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Academic honors grow as TSU strengthens student success

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University students are proving that academic excellence is not just a goal, but a standard. Last semester, more than half of TSU’s full-time undergraduates earned a spot on the Dean’s List, which requires a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. The achievement reflects a steady rise in student success over the past two years.

Breyana Brown

For seniors like Breyana Brown, the recognition reflects both personal effort and TSU’s strong support systems. A Memphis native and a pre-med biology major, Brown said she experienced a major turnaround in her sophomore year, after a big drop in her grades the previous year. “I made an academic comeback,” she said. “I got set up with my academic coach at the time and she talked to me about what to do next and how to elevate my academic experience and grades.”

Brown, who earned all A’s over the summer and secured a place on the Dean’s List, credits tutoring, advisement, and one-on-one coaching with keeping her on track.

“Academically, there is still a strong foundation being built,” she said, urging incoming students never be ashamed of not knowing the answer. “That is what college is for. To figure out your why and your answer. Take pride in gaining more insight.” She said the Office of Tutoring was instrumental in keeping her focused by connecting her with the right resources and mentors.

University data reflects similar stories across the student body. In spring 2023, 46% of full-time undergraduates made the Dean’s List. That number rose to 54% the following spring and climbed again this year, with 60% of students reaching the milestone. The upward trend is tied to intentional support services and faculty engagement that help students stay on course from their first semester to graduation.

Dr. Johnnie Smith

EAB Navigate, the university’s advising and early alert system, allows faculty and academic coaches to monitor student progress and intervene quickly when challenges arise.

Dr. Johnnie Smith, assistant vice president for Academic Affairs and Student Support, said the system ensures no student falls through the cracks. “We have student success specialists, formerly known as academic advisors, who do advising, coaching, mentoring, and counseling,” Smith said. “Each specialist is assigned students with touch points, and the system allows us to involve not only coaches and tutors, but also faculty, so the pipeline of support is seamless.”

In addition, TSU’s Passionate About Student Success Tutoring Department, another major resource, plays a key role, offering 24-hour in-person and virtual support, along with specialized tutoring for majors such as biology, and test preparation for exams like the MCAT.

Dr. Robbie Melton

Dr. Robbie Melton, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said the results show what happens when both students and faculty are intentional about success. “Our goal is not just to retain students, but to graduate them. That means making sure they know about and take advantage of the resources that are here for them,” Melton said. “We have seen an increase in faculty engagement through tools like EAB Navigate, which allow us to identify early warning signs and step in before a student falls too far behind.”

In highlighting other areas of academic achievement, the Honors College continues to attract top talent from across the nation. Dr. Coreen Jackson, dean of Honors College, noted that enrollment has shown a steady upward trend over the past three years.

Last semester, nearly 750 students were enrolled in the program, all meeting the minimum requirement of a 3.4 GPA or higher.

Speaking on student support, Smith emphasized that this momentum reflects the university’s commitment to excellence. “When students are intentional and the university is intentional, academic excellence is the result,” she said.

For student tutoring and advising resources, visit the Academic Achievement & Retention Center.

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TSU, VUMC Agreement Creates Clinical Training Pathways for HPSS Students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center have announced a new articulation agreement to provide TSU Human Performance and Sport Sciences (HPSS) students with direct access to clinical training opportunities at VUMC.

The agreement creates a clear path for students interested in athletic training and other areas of sports medicine and adds to the strong foundation already offered through TSU’s HPSS program.

Dr. Jason Smith

Vanderbilt will host semester-long clinical immersions designed to give athletic training students hands-on experience that prepares them for their careers. TSU students will benefit from specialized advising and guidance to strengthen their preparation for admission into Vanderbilt’s highly competitive program.

Dr. Jason Smith, chair of the HPSS department, emphasized the importance of this new step in advancing student opportunities.

“The professionalism demonstrated by the team at Vanderbilt University Medical Center throughout this process has been exceptional. This agreement enhances the growing legacy of Tennessee State University’s Human Performance and Sport Sciences department, aligning it with the nation’s premier universities and medical centers,” Smith said.

He added that the partnership continues to build momentum for the program.

HPSS students take part in hands-on clinical training.

“The HPSS department has established new pathways to success for our students by creating athletic training agreements with MTSU and now VUMC. We are also proud to see our respected Exercise Science program continue to flourish as we create these partnerships and a legacy.”

Nick Caporale, associate athletic trainer at VUMC, highlighted the valuable learning experience the collaboration will provide.

“This collaborative effort between Tennessee State University and Vanderbilt University Medical Center will provide TSU students interested in athletic training and sports medicine with the opportunity to learn directly from VUMC’s Athletic Training staff on the sidelines of Vanderbilt athletic events,” Caporale said. “Our goal is to build a consistent and collaborative relationship that helps prepare these students to become strong candidates for future master’s degree programs in athletic training.”

The agreement, effective August 1, 2025, enrolls TSU HPSS students in VUMC’s clinical training program with coordinated scheduling and annual reviews to keep both programs aligned.

HPSS students will gain clinical training in sports medicine through a new partnership with VUMC.

“This agreement demonstrates a commitment to collaboration between our institutions and expands opportunities for TSU students interested in the high-demand field of athletic training,” said Dr. Poliala Dickson, HPSS representative.

The TSU HPSS program equips students with a strong academic foundation across concentrations in physical education, health education, exercise science, and sport administration. The department prepares future health educators, exercise science professionals, and sports administrators to lead with knowledge, strategy, and service.

Additionally,  students in the program are exposed to community fitness, recreation, corporate wellness, clinical environments, and administrative roles in sports, while also benefiting from professional immersion experiences integrated into the curriculum.

This new agreement with Vanderbilt Medical Center builds upon those existing strengths by offering an additional layer of clinical training that positions TSU students for success in the highly competitive and growing field of sports medicine.

To learn more about the HPSS program, visit www.tnstate.edu/hpss/.

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Dr. Richard Barnett Inducted into National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – TSU’s legendary Dr. Richard Barnett will be posthumously inducted into the National Black College Alumni (NBCA) Hall of Fame, celebrating his remarkable legacy as a basketball player, educator, and advocate for civil rights and youth empowerment.

The NBCA Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc., will host its 40th Annual Induction Ceremony on Sept. 27 in Atlanta, Georgia. The event honors graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) who have made significant contributions in their fields.

Dr. Barnett, who died in April, leaves a lasting legacy in athletics, education, and mentorship. Born in Gary, Indiana, on October 2, 1936, he began his basketball journey at Tennessee A&I State College (now TSU), where he led the Tigers to three consecutive NAIA national championships from 1957 to 1959 under legendary coach John McLendon. He was a three-time All-American, two-time NAIA Tournament MVP, and remains the only player to have his jersey retired by the university.

Following college, Barnett was selected fourth overall in the 1959 NBA Draft by the Syracuse Nationals and went on to a 14-year professional career. He became a household name with the Los Angeles Lakers and later the New York Knicks, where his signature “Fall Back Baby” jump shot became iconic. He helped the Knicks secure NBA championships in 1970 and 1973, and in 1990, the franchise retired his No. 12 jersey.

Beyond the court, Barnett distinguished himself as a scholar and educator. He earned a master’s degree from New York University and a doctorate in education from Fordham University. He taught sports management at St. John’s University, founded Fall Back Baby Productions, and established the Dr. Richard Barnett Foundation to inspire and support youth. His influence extended far beyond basketball, as he championed education, civil rights, and opportunities for the next generation.

In 2024, Barnett’s remarkable career and lifelong basketball dedication were celebrated with his induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His induction into the NBCA Hall of Fame now places him among more than 300 distinguished HBCU graduates celebrated for their achievements and impact.

The NBCA Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is part of a weekend that includes the Competition of Black College Queens, the Thomas W. Dortch, Jr. HBCU Golf Classic, and a range of leadership and empowerment events for HBCU students and alumni.

For more information on the NBCA Hall of Fame Foundation and its programs, visit www.nbcahof.org.

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Tennessee State University to Build $60M State-of-the-Art Engineering Facility 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is taking a step toward a future-ready campus with a new, nearly 70,000-square-foot engineering building. Approved by the Tennessee State Building Commission on August 15, the $60 million facility will serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge research, while reflecting TSU’s commitment to sustainability, workforce development, and leadership among university engineering programs.

Rendering of the rear view of Tennessee State University’s new College of Engineering building, scheduled for completion in Summer 2027. (Photo courtesy of Melvin Gill & Associates and Bauer Askew Architecture.)
 

The project will consolidate engineering programs and the Applied & Industrial Technology program into one modern, interdisciplinary complex designed to foster collaboration across all academic levels.

Construction is expected to begin later this year, with completion slated for summer 2027.

“The new building is a substantial investment in the College of Engineering,” said Dr. Lin Li, dean of the College of Engineering.

“Over the years, our college has experienced significant growth in students, faculty, research, and academic programs. This facility will provide a world-class space that enhances interdisciplinary collaboration across six undergraduate programs, three master’s programs, and one Ph.D. program. It will also host innovative engineering activities that directly benefit the metro Nashville area and Middle Tennessee.”

Dr. Lin Li, Dean of the College of Engineering

The building will include classrooms, computer labs, over 30 teaching and research laboratories combined, and more. Among the many instructional labs are a Future Energy Lab, Additive Manufacturing Lab, and Drone Flight and Air Traffic Lab, which will give students hands-on training in emerging areas of engineering.

“The new engineering building is the first step in elevating Tennessee State University’s engineering program to meet the demands of industry and the state of Tennessee,” said Will Radford, assistant vice president of Planning, Design, and Construction. “By establishing new partnerships and providing modern facilities, we are positioning TSU engineering students to not only keep pace but to set standards in the industry.”   

Rendering of the student commons area inside Tennessee State University’s new College of Engineering building.

The building is being designed by Melvin Gill & Associates, and Bauer Askew Architecture in partnership with TSU’s Planning, Design, and Construction team.

TSU President Dwayne Tucker emphasized the project’s importance for both the university and the broader community.

Will Radford, Assistant Vice President of Planning, Design, and Construction.

“This building represents an opportunity for innovation and leadership,” said President Tucker. “Tennessee State University is preparing the next generation of engineers who will shape our state and our nation. This investment ensures that our students have access to the tools, spaces, and experiences necessary to compete globally.”

Tucker added that as the university continues to advance as a future-ready institution, this project underscores its commitment to meeting the growing workforce demand for engineers in Tennessee and beyond. “It reflects our mission to provide access, sustainability, and impact while positioning TSU as a leading university,” he said.

To learn more about the College of Engineering, visit www.tnstate.edu/engineering/.

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TSU Leads the Way in Developing Heat-Tolerant Tomatoes for Tennessee Farmers

By Charlie Morrison, Alexis Clark

Tennessee State University is answering a growing call from farmers across the state: How can we grow better tomatoes in the face of rising temperatures?

With a mission rooted in research, academics, and outreach, TSU’s College of Agriculture (TSUAg) is leading a new project to develop a heat-tolerant tomato variety capable of withstanding Tennessee’s extreme summers. This is an effort driven by student researchers and grounded in local community partnership.

Recent TSU graduate Katrina Seaman at Smiley Farm, supporting Tennessee farmers through heat-tolerant tomato research.

“This experiment is the reason I was excited to jump on board at TSUAg… because it was the farmers who identified this problem for us,” said Katrina Seaman, a recent TSU graduate and now a project manager for the research. “Whether you chop them for a salad or can them, tomatoes are an important consumer product. Especially to the small and medium-sized farmers in Tennessee.” Seaman noted that the dilemma was that the high temperatures in the summer decimated tomato yields.

The effort began after local growers approached TSU at the 2024 Tennessee Small Farm Expo seeking help. In response, Dr. Suping Zhou, a TSU Ag research professor, secured a $300,000 grant from the USDA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) through its Rapid Response to Extreme Weather Events program to explore potential solutions.

Now, the project is testing tomato varietals, mulching systems, and grafted plants across three distinct farms in Tennessee, using advanced agricultural technology to monitor outcomes.

Tomatoes grow at Smiley Farm where researchers are testing heat-tolerant varieties to support farmers facing extreme summer temperatures.

Dr. Zhou stated that farmers’ feedback guided this project.

“This kind of research is exactly why TSU exists as a land-grant institution,” said Dr. Zhou. “We have the infrastructure, the student talent, and the statewide partnerships to respond directly to issues impacting our region’s growers.”

Seaman, along with three graduate research assistants Jing Zao, Jun Guo, and Madhavarapu Sudhakar, are collecting real-time data with help from sensors that track salinity, temperature, moisture, and light at the soil and canopy level. This gives the team of researchers a full picture of the growing conditions across each location.

“We’re taking decades and generations of experience from the farmers and then applying it to TSU resources,” Seaman said. “At the end of this project, we want Tennessee farmers to know how to adapt to their growing practices during hot summers.”

TSU is working with Eldridge Farm in Woodlawn, Smiley Farm in Ridgetop, and Little Creek Produce in Cookeville. Each location brings a unique environment to test how tomatoes perform in different mulching systems, field types, and temperature controls. The researchers have also teamed up with the Nashville Farmers’ Market to tackle the heat tolerant tomato project.

TSU researcher Dr. Suping Zhou and project manager Katrina Seaman join partners at Smiley Farm, one of three sites participating in the tomato research.

“What I’m taking away from this, especially as I look toward a career in Extension, is that collaboration is at the heart of this work,” Seaman said.

The team recently presented early findings at Little Creek Produce this summer, inviting growers from across the region to see the technology in action and learn about heat mitigation strategies.

As climate conditions continue to challenge food systems, TSU’s work signals the vital role land-grant institutions and HBCUs play in agriculture and food security.

“This project represents the very best of our land-grant mission by connecting students, researchers, and communities to solve real-world problems,” said Dr. Zhou. “And it shows that TSU is not only capable but essential to the future of agriculture in Tennessee.”

To learn more about the College of Agriculture, visit www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/.

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TSU Continues to Invest in Campus Safety, Enhances Crime Prevention Strategy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Christian McClain walks the campus of Tennessee State University as a student with a mission rooted in legacy and service. A Nashville native and rising sophomore majoring in criminal justice, McClain is spending his summer interning with TSU’s Police Department. He’s gaining hands-on experience reviewing camera footage, shadowing officers, and helping with day-to-day tasks. Efforts to learn the ropes of a career path of his late father, Commander Anthony McClain, a TSU alumnus and North Precinct Commander for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, who passed away in March 2025.

Christian McClain, right, with his late father Anthony McClain, a TSU alumnus and former North Precinct Commander for the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department.

“TSU PD has been doing well on campus,” McClain said. “Over the years, I’ve witnessed improvements. I feel safe here.”

In 2024, TSU PD achieved state accreditation, a major milestone that affirmed the department’s ongoing commitment to safety. This recognition is the first in the department’s history. The accreditation was granted by the Tennessee Law Enforcement Accreditation (TLEA) Program, a recognition from the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police (TACP) Board of Directors Professional Standards Committee.

“The accreditation goes to show that TSU PD has the will to improve and will continue to do so,” he added. After graduation, McClain plans to follow in his father’s footsteps and join Metro Police, with aspirations of one day starting his own security firm.

McClain’s mission mirrors a broader effort at TSU, where safety measures and crime prevention strategies are making a measurable difference.

TSU Police Chief Gregory Robinson.

Crime on campus has dropped by 35% so far since the 2024-2025 school year, according to TSU Police Chief Gregory Robinson. “The goal is to continue keeping our faculty, students, and staff safe while minimizing any threats or risks to our university,” he said. “We will enhance our coverage and visibility by adding more officers and security measures.”

Key advancements have played a major role in that progress. Funded through Title III and a Higher Education Safety grant, the department has acquired eight portable surveillance trailers, known as Live Video Technology (LVT), which help monitor key areas across campus .

Robinson also stated that visibility remains a key factor in TSU PD’s success both in active patrolling on campus and off campus community outreach.

One of eight portable surveillance trailers used to monitor key areas across campus for enhanced safety and security.

“We have done a great job getting out of our vehicles, patrolling, and being visible,” he said. “Our students engage with officers when there’s a uniform presence. Accreditation has proven that we’re using the best practices that are beneficial across the country.”

Robinson noted that the department works daily to strengthen its approach to safety and build trust across campus. “We’ve been successful, but we’re not a finished product,” he said. “Every day, we strive to be a better department and provide a conducive environment for our faculty, staff, visitors, and most importantly, our students.”

Six newly hired officers will begin police academy training this summer, bringing the department’s total to nearly 30 officers. In addition, new in-car laptops are helping officers stay visible and responsive while completing reports in the field.

TSU PD gathered at the Health Sciences Building last fall for a TACP Accreditation Award Ceremony honoring their state recognition.

TSU is also expanding campus infrastructure with additional security features. Dr. Eddie Cribbs, Executive Director of Auxiliary and Support Services, said the university is working to install even more cameras and emergency call boxes. These are towers that provide direct access to the TSU Police Department for emergencies. As of July, there are nearly 30 of these call boxes on campus.


“We’re expanding camera coverage across campus, including the tennis courts and the Avon Williams campus,” Cribbs said. “We’re adding more Code Blue emergency boxes at both campuses. When students feel safe they are able to show up fully  to learn, to lead, to thrive, and to experience a true sense of belonging. Campus safety is more than just protection. It means creating an environment where every student feels seen, valued, and at home.”

Dr. Eddie Cribbs

For TSU students like McClain, these efforts continue to build a safe and supportive environment. One that reflects a strong future supported by an accredited police department.

“I’m hoping to gain more knowledge in this field,” McClain said. “And with this internship with TSU PD, I’ve been doing so.”

To learn more about TSU PD, visit www.tnstate.edu/police.

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TSU Board Welcomes Newly appointed Student Trustee Azana Bruce

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Azana Bruce, a student leader and policy advocate, has been appointed the new student trustee on the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees. Her appointment was announced during the Board’s June meeting. Selected by Interim President Dwayne Tucker, Bruce will serve a one-year term as a non-voting member, representing the voice of the student body.

Azana Bruce speaks during her Tennessee Legislative Internship Program, serving as a State Senate intern for Chairman Ed Jackson.

“I am truly honored to be selected as a student trustee,” Bruce said. “It is a privilege. As someone who has developed a passion for civic engagement and public policy, this feels like a dream come true.”

A native of Memphis, Bruce is a senior pursuing a dual Honors degrees in political science and urban studies, with a minor in nonprofit management and leadership. At TSU she has held several leadership positions, including president of the TSU National Pan-Hellenic Council and social action chair for the Alpha Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. In those roles, she has led campus-wide civic engagement initiatives and organized programming.

Bruce is currently an intern with the United States House of Representatives in the office of Congressman Steve Cohen, where she assists with legislative research and constituent services.

President Dwayne Tucker congratulated Bruce on her appointment for the 2025–2026 academic year, recognizing her commitment to service and leadership. “Azana has an impressive background, and we are proud to have her represent our student body,” Tucker said. “The student trustee plays a pivotal role in connecting students to the Board of Trustees, and I’m confident she will continue that tradition with excellence.”

Azana Bruce recognized as a 2025 initiate of the Upsilon Sigma Urban Studies Honor Society.

Board Chair Dakasha Winton also welcomed Bruce to the Board. “We’re excited to have Azana bring her talents and leadership to the table as she continues amplifying student voices and contributing to committee strategies,” Winton said.

Bruce said she sees the opportunity to serve as a bridge between students and university leaders. “I’m eager to learn more about our student body and how to best engage and stay connected,” she said. “I want to ensure we’re implementing strategies that reflect the voices and experiences of all students. We’re building a campus that’s for us and by us. A campus we can look back on 10 years from now with pride.” Bruce succeeds Tyler Vazquez, a member of the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute, who graduated in May.

For more information on the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees, visit www.tnstate.edu/board.

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TSU Breaks Ground on New $90 Million Agriculture Facilities

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –With hard hats on and shovels in hand, Tennessee State University leaders, dignitaries, and College of Agriculture faculty broke ground June 26 on the future of agricultural innovation.

TSU leaders, dignitaries, and College of Agriculture students and faculty attend the groundbreaking ceremony for new state-of-the-art facilities featuring advanced labs, classrooms, and research centers.

The historic  ceremony is for the construction of new facilities that will support TSU’s Food and Animal Sciences and Environmental Sciences programs, spanning more than 110,000 square feet combined. Scheduled for completion in fall 2026, the development reflects the university’s continued investment in research, student success, and community impact.

CheKenna Fletcher, a Ph.D. candidate in agricultural sciences at TSU, served as the mistress of ceremonies and said the new buildings will have a lasting impact.

CheKenna Fletcher speaks during the groundbreaking ceremony, where she served as the mistress of ceremonies.

“Agriculture is our future, so I am very excited about this coming into fruition,” Fletcher said. “I’m excited for all of the students who will be able to utilize the facilities and their labs. It’ll be an awesome opportunity for us to grow our department, grow more leaders and scholars in the agricultural field, especially in the food and animal sciences.”

Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture, called the groundbreaking a historic moment for the university and the state of Tennessee. “These buildings will offer students hands-on, experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for real-world careers in agriculture, science, and environmental sustainability,” he said.

Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture.

Approved by the Tennessee State Building Commission in 2023, the facilities will include classrooms, laboratories, research centers, and administrative offices to support the university’s growing academic, research, and extension missions. The project will be located at the corner of Schrader Lane and Dr. Walter S. Davis Boulevard.

TSU Interim President Dwayne Tucker expressed his support for the development, calling it a symbol of momentum for the university. “We are sowing the seeds of innovation and progress,” Tucker said. “This project, which will serve as a hub of education, research, and outreach in the field of agriculture, underscores the state’s continued confidence in our university and the strength of our land-grant mission.”

The complex will include:

Rendering of one of the two new College of Agriculture buildings at Tennessee State University, slated for completion in Fall 2026.
  • 35 faculty offices
  • 23 research labs
  • 17 teaching labs
  • 4 classrooms
  • A large multipurpose room
  • Collaborative workspace and support areas

The two buildings will also house future centers of innovation, including the One Health Center, the Precision Agriculture Center, the Soil Health Center, and the Water Management Center. Dozens of dignitaries attended the event, including Senator Bo Watson, Representative Harold Love Jr., and TSU Board of Trustee Dr. Marquita Qualls.

Senator Watson applauded the university’s future and the promise of the project. “TSU will successfully fulfill its mission as a land-grant university and will be a university of choice among the historically Black colleges and universities,” Watson said. “That is our commitment. Let this groundbreaking be a testament to that commitment.”

TSU Interim President Dwayne Tucker expressed his support for the development during the groundbreaking ceremony.

The event also featured remarks and special recognitions from TSU administrators and the university’s design and construction team. Community stakeholders, including the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, Tennessee Farm Bureau, and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, also shared remarks, followed by a reception.

This development comes at a pivotal time for the College of Agriculture, which recently restructured into five academic departments to strengthen research and instruction. This new College of Agriculture complex will further enhance this transformation, allowing the college to better serve students, farmers, and communities across Tennessee.

For more information, visit www.tnstate.edu/agriculture.griculture.

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TSU student lands prestigious internship at Harvard Medical School

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A Tennessee State University student is spending the summer at one of the most prestigious institutions, Harvard Medical School, applying what she’s learned at TSU to cutting-edge biomedical research.

Kyla Hughes in her lab coat during her internship in the Department of Cardiology at Boston Children’s Hospital. (Photo submitted.)

Kyla Hughes, a senior and Dallas native, already has a Massachusetts Institute of Technology internship under her belt as the accolades are continuing to build. The agriculture biotechnology major is undergoing her current paid 10-week internship at Boston Children’s Hospital in the Department of Cardiology, as part of the Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program at Harvard.

“My reaction to getting the internship was very positive,” Hughes said. “I am one of two HBCU students in this program. So being underrepresented in the science field at Harvard, doing the research, is really motivating me.”

She credits her academic preparation to TSU’s College of agriculture and guidance from professors like Dr. Sonali Roy, for equipping her with skills to confidently conduct and present research.

Hughes, who is also a David Scott Farm Bill Scholar, continues to demonstrate how a strong foundation can lead to a profound impact across various disciplines. “Science is translational and cardiology is a new field for me to dive into,” she said. “I’ve learned more about myself as a scientist now and pushing myself intellectually.”

TSU senior Kyla Hughes is spending the summer conducting biomedical research through a Harvard internship at Boston Children’s Hospital. (Photo submitted.)

Associate Dean for Academics and Land-grant Programs Dr. De’Etra Young, said the college is committed to preparing students like Hughes to thrive in competitive environments, contribute to their communities, and lead with purpose. “Through rigorous academic training, hands-on research, and leadership development, we are equipping students to pursue advanced study, enter high-impact careers, and serve as thoughtful, solutions-oriented leaders in agriculture and beyond,” Young said. “Kyla exemplifies the excellence we aim to foster through the David Scott Farm Bill Scholarship and our Dean’s Scholars Undergraduate Research Program. Her internships, along with her campus leadership and service, reflect the breadth of opportunities available to students who are prepared and supported.”

Hughes plans to pursue a Ph.D. in biology or molecular genetics after graduating in 2026.

To learn more about the College of Agriculture, visit www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/.

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TSU Hosts CARES Conference with Record Turnout, Focused on Elder Justice

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University, in partnership with the Adult Protective Services of the Tennessee Department of Human Services, hosted the annual CARES (Center on Aging Research and Education Services) Conference June 11-12 at the Avon Williams Campus. The event marked the largest turnout in 15 years, welcoming more than 250 attendees and over a dozen community vendors.

Participants gather at Avon Williams Campus for the annual CARES Conference and welcomed more than 250 attendees in its largest turnout in 15 years and focused on financial exploitation and protecting older Tennesseans.

This year’s theme, “Financial Exploitation: Investigations and the Need for Collaboration,” brought together national experts, frontline professionals, and local leaders committed to protecting older Tennesseans. Vendors included Nashville PBS, the Vanderbilt Memory & Alzheimer’s Center, and the Tennessee Department of Veterans Services.

Chantelle Smith, a lawyer and consultant for the U.S. Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative, with extensive experience prosecuting civil and criminal elder abuse cases, served as the lead facilitator for the conference. The conference also featured panelists and presenters from across the state, including the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Ascend Credit Union, and St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital.

Dr. Cara Robinson, chair of TSU’s Department of Social Work and Urban Studies and co-director of CARES, emphasized that the conference not only benefits students in the College of Public Service but also provides vital resources for communities across the state. “Our biggest takeaway is understanding how stakeholders can work together when there’s a suspected case of financial exploitation,” Robinson said.

Dr. Cara Robinson

“Speakers presented real-world cases that showed how institutions collaborate to bring justice for older adults.” She added, “We plan to continue all our efforts through CARES. This is a great opportunity to showcase the impactful work being done at TSU. One of our main goals is to help students learn how to serve, lead, and engage with their communities.”

Dr. Donna Dopwell, also a co-director of CARES, leads the center’s student mentorship efforts. Both Robinson and Dopwell believe the conference gives students a firsthand look at professionals in leadership roles, many of whom are on similar career paths.

Breion ‘ 2’Live Bre’ Dixon volunteered with the Tennessee Caregiver Coalition during the conference.

Several TSU alumni participated in the conference, including Breion Dixon, a 2020 graduate who served as a volunteer for the Tennessee Caregiver Coalition. “I used to be a caregiver for my grandmother,” Dixon said. “It touched my heart to see how underserved communities are getting the resources they need.” Dixon noted the conference as a reflection of the university’s ongoing commitment to service. “TSU has always been a school of resources. When I stepped on campus, I realized it’s more than just education, it’s about community and family. This conference shows that TSU is all about sharing resources and giving back to the community.”

Rita Fleming, a program leader for family and consumer sciences in TSU’s College of Agriculture, also attended the event to explore elder care resources. “This event was eye-opening and very informative,” Fleming said. “I learned how to resolve issues involving financial scams and how to report these situations effectively. TSU hosting this event reflects our commitment to community outreach both in urban and rural areas.”

Rita Fleming attends the CARES conference to explore elder care resources.

The two-day event covered topics such as: Understanding Financial Exploitation, Legal and Investigative Challenges, Prevention and Victim Protection, and Collaborative Action Efforts. This year’s programming centered around real-world case studies that explored the impact of financial exploitation on older victims. Key discussions focused on collaboration between law enforcement and community professionals, strategies to strengthen legal and investigative outcomes, prevention tools, and resources for coordinated local efforts across Tennessee.

As TSU continues to lead in advocacy and education, the CARES Conference remains an example of how the university merges academics with community engagement to address real life issues.

To learn more about the CARES Center, visit tnstate.edu/cares.