NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee
State University will recognize its best and brightest students at the annual
Honors Day Convocation in Kean Hall on Tuesday, March 26.
State Sen. Raumesh
Akbari, of the 29th District, will be the keynote speaker.
About 2,340
students with grade point averages of 3.0 or higher will be recognized. Of that
number, 283 are on the President’s List. These students have maintained a 4.0
GPA throughout their matriculation, according to Dr. Coreen Jackson, interim
dean of the Honors College.
Some of the students, administrators and staff of the Honors College celebrate during the recent Honors Week observance on campus. (Submitted Photo)
TSU President
Glenda Glover, faculty, and administrators will be on hand to congratulate
the honors students.
Akbari, formerly a member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for the 91st district, is a member of the Senate Commerce and Labor, Energy, Agriculture and Natural Resources, and Ethics Committees. She also serves as 2nd Vice-Chair of the Senate Education Committee.
A graduate of
Washington University and the Saint Louis University School of Law, Akbari is
chair of the Senate Democratic Caucus; treasurer of the National Black Caucus
of State Legislators (NBCSL), a state director within Women in Government, and
financial secretary of the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative
Women.
She has received
several honors and awards from the Council of State Governments and its
affiliated Southern Leadership Conference, Leadership Memphis, Leadership
Tennessee, the National Council of State Legislatures, and the State
Legislative Leaders Foundation.
In 2016, the
Democratic National Committee invited Akbari to speak at the Democratic
National Convention in Philadelphia.
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
With more than 7,000 students, Tennessee State University is
Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban,
co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree
programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Political commentator and analyst Angela Rye served as the special guest for this year’s Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner at Tennessee State University, as part of the TSU Women’s Center’s effort to celebrate Women’s History Month.
Rye, who offers regular on-air commentary for several media outlets including BET, CNN, MSNBC, and TV One, spoke briefly from the podium and then participated in a seated interview-style presentation. She answered questions from various attendees, including TSU President Glenda Glover and addressed several issues, such as affirmative action, the legitimacy of legacy admissions and the need for a black agenda.
“I want to help establish what a black agenda should look like,
not just for 2020, but ongoing,” Rye said.
“Do you all know that before the Emancipation Proclamation, every year
black folks met to talk about our political agenda? The last time we did that
collectively, where there was a lot of attention drawn to it, was in 1972 in
Gary, Indiana.”
During a light-hearted moment towards the end of the
conversation, Glover suggested a petition be started for Rye to run for
president. She encouraged the audience
with the chant, “Run! Angie Run! Run! Angie Run!”
Angela Rye
“You want me to run right out that door,” Rye jokingly replied.
Seanne Wilson, chairperson of the event, which took place in
Kean Hall Auditorium, said the annual awards dinner raises money for student
scholarships and highlights the careers of women she hopes her students will
emulate.
“As we know, this is the year of the woman, and women are being
more vocal, and we are owning who we are. It’s very important with us
attempting to educate these young ladies, that they are aware of opportunities
and not afraid to speak out and to speak up for their rights,” said Wilson, who
serves as coordinator of the TSU Women’s Center.
According to Wilson, the center is a “safe zone” for women at TSU who experience issues such as fear, anxiety and depression, as well as domestic violence, homelessness and the lack of food.
Lyric Carter, a freshman civil engineering major who serves as a work-study student for the Women’s Center, said she was inspired by Rye’s comments.
” If we don’t speak for us, who is going to speak for us,” Carter said.
Vivian Wilhoite, Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County property accessor and a former Women of Legend and Merit honoree, said the event is important because it celebrates the women.
“We do not do enough to recognize women in the various areas of
the world, whether it be in business or leadership or government or strong
women committed to different topics and issues,” she said. “I really think there are so many women doing
so many different things, and we really cannot do enough to honor them.”
Several women where
honored during this year’s event including: Veronica Marable Johnson,
Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce New Member Representative; Dr. Robbie
Melton, TSU interim dean of the Graduate School; Karen Johnson, Davidson County
Register of Deeds; Attorney Cynthia Fitzgerald; Attorney Joy Kimbrough; Dr.
Judy Cummings, Pastor of New Covenant Christian Church; and Zaya Mouto, a
sophomore Business Administration major who received the “Rising Star” Award.
Editor’s Note: Featured photo by Ramona Whitworth Wiggins
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
With more than 7,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. 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.
NASHVILLE,
Tenn. (TSU News
Service) – Hundreds of students and parents are expected to attend Spring
Preview Day 2019 at Tennessee State University on April
13, organizers say.
The Office of
Enrollment Management and Student Success says high school seniors and
juniors from across the nation will attend the one-day event in the
Floyd-Payne Campus Center. Last year, more than 800 attended Spring Preview
Day.
TSU staff, right, talk to visiting students and parents about the university’s offerings and programs during Spring Preview 2018. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)
The visiting
students and their parents and relatives – from about 15 states including,
California, Texas, Michigan, Illinois and Wisconsin – will have the opportunity
to see the campus during springtime, as well as acquaint them with the
university’s offerings and admission processes.
Activities for the
visitors, according to organizers, will also include meetings with academic departments,
TSU student organizations, campus tours, entertainment by the world-renowned
Aristocrat of Bands, and the Big Blue Tiger Spring Blue & White
Football Game in Hale Stadium.
“Spring Preview Day
will be an opportunity for students to come, meet and greet professors and
administrators at TSU to get a feel for what it means to be a student
here,” says Terrence Izzard, associate vice president for Enrollment Management
and Student Success. “Most of all, we want to inspire them to continue their
academic pursuits and make TSU their choice.”
Spring Preview Day 2019 comes on the heels of “Experience TSU,” another innovative recruitment campaign that will soon kick off in three major markets – Memphis, March 27; Chattanooga, March 30; and Birmingham, April 6. The aim is to meet students where they are.
TSU President
Glenda Glover is leading the campaign to meet prospective students
face-to-face to ensure their commitment to attend TSU.
These recruitment
efforts follow sweeping changes Glover announced in 2016 that raised admission
standards, as the university moved to increase retention and graduation
rates. Minimum requirements for incoming freshmen went up from a 2.25
GPA to 2.5, while the ACT score remained at 19.
Izzard
said “Experience TSU” is a way of “personally congratulating these
students for applying and being accepted” to TSU.
“We look forward to
personally welcoming these students and their parents to
our campus to let them know of all the wonderful opportunities to grow and
learn while here at Tennessee State University,” says Izzard.
Spring Preview Day will kick off at 10 a.m. in Kean Hall. For more information, go to http://www.tnstate.edu/emss/
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
With more than 7,000 students, Tennessee State University is
Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban,
co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree
programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The U.S.
Army’s top research officer says Tennessee State University is engaged in
research that could be beneficial to the nation’s military.
Dr. Philip Perconti, director of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Research Laboratory, made the comment during a one-day visit to TSU on March 14, with members of his directorate to discuss areas of potential research collaboration that could help the military.
Dr. Philip Perconti, Director of the Army Research Laboratory, makes a presentation to TSU faculty, graduate students, and visiting researchers and experts from the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command. (Photo by Reginald Cannon)
“There is a vast
array of research here, much of it in line with some of the priorities of the U.S.
Department of Defense and the Army in particular,” he said. “I was particularly
excited to see some work in infrared detector materials and modeling and things
of that sort.”
Perconti and his
team, including Dr. Jaret C. Riddick, director of Vehicle Technology
Directorate of the Army Combat Capabilities Command, saw presentations on
cutting-edge research, toured research facilities, and held discussions with
top TSU research officials, faculty and their graduate students.
They also made
presentations in areas of needs that could be aligned with the university’s
capabilities.
“We are extremely
excited to have Dr. Perconti and members of his research directorate on our
campus,” said Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young, vice president for Research and
Institutional Advancement. “It is even more exciting to have them recognize
that – by seeing our presentations, listening to our faculty, being in
our laboratories – that we are doing cutting-edge research that fits within
their needs and that’s going to help to provide outstanding, innovative new solutions.”
Branndon Jones, a
graduate student in mechanical engineering, attended the discussion with his
professor, Dr. Amir Shirkhoadaie, who was one of the TSU presenters.
Jones said the
discussions and responses of the visitors were very encouraging for “a young
researcher like me.”
“A meeting like
this justifies the work you are doing, because for the most part, you
show up in the lab and you stay there all day to find outcome,” said Jones,
whose research is in remote sensing and virtual environment for object
detection. “But you come to a gathering like this and see that the
research you are doing actually has real-world problems and examples
that you are working toward.”
Riddick said
there is an opportunity for Army science and technology to interface with the
“very critical areas of research here at TSU.”
“Talent management
is one of the priorities of the Secretary of the Army as we go into this
transformation into Army futures command,” he said. “So if we can look for
innovative partners, in terms of developing talents and developing work
force, this will be key for the Army in reaching some of the future objectives
we have for war fighters of the future.”
As a result of the visit, a TSU faculty, Dr. Kevin Santiago, research assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering, was offered a full faculty fellowship to work with the Army Research Laboratory. He was also invited to bring a graduate student with him.
“TSU has provided
me with many opportunities in my short time here, and my goal is to pass
those opportunities down to the students,” Santiago said.
Crumpton-Young paid special tribute to Maj. Gen. Cedric T. Wins, head of the U.S. Army’s Research, Development and Engineering Command, whose visit to TSU in 2017, she said, paved the way for the March 14 visit.
“I am thankful to the entire team for organizing the visit, but I am also thankful to Maj. Gen. Wins who visited our campus several years ago and really talked about how we should engage more individuals with diversity of thoughts,” Crumpton-Young said.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
With more than 7,000 students, Tennessee State University is
Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban,
co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree
programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Political Commentator and Analyst Angela Rye will serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner at Tennessee State University on March 19 as part of the TSU Women’s Center’s effort to celebrate Women’s History Month.
Rye, who offers regular on-air commentary for several media outlets including BET, CNN, MSNBC, and TV One, will speak about “Making An Impact Economically, Civically, and Politically.” The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Kean Hall on the main campus.
Seanne Wilson, chairperson of the event, which raises money for student scholarships, said she hopes Rye’s visit will inspire young women at TSU to be more aware of the power of their voice.
“As we know, this is the year of the woman, and women are being more vocal and we are owning who we are. It’s very important with us attempting to educate these young ladies, that they are aware of opportunities and not afraid to speak out and to speak up for their rights,” said Wilson, who serves as coordinator of the TSU Women’s Center.
Wilson said an increasing number of young women in the Nashville community have expressed interest in attending this year’s event because of Rye.
“I think that a lot of women, whether they are in politics or not, will feel coached and mentored by her, or feel empowered by her. And empowering women is something that the Women’s Center attempts to do,” Wilson said. “There are so many people out there who are interested in how we have gotten into this political climate. How did we get here? And how do we fix the problems that we see?”
According to Wilson, the Women’s Center is a “safe zone” for women at TSU who experience issues such as fear, anxiety and depression, as well as domestic violence, homelessness and the lack of food. She said this year for Women’s History Month, the Women’s Center hopes to inspire students by bringing numerous professional women to campus, including judges, political figures, entrepreneurs, chief executive officers, and international women of distinction.
Several women will be honored during this year’s event including: Veronica Marable Johnson, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce New Member Representative; Dr. Robbie Melton, TSU interim dean of the Graduate School; Karen Johnson, Davidson County Register of Deeds; Attorney Cynthia Fitzgerald; Attorney Joy Kimbrough; Dr. Judy Cummings, Pastor of New Covenant Christian Church; and Zaya Mouto, a sophomore Business Administration major who will receive the “Rising Star” Award.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s College of Engineering is ramping up its recruitment efforts for graduate students and has scholarship dollars to seal the deal. The increase in scholarship offers is courtesy of a $1 million grant from the National Science Foundation to support graduate students.
The
award, “Scholarships To Attract and Retain Students (STARS) in Graduate
Engineering and Computer Science Programs,” will provide 30 scholarships to
students who are pursuing master’s degrees in engineering or computer
science over five years.
Dr.
S. Keith Hargrove, dean of the College of Engineering, said the scholarship
program will support the College’s effort to
recruit and grow the graduate programs in engineering and computer science.
He said the funds should be available by May 1 and that scholarships will likely start being awarded this summer to students in and outside of Tennessee. Applications will be reviewed by the College of Engineering. Hargrove said applicants will be evaluated on their grade point average (at least 3.4), research interest, and their discipline.
“We are strategically focused to increase our enrollment through the graduate program and increase our research activities in advanced materials, cybersecurity, and data sciences and analytics,” said Hargrove. “We recently reformed our graduate degree programs in engineering, and this funding will allow us to recruit talented students to pursue a master’s in engineering or computer science.”
As
part of the college’s strategic plan, the goal is to increase graduate
enrollment by at least 25 percent in areas of research.
In
addition to financial support, the program will include cohort-building
activities, graduate student support services, seminars, summer internships,
and mentorship.
Dr.
Frances Williams, the project’s Principal Investigator (PI) and associate dean,
said the “measures are crucial in providing for recruitment, retention, and
graduation of graduate students.“
“This
is imperative as the United States is faced with a human resource challenge in
its need to produce more domestic scientific and engineering talent with
advanced competencies,” she said.
In
addition to Williams and Hargrove, the project team includes, Dr. Catherine Armwood-Gordon,
TSU assistant professor of Civil and Architectural Engineering; and Dr. Ebony
O. McGee of Vanderbilt University.
“I would like to
personally thank the strong support of Vice President Lesia Crumpton-Young,
Director Phyllis Danner, and the entire (TSU) office team of the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs,”
said Hargrove.
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
With more than 7,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University mass communication students got a special treat in Los Angeles recently when they visited the home of music legend Lionel Richie.
The students were in L.A. as part of their Extreme Spring Break trip. Joining the students was Joe Richie, who serves as Director of the Center for Media Arts and Production, which is housed within the Department of Communications. Joe Richie and Lionel Richie are first cousins.
Joe Richie (right) and cousin Lionel. (Submitted photo)
Lionel
Richie talked to the students about the media business and how to make the most
of their talents and gifts, according to Dr. Tameka Winston, department chair
and associate professor.
“Our students had an amazing time during their immersive learning experience,” she said.
As
part of Extreme Spring Break, students earn course credit for the week-long experience
that provides them with actual hands on learning in the fields of journalism, film
and Television, and Marketing/PR.
The
students also get one-on-one time with industry professionals, diversity
officers, internship coordinators, and hiring managers.
Winston
said she hopes the students will have the same success as those who have
graduated from the department.
Spencer
Glover, a 2012 TSU graduate, took home the Emmy editing/program during the 33rd
Annual Midsouth Regional Emmy Awards on Feb. 16. He was awarded for his work on
“The Passion for Music,” a production for Yamaha Entertainment Group.
“We
are so excited when our students and faculty are awarded for their hard work
and excelling in their profession,” said Winston.
Also
at the awards ceremony, Airielle Vincent, an assistant professor of mass
communications, won her second Emmy as weekend newscast producer with Fox 17.
She was recognized for a story on a church shooting.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State University Honors College recently hosted 31 high achieving students from Nashville’s Hillsboro High School as part of TSU Honors Week celebration.
Dr. Frances Williams, Associate Dean of the College of Engineering, holds a discussion with visiting Hillsboro High School students. (Submitted Photo)
The Honors College and Hillsboro High are partners in a two-year exceptional student acceleration program called IBDP, or Academy of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, that nurtures students to excel in higher education.
Participants in IBDP are top juniors and seniors who take advanced placement and honors courses in the 9th and 10 grades to prepare them for IB-level classes in the 11th and 12th grades.
Dr. Coreen Jackson,
interim dean of the Honors College, said the visit of the high school students
allowed them to interact and exchange notes with TSU Honors students, as well
as expose the visitors to the university’s programs and offerings.
“We are delighted to have these top students from Hillsboro High visit our campus and to interact with the best among our students,” said Jackson, who also serves on the advisory board of the Hillsboro High School IB program. “I think having many more partnerships like this with more high schools in the city would help to create a pipeline for increased enrollment into the myriad of majors at TSU.”
Visiting Hillsboro High School students take part in an exercise. (Submitted Photo)
Among activities
for the day was “Real Talk,” a panel discussion about college life and advanced
learning.
“Do you all have tutoring and personal help here?” a Hillsboro High student, who wants to major in biology, asked. Another was concerned about how honors students fit in and how they are viewed on campus. They were informed about the many tutoring and mentoring programs available to students, and the friendly learning environment on campus.
“I am from India, and
even though it was a huge cultural shock, Tennessee State University has made
me feel more than welcome,” said Abhilasha
Vishwanath, a senior psychology major and Honors student with a
4.0 grade point average. “I play tennis for the university, work in the bookstore,
I am part of several organizations, serve on the Honors Council, and I’ve never
felt out of place.”
Following the panel discussion, the students were divided into groups according to their academic career interest and dialogued with faculty and staff from engineering, business, liberal arts, education, and life and physical sciences disciplines. Everett Jolly, TSU director of recruitment; Kristin Gray, director of the First-Year Experience; and Barbara Kannard, coordinator for Student Success Initiative, also met and spoke with the visitors.
Barbara Kannard, TSU Coordinator of Student Success Initiative, talks to Hillsboro High School students about opportunities at the university. (Submitted Photo)
Dr. Kenyae L.
Reese, Academy principal at Hillsboro High, who accompanied the students, said
the visit was very rewarding.
“The faculty and
staff of the Hillsboro High School Academy of International Baccalaureate
Diploma Programme is delighted to partner with the TSU Honors College in
creating exceptional experiences for advanced academic students,” Reese said.
“The experiential learning trip to celebrate Honors College Week at TSU was
both informative and inspiring in scope. The students reported being most
excited to learn from the Honors College students and professors and other
professionals who provided valuable advice.”
Earlier, TSU
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. John Robinson, joined
Jackson to welcome the Hillsboro High School students.
“This is our time
to change the narrative, assist our recruiters, and utilize our high achieving
students to tell our story that TSU is truly the place to be,” Jackson said.
On March 26, TSU
will celebrate its best and brightest students when the university holds its
annual Honors Day Convocation in Kean Hall.
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
With more than 7,000 students, Tennessee State University is
Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban,
co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree
programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Kayla McCrary
is an author!
Her children’s
book, “Dream Girl, Dream!,” with illustrations by Brandon Van Leer, just came out
and it is receiving wide acclaim.
“Writing has always
been my first love and it’s always something I wanted to do,” she says. “So
when I found the inspiration, I said I really want to write a children’s book.”
“Dream Girl,
Dream,” based on personal experiences, courage and an effort to inspire young
kids to be their best, comes amid personal tragedy and the need for strength to
move on.
Now a graduating
senior and president of the Student Government Association at Tennessee State
University, McCrary lost her mother in the first semester of her freshman year
at TSU. Her mother’s death also meant becoming the sole mother figure for her
then 5-year-old sister, Regan Christian. Devastated, lost and confused,
McCrary says she was torn between dropping out and trying to help her
sister cope with the aftermath of their mother’s passing.
“It was hard,”
says McCrary, an Atlanta native. “Losing our mother at such an early
age for my little sister, and me just starting in college, was
very difficult for me. She was our biggest support and friend. I thought,
how is my sister going to make it and how can I concentrate on school when she
needs me?”
Surprisingly,
McCrary says her sister showed remarkable resolve and strength that “shocked
me.”
“At the time
my sister was five and she was literally so strong,” says McCrary, who majors
in English with a minor in political science. “She is what kept me together,
and helped me get through a lot of things. Seeing her, I realized I had to be
the role model, and I had to raise her. She looks to me now. Everything I do is
to show her that if I can do it, she can do it too.”
Kayla McCrary says her dream is to become a renowned author, philosopher, attorney and humanitarian. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)
Unlike McCrary, who struggles in math and does well in reading, her sister is the opposite. That parallel, she says, is one of the main inspirations behind “Dream Girl, Dream!”
“For me, growing
up, I struggled in math. Reading and language arts were my strongest subjects.
For her, she excels in math, but she doesn’t do too well in reading. I
think it is mainly because she just doesn’t like reading. So, I figure if I
wrote a book, she would be inspired to want to read it. And she has read it and
does have copies of it. Her reading has improved. Reading the book I think has
inspired her. She told our dad – Reginald Christian – the other day, ‘It’s not
fair, sister gets to have a book and a YouTube channel.’ So, I am definitely
teaching her how to go after everything she wants. I think she is getting it.,”
says McCrary.
With a goal of
pursuing graduate studies or entering law school after college, McCrary says in
addition to her sister, the book is about inspiring children, “especially
children of color, …and about the HBCU experience.” Her aspiration is to be a
world-renowned author, philosopher, attorney and humanitarian.
“Dream Girl, Dream!” is mainly a story of inspiration,” she says. “Sometimes in life you go through things that are just not expected, and a lot of things are out of your control. So I want them to know, ‘No matter what your current circumstances are, dream as big as you want to. If your dreams don’t scare you then they are not big enough.’ To some people, writing a children’s book may not seem like a big thing, but for me, it’s everything because I can’t believe I actually did it.”
Angelique Wells, a
junior psychology major at TSU, who has faced some difficulties of her own, has
read McCrary’s book.
“It is definitely a great read and inspiring,” says Wells, of Nashville, who has known McCrary since entering TSU. “Throughout Kayla’s hardship she still persevered and continued to go on and become president of the SGA and stay active in her college career. That is an inspiration to me because without knowing, she has inspired me to go after a few things. It is a great book. I recommend it to all ages.”
For Van Leer, a TSU graduate and local artist who did the illustration for “Dream Girl, Dream,” working with McCrary was a “professional fulfillment.”
“Kayla approached
me after school got out. I had never done a project like this before, but
knowing me, I was not good at saying no,” says. Van Leer, known for painting
likenesses of individuals like the late world-renowned heart surgeon Dr. Levi
Watkins, Jr., and civil rights leader Jesse Jackson.
“I just wanted to
take on the project because I love Kayla’s story,” he says. “I love what she
was doing. We are both African-Americans, we are both at the same institution
(at the time) and we are just doing something positive for the community. Her
story was great, and it was a children’s book. You don’t really see that many
African-Americans working together. The story was touching and I was just
honored by it.”
“Dream Girl Dream!” is available in paperback on Amazon and Google Books.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
With more than 7,000 students, Tennessee State University is
Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban,
co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree
programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Department
of Communications at Tennessee State University was well represented at the
33rd Annual Midsouth Regional Emmy Awards on Feb. 16.
A professor and a
former student walked away with Emmys for their work in news and entertainment.
Prof. Airielle Vincent
Airielle Vincent, an assistant professor of mass communications, won her second Emmy as weekend newscast producer with FOX 17. She was recognized for a story on church shooting.
Spencer Glover, who graduated from TSU in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in mass communications, took home the Emmy for editing/program. He was awarded for his work on “The Passion for Music,” a production for Yamaha Entertainment Group.
“We are so excited
when our students and faculty are awarded for their hard work and excelling in
their profession,” said Dr. Tameka Winston, department chair and associate
professor. “It is our desire to see them graduate, follow their dreams and be
recognized on such a prestigious level.”
The Emmy Awards,
organized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences, recognizes
excellence in television for news and documentary, sports, daytime
entertainment, daytime creative arts and entertainment, public and community
service, and technology and engineering.
Spencer Glover
Cara Anthony, a
2010 TSU graduate, who works for “The Belleville News Democrat,” was also
nominated in 2018 for a Mid-America Emmy. Her Emmy nomination was the first in
the News-Democrat’s 160-year history.
Winning at the
Emmys is not new to the TSU Department of Communications. In 2012, Assistant
Professor Erik Werner won for promotional producing.
“The department is
dedicated to producing award-winning industry professionals and employing
top-notch leaders in the field,” said Professor Karen D. Russell, mass
communications coordinator and professor of multimedia journalism. “We are
very proud of our outstanding alumni and professors.”
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
With more than 7,000 students, Tennessee State University is
Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban,
co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree
programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. 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.
