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Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

President Glover lauds dedication of TSU employees, unveils five-year plan at Faculty-Staff Institute

By Meagan Gosa

Nashville, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover praised employees for their contributions to the success TSU has achieved, and she challenged them to take the university to even higher heights over the next five years.

Faculty and staff attend event that was also live streamed. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

In her state of the university speech to the 2022 Faculty-Staff Institute on Tuesday, Dr. Glover addressed the university’s successes and challenges, particularly operating amid the coronavirus and its variants. She applauded employees for their dedication.  

“I commend you on how you have responded to this COVID crisis,” said Glover, who spoke in-person at the event that was also live streamed. “You made adjustments in your personal lives to meet the needs of our students. You are the source of our tremendous vitality.”

In pointing out TSU’s successes, the president discussed faculty attracting more than $70 million in sponsored research and external funding during the 2020-21 fiscal year, a school record. She also cited using federal dollars (CARES Act) to pay off students’ balances, and that the university is owed $544 million by the state of Tennessee. Discussions are currently underway to determine exactly how much the university will receive.

“I am reminded again and again that TSU is an extraordinary place,” said Glover.

The highlight of her presentation, however, was a five-year strategic plan for the university. It includes achieving an R1 research status (currently R2); 10 to 15 new doctoral programs; doubling research funding to $150 million; increasing overall enrollment from 8,000 to 10,000; boosting the endowment to $200 million, and $75 million in reserves; and establishing at least five high impact named centers with contributions of $2 million each.  

“It’s an exciting time for Tennessee State University,” said Dr. William Johnson, faculty trustee on TSU’s Board of Trustees. “The vision laid out by the president is … a high bar. But that’s what Tennessee State University does. We reach for the high bar and we overcome it.” 

Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said the university family is ready for the challenge.

“She’s challenged us over the next five years to move the needle on how Tennessee State University provides education and opportunities to our students,” said Stevenson. “And we’re ready to step up and accept that challenge.”

Dr. Nolan McMurray, Jr., interim dean of the College of Life and Physical Sciences, agreed.

“President Glover presented a strong and positive atmosphere for TSU’s future,” said McMurray. “She’s definitely going to take the school to the next level.”

Classes at the university are scheduled to begin on Jan. 24.

Note: Featured photo also by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations.

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.

FACULTY, Featured, GRANTS, NEWS, Uncategorized

$284K grant puts TSU at the forefront of helping students with intellectual & developmental disabilities

By Meagan Gosa

Nashville, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has been awarded a $284,000 grant to help students with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is the first public institution in Middle Tennessee to offer an inclusive higher education program.

Dr. Anita McGaha

TSU is among four higher education institutions to receive the Tennessee Believes grant from the Department of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (DIDD).

TSU’s grant will be spread over two years to create TigerEDGE (Educate, Develop, and Grow for Employability). The non-degree certificate program will allow young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to experience college life while also preparing them for employment. The program will target enrollment of eight students in Fall 2022.

Nationally, adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities have an 80 percent unemployment rate, according to a recent statistic.

“TigerEDGE gives participants an “Edge” in their transition to independent adulthood by providing person-centered inclusive learning and choice,” says Dr. Anita McGaha, director of disability services at TSU and the grant’s principal investigator. ”The services delivered will focus on improving the quality of life through the development of social skills, academics, career, and job readiness. The experience of learning, living, and working together in an inclusive environment enhances the lives of all students and the TSU community as a whole.  I am thankful for President Glenda Glover’s leadership in encouraging an inclusive learning environment and in providing all students an opportunity to succeed.”

Adds McGaha, “TSU is currently the only public institution in the Middle Tennessee area that will provide IDD students with the opportunity to experience college life while preparing them for successful independent living.” 

Program participants will be between 18 and 26 years of age and will live on campus. They will be paired with an undergraduate student, or peer mentor, majoring in special education.

Dr. Jerri Haynes, dean of the College of Education at TSU, says the grant is an opportunity for the College, TSU, and other agencies to work together to reflect a university that speaks to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

“The College of Education is excited because our teacher candidates will be allowed to work with students with disabilities serving as a mentor on the TSU campus, reflecting a true inclusion model,” says Haynes. “We are at the forefront of leading an inclusive culture that aims to create a feeling of belonging, a community in which all students are equal despite their needs and the support they receive. The aim is to ensure support for every student within their group.”

To learn more about the program and TSU’s Office of Disability Services, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/disabilityservices/.

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 delays classes due to Omicron variant

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s classes for the spring semester will be delayed for one week and will begin on Monday, January 24, 2022, due to the COVID-19 omicron variant. TSU opened as planned on January 3 for administrators and staff. 

The University will continue to monitor the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and will follow state and local guidance regarding any developments pertaining to COVID-19 and related variants. 

Federal, state, and local health and safety guidance will also continue to drive the University’s actions regarding course delivery and in-person operations affecting the TSU community.  

Faculty, staff, and students should visit the TSU website for updates.  

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, FEATURED, NEWS, Uncategorized

Los Angeles Lakers ‘honored and proud’ to have the Aristocrat of Bands perform during ‘West Coast Swing’, says top exec

Nashville, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A top Los Angeles Lakers executive said the organization was proud to have Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands perform at a halftime game during their visit to Pasadena, California, for the 2022 Rose Bowl Parade.

TSU was one of only four marching bands to participate in this year’s Tournament of Roses on New Year’s Day, and the only one from a historically black college or university.

“The Lakers are honored and proud to host the world-famous Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands in our house, ringing in the New Year and celebrating 75 years of legacy!”  Kiesha Nix, Vice President of Charitable Affairs & Lakers Youth Foundation, said before the halftime performance. “No coincidence that the TSU Aristocrat of Bands and the NBA are both celebrating 75 years of excellence and triumph.”

Kiesha Nix

Called the “West Coast Swing,” the AOB also wowed crowds during other performances that included the Disneyland Park and California African American Museum.

At Crypto.com Arena, formerly Staples Center, the AOB followed a longtime Lakers tradition, in which the HBCU selected to perform in the Rose Bowl Parade is also invited to perform at a Lakers game during the school’s visit.

“The Lakers count it a privilege to be a part of this epic moment in time and to make lifelong memories for the TSU students,” said Nix.  

She added that it is important to feature HBCUs to Lakers’ fans.

“This is significant since all of us have not experienced the privilege of attending a Historically Black College or University,” said Nix. “I feel as though the rich history, traditions, and pride will be felt in every musical note, dance movement, and instrument that graces our arena floor. I am confident a story will unfold live and in-person that embodies the spirit of Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands and carries all the HBCUs along with it.”

AOB band member and lead drum major Travion Crutcher said his experience in California was “truly amazing.”

“We had the opportunity to showcase to the world what makes the AOB different from other marching bands,” he said. “This trip was filled with memorable moments created with friends and with once-in-a-lifetime performances. Thank you to everyone who had a part in making this experience possible for me and my fellow band members.”

California is home to one of the largest TSU alumni in the country. Many attended the parade, while other fans traveled from afar to hear their beloved AOB perform.

“We are still getting positive feedback from folks at all of our events,” said TSU Director of Bands, Dr. Regional McDonald.  “I must say thank you to our alumni. They came in droves like a homecoming or at a classic game. Their support was overwhelming.”

NOTE: All AOB photos by Aaron Grayson (TSU Media Relations)

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, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, Uncategorized

TSU President Glenda Glover selected as Vice Chair of President Joe Biden’s Board of Advisors on HBCUs

Dr. Glenda Glover

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Dr. Glenda Glover has been appointed by President Joe Biden to serve as the Vice Chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).  The Board will advance the goal of the HBCU Initiative, established by the Carter Administration, to increase the capacity of HBCUs to provide the highest-quality education to their students and continue serving as engines of opportunity.
 
The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to supporting the vital mission of HBCUs.  Through the American Rescue Plan and by forgiving capital improvement debt of many of these institutions, the Biden-Harris Administration has already committed more than $4 billion in support.  Reestablishing the White House HBCU Initiative – and placing strong leadership at the head of the Board – will allow the administration to build on that financial commitment with continued institutional support.  
 
Dr. Glover serves as the eighth President of Tennessee State University, a position she has held since January 2013. Under her leadership as the university’s first female president, TSU has experienced a significant increase in alumni and corporate giving, research funding, and academic offerings. The University has also received the Carnegie R2 “high research activity” designation with Dr. Glover at the helm. In 2020 during the pandemic, TSU set a school record with nearly $71 million in research funding.

Her commitment and advocacy of HBCUs spans nearly four decades, including the work she has done as International President and CEO of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Through the sorority and as president of TSU, Dr. Glover has engaged in groundbreaking work to elevate the stature of HBCUs with historic fundraising efforts and marketing. Through her work as international president of AKA, she implemented a fundraising campaign to raise $1 million in one day for HBCUs. She exceeded this goal for four consecutive years raising more than $1 million in one day, which culminated in $2.5 million this past September. This massive fundraising effort resulted in the establishment of endowments at each of the 96 four-year HBCUs, including her alma mater, TSU.

Dr. Glover’s educational development began as a student at TSU, where she majored in mathematics. After graduating with honors with a Bachelor of Science degree, she pursued the Master of Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University. She then completed her doctorate in business from George Washington University, and later completed her law degree from Georgetown University. She is also a certified public accountant, and is one of only three African-American women to hold the Ph.D-CPA-JD combination in the United States.

Her career also includes serving on boards of publicly traded corporations Pinnacle Financial Partners, The Lenox Group, Citigroup-Student Loan Corporation, and First Guaranty Bancshares. Dr. Glover currently serves as a member of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority.

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, Athletics, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, Uncategorized

TSU mourns the loss of NFL great Claude Humphrey

Courtesy: TSU Athletics

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is mourning the loss of Pro Football Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey, who passed away on Dec. 3 at the age of 77.

Humphrey was an All-American defensive tackle at TSU who went on to be one of the greatest pass rushers in the National Football League. Humphrey played for the Tigers from 1964 to 1967. He was initially an offensive tackle, but was switched to defensive end his freshman year, where he became a three-time All-American.

He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

“I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Mr. Humphrey’s family during this very difficult time,” said Dr. Mikki Allen, TSU’s director of athletics. “Mr. Humphrey was truly loved by his TSU family and across the landscape of football.”

During the 1980 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, Humphrey totaled a team-high 14.5 sacks on the way to an NFC Championship and an appearance in Super Bowl XV.
 
“He played the game with passion and was a hard worker in an era when sacks weren’t an official stat,” said Allen. ”For that, he was properly enshrined as a Hall of Famer as one of the original great pass rushers.”

Even though the sack didn’t become an official NFL statistic until after he retired, Humphrey is still credited with 122 career sacks, including holding the all-time career sacks mark for the Falcons with 94.5
 
“His spirit will live on forever at Tennessee State as a gentleman on-an-off the field,” said Allen.

Humphrey is in the Tennessee State University Hall of Fame, the Georgia Hall of Fame, the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame, the Tennessee Hall of Fame, the Atlanta Falcons Hall of Fame, and his high school’s Hall of Fame. Humphrey’s college and high school both retired his jersey. 

To see Claude Humphrey featured in a video of TSU Draft Day Memories, visit https://bit.ly/3diDkqO.

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, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, GRANTS, NEWS, RESEARCH, Uncategorized

TSU leads collaborative awarded $4 million to address health disparities, advance health equity

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is leading a project that has been awarded $4 million from the National Institutes of Health to address health disparities and advance health equity.

Dr. Rebecca Selove, director of TSU’s Center for Prevention, and Dr. Jemal Gishe, also at TSU, are heading up the Engaging Partners in Caring Communities (EPICC) project. It is designed to support delivery of evidence-based health promotion programs in churches serving African American communities, and engage participants in collectively identifying and addressing social determinants of health.

Drs. Selove and Gishe are joined by investigators at Meharry Medical College, Vanderbilt University, and Rev. Omaràn Lee, director of the Congregational Health and Education Network (CHEN), which includes about 100 churches in Middle Tennessee.  

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with the academic team and Rev. Lee in learning how to expand the capacity of African American churches to offer research-tested health promotion programs in their congregations,” said Selove.

Added Gishe, “I’m excited to work on EPICC that addresses health disparities using transformative research with strong community engagement and to be able to collaborate with diverse academic team members and community leaders.”    

Dr. Rebecca Selove

Dr. Leah R. Alexander is an associate professor in Meharry Medical College’s Division of Public Health Practice. She said she’s honored to be part of the research team.

“COVID has had such a devastating impact on the black community in ways we could have never imagined, even in the ways we worship,” said Alexander. “I am from Nashville and so excited to be working with churches across the city that may be deciding how to ‘do church’ these days.” 

Dr. Sharon C. Jones, assistant professor in the Vanderbilt University School of Nursing, and Dr. David G. Schlundt, associate professor of Psychology in Vanderbilt’s College of Arts and Science, said addressing health inequities is a team effort.

“Educating people to improve their health literacy and be involved in their own health plan is a core piece of what nurses do every day,” said Jones, DNP, RN. “I’m excited that we’re launching this major community-based research project incorporating Nashville General’s CHEN, as well as community advocates, key personnel and consultants. It is vital that we as a community and a society find solutions that mitigate health inequities and overcome health challenges.”

Dr. Jemal Gishe

“EPICC has brought together all the right community partners to help Nashville church congregations enhance the health and well-being of their members,” said Schlundt. “Embracing Vanderbilt’s strongcommitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary research and community outreach, we have created a multidisciplinary team that forms an equal partnership with community stakeholders to address health disparities.”

Rev. Lee said the NIH award is a blessing.

“This award will benefit the congregations greatly by providing fiscal resources, needed information to influence healthy lifestyles, and understanding the social determinants of health,” said Lee.

The grant is the latest in a record year of research funding for TSU. During the 2020-21 fiscal year, faculty at TSU received more than $70 million in sponsored research and external funding.

“This award further demonstrates the dedication and success of TSU faculty and staff in pursuing and obtaining new awards to provide valuable services to the community,” said Dr. Frances Williams, associate vice president for Research and Sponsored Programs at TSU.  

The EPICC project is funded by the NIH Common Fund’s Transformative Research to Address Health Disparities and Advance Health Equity Initiative [Grant Number:1U01OD033244-019], which supports projects that aim to prevent, reduce, or eliminate health disparities and advance health equity. 

To learn more about NIH’s initiative, visit https://bit.ly/30ERDTp.

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, Uncategorized

Country music star Kane Brown’s campus performance continues to shine light on HBCUs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University made a historic appearance at the American Music Awards on Sunday with country music star Kane Brown’s campus performance.

The five-time AMA winner wooed the crowd with a performance of his hit, “One Mississippi.” He also gave

fans a look into his Tennessee and Georgia roots, as well as a personal musical journey as an African American artist.

“Kane Brown is a Tennessee native, and he’s changing the world through his music,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “It’s amazing to have him here.”

Senior Tiara Thomas, a political science major from Olive Branch, Mississippi, said Brown’s visit was an opportunity to shine a light on not only TSU, but highlight historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) in general.

“We are in an era where HBCUs are fighting to prove their importance and relevance,” said Thomas, who is a student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees. “To have our university broadcasted for millions of viewers to see is very beneficial for the advancement of our institution.”

Senior Travion Crutcher agreed.

“Recognition of historically black colleges and universities in any capacity is long overdue,” said Crutcher, a mechanical engineering major from Huntsville, Alabama. “With Nashville’s rich history in the music industry, and Tennessee State University having such an influence on Nashville, this performance was very fitting.”

Brown came to a campus that has produced the likes of Maurice White of “Earth, Wind & Fire”, Grammy super producers Dwane “Key Wane” Weir II and Shannon Sanders, and Sanchez Harley, who wrote and produced songs for the legendary Aretha Franklin.

To see Kane Brown’s performance at TSU, visit https://bit.ly/3l0j9lQ

Read more about TSU being in the spotlight at the AMAs: https://twitter.com/amas/status/1462521725900320768?s=11.

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, Uncategorized

US Congresswoman Nikema Williams inspires TSU graduates to ‘live out loud and on purpose’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Nearly 700 undergraduate and graduate students received degrees in various disciplines at Tennessee State University’s Fall Commencement ceremony on Nov. 20.

TSU President Glenda Glover and US Congresswoman Nikema Williams (D-Ga.). (Photo by DeShun Smith)

The event was held in hybrid format with the live ceremony in the Gentry Center Complex, where U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams (D-Ga.) addressed the graduates. The ceremony was also livestreamed.

Before Williams spoke, TSU President Glenda Glover lauded the graduates for their achievement.

“I applaud you for having reached this extraordinary milestone,” said Glover. “You have endured, you have withstood, you have survived. We salute you.”

Williams, who took over the seat vacated by the late civil rights activist Congressman John Lewis, challenged the graduates to “live out loud and on purpose, and lead from where you are.”

“Our differences make us powerful, and our values, our stories, and our voices are what make us strong,” said Williams, who was honored with a plaque from President Glover. “As we look forward to what our country can and should be, it’s going to take diverse voices of all backgrounds to keep fighting for the progress that we need.”

Williams also advised the graduates to be ready for opportunities that come their way, and to take advantage of them.

2021 Fall Commencement ceremony in TSU’s Gentry Center Complex. (Photo by DeShun Smith)

“You can’t always choose the moment; sometimes the moment chooses you,” she said. “As my grandma taught me, if you stay ready, you’ll be ready.”

Williams recalled the events leading up to her being nominated to fill Lewis’ seat. She had just overwhelmingly been re-elected to the Georgia Senate, and she was content with that.

However, under Georgia law, Democrats were required to nominate someone to replace Lewis’ name on the November ballot.

“Running for the 5th District seat was a dream that I had one day, but not that day,” said Williams. “But the moment chose me. and everything that I had done prepared me to answer boldly. I put my name in the running with 132 other candidates, and I emerged on top.”

She told the graduates, “everything that you’ve learned has prepared you for this time.”

President Glenda Glover, Dr. Michael Harris, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs honor Congresswoman Nikema Williams with a plaque. (Photo by DeShun Smith)

“Think about what you’ve learned on this campus, what you’ve learned from your professors and your peers, and commit to bringing it with you along the way,” said Williams. “Think about how you can use your story, and your own power, to connect with others in your community and work with them to create a better world. Tennessee State University graduates, you have everything that you need to step into your power, so live out loud and on purpose, and lead from where you are.”

Graduate Aaron Cauthen of Atlanta, Georgia, said Williams’ speech was inspiring. He said he’s motivated to further utilize what he’s learned at TSU and apply it in the workforce.

“Today means a lot, to get this accomplishment,” said Cauthen, who received a master’s in sports administration. “TSU taught me to get it done. As long as you get it done, in the end, it will work out for you.”

To see a recording of TSU’s 2021 Fall Commencement, visit https://www.youtube.com/user/TSUMedia.

Note: Featured photo by DeShun Smith.

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, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

Graduate develops app to help special needs children enhance their social skills

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Aram Abubaker was presented with a challenge. A friend who worked with children with special needs was looking for something that would help enhance their social skills. Abubaker responded: He made an app for that.

Aram Abubaker

On Nov. 20, Abubaker joined nearly 700 undergraduate and graduate students who received various degrees at Tennessee State University’s Fall Commencement ceremony. Abubaker got a doctorate in computer engineering, where he improved his software developing skills that aided him in making the PeerKnect app.

According to the app’s website, 93 percent of parents or therapists say their child or client has difficulty finding social interactions. The app is intended to provide children with opportunities for connection and to help develop social skills which can increase confidence and autonomy.

“Many parents with special needs children have a problem finding play dates or finding friends for their kids because they have some kind of special need,” said Abubaker. “The app facilitates the process of connecting parents, therapists, and businesses that work with children with special needs.”

By teaching or enhancing their social skills, Abubaker said the kids can become “more engaged, and feel less isolated.”

Emily Bruce is a board-certified behavior analyst and Abubaker’s business partner. In her therapy practice, she said many parents with special needs children ask about ways for them to connect socially, have a play date. She said many of them were unaware of sensory friendly events in their area, like a local mall in Nashville, Tennessee, that allows kids with special needs to take pictures with Santa Claus on a certain day and time in December.

“There are a lot of businesses out there that will host these events because they want families of children with special needs to be included,” said Bruce. “So, we wanted to add that as a feature (to the app) where businesses can post their events. And then of course we wanted to get these families connected either with another parent, or with a therapist. We’re getting users every day, and it’s really wonderful to see people respond to this.”

Roseanna Martinez is a special education teacher in Phoenix, Arizona, who has been teaching special needs children for more than 20 years. She said she likes the connectivity the app provides.

“I think it’s a really neat idea,” said Martinez. “One of the things I find interesting is that parents can link up with other families with kids like theirs. That not only gives kids an opportunity to socialize with people who understand them, but it also gives parents a bigger community to work with.”

“The other thing that appealed to me is the sensory friendly places,” added Martinez. “That’s a big deal. You never know till you get to a place how it’s going to be and how the kids are going to react. So, it’s nice that they (parents) have a little insight into that before they take their kids out.”  

Dr. Robbie Melton is dean of TSU’s Graduate School and Professional Studies and associate vice president of the university’s SMART Global Technology Innovation Center. She encouraged Abubaker to participate in the center’s “Everyone Can Code & Create” initiative, a partnership with Apple. The initiative improved Abubaker’s problem-solving skills, and aided him in finding solutions, such as developing PeerKnect.  

“The Graduate School takes pride in providing both a supporting academic and social environment in helping students like Aram surpass their potential,” said Melton. “Aram is truly a role model!”

Abubaker said developing the app was hard work, but he believes it will help many people.

“I’ve spent hours working on this, and I’ve enjoyed the process, because I believe this is going to change people’s lives,” he said.

To learn more about TSU’s Computer Science Department, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/computer_science/.

For more information about the SMART Global Technology Innovation Center, visit https://tsu-smartinnovationtech.netlify.app/.

Department of Media Relations

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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.