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TSU selects veteran military officer to lead ROTC program

After 16 years, Lt. Colonel Stephen Cash said it was time to come back home.

Cash is Commander of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Detachment 790 at TSU, a Memphis native who commissioned through AFROTC in 2006 upon graduating from Middle Tennessee State University.

“I am really humble to have the opportunity to come back to where my Air Force career began,” Lt. Colonel Cash said. Cash was stationed at the Pentagon for three years in Washington D.C., before he officially became a tiger when his predecessor Lt. Nick Calloway retired over the summer.

Lt. Col. Cash commissioned at TSU in 2006 . This year he has returned to the university as Commander of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps.

He is responsible for recruiting and overseeing the preparation of officer candidates through a comprehensive college program at TSU and 11 cross-town universities.

He said this year ROTC has more than 90 cadets.

“My hope is that we see the program into fruition,” he said, noting that he looks forward to finding those with integrity to serve the country and strive for excellence. Cash said he anticipates the same hospitality he received when he launched his military career at TSU more than 15 years ago.

“When I came through the program it was a family environment,” he said. “A family feel with cadets looking out for one another. It’s an amazing opportunity to come back and pay it forward and have my career come full circle.”

To learn more about Detachment 790, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/afrotc/join.aspx.

About Tennessee State University

With more than 8,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

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TSU Faculty and Staff Return for New Semester, to Build Upon Successes

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University
President Glenda Glover applauded employees for their contributions to the success TSU achieved as the university hit major milestones in 2021, challenging faculty and staff to take the university to even higher heights over the next five years.

The 2022 Faculty-Staff Institute brought out more than 150 attendees as Dr. Glover addressed the challenges of operating amid pandemic, stating that the university will continue to adhere to safety plans and protocols.

As she praised faculty and staff, she said the university has kept its faith since 1912. “You have handled our day-to-day operations and kept us going throughout this pandemic,” Glover said.

“You have redefined what it means to be a frontline worker. We begin this new academic year with our continuing goal of serving our students. We celebrate our commitment to our students.”

The 2022 Faculty-Staff Institute brought out more than 150 attendees. An annual event that highlighted short term goals, long term goals and a five-year strategic plan for the university. (Photo: Aaron Grayson.)

In pointing out TSU’s successes, the president discussed record enrollment of 2,500 first year students and the faculty attracting more than $65 million in sponsored research and external funding during the 2021-22 fiscal year.

Glover also cited $250,000,000 being appropriated in state funding for TSUs infrastructure, and a recent 6% salary raise for TSU faculty and staff.

Glover mentioned another important short-term goal of getting approval this year for another residence hall that will hold 1,000 beds for
students. During the event, Glover also highlighted long term goals, a five-year strategic plan for the university. It includes achieving an R1 research status (currently R2); 10 to 15 new doctoral programs on-site and on-line; doubling research funding to $150 million; attracting global talents for chair professor positions, boosting the endowment
to $200 million and $75 million in reserves; development of the downtown campus, increasing overall enrollment to 10,000; and become the number one Center for SMART Technology internationally.

During the presentation Dr. Artenzia Young-Seigler, chair of the faculty
senate, said it is going take teamwork to overcome university internal and external challenges. “The challenges we face this semester will change this university forever,” Young-Seigler said.

Interim Vice President of Academic affairs Dr. Robbie Melton and staff senate chair Reginald Cannon speaks at the 2022 Faculty-Staff Institute. Cannon said he looks forward to advocating for new students as TSU faculty will continue to succeed and advance the university. (Photo Aaron Grayson)

“Remember, our best is in front of us. And every challenge presents an opportunity for exceptional and miraculous possibilities.”

She assured faculty and staff that the university will face challenges with fortitude, not fear.

Staff senate chair Reginald Cannon, couldn’t agree more. “My focus is to make sure that we are in place to be able to support those who need us,” Cannon said. “We have had a lot of discussion about the mental and physical well-being when coming back to the university,” he said referring to the pandemic.

Cannon said he looks forward to advocating for the new students as faculty will continue to find a way to succeed and advance the university.

“We welcome the challenge of taking care of this new generation of students.”

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TSU Houses Record 5000 Plus Students for Fall, President Stays Overnight to Reassure Students and Parents

by Kelli Sharpe

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover spent the night at one of the university’s off-campus housing facilities over the weekend to ease concerns regarding safety and quality of rooms.  President Glover helped to check students in at the Best Western and later checked in herself. The hotel is one of six locations the University is using for overflow housing and has already housed 5,000 students on and off campus.

President Glenda Glover helps with student check in at the Best Western, one of the TSU overflow housing facilities. President Glover later checked in herself for an overnight stay.

“I would not put students in a place I would not be willing to stay myself,” said President Glover. “While I wish my stay could have been longer, we needed the bed for a student.”

Rising senior Derrion Boyce said this is his first time staying at a hotel throughout his TSU journey and he’s satisfied with his room assignment. The electrical engineering major, from Chicago is housed at the Best Western.

TSU President Glenda Glover

“I was able to move into my hotel room in a timed ordinarily fashion, everything was clean and up to par. Also, they have brought over food and a school supply kit to us since I been there.”

Sophomore Laila Spencer said she had reservations about being at one of the off-campus housing facilities but was pleasantly surprised when she arrived at her room at Candlewood Suites.

“I wanted to be on campus because everything is easy to get to and convenient, but with the lack of on campus housing I was put into Candlewood,” said the Memphis native and agriculture major.

President Glover at Best Western

TSU began housing students on August 15 and will continue to do so until all off-campus housing facilities are filled. The University is facing an unprecedented demand for on campus housing due to a large incoming freshmen class, projected at over 2,500 first-year students, and the high cost of housing in Nashville.

Because of the latter, an unusually high number of upperclassmen have requested on-campus housing because they cannot afford to live in the City.

“The demand for housing is related largely to Nashville’s increased cost of living and prevents many of our students from living off campus,” said Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Frank Stevenson.  

“Staff has been committed to implementing a workable solution to meet the demand for TSU housing and have assigned rooms to all upperclassmen who have paid a deposit. However, we also understand everyone is not happy about the arrangements.”

Derrion Boyce
Derrion Boyce

Stevenson noted that parents have voiced concerns regarding safety and the quality of some of the rooms.

Naomi Taylor, a sophomore, had issues with her room at the Ramada Inn, but said they were resolved right away.

“I am content with my stay here. It’s not too bad. I would’ve liked to stay on campus, so I could be a part of it, but I prefer this over the dorms,” Taylor said

“The move in experience was a little hectic, at first they put us in a room that was already occupied but they resolved it. When we got here the shower drain would fill over and we told the front desk about it and they fixed it. Then the toilet wouldn’t flush properly so we had to tell the front desk and they’re fixing it right now.”

Dr. Glover and Student
Sophomore Laila Spencer with her mother and President Glenda Glover during check in at a TSU overflow housing location.

Stevenson added, “Any concern regarding the condition of a room is being addressed immediately whether on campus or at an off-campus housing facility. Hotel management is expected to resolve all issues right away upon notification at our off-campus sites.”

Stevenson said student safety is a top priority on and off campus and a comprehensive 24- hour security plan has been implemented for each off-campus location.

“TSUPD, Metro Police, armed and unarmed security personnel, along with residence hall staff will monitor the inside and perimeter of all off-campus housing as they have in the past. It is our hope that these intentional safety measures will bring a level of comfort to our students and parents.” 

President Glover said she understands the frustration from many students and parents as the University worked to process the large demand for housing and their patience is greatly appreciated.

“Many universities across the country and even here in Tennessee are experiencing the same demand for campus housing. Some sent students homes without any options. We provided our students with options because we know many of them will not come without a place to stay. TSU students could attend online for free if they paid a deposit or live in off-campus housing.”

Some parents have also voiced concerns regarding the cost for off campus housing. The university said it will continue to assess the financial needs of students and take the necessary steps to give them the best off-campus housing experience, including shuttle service, extended library hours, along with on-site meals and activities.

TSU Police Officer Butch Lawerence helps a student and her mother with move-in at one of TSU overflow housing sites.

The president went on to say that the University will use the off-campus housing facilities for the fall and spring semester as a short-term option but is already looking to expand the campus housing inventory. This will be crucial if both enrollment trends and the cost of living in Nashville continue to increase.

“TSU is working closely with appropriate state agencies to add more residence halls on our campus, hopefully starting next year to address our future housing needs. We are excited that this is the largest first-year class in the history of TSU. This growth is quite positive for TSU as more and more students seek to attend our university.”

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TSU a family affair for triplets as incoming freshmen 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – It may be a little overwhelming to walk a 500-arce university campus as an incoming freshmen, especially when you are hours away from home. But luckily, the Howell triplets will have each other to lean on as they embark on a new journey this fall at TSU. 

The Howell triplets – Mya, Walter Jr., and James of Louisville, Kentucky, had several acceptance letters from schools across the country. But when the trio toured the TSU campus last summer, they knew they were right at home. 

“Automatically when we walked on campus it felt like home,” James said. “I fell in love with it and thought it was a great school.” 

The Howell triplets are attending the university on scholarship and spent the first hours on campus for TSU’s traditional Freshmen Move-In.  

The Howell triplets moved into their dorms Tuesday morning and are excited for their new journey at TSU. Photo by Aaron Grayson.

Mya, who is the oldest by a minute, is majoring in exercise science to become a physical therapist. While her brothers are engineering majors. Walter said he knew it was the right decision when he researched the college of engineering program, noting that he wanted to attend an HBCU. Despite a few of their acceptance letters being at different colleges, they didn’t think twice about going their separate ways. “It felt natural to stay together,” Mya said. 

While they are a little nervous to leave home, they know their parents are a phone call away. 

For Walter Sr., and Ethel Howell, shipping the triplets off to college is more than bittersweet. 

“There will be a huge void with them not being around daily.” The parents said. “My prayer is that TSU embraces them just as we have. By giving them the guidance and structure just as if they were living at home. We are extremely proud of all their accomplishments.” 

The Howell family during freshmen move in day. Photo by Aaron Grayson.

Academically, Walter Sr. said the triplets have been preparing for this very moment. “They have all of the tools they need in this life to be productive and successful young adults,” he said. 

“We have no doubt that our faith and their determination will take them to higher heights.” 

The Office of First Year Students will also help the trio adjust to college life. Staff members work closely with new students to ensure their success through academic advisement and campus services. The Howell triplets are a part of the record setting freshmen class that have registered for the fall. TSU is expecting over 2,000 first year students to begin the academic school year.

The University has delayed the beginning of classes to accommodate the large freshmen move-in. TSU is now accepting applications for fall 2023. For more information, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/apply/  

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

TSU welcomes freshmen, expects record enrollment for first-year students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Class of 2026 could be the largest freshman class in school history.  Over 2,000 first-year students have registered, with plans to attend TSU this fall. That’s in addition to nearly 300 transfer students who have also registered for the 2022-2033 academic year.

President Glenda Glover welcomes the Lowery family from Las Vegas, Nevada, as they drop off their daughter, Layke-Michal, during Freshman Move-In Day at TSU. (Phopto by Aaron Grayson)

During the first day of TSU’s traditional Freshmen Move-in Day, the new students received keys to their residence halls, picked up IDs, meal passes and gained access to other amenities.  Over 200 TSU administrators, student leaders, athletes and alumni helped students and their families with the move in.   

TSU President Glenda Glover was on hand to greet students and speak with families.

“We are excited that this is the largest first-year class in the history of TSU,” said President Glenda Glover. “This growth is very positive for TSU as more and more students seek to attend our university.”

Layke-Michal Lowery, a nursing major, checks into her room as father Michael and mom Stephanie look on. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Most of the new Tigers are from Tennessee but also come from the neighboring states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, and Mississippi. However, many have travelled from as far as California, Nevada, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Top majors for past incoming freshmen have included agricultural sciences, business, education engineering and health sciences.  University officials said that is not expected to change. 

The record freshman class also arrives at TSU with top academic credentials.

Bailey Scott and J’Ronte Stephens, two best friends from Atlanta, are among scholarship recipients that moved in this week. Both said they are looking forward to starting their college careers as TSU Tigers.  

Bailey Scott, left, and J’Ronte Stephens, best friends from sixth grade, say TSU has long been their choice of university. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“I am happy to be a TSU Tiger,” said Scott, who received her keys to a room in the new 700-bed, ultra-modern residence hall. “Everything has just fallen in place for us since the first day. From registration to housing and the freshman orientation, everybody we met was welcoming, and that’s a major motivation.”  Scott will major in nursing. 

Stephens, who will major in education, will stay in Hale Hall. He said he’s glad that the two of them will have housing close to each other. The two have been friends since the sixth grade and plan to maintain their friendship, continue to excel academically, and have fun.   

A TSU upperclassman helps families move their children in Wilson Hall on Freshman Move-In Day. Alumni, faculty, staff joined in to help new students move in. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“TSU was always on the radar for me, and when I was offered a scholarship, and Bailey too, that sealed the deal for me,” Stephens said. “When I visited campus, the vibe was so genuine, and I love everything about TSU. I feel very fortunate for all the opportunities.”  

Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said the university is happy to welcome the new students, also assuring them of a safe and exciting learning environment. 

“This is a really exciting time to have this level of uptick of students who are ready to be back on campus. We have a lot of things planned for the campus and I think our first-time freshmen are going to see the energy and excitement of the TSU.”

Terrence Izzard, associate vice president for enrollment management, added, “The TSU journey begins for one of the largest classes in the history of the university. We know they will leave a legacy here at TSU.” 

The University has delayed the beginning of classes to accommodate the large freshmen move-in.  TSU is now accepting applications for fall 2023. For more information, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/apply/  

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

College of Health Sciences, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

Local parent, graduate student say TSU speech pathology clinic gives children a new voice and a great experience

NASHVILLLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) –Kerri Claybrooks says the progress her children have made by attending the Tennessee State University summer speech pathology program is reason enough for her to put it on her calendar again. The mother of two has already made plans for them to return next summer to TSU’s Language, Articulation, and Fluency clinic.

Claybrooks admits she has witnessed her 6-year-old daughter blossom with her verbal requests, while her 8-year-old son has enhanced his conversational skills. The children have been a part of the university’s clinic and Speech Pathology and Audiology department program for more than four years.

“It has been a huge progress we’ve been able to see with this clinic,” Claybrooks adds. “The communication between the speech pathologists and everyone in the department has been wonderful.”

The free six-week program, located on the Avon Williams campus, serves children throughout the Metro Nashville, ages 5-14. The children receive a comprehensive evaluation of their speech and language skills followed by an individualized plan that targets their specific communication needs.

The program provides graduate students with an opportunity to practice clinical skills and certified Speech-Language Pathologists are hired to ensure that students are learning to use effective, evidence-based strategies. (Photo submitted)

Dr. Danielle Hayes Watson, Associate Professor, Admissions Coordinator and Director of the L.A.F. Clinic says the program’s objective is to reach children’s specific communication and speech goals while providing an intensive, quality program that is evidence-based and free for everyone.  

“One thing that I can say that makes our program great is the quality of services that we provide,” Watson says. “Our clinical supervisors are Speech Pathologists who work every day in a variety of settings. Because of this, they can train our students on the most current and effective practices. Our families come back year after year which is another sign that we are doing something right.” 

The summer program provides graduate students with practice clinical skills such as how to properly administer evaluations, write goals, treat, and measure progress. 

Tiara Delevoe, a second year Speech Language Pathologist graduate student, said this field chose her in high school when she baby sat an autistic child. She instantly fell in love with learning how to help and started her speech pathology journey shortly after.  

“I loved every minute of learning new ways to help him, which eventually encouraged me to get my bachelors in speech pathology,” Delevoe said. 

Tiara Delevoe said the clinic has guided her on how to implement goals while doing treatment in a field that she fell in love with in high school. She looks forward to finishing up her speech pathology journey and becoming a future clinician. (Photo submitted)

As the university’s summer clinic has come to an end, Delevoe stated that the hands-on experience was an eye opener that shows graduate students what it takes to become a clinician. 

“Going into the clinic I had no clue what types of personalities and abilities I would come across,” she said. “It helped to meet a variety of children and have different ideas from other clinicians on how to implement goals while doing treatment. As a future clinician, I will use the organizational skills and documentation guidelines I was provided.” 

Please contact Dr. Danielle Watson at 615-963-7092 or via email at [email protected] if you know of someone in need of speech pathology and audiology services and are interested in the six-week summer L.A.F children’s clinic.

If you are a student interested in the highly competitive graduate-level Speech Pathology Program ,please complete an application by visiting Communication Sciences and Disorders Centralized Application Service (CSDCAS). Traditional students deadline for applying is February first of every year, while Distance Education student deadlines are set for June 1 each year.

Visit https://www.tnstate.edu/speechpath/  for more information regarding the program and or clinical services.

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees. TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee. With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

TSU ALUMNA DELISA GUERRIER BRINGS CHILDHOOD FICTION TO LIFE WITH STORYVILLE GARDENS THEME PARK RESORT

By Ciara Walker Williams

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Did you ever read a book as a child and wonder what it would be like as a character in the story? Thanks to Real Estate Developer DeLisa Guerrier you’ll have an opportunity to find out when Storyville Gardens, a 130-acre theme park resort, opens in 2025.

Map of Storyville Gardens

“Words Create Worlds” is the tagline and that’s exactly what visitors will experience as soon as they enter Storyville Gardens. The magical journey begins in an area representing Africa that leads to a castle-like structure called the Storyteller’s Lodge. Once inside, visitors choose their next destination by walking through one of three portals where they can experience rides and interactive attractions based on storybooks from Europe, America, and Asia.

“There will be something for all ages from dark rides to family coasters to log flume rides to splash pads,” says Guerrier while adding that it’s more than a theme park. “Once you come out of the park there will be retail, dining with food from the four corners of the world, and live entertainment.”

DeLisa Guerrier
DeLisa Guerrier

Guerrier and her husband Elde own Guerrier Development, a real estate and investment firm in Nashville. The two partnered with Storyland Studios, creators of Hogwarts Express at Universal Studios Florida, to bring Guerrier’s dream about the theme park to life.

Guerrier, a mother of three, says she was inspired to create Storyville Gardens due to the lack of family-centered entertainment and the literacy crisis in Nashville. Her goal with Storyville Gardens is to inspire children to get excited about reading outside of what’s required for school through interactive entertainment.

In addition to the park, shopping, eating, and dancing; there will be three hotels with themes ranging from majestic and enchanting to discovery and adventure. Still, that’s not where the story ends.

Provided Photo of Storyville Gardens

“Storyville Gardens National Literacy Center is our non-profit arm that will offer initiatives and resources to help children and young adults with reading, writing, and financial literacy,” says Guerrier. “The literacy center will be located in an urban area where those in need can access it.”

Guerrier prides herself on being thoughtful about the people, the package, and the purpose for this project – likening it to TSU’s motto: Think. Work. Serve.

“We put a lot of work and sacrifice into growing our companies, and that’s something many people don’t see,” says Guerrier. “I put a team together for this project, and I provided a package so the people can get a view of the project. The purpose aligns with serve because it’s not about self or money, but about how this will impact children, neighborhoods, and families.”

DeLisa Guerrier and Friends at TSU Graduation

Thinking back, Guerrier says TSU chose her. After moving from California to attend Fisk University, she found herself transferring to TSU and graduating with a B.A. in Psychology in 2012. She planned to attend Medical School, but the summer before graduation she met her husband who owned his own business and began working with him.

“When we first started [with real estate], we thought we’d own a few rental properties and retire,” says Guerrier with a laugh. “We grew with the market and when opportunities came up, we couldn’t say no. God knew I was mature enough to ask questions and crazy enough to go for it.”

She encourages students to dream big also. “It’s important for students to know, whatever it is they’ve thought about doing, they can do it bigger,” she says. “If there’s an impact you want to make – triple it. Sometimes we set out looking for opportunities, but you’ll see opportunities all around you if you just go for it. Don’t be afraid to take the road less traveled.”

Taking the road less traveled has led to Guerrier receiving several prestigious awards. This includes induction into the 2021 Enterprising Women Hall of Fame and the Nashville Entrepreneur Center’s 2021 NEXT Awards and Entrepreneurs’ Hall of Fame. In addition to these recognitions, she is an active member of Nashville’s Women President’s Organization, advisory council member of the Women Business Collaborative, and founding member of The Bow Collective just to name a few.

The location for Storyville Gardens has yet to be announced, but Guerrier confirms construction will begin later this year. Until then, she encourages everyone to get updates on the upcoming project at www.storyvillegardens.com.

TSU proudly salutes alumna DeLisa Guerrier during Women’s History Month.

Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

Caribbean scholars soon to be Big Blue Tigers through grant initiative

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Graduating high school students from the Caribbean will soon experience the excellence of Tennessee State University. Over 200 applicants from the Bahamas, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and other Caribbean nations have applied to become Big Blue Tigers with the help of an International Tuition Assistance Grant (ITAG).

Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Phillips
Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Phillips

Currently, TSU’s student body is made up of individuals from roughly 34 countries. However, a minimal amount come from the Caribbean. To qualify for this ITAG, high school graduates must have a minimum 3.25 grade point average.

“As liaison on Global Initiatives at TSU, part of my responsibility is to build global partnerships and to recruit global scholars,” says Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Phillips, who represents the Office of the President for the ITAG initiative. “This is an opportunity to open our doors to Caribbean students who bring the tenacity to learn and the academic acumen to boost everything that TSU represents.”

Jaden Daniel, of Trinidad and Tobago, is one of the Caribbean scholars coming to TSU in the fall. 

“I’m extremely excited and grateful to join the TSU family,” said Daniel, who is hoping to also make the men’s basketball team. “This opportunity offers a chance to get a higher education, while also allowing me to learn a new culture. These experiences will help me grow in important aspects of my life, such as being a professional and a holistic individual.”

Gregory Daniel, Jaden’s father, says he’s also looking forward to his son attending TSU, and the opportunities he will have.

Jaden Daniel and his father, Gregory Daniel
Jaden Daniel (left) and his father, Gregory Daniel

“Jaden has made his first steps in becoming a true global citizen with opportunities to develop his God-given talents; opportunities to learn in an environment that develops all aspects of his being,” his father says. “And most of all, the opportunity to showcase the quality of the Caribbean student, with a view of opening the doors of TSU to other students of the Caribbean who may be considering this same route to educational excellence.”

Parent Donna Frederick agrees. Her son, Renard Frederick, also from Trinidad and Tobago, will be joining Jaden in the fall.

“The tuition grant offered by Tennessee State University provides an opportunity for students from Trinidad and Tobago, and other Caribbean countries, to explore learning, achieve growth and development, and realize their academic pursuits in another country,” she says. “For this, I am truly thankful.”

Nicholas-Phillips says students also have the option of online learning if they wish to stay in their country. Also, the program is open to nontraditional Caribbean students, and there are talks of a dual enrollment program for high school students.

TSU Officials talk to prospective Caribbean students via Zoom

“We plan to extend this strategic search and continue to expand the internationalization of our campus,” says Nicholas-Phillips. “With the support of Dr. Johnnie Smith (Dual Enrollment), Dr. Robbie Melton (Graduate School), Dr. Jewell Winn (Office of International Affairs) and Mr. Terrence Izzard (Enrollment Management), I am confident that we will meet and surpass the directives given by (TSU) President (Glenda) Glover on international recruiting.”

Dr. Winn points out that International student enrollment has decreased over the last two years due to myriad factors, such as the pandemic and challenging immigration practices.

“Thus, to launch an initiative focused on recruiting a diverse population of international students is timely and certainly aligns with our goal of helping all students become better global citizens,” says Winn, executive director for International Programs and chief diversity officer at TSU.  

Besides the ITAG initiative, the University currently has dual enrollment partnerships for underserved students in several African countrieswhere students are taking online courses in coding and creating concepts taught by TSU professors. The program is part of a STEM literacy partnership with the African Methodist Episcopal Church that gives students digital resources to develop their technology skills. All participating students receive an iPad, supplied by Apple, Inc.

For more information about the ITAG initiative, visit https://aca.admissions.tnstate.edu/

To learn more about TSU’s partnership with Africa, visit https://tsu-smartinnovationtech.netlify.app/

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a  premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees.  TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee.  With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students  with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

TSU Alumna Dr. Lakisha L. Simmons adds fuel to the fire as a financial freedom coach

By Ciara Walker Williams

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – When Dr. Lakisha L. Simmons graduated from Tennessee State University with a B.B.A. in Business Information Systems twenty years ago, she set out to live what she thought was the “American Dream” – until it wasn’t.

After earning her bachelor’s, Simmons worked in corporate America at Caterpillar Financial while pursuing her MBA and later receiving her Ph.D. in Management Information Systems. After earning her doctorate in 2011, she transitioned into higher education and worked as a professor at Indiana State University and later Belmont University until she FIRE’d herself in May 2021 at the age of 41 with $850K in investments.

FIRE stands for Financial Independence, Retire Early and is a movement that Simmons learned about as she was researching what to do with the profits from selling her home after getting divorced in 2017. At that time, she was a mother of two young boys living paycheck to paycheck.

“Growing up we were financially insecure, and after getting divorced I began to feel like that same young girl,” says Simmons. “I decided to sell our family home and move into something smaller.”

Simmons’ parents were teenagers in high school when she was born. Her father graduated and joined the Marines, but her mother did not graduate and endured some challenges that led to Simmons being raised by family members. She attended different schools, and because of that, her path to college was unclear until she came across a flyer for an HBCU college tour.

“I was very unmotivated in high school. I skipped class and my grades were poor,” says Simmons. “College was not a big factor in my life, but when I saw the flyer for an HBCU tour, I took the number down and that organization brought us to TSU. I was exposed to black colleges for the first time.”

She recalls how touring TSU changed her life. “The students were walking with purpose. They looked happy,” says Simmons. “They looked like leaders who were on a mission to be something and be somebody. That was powerful to see – even as a young girl, and it changed my perspective on life.”

She knew then that she wanted to go to TSU. As a first-generation student, Simmons focused on her academics and was drawn to honor societies such as Beta Gamma Sigma and Phi Beta Lambda. She says TSU’s motto – Think. Work. Serve. – was engraved in her by professors like Dr. Kathy Lassiter, Dr. Aurore Kamssu, and Dr. Gerald Marquis.

“I remember all of them like it was yesterday. They had a passion for teaching and wanted to help us excel in life,” says Simmons. “Dr. Lassiter poured into me in ways I didn’t have prior to TSU. She drove 2 ½ hours from Knoxville to teach in Nashville. That’s how much she loved TSU. She taught me how to be a great teacher.”

Although Simmons is no longer a professor, she continues to fulfill her passion for teaching by coaching others on how to achieve financial freedom and retire early through her four-week program The Wealthy AchieveHer. She also hosts speaking engagements, facilitates workshops, serves as a financial spokesperson for Personal Capital, and is the author of “The Unlikely AchieveHer” workbook.

“We need to know our net worth, budget numbers, and how much we need to retire. We have to take steps to figure that out,” says Simmons. “I am inspired when a new [coaching] student has never invested and is now on track to retire in eight to ten years or when a student says their budget is already tight, but at the end of the four weeks they’ve shaved $300 of expenses.”

Her journey and expertise have been highlighted in national publications (magazines) such as Black Enterprise, Cosmopolitan, and People. Simmons has also had guest appearances on BiggerPockets, Journey to Launch, GMA, Business Insider, and most recently CNBC and The Tamron Hall Show. Accolades and awards include 40 Under 40 by the Nashville Business Journal, Rising Star Award by CABLE, and Susan Short Jones Emerging Leaders Award by the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. Metro Nashville Chapter, just to name a few.

Simmons believes that everyone is worthy of being wealthy and there is no reason many students can’t be financially free by the age of 40 if they start pursuing FIRE right out of college.

Her advice to students: “When you get that first job after college, keep a humble lifestyle. Instead of buying what’s new and flashy, consider creating your financial freedom plan first.”

To get started, she offers several free tools and resources such as the Budget Bestie spreadsheet, free apps for shopping and tracking money, a discount mobile service, and ways to make extra cash on her website www.lakishasimmons.com, YouTube channel “Lakisha L. Simmons, PhD”, and podcast “The Wealthy AchieveHer”.

“Anything is possible. You just have to be willing to believe it,” says Simmons. “It’s not about how much money you make. It’s how much you save and invest.”

TSU proudly salutes alumna Dr. Lakisha L. Simmons during Women’s History Month.

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a  premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees.  TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee.  With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students  with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

EVENTS, Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

TSU, Regions partner to give students ‘reality check’ about money management

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University partnered with Regions Bank on Thursday to help students better manage their money, and give them a “reality check” about life.

Regions representatives talk to students about money management. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Representatives from Regions, a longtime partner with TSU, held a financial literacy workshop for students in the university’s College of Business. The students participated in an interactive activity to learn about building and balancing a budget, as well as being prepared for unexpected expenses that could affect a budget. Called the Reality Check, students were assigned a role and then had to select real-life options that would directly impact that person’s budget. The challenge was to complete the experience with a budget surplus.

“This event is part of our professional development series,” said Marlo Wilt, director of public service in the College of Business. “We think it is important for our students to be financially healthy. So, we invited Regions to come and do this series. We want our students. as they move out into the workforce, to know how to balance a budget and take care of their money.”

Jonathan Mercer, a junior business management major from Nashville, said the workshop was beneficial.

“It helped me realize just how important a budget is,” said Mercer. “To keep track of everything that’s going on, you need a budget, and one on paper.”

Sophomore Tekayla Turner agreed. The Detroit, Michigan, native is majoring in business administration with a concentration in hospitality, and hopes to one day own a hotel.

“In high school, we didn’t learn about budgeting and finances,” said Turner. “When I got to college, I was like, huh?  So, this is important. We all need to learn about budgeting, and how to manage our money.”

Dr. Reynard McMIllian, an assistant professor in the Department of Accounting, said the College of Business wants to make basic financial literacy a strength of all its business students.

Andrew Singleton (right) with Regions addresses question asked by business student Daniel Berec. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“We want them to have that foundation so they can walk out of Tennessee State University, not only with a degree, but with a plan on how to make that degree work in their favor,” said McMillian.

Andrew Singleton, an assistant vice president and branch manager with Regions, was one of the officials who worked with the students. He said the company holds programs like Reality Check in high regard.

“Regions Bank is all about financial literacy and financial education,” said Singleton. “So, anytime we have an opportunity to get in front of our youth, our future, it’s extremely important to us.”

TSU has continued to make financial literacy a priority. Last month, money management was one of the main topics at a workshop hosted by a group of TSU students, along with the university’s Women’s Center.

Seanne Wilson, director of the Women’s Center, said the workshop was one of the many programs the center provides to empower young women, as well as young men, to think about how they spend their money. 

“I wish when I was in college, someone had talked to me about wealth management, saving money, and not spending unwisely,” said Wilson. “Now, I want to be proactive and help them understand the value of money and not be reckless in spending it.” 

For more information about the College of Business at TSU, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/business/.

To learn about TSU’s Women’s Center, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/womenscenter/.

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a  premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees.  TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee.  With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students  with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.