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TSU College of Agriculture’s Center of Excellence trains students to take on climate change and other global issues 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s wetland is crucial to the health of both water resources and wildlife in North Nashville. TSU graduate student Devin Moore said that’s why he is grateful to be able to participate in research of the TSU wetland project, ultimately benefiting local Nashville communities.

Moore’s study of TSU’s wetland is made possible through a $6 million grant from the 1890 Center of Excellence Land. The award is for three years and will provide critical research on creating a quality environment that mitigates the impact of climate change in Tennessee, across the nation and globally.  

“Through the funding from the Center of Excellence (COE) we have been able to measure and analyze some of the toxins in the water through new progressive technology,” Moore said. 

Devin Moore placing teabags in the TSU Wetland to absorb and test toxins found. (Photo submitted)

Moore is receiving a master’s degree in agriculture with a focus on environmental sciences and is currently researching harmful algal blooms in the TSU Wetland and at the Ted Rhodes Golf Course in North Nashville. 

Wetlands have their own distinct ecosystem that can help advance the knowledge and resolutions to complex problems, including those related to climate change. According to scientists, extensive training and research is needed to solve these environmental issues.  

“I am excited for the research that I am doing,” added Moore, who obtained his bachelor’s degree from Yale University. “As someone who came from a social sciences background, it is nice to be around people who are experts in their field and are willing to sit down with me and bridge the gap,” he said.  

“It feels like what we’re doing could have some big global implications. I am grateful and thankful for the COE and everything they have enabled us to do.” 

Dr. Chandra Reddy

College of Agriculture Dean Chandra Reddy, who also serves as director of research, said the university was granted this opportunity in 2022 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture due to its faculty expertise and capacity to manage the funds.  

“Using our expertise within TSU and with our partners, we want to come up with some ideas and concepts, ways that we can mitigate the impact of climate on our famers and citizens. That’s the bigger goal, but to achieve that you need long term research, continuous support and build at capacity,” Dr. Reddy said. 

The COE consists of more than 20 faculty members, scientists, PhD, master’s, and undergraduate students. It is an investment that helps increase rural prosperity and economic sustainability of food systems in underserved farming communities, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Acting Director Dr. Dionne Toombs. 

“Our goal is to really get the data generated, analyzed, and shared with the public and the funding agencies, and impress them in such a way that we get additional funding to create a physical space for students and experts to conduct extensive research in some of the most pressing environmental issues facing society,” Reddy said.

Agriculture master’s students Champagne Cunningham, right, and Faith Perry collecting water quality measurements from the TSU wetland. (Photo by Joan Kite)

Experts at the Center of Excellence are working on a variety of research projects ranging from renewable energy to animal sciences. TSU scientists are currently researching national issues such as how climate change impact seagrass production and greenhouse gas emissions. University scientists are also researching winter canola oil varieties that will work well for Tennessee farmers, and new export crops for the region such as grain amaranth used as chicken food. 

Champagne Cunningham, a master’s student who plans to become a freshwater ecologist after graduating this May, is also doing research in Nashville on harmful algal blooms. 

“Being able to say I am a part of a research group or a center that is doing such outstanding real-world groundbreaking research is interesting,” Cunningham said. “We get lots of hands-on experience. Because of TSU, I am learning techniques that will help me long term and secure a job as an ecologist.” 

TSU’s College of Agriculture is collaborating with four other HBCUs that make up the 1890 Center of Excellence. They are Alabama A&M University, Southern University, Florida A&M University and Langston University, to host the 1890 Center of Excellence.

About the Center of Excellence

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) announced this investment in 2022.

This will provide collaborative opportunities among 1890 Institutions to develop management practices that will promote natural resources, explore renewable energy sources, and develop climate smart agricultural production practices to reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere and improve environmental quality and sustainability, according to NIFA.

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TSU reports over $70 million in research funding, impacts childcare, global food security and more

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Early childcare for Tennessee families and global food security are among the top areas Tennessee State University is focusing on as the University reports continued record growth in research funding. TSU’s external research funding is just over $70.2 million with four months remaining in the 2022-2023 submission cycle. To date, the University’s Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences and the College of Agriculture have received the largest single awards totaling $28.9 million.

“TSU’s continued high research output and funded awards are a true testament to the hard work and commitment of our faculty and staff, especially as we also focus our attention on moving from an R2 to R1, the highest research designation, under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning,” says TSU President Glenda Glover.

The TSU Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences is using grants to fund childcare and family support programs in Tennessee.

“A crucial cornerstone of an institution’s success is measured through its research and just as important is how that research will benefit our communities.” 

For its work with children and families, the TSU Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences received a total $18,958, 417 in federal and state funding. The Center is using the grants to fund childcare and family support programs in Tennessee.  Of that amount, nearly $5.3 million came from the Administration for Children and Families, Office of Head Start (ACF/OHS) to support Head Start and two Early Head Start-Child Care Partnership programs; and just under $13.7 million came from the Tennessee Department of Human Services (HHS/TDHS) to support the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance and Tennessee Family Child Care Network. 

President Glenda Glover


The funding will provide services to 256 children and families and employ approximately 115 staff needed across the state. 

“The Center is proud of the work we do to support children, families, and professionals within the early childhood community,” says COELS’ director Dr. Kimberly Smith.  “We remain focused on educating and uplifting the early childhood workforce in Tennessee and we remain committed to improving the lives of the families we serve.”  

In the College of Agriculture, researchers are using a $10 million capacity building grant from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) to support 57 different projects in agricultural education, agricultural business, biotechnology, food science, animal science, environmental science, renewable energy, and human health and nutrition. Two of the major projects will conduct research to enhance nutritional security and environmental quality. 

Dr. Chandra Reddy

Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the college and principal investigator of the capacity building grant, says the objective is to find solutions to challenges in global food security, enhancing the environmental quality, and nutritional security. 

“The other important goal of these projects is the diverse workforce development,” Reddy says.  “We are creating new knowledge and graduating diverse background students both at undergraduate and graduate levels.  We also share the research findings with public through our statewide extension programs to improve their productivity and quality of life.” 

CheKenna Fletcher is a first-year Ph.D. student in agricultural sciences with a concentration in food and animal sciences. Her research focus is on the extraction, isolation, characterization, and application of novel materials in health-promoting food products. She is ecstatic about the amount of funds the university is attracting for research. 

“TSU provides students and even professors with various opportunities to conduct research in a variety of fields with global interest,” says Fletcher, of Lebanon, Tennessee. “There are so many conferences, symposiums, and more one can attend to present his/her research, worldwide.” 

CheKenna Fletcher

In the first half of this fiscal year, TSU research proposals garnered more than $68.8 million in external sponsored research funding and now stands at $70.2 million, which is on pace to surpass the record $70.7 million received in 2021. That record-setting year for the University was one of the highest among all HBCUs. The new funding report is a major boost for the University in its continued planning to receive the “R1” research designation.  An R1 designation would mean more doctoral programs, research initiatives and funding for students and the university.  

Associate Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs Dr. Quincy Quick, who is leading the R1 designation effort, says the goal is double the total amount of grants received. He believes TSU faculty and staff can ultimately reach the $140 million award mark.

Dr. Quincy Quick 

“Our recent historic research productivity and achievement over the last two fiscal years is a consequence of our outstanding and dedicated faculty and staff and their commitment to conducting and performing innovative and transformative high-level research,” says Quick. “Our faculty and staff are enthusiastically engaged in our mission for the highest status as we work collegially and diligently to become the fourth R1 designated institution in the state of Tennessee.” 

Here are some of the other top awards received in 2022-23: 

  • Dr. Andrea Tyler – Title III, $10,254,498 (Department of Education) 
  • Dr. Quincy Quick – RSP, $5,000,000 (Department of Energy) 
  • Dr. Karla Addesso – College of Agriculture, $2,479,982 (USDA) 
  • Dr. Melanie Cantu – College of Agriculture, $2,016,694 (USDA) 
  • Dr. Rebecca Selove – RSP, $1,772,784 (National Institutes of Health) 
  • Dr. Deo Chimba – College of Engineering, $1,611,168 (Dept. of Transportation) 
  • Dr. Margaret Whalen – RSP, $1,255,618 (National Institutes of Health) 
  • Dr. Roy Sonali – College of Agriculture, $1,158,373 (USDA) 
  • Dr. Jianwei Li, College of Agriculture, $1,118,709 (USDA) 
  • Dr. D’Etra Young – College of Agriculture, $1,000,000 (USDA) 
  • Dr. Robbie Melton – Academic Affairs, $1,000,000 (Apple/Hewlett Packard) 
  • Dr. Catherine Armwood – College of Engineering, $1,000,000 (NSF) 
  • Dr. Dafeng Hui – College of Life & Physical Sciences, $1,000,000 (NSF) 
  • Dr. Lin Li – College of Engineering, $1,000,000 – (NSF) 
  • Dr. Hongwei Si – College of Agriculture, $1,000,000 (USDA/NSF) 
  • Dr. Richard Mu – RSP, $1,000,000 (NSF) 
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TSU College of Agriculture host USDA Forest Service event, pipeline for student employment and ‘R1’ status

Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture hosted a USDA Forest Service-Southern Research Station Senior Leadership event this week, as a pipeline for employment opportunities for environmental science students.

USDA Forest Service, Southern Research Station (SRS) visit this week was yet another opportunity to highlight the university’s ongoing commitment to research and becoming an “R1” designation under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning.

The TSU College of Agriculture is in the final stages of formalizing a partnership with the USDA Forest Service-Southern Research Station. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

During the event, the university and SRS determined how goals and objectives may align for mutually beneficial outcomes and discussed how to improve connectivity between TSU and SRS scientists. USDA Forest Service representatives presented information about their agency, while TSU faculty and graduate students presented their research findings, with the idea of collaborating and integrating research projects with SRS.

Dr. Chandra Reddy, Director of Research and Administrator of Extension in the College of Agriculture, said the goal is to further expand the scope of the Center of Excellence on Natural Resources, Renewable Energy, and Environment with assistance from the SRS team.

SRS Director, Dr. Toral Patel-Weynand and Director of Research and Administrator of Extension in the College of Agriculture Dr. Chandra Reddy. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“SRS scientists conduct deep research in all aspects of the forestry with climate change filter,” Reddy said. “As we are building our capacity in environmental sciences, we want to build a strong partnership with the SRS team in training our graduate and undergraduate students, in addressing climate change concerns, and supporting the small forest landowners. We are very excited to host the leadership of the Southern Research Station of US Forest Service.”

SRS Director, Dr. Toral Patel-Weynand, highlighted their vision for increased collaboration. “We are working hard to make sure our workforce is inclusive and representative of the public we serve, a place where individuals can thrive and contribute to our collective success. We see places where TSU students can contribute to and gain experience from our research studies.”

HBCU Program Manager and Coordination Lead for SRS, Dr. Johnny Grace, said the Station, which is part of the nation’s largest forest research organization, is searching for ways to more effectively partner with TSU.

HBCU Program Manager and Coordination Lead for SRS, Dr. Johnny Grace (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“We are attempting to connect with TSU students and faculty to develop a pipeline into our science programs and workforce,” Grace said.

While TSU scientists presented their lab work, a few graduate students studying agriculture presented their research as well.

Maria Schutte, a Dayton, Ohio native who is receiving her master’s degree from the environmental sciences program, said this opportunity will have more people involved in the forestry industry as the department of agricultural and environmental sciences is working towards being accredited for a forestry program.

“I think anything that helps us for research in a timely manner will help us get to R1,” Schutte said. “Having access to scientists through an established partnership to be able to set up projects will be great. It’s helping with our environmental sciences program, and I think this partnership will help us flush out environmental sciences as a major here.”

Maria Schutte (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Robert Lee, former Deputy Program Manager for the SRS Forest Inventory and Analysis Program, said building positive relationships to enhance and sustain their nation’s forest ecosystems is one of the most important obligations to have. “This obligation also extends to promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce which are mutual goals of TSU and the Southern Research Station,” Lee said.

The TSU College of Agriculture is in the final stages of formalizing a partnership with the USDA Forest Service-Southern Research Station.

About USDA Forest Service

The Forest Service is an agency of the U.S. Department of Agriculture that administers the nation’s 154 national forests and 20 national grasslands. The Forest Service manages 193 million acres of land.

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TSU Forensics Team brings home 74 awards after competing at state, national championship tournaments

Submitted by TSU staff

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State University Forensics Team had a fantastic two weeks, competing at the Tennessee State Championship Tournament, and the HBCU National Competition where the team aimed to defend their three-peat national title run.

In the back-to-back weekend tournaments, the team brought home a total of 74 awards.

Tennessee State University Forensics Team competes at the Tennessee State Championship Tournament and the HBCU National Competition, winning a total of 74 awards.

 The State competition took place at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee, from Feb. 18–19. More than any other group, the team won an astonishing eight state championships out of the twelve events offered.

1st place results from TSU Forensics Team students were:

1st Place Rhetorical Criticism

Maya McClary

1st Place Prose Interpretation

Chase Garrett

1st Place Program Of Oral Interpretation

Chase Garrett

1st Place Poetry Interpretation

De’Traelyn Hubbard

1st Place Radio Broadcasting

Akyra McDougal

1st Place Duo Interpretation

Aaron Anderson & Dwight DeBerry

1st Place Dramatic Interpretation

Aaron Anderson

1st Place Top Individual Competitor

Aaron Anderson

The HBCU National Championship was held this past weekend at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia from Feb 23-28. This year’s race was extremely close, and although the team fell short by six points to Howard University, the team departed as the most decorated team with eight national championships out of the twelve events offered. See results below:

1st and 2nd place results from TSU Forensics Team students were:

1st Place Prose Interpretation

Akyra McDougal

1st Place Program of Oral Interpretation

Aaron Anderson

1st Place Poetry Interpretation

Ashlynn Freeman

1st Place Informative Speaking  

Aliyah Holmes

1st Place Duo Interpretation

Aaron Anderson & Dwight DeBerry

1st Place Dramatic Interpretation

Ayana Nicholes

1st Place Slam Poetry

Iyanna Brazzile

1st Place Overall Individual Event Sweeps

2nd Place Overall Tournament Sweepstakes

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TSU Takes 2nd Place at Honda Campus All-Star Challenge

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is heading to the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge National Championship Tournament. TSU earned the bid after its second place finish at the qualifying round held at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. 

The team placed second in the tournament defeating Florida A&M, Spelman, and Voorhees College. The team defeated Morehouse College in the playoffs and lost a very tough game to Tuskegee University. 

HCASC is a national quiz competition sponsored by American Honda for HBCUs. For more information see www.hcasc.com

The members of the team are: 

Captain Cameron Malone, Junior, Oak Ridge TN, Electrical Engineering. 

Tyler Vazquez, Sophomore, Winston-Salem, NC, Biology

Morgan Gill, Sophomore, Conyers, GA, Urban Studies

Kelley Zumwalt, Junior, Loveland, CO, History/Political Science/English. 

TSU also had a second team to compete.

Darius Coleman, Freshmen, Memphis, TN, Film and Television Production, 

Kara Simmons, Sophomore, Chicago IL, Biology

Aniya Johnson, Freshmen, Shreveport, LA, Pre-Med 

Jada Womack, Sophomore, Baton Rouge, LA, Accounting 

Journey Brinson, Freshman, Memphis, TN, Biology 

The Coach of the Team: Dr. John Miglietta, History, Political Science, Geography, and Africana Studies. 

Assistant Coach Dr. Learotha Williams, History, Political Science, Geography, and Africana Studies. 

The team is looking forward to competing at the National Championship Tournament in Torrance, CA April 15-19.

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TSU holds vigil in remembrance of earthquake victims in Turkey, Syria

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University students held a vigil on campus to remember the massive loss of their loved ones in Turkey and Syria following the devastating earthquakes on Feb. 6.

As of Feb 18, more than 44,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands injured after magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria.

More than 44,000 people have been killed and tens of thousands injured after magnitude 7.8 and 7.5 earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria. TSU students held a vigil on campus to remember the massive loss.

TSU students prayed with their fellow Turkish students and staff who are 6,000 miles away from home.

There are 15 Turkish students and approximately eight faculty members at Tennessee State University.

One of those students came to America from Turkey just six months ago. TSU freshman Berk Arapgirlioglu came to TSU with a music scholarship, and said he is distraught bythe great loss of victims from his country.

“People should be grateful for every second of their life … you can easily lose your loved ones in any situation,” Arapgirlioglu said. “Hopefully, all my family and relatives are okay,” he said as of Feb. 15. “But I know some friends who lost their houses.”

Berk Arapgirlioglu, left, and Tuna Kurucu. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Another Turkish immigrant at TSU, Tuna Kurucu, said he is devastated and prayed hope that his family and friends are safe.

“I feel devastated and sad,” Kurucu said. “It is the biggest disaster of this century and Turkey has declared a fourth level of emergency accepting any international help.”

Although Kurucu, who is a freshman at the university, said he is in shock about the earthquake’s impact, he is grateful for the support he has at TSU.

“I am actually happy at this moment because I feel supported by all of the TSU students, my friends and professors here,” Kurucu said during the campus vigil.

Engin Ayvaz, a Turkish native who is the Director of the Intensive English Center at TSU said the outpour of solidarity and affection across the world has touched the Turkish community.

Director of the Intensive English Center Engin Ayvaz during a local news interview at TSUs vigil held in honor of Turkey and Syria earthquake victims. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“For the past ten days its been a whirlwind of emotions for all of us,” Ayvaz said. “Thank you all for being here today, it means a lot. TSU is our home away home.”

The Executive Director for International Affairs, Dr. Jewell Winn said the local community is heartbroken.

“We will continue to keep our students, faculty and staff who have family in the region in our thoughts and prayers,” Winn said. “The international community has poured aid into the area, and we will support the endeavor through providing links to make donations.”

Weeks after the earthquake, crews are still pulling survivors from the rubble and the death toll continues to raise.

Visit the university’s official Linktree account to find links to donate for disaster relief for Turkey and Syria.

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TSU, World Bank Group enter knowledge and talent-sharing alliance to benefit students, faculty

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is partnering with the World Bank Group in a knowledge and talent-sharing alliance that will provide career and research opportunities for TSU students and faculty. The World Bank Group HBCU Alliance, which also includes five other historically black colleges and universities, says the goal is to advance “a more inclusive and sustainable social and economic development” between the bank and the six institutions.

President Glenda Glover welcomes Dr. Bah-Shen Turkel Welch, Liaison of the World Bank Group HBCU Alliance. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Under the alliance, TSU students and those from the other institutions will be opened to internship and career opportunities. Faculty will receive research opportunities, as well as stipends for those interested in incorporating the bank’s content into their courses and/or project-based research and community studies.

On Feb.7, a delegation of four experts from the World Bank Group visited TSU and met with officials, students, and faculty during a gathering in the Forum. The visitors made presentations about the work of the bank and discussed the critical role TSU and the other HBCUs can play in helping the World Bank solve some of the world’s global challenges, such as extreme poverty, hunger, and promoting shared prosperity.

Nathaelle Georges

“We are happy to welcome the World Bank Group to our campus,” said TSU President Glenda Glover, who was part of the initial meeting last year to discuss the formation of the alliance. On Sept. 23, President Glover and the presidents of Claflin, Clark Atlanta, Howard, Jackson State, and Xavier Universities met in Washington, D.C., and signed the agreement. 

 “We are so happy they chose TSU as part of the alliance that consists of six HBCUs. We are very happy about this opportunity that will give our students internships, scholarships, and career opportunities in all disciplines, and expose our faculty to world-class research that will provide critical answers and solutions to some of the world’s global challenges.”

Dr. Bah-Shen Turkel Welch, liaison of the World Bank Group HBCU Alliance, thanked President Glover for her role in making the WBG-HBCU Alliance a reality.

Rashad Dawson

“We wanted Madam President (Glover) at the table. Tennessee State University is really on the move under her leadership,” Welch said. “Our goal was to identify partners who understand the mission and focus of what we are doing, and we know TSU is ready.”

She said the focus of the alliance is internships and career and exposure to World Bank Group knowledge sharing between personnel and faculty in a “symbiotics “relationship. “This gives students and faculty an option for research while giving students the capacity to see other careers,” she said.

Nathaelle Georges, a biology major from Atlanta; and Rashad Dawson, a business administration major with a concentration in human resources, were among several students who attended the World Bank Group presentation. Before the briefing, neither one had heard much about the World Bank and its work.

Stevan Jackson, Senior External Affairs Officer of the World Bank Group, makes a presentation before student and faculty in the Forum. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“These experts being on our campus today opened my eyes into the World Bank and about career choices in a place I never thought of,” said Georges, a sophomore. “As someone who wants to go into the medical field, some of the things they talked about align well with my career goals.”

Dawson, a freshman from Milwaukee, added, “Absolutely, I am open to seeking career opportunities with the World Bank.  With my concentration in human resources, I think they would be a perfect fit for me.”

Dr. Mohamed Kanu, professor of public health and associate dean of the College of Health Sciences, teaches a course in global health. He said “there is a lot of interest” in what the World Bank is offering, especially with opportunities abroad.

“Students want to explore beyond the shores of the United States,” he said. “What I want to do is to have an opportunity to write or apply for a grant through the World Bank that will allow me to involve my students so that I can take them to places outside of the U.S. to see the prospects and possibilities that are out there.”

Earlier, Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Philips, campus representative for the World Bank Group HBCU Alliance, said the university attaches great importance to the visit of World Bank Group delegation, and the benefits students and faculty will gain through the alliance.

‘We prepare you (students) for the world and we help to open your minds and hearts to the level of impact you can make globally,” Nicholas-Philips said. “We hope that by the end of the presentation today, your minds will be opened to the many possibilities and opportunities this alliance offers.”

Other members of the World Bank Group delegation who spoke or presented at Tuesday’s program were: Stevan Jackson, senior external affairs officer; Sophie Rabuku, senior executive assistant; and Dr. Mary Oluseyi Zackius-Shittu, senior human resource business partner.For more information on the World Bank Group HBCU Alliance, contact Dr. Arlene Nicholas -Philips at (615) 963-7427.

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A Black History Month Exclusive: TSU to host world-renowned, Oscar award-winning production designer Hannah Beachler

As the first African American woman to win an Oscar for production design, Beachler’s projects include Marvel’s Black Panther films, along with Beyoncé Knowles- Carter’s Lemonade, Black Is King and On The Run Tour II.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –  As Tennessee State University continues to observe Black History Month, the University is pleased to announce the upcoming visit of Oscar winning and trailblazing production designer Hannah Beachler. TSU students will learn about Beachler’s road to success and her experiences, as she defied the odds while redefining the art of production design in Hollywood and around the world. TSU will host A Conversation of Excellence with Hannah Beachler, Tuesday, February 21, 2023, at noon in the Robert Murrell Form in the Student Center. The event is free and open to all students.

Check out some of Beachler’s credits from Beyonce’s visual album and musical film.

“TSU is excited to welcome Ms. Hannah Beachler to our campus and it comes at a most ideal time, as we join the nation in celebrating the monumental and global impact that so many African Americans have made to society,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.

“This is a special and unique moment for the University to be able to give our students exposure to an internationally acclaimed artist, who is African American and female. Our students can’t help but to be inspired and see themselves in her.”

Check out some of Beachler’s credits from Marvel’s Black Panther.

In 2019, Beachler became the first African American woman to be nominated and win an Academy Award for Best Production Design for her designs and visuals on Marvel’s Black Panther. She has also collaborated with global icon Beyoncé Knowles-Carter on several projects, including the visual album Lemonade, On The Run Tour II and the highly acclaimed visuals for her musical film Black Is King in 2020.

Beachler is the first ever female production designer of a Marvel film franchise and has been responsible for multimillion-dollar art budgets. After becoming an academy award winner, she returned to Marvel for its highly anticipated sequel, Marvel’s Black Panther Wakanda Forever. The Black Panther franchise box office receipts have grossed over $2.1 billion worldwide to date. She is also an art director, known for her work in the 2016 film Moonlight and The Lion King in 2019.

Previously, the Ohio native has collaborated with filmmaker Ryan Coogler on Creed, the spinoff from the Rocky film series starring Michael B. Jordan. Her many credits also include Academy Award winning director Steven Soderbergh’s No Sudden Move, Todd Haynes’ docu-narrative feature film Dark Waters and The Collaboration, an unreleased film directed by Kwame Kwei-Armah.

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TSU hosts Aristocrat of Bands parade to celebrate historic Grammy win 

Tennessee State University is hosting a parade celebration in honor of the Aristocrat of Bands historic Grammy win!

The AOB made history as the first collegiate marching band to win the music industry’s highest honor for Best Roots Gospel Album, The Urban Hymnal, at the 65th annual ceremony on February 5.

The public is asked to help celbrate the Grammy award-winning marching band this Friday at noon with a parade celebration. 

The parade will began at the TSU entrance (28th Avenue & Jefferson.)

Along with the AOB, President Glenda Glover, Nashville Mayor John Cooper, State Representative Harold Love Jr. State Senator Charlane Oliver and Councilperson Brandon Taylor will be present.

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Students inspired, seek opportunity during 2023 TSU Day at the Capitol

 NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University turned the State Capitol blue for the 2023 TSU Day at the Capitol. Students, staff, administrators, alumni and faculty got a chance to speak with lawmakers and showcase many of TSU’s excellent academic programs. 

The University’s day at the capitol included nearly 100 TSU students, like TSU freshman Kindall Miller, who volunteered by delivering gift bags to lawmakers. What Miller didn’t expect was to visit the capitol for the first time ever and leave with a huge opportunity. 

TSU freshman Kindall Miller and Senator Brent Taylor

“I met Senator Brent Taylor and he was very kind …  saying he would be excited to work with me in the Fall,” Miller said. Taylor’s assistant followed up and gave the Alabama native an internship application for an opportunity to work in their office at the capitol next semester. Miller, who is studying social work manifested this internship opportunity as she hopes to one day become a legislation policy analyst, she said. Miller also noted that she enjoyed TSU President Glenda Glover speech during the kick-off event.

 “This has become one of the university’s most successful outreach programs as we take the opportunity to share with lawmakers the great things that are taking place at TSU,” President Glover said. From groundbreaking research projects to major campus infrastructure, Glover talked about how pristine the university programs are and thanked lawmakers who have been present and continue to provide for TSU every day.

“We take a little and produce the greatest people in the world.”

TSU President Glenda Glover said the Dat at the Capitol is an opportunity to share with lawmakers the great things that are taking place at the university.

During the event students also listened to inspiring words from freshman Senator Charlane Oliver, State Representatives Harold Love Jr. and Antonio Parkinson, TSU alumna Sandra Hunt and student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees Shaun Wimberly Jr.

Senator Oliver said she is proud of TSU students and their academic journey so far.

“I want to congratulate each and every one of you for making it to where you are in life as a Black student,” Oliver said. “If you look around, it’s not too many of us up here. We need to see you more. Walk with that true blue pride today in the halls of power.”

Students, staff, administrators, alumni and faculty gathered for the 2023 Day at the Capitol.

While Senator Oliver gave the students encouraging words, TSU alumnus Harold Love Jr. told everyone that his alma mater is a leading university to train and transform society. “One of the goals of the day on the hill is to let legislators know what is going on at your university,” 

Love told the students. “Let them know about the great work, your classes, professors, and what needs there may be to help make your institution better to go from a R2 to R1 level.”

A key part of TSU’s day on the hill was the opportunity to showcase the university’s diverse research and academic offerings, TSU junior Davin Latiker, said his Day at the Capitol was a great experience and that he admired seeing African American lawmakers and alumni represent.  

TSU students got a chance to showcase many of the university excellent academic programs. 

“Seeing senators and representatives work behind the scenes and witness how much they care about the students meant a lot to me,” said Latiker, a junior mass communication major from Chicago.”

“My favorite part was seeing my fellow peers excitement and being in the presence of people who make a difference. This can be my reality.”

This year marks the 8th celebration of the Day at the Capitol. The community hasn’t attended a TSU Day at the Capitol since early 2020, due to the pandemic.