NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Student leader and public policy advocate Olivia Blauser has been appointed to serve as the student trustee on the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees. Recommended by TSU President Dwayne Tucker, Blauser’s appointment to a one-year term was announced during the Board’s meeting on June 30.
“Olivia Blauser embodies the leadership, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to service that define Tennessee State University,” said President Tucker. “Her extensive background in policy, paired with her deep connections to campus life, makes her an exceptional choice to represent our student body. I am confident she will bring thoughtful perspective and dedicated leadership to the Board.”
Blauser, a senior double major in political science and urban studies, with extensive experience in student government and public service, considers serving on the Board an honor and the fulfillment of a longtime goal. She is a native of Oil City, Pennsylvania.
“I was honestly shocked,” Blauser said. “It’s always been kind of a dream of mine to serve in this position.”
Having served on the Student Trustee Committee during her first year at TSU, Blauser gained firsthand insight into board governance while learning from previous student trustees. Outside the classroom, she has cultivated an impressive track record in public policy. A 2026 Harry S. Truman Scholarship Finalist, her experience includes serving as a Public Policy & International Affairs Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Junior Summer Institute, a Fellow with the Niskanen Center Summer Institute, and an intern in the office of Metro Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell.
Additionally, she served as a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Intern for U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II, a Her Bold Move Future Leaders Fellow, and an African American Mayors Association Kevin Johnson Presidential Scholar. On campus, Blauser serves as 1st Vice-President of the Alpha Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Secretary of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, and a member of the TSU Honors College and Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society.
Board Chairman Dakasha Winton praised the appointment, noting the vital role student governance plays in shaping university decision-making.
“We are thrilled to welcome Trustee Blauser to the Board,” said Chairman Winton. “Student leadership is critical to our governance structure, ensuring that the student perspective remains at the heart of our mission. Olivia’s proven dedication to policy advocacy and her passion for community engagement will make her a strong, impactful voice for her peers.”
As student trustee, Blauser views her role as a vital bridge between the student body and university leadership.
“I want to help translate what happens in the boardroom into language that’s accessible and meaningful for students,” she said. “Sometimes the language and processes of governance can feel disconnected from the campus community. I want students to understand what’s happening and know their voices are being represented.”
She emphasizes that her core responsibility is being a trusted advocate for all TSU students.
“You can’t always make everyone happy,” Blauser said. “But my goal is to listen, understand different perspectives, and advocate for what’s in the best interest of both our students and the university. We all want Tennessee State University to continue thriving for generations to come.”
To strengthen engagement, Blauser plans to expand communication through social media updates, student-friendly meeting summaries, and face-to-face forums. She also intends to revive the Student Trustee Committee.
Featured Photo: As Student Trustee, Olivia Blauser plans to strengthen engagement by expanding communications through social media, student-friendly meeting summaries, face-to-face forums, as well as revive the Student Trustee Committee. (Submitted Photo)
About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.
