NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – More than 100 volunteers are expected to gather at Tennessee State University on Friday to assist with campus renovations funded by the $50,000 Home Depot’s Retool You School Grant the university secured in the spring.
A 20-person camera crew from Home Depot will be on hand to record the volunteers, who will assist with mulching and power washing, as well as light installation in the university amphitheater and the exterior of the Floyd-Payne Campus Center.
Tennessee State University received “Campaign of the Year” honors in Home Depot’s Retool Your School- HBCU Campus Improvement competition in the spring. This was the first year for the award, which was created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Retool Your School program. TSU beat out 60 other institutions for the award.
TSU finished second in voting for the large institution category, but walked away with the Campaign of the Year award. Judges cited the overall performance of the campaign that was able to engage students, alumni and the community, as well as digital media strategies to promote voting.
Home Depot gave the final approval of the project, which begins
Friday.
Currently, there are several major construction projects underway on TSU’s campus. They include a new Health Sciences Building, two new residence halls, and an Alumni House and Welcome Center.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE,
Tenn. (TSU News Service)
– For a record ninth time, the Tennessee State University world-renowned
Aristocrat of Bands looks to make a triumphant return to the Honda Battle of
the Bands Invitational Showcase in Atlanta on Jan. 25.
This time, the
marching band will arrive in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a newly
donated, wrapped 53-foot trailer carrying the members’ equipment.
“We are very excited about the invitation and Honda’s continued commitment to HBCUs,” said Dr. Reginald McDonald, director of Bands. “To be selected for the most times to participate in the Honda Battle of the Bands says something about the direction of the program. It is particularly fulfilling to have this new and beautiful trailer that will further enhance our look and make traveling so much easier for band members.”
Named by The
Undefeated recently as the Best HBCU Marching Band in America, the AOB
joins only the Marching Storm of Prairie View A&M, and the Grambling State
University Tiger Marching Band for the most appearances at the Honda
Invitational, the nation’s premier showcase for HBCU marching bands.
The Aristocrat of Bands march down John Merritt Boulevard during the 2019 Homecoming Parade. Dr. Reginald McDonald, Director of Bands, acknowledges the cheering crowd. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)
“We are really
glad for this recognition our band continues to receive with this record
appearance,” McDonald added. “This is a huge recruitment tool for the
university because typically at this event, not only do we have people who are
extremely fond of HBCU bands, you also have high school kids from all across
the nation that attend.”
Atlanta native
Julien Dooley, a commercial music major and drum major with the AOB, has been
to the Honda Battle of Bands before, but this will be his first as a drum major.
“This is extra
special to perform before my hometown crowd as a member of the ‘Fantastic 4,’”
Dooley, a senior, said, referring to the four-member team of drum majors
who are all from Atlanta. “We are just excited to perform with the Aristocrats
right before our families and friends.” The Fantastic 4 were also listed the
No.1 Drum Majors in the Oct. 10 ESPN/The Undefeated HBCU Band
Ranking.
The trailer, a Great Dane 2011 with roll up doors recently unveiled on campus, eases transportation for the band, officials said. It is a gift from a Fortune 500 company , to be unnamed, with the persistence of a TSU graduate from the Memphis area who felt the band needed a better, less expensive and more convenient way of transporting their instruments.
“Today, when our 300-member band travels, they depend on the undercarriage of passenger buses to carry instruments, equipment and luggage, and this is fine for day trips,” said Georgia Whiting, a 1982 graduate of TSU and project engineer with Fed Ex. “When band members have to stay overnight, motor coaches do not meet the need, because most often our beloved AOB have to stuff their seats and aisles with their necessities.”
Realizing the need
for a trailer to haul equipment and meet the transportation needs of the “Best
Band in the Land,” Whiting, president of the TSU National Alumni Association
Memphis/Shelby County Chapter, sprang into action and was able to get the trailer
donated. To have the trailer wrapped and ready for the road, she set up a
fundraiser. She said a few fellow alumni donated, and with the help of the TSU
Foundation, the AOB staff, and Facilities Management, they were able to come up
with the design and wrap for the trailer.
The wrap, decked
in the TSU colors, depicts the marching band with its official emblem, name and
the #AOBNation hashtag.
“We are just so
grateful to Ms. Whiting, her Memphis folks, other alumni, the company and all
who helped to make this trailer possible,” McDonald said. “In addition to the
ease and convenience the trailer provides, it is a major recruitment tool for
the university. We have our social media website on the back of the trailer,
and on the sides, you see the Tennessee State University logo highly visible.
This is a major help and we are thankful.”
In addition to the new trailer, the Best Band ranking, and the Honda Invitational, the AOB is enjoying a stellar year of achievements and accolades. In April, during the NFL Draft in the Music City, the AOB were featured on the nationally syndicated ESPN sports talk show, First Take; the band received a shout out from pop star Lizzo for the band’s rendition of her “Truth Hurts” medley. In January, percussionists from the band performed in the Rose Parade. They were also featured performers at the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons’ 2019 home opener.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – Tennessee State
University announced the grand opening of its Student Veterans Center at a
Veterans Day program on Monday that featured a generational soldier with four
Bronze Star Medals.
Lt. Col. Bernard House speaks at TSU Veterans Day program. (Photo by Michael McLendon, TSU Media Relations)
The program was on TSU’s Avon Williams Campus, which is
where the new center will be housed. A ribbon cutting for the new center was
held following an observance ceremony for all service men and women.
TSU President Glenda Glover was among the program’s speakers
and lauded all those individuals who sacrifice their lives for this nation.
“Thank you for answering the call to duty,” said Dr. Glover.
“TSU is honored to have this program to salute our heroes.”
Mike Krause, executive director of the Tennessee Higher
Education Commission, commended TSU for its new Student Veterans Center, saying
“combining military service with higher education is the ultimate combination.”
“The TSU Student Veterans Center … is going to become an incredible hub for student veterans at our state’s land-grant university, which is leading the way in engineering and agriculture,” said Krause, a veteran Bronze Star recipient. “What better way to create leaders in those fields than to bring those who have already served, and say hey, we’re going to make you a TSU Tiger as well.”
The program’s keynote speaker, Lt. Col. Bernard House,
agreed.
TSU President Glenda Glover (2nd from left), Lt. Col. Bernard House (far left), THEC executive director Mike Krause (3rd from left), TSU alum and state Rep. Harold Love, Jr., and Lt. Col. Nick Callaway, commander of TSU’s AFROTC Det. 790. (Photo by Michael McLendon, TSU Media Relations)
“With thousands of soldiers transitioning out of the
military annually, it is great to see the dedication by the university to
ensure a smooth transition for our veterans,” said House of TSU, which is a
certified Vets Campus. “As a nation and as a military, we must remain committed
to taking care of our veterans.“
The program also honored Vietnam Veterans. House’s father
was a noncommissioned officer in the 3rd Battalion, 6th
Field Artillery Regiment during the Vietnam War. Coincidentally, House
commanded the 3rd Battalion of the 6th Field Artillery
Regiment during his deployment to Iraq to support Operation Inherent Resolve.
“I actually got a chance to command the same regiment that
my father served in in Vietnam,” said House, who has been in the Army 22 years and
received four Bronze Star Medals, six Meritorious Service Medals and the Combat
Action Badge, among other awards.
“So this is an extreme honor for me to be able to speak. Not
only to recognize the veterans, but to focus on Vietnam Veterans. And because
my father served in Vietnam, it’s also a way for me to honor him.”
Dr. Evelyn Nettles, associate vice president for Academic
Affairs at TSU, spearheaded formation of the center. She said before the
program that the center’s mission is to “provide support for military and
veteran students as they transition from their military duty to enrollment and
matriculation at the university.”
Student Vet Joseph Hart receives “Quilt of Valor.” (Photo by Michael McLendon, TSU Media Relations)
“This ensures that these students have a voice in their
university experience and are inspired to achieve success in their classes and
in the broader community,” she added.
Gwen Falin is the veteran prior learning assessment
coordinator at TSU. A veteran herself , she said “it’s important for student
veterans to have the opportunity to connect with other student veterans.”
“Veterans in general are a small population,” said Falin,
who helped start the center. “And then when you attend school, it’s not
uncommon for student veterans to be older than their classmates. If they are
seeking out other veteran students, they have a place to do so.”
TSU student veteran Joseph Hart retired from the Army after
23 years and is currently a senior majoring in liberal arts. He said fellow
vets at the university will benefit from the center.
“I love the fact that we have the Veterans Center,” said
Hart, who was honored with a “Quilt of Valor” during the program for his three
tours of duty in Middle Eastern conflicts. “It’s really great to know that we’re
being recognized as soldiers.”
Members of TSU AFROTC Det. 790. (Photo by Michael McLendon, TSU Media Relations)
Last year, TSU implemented a program that allows veterans to
count military training for credit hours when they enroll at the university.
The program is part of the state of Tennessee’s Veteran Reconnect initiative.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – Freshman Houston-native Paul Johnson, Jr., initially considered studying mechanical engineering at a university closer to his hometown.
All that changed last fall after a chance meeting with Tennessee State University Honors College Interim Dean, Dr. Coreen Jackson.
Johnson, Jr., a freshman mechanical engineering major, says he had just completed a campus visit to Texas A&M University when his father, Paul Johnson, Sr., ran into Jackson and her husband, who happened to be in town for a wedding.
“I already had a slight knowledge of who she was, but after meeting her she told me about the campus, and it caught my attention,” Johnson, Jr., said.
With Jackson’s assistance, the Johnson family scheduled a campus visit, which gave Paul an opportunity to tour Tennessee State and meet with Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, dean of the College of Engineering.
Paul Johnson, Jr.
“What I found out about this campus is that there are a whole lot more engineering aspects that I did not anticipate when I was looking into the university,” he said. “I got to see more about the interactions between the faculty and the students themselves, in terms of doing research and improving technology.”
Jackson, who hosted Johnson’s family when they initially visited TSU, says the younger Johnson has a bright future.
“To me he will be the next Jesse Russell,” she said,
referring to the famous TSU alum who created the first digital cellular base
station and is known as the father of digital cellular technology. “It may not
be wireless communications, but it will be some breakthrough in something.”
Johnson, Jr., recalls having a love for engineering as early as preschool.
“When I was in preschool at church, I was the student who
was messing with the Lincoln Logs and the plexi toys to make giant cars, toys
and robots, and I eventually even started a little league just to have fun with
the other students who wanted to build stuff,” he said.
Throughout his four years at Cyprus Woods High School, Johnson, Jr., developed his engineering skills as a member of the Texas Technology Student Association. He also participated in NASA HUNCH, a program that he says allowed him to work directly with NASA officials to help make machine parts for the international space station.
As a member of the Honors College, the 19-year-old budding
robotics guru has continued to pursue his engineering passion by joining
organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers (NESBE) and the
Tennessee Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (TLSAMP).
Paul Johnson
In September, Johnson, Jr., joined TSU President Glenda Glover in Washington, DC, along with three other students chosen to participate in the National HBCU Braintrust during the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Annual Legislative Conference. Top students from the nation’s historically black colleges and universities participated in the brainstrust.
Upon completion of his undergraduate studies, Johnson plans to pursue a doctorate and ultimately play a leadership role in the robots industry.
“In ten years I want to be part of or in charge of leading the whole robotics industry in terms of the consumer dynamic,” said Johnson, Jr. “There are still lingering fears that people have about dealing with robotics, but they fail to look into how robotics can help people on a grander scale.”
Jackson says she witnessed Johnson’s love for TSU when he provided live music for his classmates during freshman move-in.
“While the parents and freshman where coming in, he took
that upright bass and he just serenaded the people,” she said. “He’s just an
amazing young man. He is one young man
who is on his way to fulfilling his purpose, and he has found the institution
that can take him there.”
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE,
Tenn.(TSU News Service) – Tennessee State
University is providing a free screening of an award-winning documentary about
the threats to honeybees and other pollinators.
The film, called “The Pollinators,” will be shown on
Wednesday, November 6, at 6:30 p.m. in The Forum auditorium in TSU’s
Floyd-Payne Campus Center. TSU is one of four college campuses across the state
selected to show the film.
“The Pollinators” follows migratory beekeepers and
their truckloads of honeybees around the United States and sheds light on some
of the threats to the bees’ survival, such as pesticides and other chemicals,
according to a synopsis of the film.
The
filmmakers talk to farmers, scientists, chefs and academics along the way to
give a broad perspective about the problem, what it means to food security, and
how to improve it.
“More
than anything, this film is about awareness,” says Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of
TSU’s College of Agriculture. “The reality is, we’re losing the bees, and we
have to find ways to save them.”
“The Pollinators”
has been selected by 25 national and international film festivals and has been
honored as “Best Documentary” at seven of them.
Following the film on Wednesday, there will be a
panel discussion and Q&A. The panel will include several TSU Ag officials,
as well as representatives from the Nashville Area Beekeepers Association.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – Tennessee State
University is partnering with Apple, Inc. to teach middle and high school girls
how to code, as well as consider careers in STEM.
Youth from ages 8 to 18 will get an opportunity to experience coding at a free camp Nov. 2, 9 and 16 in TSU’s Farrell Westbrook Complex (The Barn) on the main campus. Parents are asked to have their children at each event by 9 a.m. Lunch will also be provided.
In July, TSU launched HBCU C2 “Everyone Can Code and Create,” a national initiative supported by Apple, which seeks to bring coding experiences to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and underserved communities. The initiative is part of TSU’s newly established National Center for Smart Technology Innovations, created through the HBCU C2 Presidential Academy.
The girls coding camp is an extension of the initiative.
“We want to empower young girls to code and create, and
understand their capabilities of being an innovator in the field of STEM,” says
Dr. Robbie Melton, TSU’s
dean of Graduate and Professional Studies and program director for the coding
initiative.
Dr. Veronica Johnson is president of the Metro Nashville Chapter
of the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., which is partnering with
TSU and Apple. She says black women and girls are “vastly underrepresented” in
science, technology, engineering and mathematics, as well as performing arts.
“By exposing STEAM projects at an early age, it could help
increase their chances of exploring these fields, as they pursue academic
degrees and seek future career opportunities,” says Johnson. “Having access to
develop needed skill sets to survive in the 21st digital landscape
will be critical to the economic impact of the future of black communities.”
Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, dean of TSU’s College of Engineering,
says the camp is also beneficial to the participants’ parents, or guardians.
“The program also informs parents and adults about
the digital world of information technology, and how as individuals you can
take control of your learning and knowledge based on your own needs and career
goals,” says Hargrove. “The ability to manage information and make data-driven
decisions will continue to be a major skill for today and tomorrow’s
workforce”
During the girls coding camp, Melton says participants will move around to different stations where they will learn basic coding principles, and “actually code drones and robots to move and function.”
Eleven-year-old Evangeline Davis-Ramos of New York has participated in a similar coding camp, and says she’s glad to see Tennessee State providing such an opportunity for girls her age and older.
“I believe the girls coding camp will be very beneficial,” says Davis-Ramos. “I like building things, and coding helps take ideas I imagine and make them real.”
Melton says the HBCU C2 initiative puts TSU on the forefront of embracing STEM, and she credits the university’s partnership with Apple with being key to its success.
Dr. Robbie Melton works with students at “Everyone Can Code and Create” initiative for youth in July. (TSU Media Relations)
TSU has
been charged with strengthening the collaboration by offering the company’s
coding curriculum to new audiences. That
expansion also includes providing TSU alums the opportunity to learn the
fundamentals of app design and app development for free.
“Apple provides an approach to introduce
coding and creativity in a nonthreatening manner,” says Melton. “You have
children coding. You have seniors coding, and the fact that we have over a
thousand people from high school to senior citizens wanting to code and create
is phenomenal.”
Also in July, TSU launched the first community
“Everyone Can Code and Create” initiative for youth on its Avon Williams
Campus. The initiative is also part of the National Center for Smart Technology
Innovations.
For more information about the girls coding camp, contact [email protected], or call 615-963-7269.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE,
Tenn. (TSU
News Service) –
Tennessee State University health
sciences students and public health experts are doing their part to bring
awareness to the vaping problem that’s sweeping the nation.
Dr. Wendelyn Inman
Students majoring in cardio respiratory care offered free screenings on campus Oct. 23 and talked about the dangers of vaping and use of tobacco, which health experts say can lead to cardiovascular disease.
The screenings and awareness are expected to continue monthly, on campus and in the community.
“I have friends that vape, and I tell them how horrible it is for them,” says Koheen Babily, a junior from Nashville who plans to be a respiratory therapist. “It’s bad for the lungs. I see 16-year-olds vaping, and they don’t realize the damage they’re doing that will affect them when they’re older.”
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, two Tennesseans have died from a vaping-related lung illness. So far, the state has had more than 50 reports of vaping-associated respiratory illness. Nationally, the Centers for Disease Control reports 33 people have died from vap- ing-related lung illnesses.
TSU
experts say one way to address the problem is through regulation.
“Regulation
is the key to oftentimes controlling the severity of the problem,” says Dr.
Wendelyn Inman, associate professor and interim MPH program director at
Tennessee State. “When we’re looking at vaping, we’re looking at safety issues
of the mechanisms of the vaping machinery.”
Student Di’Andre Carter, a senior majoring in cardio respiratory care, screens a patient. (Photo by Lucas Johnson, TSU Media Relations)
Brenda
Batts, assistant professor and director of clinical education at TSU,
agrees.
“The
concern has always been that it’s not regulated, it’s never been regulated, so
a lot of times people don’t know what chemicals are actually in the liquids
that they’re inhaling,” says Batts.
The
screenings provided by Batts and her students include checking for
hypertension, a cardiovascular problem.
“Vaping
can cause damage to the lungs, which in turn damages the heart, which leads to
hypertension and heart failure,” adds Batts.
E-cigarettes
vaporize a flavored liquid rather than burning tobacco. With every inhalation,
a sensor triggers a vaporizer to heat a small amount of liquid flavoring. The
liquid turns to vapor and is drawn into the user’s mouth.
KaBria Kirkham, a junior majoring in cardio
respiratory care, recently wrote an article on vaping. She says it’s important
to educate people so that they understand the components of vaping and the harm
certain additives can cause.
“It’s important to know what’s in it,” says Kirkham,
of Springfield, Illinois. “They shouldn’t be able to sell vaping pins
anywhere until they find out exactly what it is that’s harming people.”
Assistant Professor Brenda Batts talks to a student. (Photo by Lucas Johnson, TSU Media Relations)
The
CDC has not identified a cause of the illnesses, though it says 78 percent of
patients reported using THC-containing products in the three months before
their symptoms developed.
The
agency has advised people to stop vaping products that contain THC oil and
other additives like Vitamin E acetate, which has been repeatedly connected to
the illness outbreak.
At
least seven states have banned vaping. The Tennessee Medical Association says
it supports a ban of the vaping products, but would prefer policies that
require more extensive examination of what’s causing the vaping illnesses and deaths.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) –
Thousands of people participated in Tennessee State University’s 2019
Homecoming activities, including the annual parade leading up to the big game.
The Tigers’ 26-24 victory
over the Austin Peay Governors on Saturday, Oct. 19, was a fitting end to
weeklong events that started on Oct. 13 with the Robert N. Murrell Oratorical
Contest.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, TSU President Glenda Glover, TSU alum and State Sen. Brenda Gilmore (far left), and State Rep. Harold Love Jr. (far left), also a TSU alum, at Homecoming game. (TSU Media Relations)
The highlight of the day
leading up to the Saturday afternoon game was the parade, which featured former
TSU football player Christion Abercrombie. He was selected as the Special
Presidential Grand Marshal. It was the Atlanta native’s first Homecoming
weekend after suffering a life-altering head injury during a 2018 football game
against Vanderbilt University.
Earl Jones, a 1973 graduate
of TSU, was among the many people who lined Jefferson Street in north Nashville
to see the parade that started on 14th and Jefferson and ended at 33rd
and John Merritt Boulevard.
Jones, who brought his wife
and two great-granddaughters, says he hopes the little girls will continue the
legacy and attend TSU.
“That’s what it’s all about,
carrying on tradition,” said Jones.
Before the game, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee got things started with the coin toss. He was joined by State Sen. Brenda Gilmore and State Rep. Harold Love , Jr., both TSU alums.
Then early in the game, there
was a somewhat solemn moment when a brief
period of silence was held for TSU student Rickey Scott, who authorities say
died from a gunshot wound.
SGA leaders on Homecoming parade float. (TSU Media Relations)
Besides Abercrombie, other
grand marshals were: Ola Hudson, retired teacher and administrator with the Metro
Nashville Public Schools; Obie McKenzie, senior relationship manager for top
investment firm BlackRock; and Donald Whitehead, retired journalist and
broadcaster.
The honorees were: Samuel Abernathy, retired
assistant professor and assistant track and field coach with renowned
Tigerbelle coach Ed. Temple; Howard Gentry, Criminal Court Clerk for Davidson
County and former TSU director of athletics; and Edna Overall, former TSU
women’s basketball coach.
Another major highlight of TSU’s homecoming was the Annual Scholarship Gala, TSU’s signature fundraising event, which took place on Friday, Oct. 18, at the Music City Center. This year, the gala welcomed back comedian Jonathan Slocumb as the master of ceremony.
“The Scholarship Gala is a wonderful opportunity for Tennessee State University to enhance meaningful relationships with alumni, loyal friends and community partners on behalf of our student scholars,” Gala chairs Iris Ramey, Cassandra Griggs and Seanne Wilson said in a statement. “The Gala provides the critical funds necessary to meet the significant need for student scholarships, as well as ensure students have access to relevant academic programs that prepare them for an innovative and global marketplace.”
Other Homecoming activities this year included the Coronation of Mr. TSU and Miss TSU; the Breakfast of Champions, the Charles Campbell Fish Fry, and the National Pan-Hellenic Step Show.
TSU’s world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands performs during halftime of Homecoming game. (TSU 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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –Tennessee State University held it’s Founder’s Day Convocation on Oct. 15 in Kean Hall.
TSU
President Glenda Glover, accompanied by keynote speaker Nashville General Chief
Executive Officer, Dr. Joseph Webb, led a procession of faculty, student
leaders and administrators to mark the university’s 107th birthday.
President Glenda Glover presents 2018 Founders’ Day speaker Dr. Joseph Webb with a plaque at the ceremony in Kean Hall. (Photo by Emanuel O. Roland II)
The University Wind Ensemble, led by Dr.
Reginald McDonald, offered selections to a
cheering audience, following presentation of colors by the Air Force ROTC Color
Guard.
“We honor our founders, and we celebrate
our excellence,”
Glover said, as she reflected on the significance
of the university’s contributions. “It is my esteemed pleasure to be here on
this founders day.”
Miss TSU, Jada Crisp, and Mr. TSU, Damyr Moore, shared a brief history of TSU, followed by a musical selection from the University Choir.
In his keynote address, Webb reminisced
about his days as a student at TSU.
Miss TSU Jada Crisp, joined by Mr. TSU Damyr Moore, gives the university history at the Founders’ Day program. (Photo by Michael McLendon, TSU Media Relations)
“For me this is truly a homecoming because I am back in what we used to call ‘Kean’s Little Garden,’” Webb said. “They call it Kean Hall now, but we had a lot of experiences here as an athlete. As a basketball player, I had two goals in mind: one was on this end, and one was on that end.”
He reminded the students, faculty and
alumni that as members of the TSU family, they are part of a proud legacy.
“TSU, founded in 1912, has a rich history of producing public service and great leaders. It is still that beacon of hope where many aspire to gain a better life with the motto of ‘Think.Work.Serve,’ and a charge of ‘Enter to learn, and go forth to serve.’” he said.
The University Wind Ensemble, led by Dr. Reginald McDonald, offer a selection at Founder’s Day Convocation. (Photo by Michael McLendon, TSU Media Relations)
Webb, who joined Nashville General Hospital in 2015, has more than 25 years of experience managing for–profit and not-for-profit healthcare organizations. He obtained his doctorate of science in health services administration from the University of Alabama at Birmingham and holds a bachelor of science and master of science in health and physical education from TSU.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Rickey Scott had a ready smile and willing hand to help anyone in need. That’s how Tennessee State University students, faculty, and staff remembered the freshman Monday night at a candlelight vigil.
Students hold hands as they console one another at the vigil for their late schoolmate. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
Scott,
19, died Sunday afternoon at a local Nashville hospital from a critical
gunshot wound, according to authorities. The case remains under investigation.
Many
held hands, while others wiped away tears, as students said prayers and sang
songs during the vigil organized by the SGA and Freshmen
Class. TSU’s Amphitheater on the main campus served as the
backdrop for the very emotional event. The university was stunned by the sudden
death of the engineering major from Ohio, who
was just entering his third month as a freshman. Many of the students did not
know Scott personally, but attended the vigil to show their support for
his family and friends. Others who encountered the spirited young man
remembered his smiles, lightheartedness and caring personality.
TSU
President Glenda Glover was among university officials at the candlelight
vigil. She lamented Scott’s death, expressed sympathy to Scott’s family who
attended the ceremony, and thanked the students for coming together to remember
their fellow student.
Students join the parents and other family members for a walk across campus following the vigil as a show of solidarity. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
“We ask the Almighty God to put his arms around us as a university, a student body to protect us and strengthen this family during this time,” Glover said. “We are heartbroken by this loss and we grieve with Rickey’s family and those who knew him. In times like these, we must come together and support each other as one university community.”
Tiona
Williamson, a sophomore majoring in cardiorespiratory care, did not know Scott
too well, but fondly remembers talking to him just days before his passing.
“I met him and we had a couple of conversations,” said Williamson, of Jackson, Tennessee. “I didn’t know him personally, but thought he was a really sweet person. He was really nice, cool and laid back. It is so sad what happened to him.”
“He
was loved,” one of Scott’s family members added.
Also speaking at the candlelight vigil were Katelyn Thompson, president of the Student Government Association; Mr. TSU Damyr Moore; and Caleb Jarmon, President of the freshman class.
Frank
Stevenson, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students,
said the vigil was a show of unity among students, especially the freshmen, who
wanted to make sure that they came together, to hold hands and to encourage one
another.
“This
is somewhat of a cloudy day in the Land of Golden Sunshine,” Stevenson said.
“We have a Tiger that has fallen and the students have paused to celebrate his
life with this vigil.”
Miss
Freshman, Ashanti Mitchell, said it was sad to lose a classmate just shortly
after starting their college journey.
“We
have been here no more than three months and just now starting our first Homecoming
and to lose one of our classmates is just unfortunate,” said Mitchell, a
biology major from Louisville, Kentucky. “I wish coming together was under a
better circumstance. The fact that my class came out and supported even though
some of them didn’t even know him, I really appreciate it and I hope that we
keep this close bond and be supportive of each other going forward.”
Sunday was the start of Homecoming week at TSU, but Glover
assured the gathering of increased TSUPD and Metro police presence to ensure
safety due to the expected high traffic on campus.
Law enforcement is continuing to look into all information, including video surveillance. TSUPD say there was no report of a shooting or suspicious activity on campus prior to receiving the call from Metro police dispatch. They’re still trying to determine exactly where he sustained the fatal injury and a motive. School administrators are asking for the public to come forward with any information that may help in the investigation.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
