NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is pleased to announce retired Army Lieutenant Gen. Jason T. Evans as the institution’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). In his role as COO, Evans will provide strategic leadership and oversight for enrollment management, the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the newly established Customer Relations Office, and the TSU Police. Evans was introduced to the TSU campus community during the 2023 Fall Faculty Staff Institute.
Retired Lt. Gen. Jason T. Evans led complex organizations at every level of the U.S. Army in his 40 years of military service. (Photon by Aaron Grayson)
“The Chief Operating Officer and Customer Relations Office are both new to TSU and will play vital roles in helping to enhance the delivery of services to our students and their families,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
“Gen. Evans’ commitment to excellence and his expertise are ideal for this role, as I look to him to strengthen TSU’s enrollment management process, advance our IT infrastructure, and implement customer relations.”
With a distinguished military career that spanned four decades, Evans brings a wealth of command and staff leadership experience to TSU. He has held various senior executive positions that include leading complex organizations at every level of the United States Army. This culminated with his selection as the Army’s first Deputy Chief of Staff, G9 (Instillations) where he was responsible for providing the best military advice to Army Senior Leadership for budget management of an $18 billion portfolio, policy, and regulatory guidance for 141 camps, posts, and stations Army-wide.
“I am deeply committed to advancing the university’s strategic initiatives and finding innovative solutions to the challenges we face in enrollment management, technology, customer relations, and the university police. I look forward to working with the dedicated professionals at TSU to provide a world-class educational experience for our students and contribute to the continued success of the university.”
As the COO, Evans will work closely with senior university administrators, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to streamline and optimize enrollment management, enhance the university’s IT capabilities, and cultivate positive and lasting relationships with students, parents, and community members.
” I feel honored to have the privilege and opportunity to serve such a storied institution of excellence. I see this as a similar opportunity I had in the Army, enabling an institution for young people to be successful,” Evans said.
A native of Baltimore, Evans was born into the military life. His father spent 30 years in the Air Force. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s degrees in business administration and national resource strategy. The decorated veteran holds many awards and accolades, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Parachutist Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.
Evans and his wife, Machelle, of 39 years, are the parents of three adult children and four grandchildren.
The COO’s office is located in the Floyd-Payne Campus Center on the main campus.
NASHVILLLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – This year’s Faculty and Staff Institute (FSI) was particularly special as it marked the beginning of a new academic year filled with remarkable achievements and the promise of even greater accomplishments to come, along with a significant announcement later from President Dr. Glenda Glover.
President Glover took the stage in front of over 200 faculty and staff members, including those watching via the live stream, and reflected on the pride she felt for the university and its dedicated staff.
“We begin this semester with excitement and celebrate our commitment to our students,” Glover said.
“It is a wonderful privilege and an awesome responsibility to serve as the president of Tennessee State University.”
Over 200 faculty and staff members attended TSU’s annualFSI that commemorated a record-breaking academic year. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University)
During the annual event, the university heard remarks from Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Robbie Melton, the Chair of the Faculty Senate Dr. Artenzia Young-Seigler, Staff Senate Chair Reginald Cannon, Vice President Doug Allen, Student Activities Vice President Dean Frank Stevenson, and SGA President Derrell Taylor, on behalf of the student body.
President Glover went on to highlight some of the university’s most significant accomplishments this past year. Kean Hall was filled with pride as she shared that TSU had surpassed the monumental milestone of $100 million in endowments and announced that research funding had also reached an all-time high of over $100 million, setting a new TSU record. The 2022-2023 accomplishments didn’t end there. She also highlighted the plan for the university to continue charting a strategic path toward reaching R1 research status and establishing new degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
The president’s address continued, highlighting the significant improvements in campus infrastructure and buildings, including ceiling and flooring upgrades, interior design, electrical and HVAC systems updates in several campus academic buildings, and the main student cafeteria. President Glover thanked everyone for recruiting exceptional students who represent the university with Tiger pride.
TSU President Glenda Glover
“You are the source of our excellence,” she told faculty and staff. “We will continue to succeed and advance our university.”
During FSI, she also emphasized the importance of a safe and conducive learning environment, expressing her gratitude for the successful completion of various campus enhancement projects.
Glover, the 8th and first female president of the university, closed out the meeting by announcing her retirement this spring, after serving her alma mater for 11 years. After leading the university for over a decade, Glover said her greatest achievement is putting TSU in the national spotlight.
“It was my goal to elevate TSU,” she said. “I’m prepared to pass on the torch; thank you for continuing that true TSU spirit.”
Glover, a 1974 TSU graduate, was appointed president by the TN Board of Regents in 2013.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Saying she was surrounded by 1,000 of her closest friends, Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover announced earlier that she will retire following the 2023-2024 academic year. Glover first shared her plans during the annual TSU Faculty Staff Institute that marks the beginning of the new academic year. She later shared that same news during a press conference.
“After almost 11 years and having reached nearly every objective and goal I set for myself and TSU, as the leader of this great institution, my beloved alma mater, I stand before you to announce my retirement as President of Tennessee State University, at the end of the spring semester 2024. It was a decision that did not come too easily, and it was not made lightly. My voice is needed now on a more national platform.”
President Glenda Glover announces that she will retire following the 2023-2024 academic year during a press conference at TSU.
Those goals and objects were prominently displayed behind her as she spoke to a crowded room of TSU supporters and reporters. SGA President Derrell Taylor, a Memphis native like President Glover, said it is disheartening moment but exciting at the same time to reflect on all the great things she has accomplished and all the ways she continues to lead the University into excellence.
“I believed that every time TSU had a major accomplishment, we just began to work on the next one or improved more and I appreciate that and believe that is what it takes in a leader,” said Taylor, a business major.
“Dr. Glover has led this institution to understand how to compete globally. Ultimately, I’m disappointed that as students we are uncertain of what the future holds, but I’m very confident that she will do an excellence job in making the transition as smooth as possible to benefit students.”
Having led the institution for over a decade, President Glover said it was more than a full circle moment to serve as president of her alma mater.
83rd SGA president Derrell Taylor, Chrishonda O’Quinn, SGA vice president, Victoria McCrae, Miss TSU, Davin Latiker, Mister TSU, student trustee on the board of trustee, Shaun Wimberly, hugs President Glenda Glover after announcing Monday that she will retire following the 2023-2024 academic year.
“Serving as President of Tennessee State University has been the honor of a lifetime. Words cannot express the emotions I have as I stand before you this morning. TSU prepared me for every accomplishment I have achieved throughout my career. This is where I got my start, where the seeds of excellence were sown for a young teenager from south Memphis who aspired to change the world.”
Known as the national expert and leader for historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs), Glover has guided TSU through a decade of excellence while overcoming challenges and celebrating significant milestones and accomplishments. This includes using her influence to bring national figures to the TSU campus.
“We have elevated the brand, the reputation, and the legacy; and ensured that TSU is on a nationwide platform by increasing the national visibility of this university. TSU is being discussed in rooms where it has never been discussed before. This recognition helped us recruit even more students, not only from Tennessee but from around the country.”
President Glover’s accomplishments are a source of pride for TSU alumni.
TSU President Glenda Glover with college deans, board of trustee members, faculty, after the annual Faculty Staff Institute
“Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover serves her alma mater with tenacity,” said Charles Galbreath, president of the Tennessee State University National Alumni Association.
“For over a decade, Dr. Glover has successfully positioned, protected, and promoted Tennessee State University on international platforms. I am encouraged to see a daughter of the Civil Rights Movement wield the wisdom and power of that era, fighting the good fight for today’s injustices. I admire Dr. Glover’s grace under pressure and her humility when praised. Dr. Glenda Glover is a global trailblazer, and her influence will live for generations to come at our beloved alma mater.”
In her announcements, she thanked students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community leaders for their support.
“I am merely retiring from the presidency of Tennessee State University. Wherever my door may be, it will always remain open to the students, faculty, staff, parents, alumni, and the Nashville community. I will continue to advance educational opportunities, ensuring fairness, equity, and justice for African Americans and people of color, women, and those often left behind.”
Shaun Wimberly, the student representative to the TSU Board Trustees, commented that it is Glover’s leadership and focus on helping others that he will always remember.
“Our president has served my beloved school and its surrounding community diligently for over a decade. To myself and to many she is the definition of a servant leader. It’s bittersweet to see her go, but it is even more exciting to see where her path may lead next. I couldn’t have picked a better time to come to TSU. Thank you, President Glover.”
President Glover graduated from TSU in 1974 and went on to have a stellar career in the corporate sector and higher education. She is one of a few women to hold the CPA, Ph.D., JD combination.
President Glenda Glover Decade of Accomplishments at TSU
Moved TSU Moved TSU into the R2-high research category, one of only 11 HBCU in R2 category
Expanded internships and permanent placement for students
Established essential new degree programs at undergraduate and graduate levels
More than doubled TSU endowments from $45 million to over $100 million
Significantly increased grant funding with all-time high of over $100 million in 2023
Increased the national visibility of TSU
Noted as the national HBCU leader among and others in higher education
Implemented plan to move TSU from R2 to R1, the highest research category offered
First HBCU to establish a national technology and innovation center
Established the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr Institute and Accelerated medical program with Meharry Medical College
First student-operated physical therapy and occupational therapy clinic
#1 HBCU forensic and debate champions for three consecutive years
Record corporate partnership and million-dollar donations
Aristocrat of Bands first collegiate marching band to win a Grammy
Fall 2022 Largest Freshmen Enrollment among HBCUs
2022 OVC Volleyball Championship
Successful $1 Million in One Month Campaign
Successfully led TSU through the COVID pandemic, tornado recovery, and other crisis moments
Implemented comprehensive campus safety plan, including the installation of fencing
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State athletic department received multiple academic accolades from the Ohio Valley Conference this week, as the league announced the 2022-23 Team Academic Achievement Award, Medal of Honor, and Commissioner’s Honor Roll.
TSU men’s tennis earned the 2022-23 Team Academic Achievement Award. The award is presented annually to each conference-sponsored sport to the member institution’s team with the greatest percent of its eligible student-athletes who earned a 3.25 GPA or higher.
The OVC Academic Medal of Honor is given annually to the student-athletes who achieve the highest grade point average in a Conference-sponsored sport. Every Academic Medal of Honor recipient for the 2022-23 academic year carried a perfect 4.0 GPA.
TSU had 14 student-athletes earn the OVC Academic Medal of Honor:
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Chandler Cotton, a Tennessee State University junior biology major, has been selected as one of only five students nationwide to receive the prestigious 2024 Jordan Smith Undergraduate Student Fellowship Award. This highly competitive fellowship program aims to enhance the leadership skills and knowledge base of undergraduate students, empowering them to promote and cultivate first-year student development on their respective campuses.
Out of hundreds of undergraduate student nominations, Chandler, who is from Tulsa, Oklahoma, emerged as the sole recipient from a Historically Black College or University. He will receive his award at the 43rd National Conference on The First Year Experience, scheduled to be held in Seattle, Washington, in February 2024. As an award recipient, Chandler will have the opportunity to attend the conference, where he will meet and collaborate with faculty, staff, and students dedicated to serving first-year students. The fellowship award covers travel and hotel accommodations, as well as conference registration.
At TSU, Chandler has consistently demonstrated his commitment to supporting and advocating for first-year students. He has served as a stellar Tiger PAL (Peer Advocate Leader) mentor, a University Ambassador, and a student advisor and charter member of the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society for First-Year Students. Most recently, he was elected by the student body to serve as the Representative at Large for First-Year Students in the Student Government Association.
Chandler’s exceptional achievements and dedication to student success was recognized by Dr. Tasha A. Carson, assistant vice president of First-Year Students, who nominated him for the award.
“Receiving this award is truly an honor, not only for my collegiate journey but also for my future career as a pediatrician,” Cotton said. “I am grateful to Dr. Carson for her recommendation and for igniting a passion in me for the first-year experience. As a reserved freshman, I have grown through my involvement and experiences, and I appreciate the opportunity to enhance my leadership skills through this prestigious award.”
Dr. Carson, thrilled with Cotton’s selection, expressed her pride and admiration for his accomplishments, stating, “I was very happy to nominate Chandler for this award and I’m really proud that he was selected,” Carson said. “He has remained a continuous support and advocate for first-year students through various roles.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – New faces and enhanced spaces will kick off the new academic year at Tennessee State University. Freshman move-in, a highly anticipated event, will take place over three days from August 14-16. Returning students will arrive later that week. As students unpack and prepare to focus on their academics for the next nine months, a registration assistance one-stop will be available to help them with essential resources.
Floyd-Payne Campus Center floors have been remolded and new seating will be installed for the upcoming fall semester.
TSU President Glenda Glover says helping students transaction from summer at home to college life is important. She will be there to welcome the new and returning Tigers.
“We are excited to welcome all of our students to the new academic year. TSU is a place of knowledge, growth, and opportunity whether you are a first-time freshman, transfer student or returning student. Our goal is to continue providing our students an environment that promotes academic excellence, personal development, and community engagement,” says President Glover.
Chief Operating Officer, Jason T. Evans, who oversees enrollment management and student success, also shares his excitement for the return of students for the fall semester.
“At TSU, we are dedicated to providing first-class support that enables our students to excel,” says Evans, the retired Army Lieutenant General, who joined the university recently. “We believe in nurturing students’ talents and equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in their chosen fields. Together, we will build a strong foundation for their future success.”
The Harold Love Student Success is undergoing new ceiling renovations in preparation for the upcoming fall 2023 semester.
Prior to embarking on their academic journey, prospective students and their parents participated in orientation programs offered on campus from May through June, with a final session on August 15. These programs provided an opportunity for families to familiarize themselves with TSU’s academic offerings, campus resources, and vibrant campus life. The university ensured that students and parents gained a comprehensive understanding of the university’s values and the support systems available to help them thrive.
Students will also see physical upgrades and enhancements to several buildings including student dining services and academic buildings that will feature new technology and other amenities. Over the summer, the student cafeteria received a major makeover, while academic buildings had upgrades ranging redesigned from lecture rooms, new roofs, to new seating for the Forum and Poag auditorium.
Vice President for Student Affairs, Frank Stevenson, highlights the university’s commitment to student success, stating, “TSU is focused on fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment that promotes holistic development. We are dedicated to offering a transformative educational experience that empowers our students to become leaders in their communities and beyond.”
Classes for the new academic year will begin August 21, with TSU faculty and staff eagerly preparing to provide engaging and meaningful learning experiences.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – With the hottest month ever recorded around the world now over, Tennessee State University says it plans to continue taking precautions to keep the campus community safe. The University has been proactive all summer long in sharing important information on how to beat the sweltering heat. TSU health officials and emergency management staff say their efforts will remain the same for the month of August.
Dr. Wendelyn Inman, interim public health program director at TSU, stresses the importance of staying hydrated to combat extreme heat and associated illnesses like heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and severe dehydration.
In response to the summer heat, the university’s emergency management team takes proactive measures to ensure the well-being of those on campus, outdoor security workers and maintenance staff.
“For a physician, their patient is an individual. For public health, our patient is the community,” Inman says. “We want our community to have the best outcome when that heat wave is going on.”
Inman reiterates that drinking more water, staying in shaded areas, and wearing sunscreen are preventive mechanisms to do while outdoors to lower the impact of unmitigated sunshine. She adds that proper ventilation and climate-controlled spaces are just as important when indoors.
Considering what you eat, drink, and wear, even in 82-degree or above sunny weather, can serve as a preventative measure. Dr. Latasha Williams, assistant professor and director of didactic programs in dietetics, says listening to your body is also crucial.
“Opt for lighter meals, consume electrolyte-replenishing beverages and listen to your body.”
The Joe W. Gilliam Football Camp is a non-contact football camp for boys and girls ages 12 – 18 that took place at TSU during the summer. (Photo courtesy Tennessee State University)
Dr. Williams contends that, “by following these strategies, you can help maintain adequate food and nutrient intake during extreme heat while also supporting your body’s hydration needs and overall well-being.”
“Heat exhaustion is a heat-related illness that occurs due to prolonged exposure to high temperatures and inadequate fluid intake,” Williams explains. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, dizziness, and fainting. While heat stroke sets in as high body temperatures, altered mental state, hot dry skin, and nausea.
TSU director of sports medicine, Trevor Searcy, spoke about how the athletic department also takes innovative measures to ensure the athletes’ safety and mitigate possible heat illness as the university offers several outdoor sports.
From a brand-new hydration station, to rescheduling training sessions to early mornings, Searcy said the university has resources, protocols and emergency action plans set for preventable measures. “We are required to test wet bulb (globe temperature), which is ambient air, temperature, and humidity every 30 minutes of outdoor activity,” Searcy said.
The brand new TSU Hydration Center consists of drinks, fans, and snacks, ensuring that the athletes stay hydrated on and off the field.
He notes that the department is cautious about heat after reaching 80 degrees by giving more water breaks, carrying ice towels, cold IV fluids and taking off lower and upper body equipment for football.
“If it’s hot outside and you notice an athlete is not sweating, that’s a flag to pull them aside,” he said. “After 90 degrees, it is advised to go in doors and our coaches are really receptive to that.”
The TSU Hydration Center consists of drinks, fans, and snacks, ensuring that the athletes stay hydrated on and off the field.
Together, TSU experts are navigating through the scorching temperatures and continue to demonstrate preparedness to beat the heat in Tennessee.
Generally, caution should be taken if the heat index is over 77 degrees (Fahrenheit). Above 82 degrees is considered ‘extreme caution’ — heat-related illness is possible with long exposure. Over 85 is dangerous — heat illness is likely and heat stroke is possible, according to Healthline.com.
The TSU emergency management team passes out cold refreshing beverages to students as the country had experienced unprecedented heatwaves this summer.
From a public health standpoint, Dr. Inman said it’s important to be mindful of those who are more at risk of heat related illnesses.
In response to the summer heat, the university’s emergency management team has been taking proactive measures to ensure the well-being of those on campus, outdoor security workers and maintenance staff. Click here to see the emergency team distributing beverages to those patrolling the campus and cutting the lawn to demonstrate their commitment to the welfare of the university personnel to beat the heat in Tennessee.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – College lab classes should come easy for a group of incoming freshmen who recently attended Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture Summer Enrichment Program. The 23 students, with different majors, conducted real-world scientific and cutting-edge research during the four-week program. Activities included several laboratory and field experiments. The last day culminated with a closing ceremony where the students presented their finished works as scientific papers.
Jai’Da Le’Nae Seafous was one of four program participants awarded full scholarships to attend TSU. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Jai’Da Le’Nae Seafous, a senior from Summer Creek High School in Houston, expressed her excitement about attending TSU, saying that the program further fueled her passion for the university. Her research project focused on extracting fecal and different blood samples from goats to check for parasites.
“The program most definitely made my decision much easier to major in animal science,” Seafous said. “The hands-on experience was so helpful.”
Seafous was one of four program participants awarded full scholarships to attend TSU starting this fall.
Another high school senior, Christopher Dewanye McKay Jr., from Ridgeway High School in Memphis, conducted research on genetics and DNA, stating that he discovered many things he didn’t previously know about plants.
Christopher Dewanye McKay Jr., received insights in plant science during his research on genetics and DNA. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“When I got here, I really didn’t know much about plant science. I was just looking for something to do,” said McKay, who wants to major in computer science. “But I am glad I did. Now I have a whole different appreciation for agriculture.”
Dr. Chanra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture, emphasized that the program, which has been held each summer for more than 10 years, provides students with exposure to different opportunities within the agricultural sector. He also highlighted the program’s success, with approximately 85 percent of participants choosing to continue their education at TSU.
“We are very happy about the success rate of the program. This teaches them about the STEM opportunities in the college,” Reddy said.
Dr. De’Etra Young, Program Coordinator, assists a group,p of students with their presentation at the closing ceremony. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Dr. De’Etra Young, program coordinator, explained that students had the chance to work on various subjects, ranging from food and animal science to genetics, forestry, GIS, precision agriculture, nutrition, and child development.
“We tried to expose the students to the whole offerings in the College of Agriculture,” said Young, who is associate dean for academics and Land-Grant programs. “This provides exposure but also gives us the opportunity to serve as a bridge to help them prepare for college.”
A cross section of family members, faculty and staff attend the student presentation in the AITC on the main campus. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
The Summer Enrichment Program was funded through a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The program accepts high school sophomores through seniors and incoming college freshmen from across the country. This summer’s participants were from Tennessee, Mississippi, New York, Texas and Georgia.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s College of Engineering is committed to fostering a community of budding first year engineer students and has received a monetary boost to continue this endeavor. This year the college has been awarded a $2.25 million grant from the National Science Foundation that will go into effect fall 2023.
Elijah Rachell, left, mechanical and manufacturing engineering undergraduate student, Christopher Buford, center, Master Graduate student in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, and Akiya Harris, a Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering senior during a summer camp.
The grant will create a five-year pilot engineering curriculum that includes a pre-engineering program and an immersive engineering studio based on course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), aiming to focus on student retention and graduation at Tennessee State University.
TSU alumnus Malik City, who earned his engineering degree from the university in 2020, says that the rigorous TSU program played a pivotal role in his current success within his company.
City, is a software development engineer for Amazon.
“When I look back, I don’t have any regrets. I have been fortunate to be in this field that has changed the lives of myself and my family,” City said.
“The same courses that may discourage first year students are the same courses that many successful engineers had challenges with. The first year student grant is huge because the extra support is needed.”
A STEM Enhancement Institute will also be established this fall as part of the grant to provide support to students who struggle with their STEM courses in their pre-engineering program. $150,000 per year will go towards the STEM institute.
TSU alumnus Malik City
College of Engineering Interim Dean, Professor Lin Li, who is the principal investigator of the grant, said the grant will support more than 80 students a year. “For year one students, we want to prepare them with stronger math and physics,” Li said. “So we proposed a pre-engineering program. This way, we help the students so they can move on to their second year for their engineering career.”
The overall goal is to enhance the retention and success of students in engineering programs at TSU through innovative practices and interdisciplinary research.
College of Engineering Associate Professor and Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies Catherine Armwood-Gordon, Associate Professor in Electrical and Computer Engineering Charles McCurry, and Dean of the College of Life and Physical Sciences Nolan McMurray are co-principal investigators for the grant.
A group of graduate and undergraduate engineering students working together during a 2023 summer camp.
Armwood-Gordon echoed the efforts of the grant in helping the university better understand the needs of freshmen engineering students. “It allows us to better understand what our retention rates are for the incoming freshmen that are not taking calculus one, to getting them through calculus one and retaining them to graduation.”
Dean McMurray emphasized that the program’s significant grant will propel the university to the forefront of HBCU engineering programs.
“This award will go a long way in preparing our students at TSU to become stronger engineering students,” he said.
This is the third time the National Science foundation has provided the Implementation Project grant: Enhancement of CUREs-based Curriculum and Immersive Engineering Studio to Enhance Engineering Education and Retention of Underrepresented Engineers, to the university.
According to Li, the first two previous awarded grants were approximately $1 million each. He also noted that the college of engineering is grateful for the additional funds this year as the project aims to create a pipeline of trained undergraduate students with various engineering analysis and design skills.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –Within the Men’s Initiative Graduation Acceleration Program (G.A.P.), a bond was forged between Tennessee State University students and their dedicated advisors.
These advisors are more than mentors; they became father figures to students like Dwight DeBerry II, a TSU junior hailing from Memphis who holds the title of Mister Junior for the upcoming school year. Reflecting on his journey, DeBerry revealed that he had participated in the program last year and experienced firsthand how it guided students through the maze of life’s challenges.
The 5-week Men’s Initiative Graduation Acceleration Program welcomed a cohort of 22 young male students this summer. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University.)
Now DeBerry has stepped into a leadership role as one of five lead student mentors in the program.
“It’s more than a blessing to have three father figures (the advisors) at all times to guide you through whatever you’re going through at school,” he said. “I appreciate the men’s initiative program because I came from humble beginnings. I never envisioned the man that I am becoming today.”
The 5-week summer program welcomed a cohort of 22 young male students this summer. The participants engage in profound conversations about personal growth, responsibility, integrity, and learning how to navigate life while honing in on their conflict resolution abilities.
Dr. Andre Bean
Heading the Men’s Initiative are program coordinators Martez Safold, Walter Dirl, and Dr. Andre Bean, accompanied by their newest advisor, DeSean Keys. Bean, who is the director of the Men’s Initiative, said the program offers a curriculum designed to challenge and inspire its participants. “The program also emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary learning, encouraging participants to make connections across different fields of study,” Bean said. “Through a comprehensive curriculum, community engagement, and mentorship opportunities, the program aims to empower young men to reach their full potential. With each passing year, the program continues to empower and inspire the next generation of leaders.”
Understanding the significance of financial well-being, the G.A.P. program also emphasized financial literacy. The participants were equipped with practical skills during week one to manage their finances effectively.
TSU junior Emmanuel Strickland who is a current first-time member, said so far the program has instilled the importance of budgeting, saving and setting a strong foundation for their financial future.
TSU junior Emmanuel Strickland, right. who is a current member of the G.A.P noted that he looks forward to being a program mentor next year.
Strickland, also known as “Mille Manny” said he appreciate how knowledgeable the first week has been related to his endeavors. Strickland of Memphis, is studying business information systems and is pursuing a career as a singer and songwriter. “The first week has already shown me how to have long term success,” Strickland said. “As young Black men, we need this. It’s important for TSU to have a program like this,” he continue. “This is a small step into creating generational wealth.” Strickland also noted that he looks forward to being a program mentor next year.
“I’d love to keep adding value to this program.”
The Men’s Initiative Graduation Acceleration Program launched in 2019 and since then has shaped many alumnus throughout their college years. The program has also set alums on a path towards success, with support of their advisors, mentors, and cherished memories.
