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Double amputee graduates from TSU after more than 30 years, attributes persistency to his mother

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – When Jerry Priddy heard his name called at Tennessee State University’s spring commencement, the 48-year-old double amputee looked to the stands of Hale Stadium for his inspiration: his mother.

“She’s my rock, my role model,” said Priddy, one of hundreds of undergraduate students who participated in TSU’s May 7 commencement.

Priddy said in an interview before the ceremony that his mother, Georgianna Priddy, has been the main motivation behind him finishing school despite his health challenges.

“A single mom, she worked two jobs for more than 40 years to take care of me and my sister,” said Priddy, who has diabetes and is on a kidney transplant list. “She found a way; she never quit. When I get my degree, I’m going to place it in her hand.”

Jerry Priddy-3
Jerry Priddy to graduate at May 7 TSU commencement. (photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

Priddy started at TSU in 1985, but at the time he said he was working over 40 hours a week while also taking 18 credit hours a semester. “Something had to give,” he said, and he decided to take a break from school.

“I figured I was going to leave for a couple of years, and then I’d be back,” he said. “But it never happened like that. Life took a different turn.”

Priddy was soon diagnosed with diabetes. He managed the disease for a while, but then complications resulted after he was bitten by a brown recluse spider. He eventually had to have both legs amputated below the knee.

But that didn’t stop Priddy from trying to reach his ultimate goal. In 2014, he re-enrolled at TSU and continued his pursuit of a music degree with a concentration in voice. A singer and lover of all types of music, Priddy said gospel songs resonate with him the most because “they relate to whatever I’m going through,” adding that “Marvelous,” by singer Walter Hawkins is among his gospel favorites.

“God has done some marvelous things for me,” Priddy said, “like allowing me to come back to school and finish what I started.”

Priddy’s sister, Michelle Vaughn, said her brother’s desire to finish school played a role in her decision to return to TSU. In December, she and her daughter both received degrees in psychology.

“I think it’s phenomenal what he’s doing,” said Vaughn, who works in TSU’s library. “It says that if you really want to do something, you can do it.”

Vaughn added that, like her brother, she also received motivation from her mother.

“That’s just something that she wanted for us,” said Vaughn, referring to their mother’s desire for them to finish school.

When told what her children said about her influence, Georgianna Priddy fought back tears. Then speaking in a soft, modest tone, the 69-year-old TSU post office manager said she was just doing what was necessary to give her children a better life. She said she’s proud of them both, and is particularly looking forward to seeing Jerry get his degree – and sharing in his joy.

“I always told him when he gets his degree, I just want to hold it for a little while,” she said. “I’m so happy that he’s made it to this point. It’s a marvelous thing.”

Department of Media Relations

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

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. 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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A robust job market awaits TSU Class of 2016, as high tech and healthcare positions are in high demand

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – As Tennessee State University prepares for one of higher education’s most sacred academic ceremonies, students who will participate in the 2016 Spring Commencement on May 7 may find themselves in a better position at putting their acquired knowledge to work when it’s time to start their careers.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides a positive job outlook for 2016 graduates. The agency points to fast-growing fields such as engineering, nursing, business and information technology, occupational therapy, and accounting as areas for high employment opportunities. Many ofthese thriving industries are seeking ready workers for the knowledge-basedjobs available, and TSU is doing its part to meet work force demands through the successful matriculation of hundreds of students.

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Students in Occupational Therapy work with their professor. (Photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

Tennessee State University’s Occupational Therapy program started in 1991. The program’s educational goal is to train and prepare students to enter the clinical practice of occupational therapy. As one of the high-growth fields cited by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, students obtaining this degree may see many available opportunities in a variety of work settings, according to TSU’s Debra Smart, an assistant professor in the Department of Occupational Therapy.  

“I believe students will get great fulfillment in the field of occupational therapy because it is so versatile,” Smart said. “They will have the opportunity to work with diverse client populations in medical, educational, and community settings.”

Smart said changes in healthcare have dictated much of how the program has advanced over its 25-years with growing interest from students, which has led to an emergence of new applicants andincreased class sizes.

“Students who pursue this degree are typically employed no more than two months after they complete the program,” she said. “We have recruiters e-mailing us from all over the country looking for qualified graduates.”

According to a survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, businesses plan to hire 11 percent more college graduates for U.S. jobs this year than last. NACE further reports that employers have a positive view of the college-hiring market overall with 42 percent of respondents characterizing the job market for the class of 2016 as “very good” or “excellent.” That number is up from two years ago when only 18 percent felt the outlook was positive, said the NACE report.

Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, dean of TSU’s College of Engineering, said engineering still remains one of the most in-demand career occupations for 2016. It has a current workforce of about 2.5 million,with the U.S. producing about 100,000 new engineers annually. The college maintains a reputation of preparing top graduates for careers in a myriad of engineering disciplines.

“As the state’s leading producer of African-American engineers, TSU’s College of Engineering is responding by preparing graduates with leadership skills, technical competency, and the opportunity to complete study abroad experiences to make them more marketable,” Hargrove said. “Our academic and research programs in cyber-security, IT and data sciences, transportation analytics, and network communications continue to prepare graduates for outstanding job opportunities with Fortune 100 companies such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Bank of America.”

U.S. News also supports positive job growth for 2016 through its “100 Best Jobs” list. The news organization places physicians, software developers, nurse practitioners, computer systems analysts and orthodontists among their list of top-ranked occupations.

Department of Media Relations

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

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. 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.

Alumni, Athletics, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, NEWS, RESEARCH, Research and Sponsored Programs, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

National Medical Association President, Dr. Edith P. Mitchell, Former U.S. Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., to give spring commencement addresses at TSU

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The President of the National Medical Association, Dr. Edith P. Mitchell, and Former U.S. Congressman Harold Ford, Jr., will be the keynote speakers at Tennessee State University’s spring commencement ceremonies.

Mitchell, a retired Air Force brigadier general, will speak at 5 p.m. on Friday, May 6, at the graduate commencement in the Gentry Complex. Ford will address the undergraduate class at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 7, in Hale Stadium.

More than 1,300 undergraduate and graduate students will receive degrees in various disciplines.

“I congratulate all of our graduates and wish them the very best as they enter a new and exciting chapter of their lives,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “Commencement is an exciting time for the university because it highlights the academic achievement of our students and the commitment of faculty and staff in their educational and social development. TSU students are prepared to work and serve in the global marketplace.”

Mitchell, a 1969 TSU graduate with a B.S. degree in Biochemistry, is Clinical Professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology, and Program Leader in Gastrointestinal Oncology at Thomas Jefferson University. She is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the American Medical Association, the National Medical Association, Aerospace Medical Association, Association of Military Surgeons, and the Medical Society of Eastern Pennsylvania.

Last year, she was elected president of the NMA, the nation’s oldest professional society for African-American physicians.

In addition to her medical achievements, the retired brigadier general served as the Air National Guard Assistant to the Command Surgeon for U.S. Transportation Command and Headquarters Air Mobility Command at the Scott Air Force Base in Illinois. In this capacity, she served as the senior medical Air National Guard advisor to the command surgeon and was the medical liaison between the active Air Force and the Air National Guard.

Ford, a five-term former member of Congress from Tennessee, was chair of the Democratic Leadership Council. He served on the Financial Services and Budget Committees and worked to balance the budget and promote free enterprise for the House Blue Dog coalition, the organization that gave then Governor Bill Clinton his start in national politics.

As president, Clinton once referred to Ford as “the walking, living embodiment of where America ought to go in the 21st century.” Ford is a longtime supporter of small and mid-size businesses, as well as a staunch advocate for fiscal and economic reform. Since leaving office in 2007, he continues to work diligently to promote healthy non-partisan debate on today’s most pressing issues.

Currently, Ford serves as a political analyst and contributor for CNBC and MSNBC, and a professor of public policy at the New York University Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service.

Research
Matthew Edwards is graduating from TSU with a degree in Agriculture. (Photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

Matthew Edwards is among the undergraduates who will receive their degrees on May 7. He said he’s glad TSU invited Mitchell and Ford to speak, and he believes they will inspire students to continue to strive for success beyond college.

As for his experience at TSU, Edwards said the university has faculty and administrators who really care about students’ success. He said TSU officials provided him with resources to overcome some hardships when he transferred from another university, and he encourages high school graduates to consider TSU as an option for getting a higher education.

“They transferred all the credits, made sure everything was set, and provided me with a work-study scholarship,” said Edwards, who is getting a degree in Agriculture. “I went from not having a place to go, to having a place to call home and a nice steady job in an area that I liked.“

Department of Media Relations

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

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. 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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New TSU Top Cop Greg Robinson Emphasizes Good Relationship Between Students, Police

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s new top cop says a good relationship between students and police will benefit campus security.

Greg Robinson-3 (1)
Police Chief Greg Robinson

Police Chief Greg Robinson had a “meet-and-greet” at two TSU residence halls on April 20, about a month after taking the job. Deputy Police Chief Anthony Carter and several other members of the TSUPD accompanied the alumnus during his visit to Boyd Hall, where Robinson lived as a TSU student, and Wilson Hall.

In his closed meetings with residents, Robinson emphasized personal relationships between students and campus security, increased visibility, and for students to know that “we are here for you.”

“We want to break down all barriers and build relationships where you are comfortable to interact with us and know that your safety is our biggest concern,” said Robinson, who has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement. “You see things that we don’t see. We want to hear from you.”

He said he wanted to speak directly to the residents to let them know his vision for the university, faculty, staff, and “most importantly the students.”

“I attended this institution; I lived in Boyd Hall,” said Robinson.  “I want to let them (students) understand that all we are concerned about is serving this institution and to make it the safest environment.”

Carlos Marvins, a graduating senior in Mass Communications, lives in Boyd Hall and attended the meeting. He said he was impressed with Robinson and believes the university is in the “right direction about security.”

“He seems like … he really cares about the students,” Marvins said. “He has a lot of ideas; he’s young, he’s energized and has a lot of experience. And the fact that he’s a former student makes it even better.”

Robinson plans to visit other residence halls on the campus.

Department of Media Relations

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

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. 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.

 

Robinson plans to visit other residence halls on the campus.

Alumni, EVENTS, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU’s Dr. Jame’l Hodges Named Maxine Smith Fellow with the Tennessee Board of Regents

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Dr. Jame’l Hodges

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Dr. Jame’l Hodges, TSU’s assistant dean of Student Life and Engagement, has been named a Maxine Smith Fellow with the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Hodges is the fourth TSU administrator to receive the honor in the last few years.

As a Maxine Smith Fellow, the longtime students affairs administrator will have the opportunity to experience how decisions are made at the TBR senior administrative and governing board levels.

The fellowship was established in 2002 as a TBR central office Geier initiative to provide African-American TBR employees the opportunity to participate in a working and learning environment that enhances work experience and career development. The objective is to increase the academic and professional credentials of the fellows, as well as help to increase the number of qualified applicants from underrepresented groups for senior-level administrative positions at TBR institutions.

“I am honored to have been nominated by President (Glenda) Glover and look forward to representing TSU,” Hodges said. This is an amazing opportunity that will provide me with professional development to prepare me for future career goals as well as expose me to new strategies and approaches in quality assurance and student success at TSU.”

Dr. Maxine Smith, after whom the fellowship is named, was a pioneer in the civil rights movement in Tennessee. She was executive secretary of the Memphis Branch of the NAACP from 1962 to 1995. In 1971, she became the first African American to be elected to the Memphis Board of Education. In 2003, Smith and former President Bill Clinton received the prestigious Freedom Award by the National Civil Rights Museum.

Other former TSU Maxine Smith Fellows are Dr. Cheryl Green, assistant vice president for Student Affairs; Tiffany Cox, director of Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action; and Tiffany Bellafant Steward, director of New Student Orientation and First-Year Students.

Department of Media Relations

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

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. 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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Community Health Fair at TSU Focuses on Obesity, HIV and Poor Health Choices

Wellness Fair
More than 30 vendors with some connection to health care and wellness participated in the one-day Community Health and Wellness Fair. (Photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A recent study shows Tennessee faces a serious health crisis that stems mostly from unhealthy choices.

For the last 20 years, the state has ranked among the worst in the nation when it comes to health outcomes, according to the report. Obesity, HIV, and poor health management, or the lack of it, are the biggest issues.

Those problems and others were addressed April 22 at Tennessee State University’s Community Health and Wellness Fair in Kean Hall on the main campus. TSU partnered with Vanderbilt University Medial Center and the DP Thomas Foundation for Obesity for the outreach event that was free and open to the public.

More than 30 vendors with some connection to health care and wellness participated in the one-day event.

“This is really an opportunity for TSU to serve out its mission statement in helping to serve the community,” said Kelli Sharpe, Assist Vice President for Public Relations and Communications at TSU. “It is also an opportunity for the community to know that we do have professional health education and services on campus, not just for students and faculty, but for the community as well.”

According to the latest data from the Tennessee Department of Health, nearly 7,000 adults accessed Davidson County emergency rooms in 2014 for relief of dental conditions.

Gary-Lee A. Lewis, head of TSU’s Dental Hygiene Department, said TSU’s clinic averages about 600 patients a year and he hopes that number will increase “with the linkages that we make with the community.”

“We’re well equipped to manage the needs of the community,” Lewis said.

The fair provided information on weight loss management, nutrition, and HIV, as well as fitness demonstrations and other health screenings, including hypertension, glucose, and cholesterol. The dental hygiene component included oral examinations, dental cleanings, and oral health education.

Students, faculty and staff of TSU’s Student Health Services, the Department of Dental Hygiene, and the School of Nursing played a major role in the fair.

Vic Sorrell, Community Engagement Coordinator of the Vanderbilt Medical Center HIV Vaccine Program, said the fair was very timely and needed.

“Because HIV incidence is on the rise in communities with limited access to quality healthcare, our program’s message and mission is certainly in alignment with the goals and values of this event and its organizers,” Sorrell said.

The DP Thomas Foundation is a longtime promoter of healthy living as a way to combat obesity and its negative effect on society. Experts from the foundation emphasized ways to help citizens achieve and maintain a balanced lifestyle.

“We are extremely excited about this opportunity to serve the Nashville community,” said Lalita Hodge, coordinator of the DP Thomas Foundation. “We at the DP Thomas Foundation truly believe that a healthy community is a wealthy community. Providing information and combining our community resources is the best way to achieve this goal.”

TSU students, from nursing, dental hygiene to professional education, were excited about participating in the fair and giving back to the community.

Starr Winbush, a freshman Nursing major, looked forward to the hands-on help she and her fellow students provided.

“Going into the nursing field, I think it is very important to be able to talk to people and communicate with them about their needs,” Winbush said. “Helping people, that’s the main part.”

Chelsea Nash, ajunior Biology major, added: “Many people do not have insurance, and for them this may be the only way they can get the care they need. So I am really proud to see my school reaching out to the community.”

Abraham Osareme Simmons, a senior Dental Hygiene major, said community service was part of the reason why he entered the program.

“I like to touch lives that are in need; that is very important to me,” said Simmons, who graduates in May. “That’s what inspired me to matriculate to the dental hygiene program. It is rewarding to see people feel good about themselves because of what you have done to make their lives better.”

Dr. Winda Wilbert, interim executive director of the TSU School of Nursing, said “community service is an expectation for our students.”

“That’s in fact one of the core requirements for our baccalaureate program,” Wilbert said. “So when we are out there with them, it’s not just a matter of field experience, they are fulfilling their requirements.”

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

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. 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 Communications Chair, Students Win AP Awards for Best Journalism

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The head of Tennessee State University’s Department of Communications and several of his students were recently recognized by The Associated Press for best journalism in broadcast and print.

The students received five radio and television news and sports awards at the 2015-2016 Tennessee Associated Press Awards presentation held April 9 at the First Amendment Center in Nashville.

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Dr. Terry Likes

Communications chair Dr. Terry Likes won seven awards in five different categories.

Likes said the awards were a result of hard work in the department, particularly in the case of the students.

“We have been working hard for several years to implement best practices in multimedia, open our Center for Media Arts and Production and hire innovative faculty,” Likes said. “We are thrilled for our students that their hard work is paying dividends with this recognition from professional journalists.”

TSU competed against more than 200 entries from Austin Peay, Belmont, East Tennessee State University, Lipscomb University, Middle Tennessee State University, Trevecca Nazarene, UT-Chattanooga, UT-Martin, UT-Knoxville and Vanderbilt University.

TSU students who won in their respective categories are:

2nd place – Best online sports coverage program: Cedric Beene, Micah Kennedy, Josh Walden, Paige Jefferson
2nd place – Best inline sports program: Kierra Ewah-Washington
3rd place – Best radio specialized topic reporting: Melody Scales
3rd place – Best radio investigative in-depth reporting: Ryan Parham, Tierra Kimball, Marvel Wade
3rd place – Best investigative in-depth reporting: J. Michaux

Likes won seven awards in five different categories.

Best Enterprise:
1st place – “Truth, tabloids and trust: Declining confidence in the news media”
Best light feature story:
2nd place – “TV catch phrases, popular culture to mainstream America”
Best serious news story:
1st place – “Pay for play: Unionization and paying college athletes”
2nd place – “Truth, tabloids and trust: Declining confidence in the news media:
Best sports feature:
1st place – “Pay for play: Unionization and paying college athletes”
Best use of sound:
1st place – “TV catch phrases, popular culture to mainstream America”
2nd place – “Pay for play: Unionization and paying college athletes”

Department of Media Relations

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

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. 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.

Uncategorized

Tennessee State University Joins National Group that Advocates Best Practices for Adult Learners

ALFI_color_logo_2016-2019Nashville, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has joined a national organization that focuses on best practices for adult learners.

Higher education institutions that are part of the Coalition of Adult Learning Focused Institutions (ALFI) strive to advance programs and services for adult learners, evaluate their adult degree programs and share “best practices.”

TSU is prepared to do more in its outreach to increase the number of adult learners seeking a postsecondary degree. The University has identified barriers that impede the progress of adult learners. It addresses the needs of the adult learner population through it’s: (1) Accelerated Degree Programs, (2) Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Services, (3) Academic and Financial Resources for Veteran Students, ((4) Academic Degree Maps, (5) Academic Fresh Start Policy, and (6) Courses redesigned for the adult learner.

The ALFI coalition is an alliance of members of the Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL) who demonstrate their commitment to improving their services to adult learners by completing the ALFI surveys. The surveys assist colleges and universities on how to serve adult learners effectively and identify and compare how students, faculty, staff and administrators value the services offered by the institution. The data identifies institutions’ strengths and challenges to plan strategically for the future, and allocate resources for the greatest impact. Data also serve as a baseline, enabling an institution to establish consistent measurements for the impact of their adult programs.

“Tennessee State University is the only public university in the Metropolitan Nashville Area to be awarded the Adult Learning Focused Institution designation based on its commitment to provide programs and services addressing the needs of adult learners,” said Adrian Miller, coordinator of the Office Student Support Services for Adult and Distance Learners. “We are very proud to have this distinction.”

Tennessee State University is committed to excellence and has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities, according to U.S. News and World Report.

The Council for Adult and Experiential Learning is a national leader in the fields of adult learning and workforce development, providing colleges and universities, companies, labor organizations and state and local governments with the tools and strategies they need for creating practical, effective lifelong learning solutions. More information is available at www.cael.org.

Department of Media Relations

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

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. 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.

Alumni, Athletics, EVENTS, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Single Gift of $26,000 Highlights Weekend of TSU Alumni Activities

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A single gift of nearly $26,000 capped a weekend of activities by Tennessee State University alumni to raise funds for scholarship to support students at their alma mater.

IMG_2516 (1)
TSU President Glenda Glover, along with Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement Eloise Abernathy Alexis, and TSU National Alumni Association President Tony Wells, receives a check for $25,735 from member of Beta Omicron Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)

The Beta Omicron Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity presented the check Saturday to TSU President Glenda Glover during the halftime show of the TSU Tigers Football Team Blue and White scrimmage at Hale Stadium.

“This is amazing,” Glover said, referring to the presentation and the level of excitement in the stadium. “To see all of our alums come back for our Blue and White game and then present us a check just shows what TSU alums can do when they put their minds together and dedicate themselves to helping their university. I am just pleased to see this number of people including old friends and schoolmates just having a good time.”

Thousands, including former and current students, friends and supporters, gathered at the stadium called “The Hole” for the scrimmage, as part of the weekend of activities. The TSU nationally recognize marching band, the Aristocrat of Bands, was on hand to lead the jubilation.

This was the third year of the event called Legends Coming Home Weekend.

Tony Wells, president of the TSU National Alumni Association, said the weekend is time for alumni to come back and engage with students.

“Homecoming is when alumni come back and interact with each other,” Wells said. “But this is an effort to come back in the spring and make sure we are engaging with our students and help them with their networking. We don’t want to wait until they are ready to graduate. We want to be there to help them understand the process before they leave.”

Earlier, more than 300 participated in the Big Blue Tiger 5K Run/Walk to kick off the day on the main campus. Organizers say nearly 700 paid to register for the race although many did not plan to run.

At Hale Stadium, Crowd favorite, 101-year-old Burnece Walker Brunson, a member of the Alumni Cheerleader Association, did not disappoint. The centenarian, a member of the 1934-1935 cheering squad, showed up with her pom pom.

Department of Media Relations

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

About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. 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 forms impressive team to assist with implementation of FOCUS Act

Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover has formed a Transition Advisory Committee to assist the University with implementing the new FOCUS Act.

It is a group from diverse backgrounds to take on the task outlined in the legislation, which is currently awaiting Governor Bill Haslam’s signature. The committee will provide thoughtful leadership, and assist in determining how the institution will advance from the current Tennessee Board of Regents structure to the new state university board governing structure. The major role of this external committee will be advisory in nature with the ultimate goal of developing the strategy for implementation of the FOCUS bill.

“The University has formed this Transition Advisory Committee to assist the leadership, and my office from a strategic execution standpoint as we advance to this new governance structure,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “The men and women serving on the TSU Transition Advisory Committee represent a cross section of professionals with extensive backgrounds in higher education, board governance, and executive management.”

The members of the TSU Transition Advisory Committee are: Traci Otey Blount- Executive Vice President, Corporate Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Robert L. Johnson Entertainment and former Communications Director, 2008 Hilary R.Clinton Presidential Campaign; Attorney Charles Robert Bone- Chief Executive Officer, Bone McAllester Norton, PLLC,; Lauren J. Brisky- Retired, Vice-Chancellor for Administration and Chief Financial Officer, Vanderbilt University; Beverly Carmichael- Senior Vice President, Chief People Officer, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.; Colleen Conway-Welch, Dean Emerita and Professor Emerita, Vanderbilt School of Nursing; George L Davis Jr.- Co-Owner/Chief Technology Officer of Ultimate Progress Incorporated; Dr. Kelley Castlin-Gacutan- Superintendent, Birmingham Public Schools; Dr. Fred Humphries- Retired President, Florida A&M University and former President Tennessee State University; Jamie Isabel- Owner, Dalmatian Creative Agency, Inc.; Richard Lewis- Owner, Lewis & Wright Funeral Home; Dr. Edith Peterson Mitchell-President, National Medical Association; Wendell Moore- Senior Public Policy Advisor, Baker Donelson Law Firm, PLLC and former Deputy Governor State of Tennessee; Dr. Shirley Raines- former President, University of Memphis; Dr.Maria Thompson- President, Coppin State University, Baltimore, MD; Bishop Joseph W. Walker, III- Presiding Bishop, Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship International & Sr. Pastor Mt. Zion Baptist Church; and Brenda Wynn- Davidson County Clerk.

The new legislation creates state university boards for the six public universities now under the Tennessee Board of Regents system, including TSU. The committee is a part of the University’s overall Transition to FOCUS Initiative. An internal working group is also a part of this initiative.

“This committee is not the long-term state university board that will be appointed by the Governor, rather it is transitionary in nature designed specifically for planning purposes,” Glover explained. “The duration of the committee will be for approximately one year.”

The other four-year institutions under TBR that will have its own independent boards under the FOCUS Act are Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, and the University of Memphis.

Please visit the TSU website at www.tnstate.edu/president/focus for detailed information on the TSU Transition Advisory Committee, along with the original FOCUS Act legislation and related news items and updates.

Department of Media Relations

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About Tennessee State University

With more than 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 undergraduate, 22 graduate and seven doctoral programs. 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.