the former senior advisor and chief spokesperson to Vice President Kamala Harris said life will not always go as planned. 

President Glenda Glover, left, and commencement speaker Symone D. Sanders-Townsend, lead the graduation procession in the Gentry Center Complex. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

She left the graduates with three things she said helped her along the way. 

“Do not be focused on your plans that you are unwilling to consider the unexpected, find yourself, and fight for what you believe,” said Sanders, former CNN commentator and host of the new MSNBC program Symone. 

Before Sanders’ speech, TSU President Glenda Glover, in her opening remarks, congratulated the graduates and their parents and loved ones for their support. 

“I applaud you for having reached such an extraordinary milestone,” Glover told the graduates. “This is your day. And we will make the most of it, for tomorrow you step into the world as the servant leaders you have been trained to be. The servant leaders you’ve been called to be.” 

President Glover presents the late Teisha Lashelle King’s degree to her mother Gail King Randolph, as she holds her daughter’s photo. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Midway through the graduation, President Glover paused the ceremony to honor the memory of two Tigers who lost their lives shortly before graduation. Teisha Lashelle King, a business major and Amaya Victoria Taylor Sanders, a health science major, had completed the requirements for graduation. Dr. Glover awarded their degrees posthumously to their mothers. 

“This year unfortunately, we had two fallen Tigers, and we pause to honor their memories,” the President said, to rousing cheers from the crowd of parents and loved ones in the packed Gentry Center. 

“We will continue to hold them in our memory and prayers.” 

Sanders paid homage to Tennessee State University, a school she said has lived up to its founding mission to transform lives.

Priscilla Sandifer, second from left, displays her late daughter, Amaya Victoria Taylor Sanders’ photo and degree, as she’s embraced by President Glover, left, Dr. Ron Barredo, Dean of the College of Health Sciences; and Dr. Robbie Melton, interim Vice President for Academic Affairs. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“From your cutting-edge STEM programs to your deep commitment to social justice, Tennessee State University is a school that the rest of the country can look to as a model for excellence,” pointing to the success of the school’s marching band, the Aristocrat of Bands, for getting two Grammy nominations. “For the first time in history, the heartbeat of HBCU culture has been recognized by the recording academy. The AOB was recognized this year for not one, but two Grammy nominations.” 

It was also an extra special day for Janeiar Noel. She got a surprise visit from her brother Navy Airman Julio J. Noel, dressed in his military outfit, who travelled from his San Diego, California naval base to congratulate his sister.   

Janeiar Noel is congratulated by her mother, Gemma Williams, and her brother Navy Airman Julio Noel, after receiving her degree. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

The mother of three said obtaining her business administration degree, her brother’s surprised visit, and the commencement speaker’s inspiring message left her with the motivation to succeed. 

“I have kids who are looking up to me, and I need to set an example for them,” Janeiar said. “Life threw a lot of things at me, but I was able to persevere, and I am glad I could make my brother, my kids and my family proud.” 

Tyrell Jones, who earned a master’s in computer science, said he was able to pursue all of his passions. Jones also received his undergraduate degree in mathematics from TSU and was involved in student leadership and other activities. He said the speaker left him inspired. 


Tyrell Jones received his master’s degree in computer science. (Submitted photo)

“I was super inspired because throughout my master’s journey, I was trying to find myself, and that was one of the points Ms. Sanders talked about,” said Jones, who works with Lockheed Martin as a cyber security software engineer.

The fall ceremony was live streamed on TSU YouTube channel and can be viewed by visiting www.tnstate.edu/livestream.

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Nashville firefighter receives undergraduate degree from TSU

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – He’s been fighting fires in Nashville for 11 years. But now, Edwin Feagins Jr., is one degree hotter after securing his diploma from Tennessee State University this week.

Feagins of Nashville, received a bachelor’s degree in human performance sports sciences with a concentration in exercise sciences. A milestone that he was once told that he couldn’t accomplish. After graduating high school from Pope John Paul II Preparatory School in Hendersonville, he began his higher education journey at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) in 2007.

Edwin Feagins Jr. (Photo by Ryan H from Ryanhmedia)

Feagins started off his first semester of college with a .7 GPA.

“My freshman year of college was a lot of newfound freedom and responsibility,” Feagins says. “I wasn’t a focused student at the time. And I was told by my advisor that four years of college isn’t for everyone.” Feagins said he was placed on academic suspension shortly after. But he knew he was capable of walking the stage eventually. Feagins re-enrolled at UTC and continued his studies there for three years, until he was accepted into the Nashville Fire Training Academy in 2011.

Feagins, 33, says his grandmother, who is a former Memphis educator, was proud of him for being a fireman, but told him to finish what he started by graduating college.

A holiday portrait of the Feagins family. (Photo submitted)

“I wanted to fulfill that promise for her,” he says.

Feagins received his associates of applied science degree in fire science at Volunteer State Community College in 2014. Four years later, he enrolled at TSU. “I went searching for that newfound freedom (at UTC) but in retrospect, I should have leaned on my resources that I had available to me right here at home,” Feagins says. “I am excited and extremely grateful for the opportunity to even attend TSU.”

It was difficult being a non-traditional student while sometimes working 24-hour shifts, but he kept faith and believed in himself, Feagins says, graduating with a 3.3 GPA.

He noted that he had instructors at the university like Dr. Jason Smith, that kept him going. “His passion is beyond the degree,” says Smith, the department chair of the human performance and sports sciences department. “The degree was important for him to continue giving back to the community. Edwin has devoted a lot of his time to the community and to people that are in need,” Smith continued.

Edwin Feagins Jr., has been with the Nashville Fire Department more than 10 years.

“He has a servant heart.”

Smith says that Feagins has extended his services by becoming an adjacent professor next semester, teaching CPR courses at the university.

District Chief of the Nashville Fire Department Moses Jefferies IV describes Feagins as a hard worker who has been a ‘tremendous asset’ to the fire department.

“Along with his work, he has shown dedication and a level of commitment that is consistent with the Nashville Fire Department to prepare its members physically to be able to do the job and deliver the best service possible to the citizens,” Jefferies says.

“He’s just really a great guy.”

In the near future, Feagins says he looks forward to creating health initiatives centered around fire fighter fitness with wellness and health disparities.

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TSU first-generation college student continues to fulfill family dream with graduate degree

When Adam Traoré receives his master’s degree from TSU this Saturday in agricultural sciences, he wouldn’t be walking the stage only for himself, but as a first-generation college student. By getting his degree, Traoré’s is also fulfilling the dream of his family as well.

The child of a West African immigrant father, Traoré says obtaining his second degree from Tennessee State University means everything to himself, his parents Habib and Mattie Traoré and his younger brother.

Adam. M. Traoré creating endophyte-colonized sweet sorghum plants in Dr. Ondzighi’s greenhouse at TSU. (Photo submitted)

“He knew that moving to the U.S. would provide opportunities for us that aren’t as easily accessible in his country,” Traoré says, referring to his father. “That sentiment has always motivated me to recognize the opportunities I am given, and appreciate the sacrifices that both my mom and dad made to get me where I am today.”

The 24-year-old Knoxville native describes this moment as ‘surreal.’ 

“I went directly from undergrad after graduating early and went straight into my master’s. To be so young and have job opportunities lined up afterward, it feels good.”

In 2017, Traoré came to TSU to study agricultural sciences as an undergrad and followed that up immediately with his graduate program, with a concentration in biotechnology.

He finished his master’s program with a 3.6 GPA.

Adam Traoré. (Photo by SupermaPhotography)

Months before the upcoming graduation, Traoré received great job offers. One of which, from the federal government for a biosecurity position and another within the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences as a drug chemist. Traoré says he has not made a final decision on which job to take just yet.

Traoré says his family and loved ones have supported his educational journey every step of the way, but also credits his TSU advisor, Dr. Christine Ondzighi, for his progress and success in undergraduate and grad school. 

“Adam is a very good student,” says Ondzighi, an associate professor in Department of Agricultural and Environment Sciences.

“Coming from TSU, and coming from my lab, I am very proud of that.” She noted that the early job offers Traoré has received speak volume of his work ethic and the talents the university produces. He is a great person, super enthusiastic and passionate. I am very proud of him on graduating and he is so far deserving.”

Adam Traoré says as a first-generation college student he looks forward to paving the way for his family and to inspire his younger brother Maleek. (Photo submitted)

In addition to Traoré academic achievements at TSU, he is also a mentor with the Tennessee Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (TLSAMP) program. He is a member of Collegiate 100, Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Related Sciences (MANRRS), and a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. Traoré looks forward to being a role model to his younger brother, Maleek, who is a senior at Maryville High School.

Traore’ is one of 269 graduate students receiving master’s degrees during TSU’s fall commencement on Saturday, December 3, 2022. MSNBC television host and political analyst Symone D. Sanders-Townsend will deliver the keynote address.  

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TSU quiz bowl team wins national honors program championship title, takes top place in research presentation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University students are champions! A four-person quiz bowl team from the university beat out nine other college teams to win the top place in the National Association of African American Honors Programs Quiz Bowl in Baltimore. TSU students, who are all members of the Honor’s College, also won the championship in Oral Research Presentation at the Annual 31st Conference of the NAAAHP.

The four-member TSU quiz bowl team, along with officials of the Honor College, receive their championship award. From left, are: Dr. Coreen Jackson, Dean of the Honors College; Dr. Tyrone Miller, Associate Dean of the College; and team members Journey Brinson, Tyler Vazquez, Kara Simmons and Jada Womack. (Submitted photo)

The two events are part of NAAAHP’s annual national conference, where HBCU students participate in a Model African Union, debate, research presentations, and quiz bowl competitions. This was TSU’s first-ever championship in the NAAAHP quiz bowl tournament on Nov.9.

Quiz bowl team members were Tyler Vazquez, of Raymore, Missouri; Kara Simmons, of South Holland, Illinois; Journey Brinson, of Memphis, Tennessee, and Jada Womack, an accounting major from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, who was the alternate.  With the exception of Womack, all of the other student are freshman biology majors, who are part of the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr., Institute, an accelerated pathway program between TSU and Mehary Medical College for students on the medical track.  

Tyler Vazquez

“It was really a very good experience being able to compete against so many talented young people from all over the country, especially HBCUs,” said Vazquez. “I am so thankful to my teammates, and TSU for allowing us to represent the university.”

“It was very exciting,” added Brinson. “I really like being able to represent the black excellence at TSU. I hope that we can win again next year.”

Barbara Murrell, director of the Dr. Levi Watkins Institute, congratulated the students, adding that they represent the kind of students the institute was intended to attract.

Journey Brinson

“We want to congratulate and commend the students for an outstanding performance by winning the championship in the quiz bowl,” Murrell said. “We are glad that the Levi Watkins Institute team has recruited such outstanding young people who can immediately participate in the university’s honors program and bring credit to the institute and the university.”

For this year’s NAAAHP annual conference, TSU fielded 14 students, representing the university’s Honors College, including the three from the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr., Institute. Dr. Tyrone Miller, associate director of the Honors College, served as coach of the quiz bowl team, in place of longtime coach Dr. John Miglietta.

“We are extremely proud of our TSU Honors and Levi Watkins team,” said Dr. Coreen Jackson, dean of the Honors College. “Although these students were new to the game, they embraced the challenge, took the game by storm, and swept the competition.  In addition, our research students won the research championship, and they too did a phenomenal job.”

Clayton Oglesby, first-place winner in the research category, presents his study. (Submitted photo)

In the research competition, TSU students had a clean sweep. In addition to the first-place win, they walked away with all of the awards by winning second and third places. Individual winners were Clayton Oglesby, senior communications major from Nashville, first place; Sarena Noel, a junior biology major from Miami, Florida, second place; and Sandra Noel, a junior biology major from Miami, Florida, who won third place.

Another event in which TSU students participated was the “Honors Got Talent” competition. It featured Maya Cole, a junior biology major; Kaitlin Skates, a Levi Watkins/Honors student; and Anyah Sanders, a sophomore biology major. The students showcased their talents through vocals and spoken word.

In addition to TSU, other schools in attendance included Southern University, Fisk University, Spellman College, Livingstone College, Virginia State University, Morgan State University, Prairie View A&M University, Coppin, and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore.

The National Association of African American Honors Programs is a national consortium of HBCU honors programs that, since its founding in 1990, has promoted scholarship, professional development, community service and an appreciation of African-American culture. For more information, visit www.naaahp.org.

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TSU undergrad earns college degree decades later, completing a 30-year journey

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Cynthia Jones will receive a bachelor’s degree in business administration next week from Tennessee State University. It is a milestone of success that started three decades ago for 60-year old Jones, but one she says was well worth the wait. 

“I have always wanted to graduate from TSU,” Jones, a Louisville, Kentucky, native says.

Fall 2022 graduate Cynthia Jones will receive a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concertation in supply chain management.  (Photo by Jonathan’s Photography)

As graduation approaches, Jones says the feeling is amazing. “I am still trying to wrap my mind around this,” she says. The motivation behind her milestone, she says, is her only child Michael Jones, and her faith.

In 1980, Jones graduated from Springfield High School in Robertson County and began her higher education journey at Nashville State Community College. She eventually enrolled at TSU in 1991 but had to drop out due to financial hardships and seek employment. Jones worked in supply chain but was let go after 14 years due to company reorganization. Jones faced a number of difficulties prior to and immediately after losing her job.

“My brother passed (away) six months before they released me, and my mother passed seven days after (losing my job),” Jones says. After taking care of her loved ones’ affairs, she got back into the work force but for a significantly lower pay. Although she had the experience for employment opportunities, Jones didn’t have the degree.

Cynthia Jones. (Photo by Jonathan’s Photography)

“Nobody paid me what I made before,” she says. “My salary was 38 percent less than what I made at my previous job.”

But Jones kept her faith.

Always a Tiger at heart, Jones reflected on a promise she made to herself years before about walking across the stage one day. “Give your battles to God and keep it going,” she says. “It’s never too late.”

Jones son, Michael, 28, said he has always seen his mother work hard, and to see her walk across the stage on Dec. 3, will be something to remember.  

“She has been talking about graduating college since I was a baby,” says Michael. “She has always been a fan of TSU, so I know this is big for her. I am excited and happy that she is finally doing it.”

Cynthia’s son, Michael Jones says he is proud to be able to witness his mother walk across the stage. (Photo submitted)

Jones says there has been many lows throughout her journey with losing majority of her siblings over time, as well as her mother, but she knows her family will be watching over her as she receives her degree. 

“They are still here in spirit.”

Jones will be one of nearly 600 undergraduate and graduate students who will receive their diploma in the Gentry Center Complex. The ceremony starts at 9 a.m.

Those attending the commencement program are encouraged to wear masks as precaution against the COVID-19, flu and RSV viruses going around. For more information on fall commencement, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/records/commencement/ .