Tag Archives: Angel Higgins

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TSU Celebrates Grand Reopening of Ralph H. Boston Wellness Center

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University celebrated the grand reopening of the Ralph H. Boston Wellness Center, unveiling a modernized fitness and wellness hub designed to serve students, faculty, and staff.

The renovated facility now boasts upgraded equipment, fresh interior design, and new amenities for students, faculty, and staff. University leaders, staff, and students gathered for a celebratory ribbon-cutting and tour, marking the reopening as a symbol of progress and prioritization of student well-being.

TSU President Dwayne Tucker, center, Director of the Wellness Dr. Gerald Davis, faculty and staff join students for the a wellness center celebratory ribbon-cutting.

“This is a joyous occasion,” said Leah Granderson, executive director for campus operations planning, design, and construction. “Thank you for celebrating this new amenity. It’s more than a gym, it’s a reflection of TSU’s commitment to our campus community.”

Joining Granderson was Marlah Green, assistant director of renovation in Facilities Management, who expressed pride in the transformation. “I was the project manager that originally built this facility in the late ‘90s,” Green said. “To see it renovated, refreshed, and filled with new equipment is really a joy.”

For Amber Long, a senior architectural engineering major from Memphis, TN, the updates make a real difference. “When I walked in, it was very nice and updated,” she said. “It definitely motivates me to get up and go to the gym now.”

TSU student Amber Long lifts weights in the newly renovated Ralph H. Boston Wellness Center.

TSU President Dwyane Tucker praised the collaborative effort. “What a great job everybody did to pull this together,” he said. “From what I understand, even during the soft opening, students showed up in great demand. They see the opportunity too.”

That demand reflects a broader vision articulated by Dr. Gerald Davis, Director of the Wellness Center. “This center is more than a place to break a sweat. It’s a place to build community, confidence, and connection,” Davis said. “As part of Student Affairs, it’s our role to support the whole student. Not just academically, but emotionally and socially as well.”

The renovation was made possible by Title III funding, with critical planning completed in just four days before the close of the 2024 fiscal year. “I already knew what the students had been asking for,” Davis explained. “We strategically blended brand new equipment with usable existing pieces and donated others to Residence Life and Athletics.”

The revitalized center features nearly 50 pieces of fitness equipment, an expanded workout space, and a unique relaxation and stretching zone which Davis hopes to formally name down the road.

Dr. Gerald Davis

Access is open to students, faculty, staff, alumni, and even visiting family members accompanied by a student. In the near future, Davis plans to roll out new features including student ID-based entry systems, hygiene stations, expanded hours, and programming such as yoga and high-intensity interval training (HIIT)

Aiden Smith, a junior business management and marketing major from Houston, TX, hopes to see more interactive opportunities emerge. “Yoga or boxing classes would be great to get students and faculty more engaged,” Smith said. As a student project planning engineer with Campus Operations, he also underscored the value of student input. “We actively use student engagement to shape renovations and new projects on campus. It’s crucial to the TSU experience.”

TSU student Aiden Smith powers through a bench press in the newly renovated Ralph H. Boston Wellness Center. The modernized facility includes nearly 50 new machines.

Will Radford, Assistant Vice President of Planning, Design, and Construction, who helps lead the university’s capital projects and campus improvements, echoed that sentiment. “Every day, we organize around the needs of our students,” he said. “We’re continuing the legacy of TSU but also building a culture of celebrating student services and pushing forward creative solutions.”

As the center reopens, Dr. Davis remains focused on spreading the word. “It surprises me when graduating students say they didn’t even know we had a Wellness Center,” he said. “That tells me we need to do better—not just promoting this space but getting students out of their rooms and helping them connect.”

During the ceremony Marlah Green, assistant director of renovation in Facilities Management, expressed pride in the wellness center transformation.

Whether it’s a freshman stepping into a gym for the first time or a senior rediscovering community, the Ralph H. Boston Wellness Center is more than just a renovated facility, it’s a renewed promise to the TSU community.

The Wellness Center is open Monday-Thursday 8 a.m.- 9 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m.- 8 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 4 p.m. The center is not open on Saturdays at the moment.

For updates and programming announcements, follow @Wellness_TSU on Instagram. To learn more, visit www.tnstate.edu/wellness_center/.

Alumni, Black History Month, Black History Month Event, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Student Profile, Uncategorized

TSU Hosts Inaugural Black History Month Tour Across Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University launched its inaugural Black History Month tour, an initiative designed to honor and educate participants on the rich African American history and culture deeply rooted in Nashville. The event brought together faculty, staff, and students, underscoring TSU’s commitment to fostering cultural awareness and appreciation within its community.

 
TSU faculty, staff at The Fisk University Galleries during an inaugural Black History Month tour. (Photo courtesy Tennessee State University/ Aaron Grayson)

The tour, intended to be an annual event each February, included visits to three iconic cultural landmarks: The Fisk University Galleries, The National Museum of African American Music, and The Jefferson Street Sound Museum. Participants traveled on TSU’s charter bus to each location, where they engaged in immersive experiences highlighting the artistic, musical, and historical contributions of African Americans. Expert guides provided valuable insights throughout the journey.

Tonya Turner, senior assistant and training coordinator for business and finance at TSU, played a key role in organizing the tour. The idea stemmed from a previous orientation bus tour for new TSU employees, which inspired Turner to expand the initiative into a dedicated Black History Month tour.

 
TSU students Olivia Whitmore, center and Kristian Butler, right, admire a piece of art at The Fisk University Galleries. (Photo courtesy Tennessee State University/ Aaron Grayson)

“I overheard a few employees discussing the history of Jefferson Street,” Turner said. “At first, I wanted to focus solely on Jefferson Street, but then I thought, why not create a Black History Month tour instead?”

Students were excited to take part in the experience. Olivia Whitmore, a junior majoring in family and consumer sciences, learned about the tour through her honor society advisor, Dr. Brione Lockett.

“He mentioned there was a Black History Month tour happening that would be really good to attend and get to know more about Jefferson Street,” said Whitmore, a Nashville native. “It was enlightening to learn about our history in such a personal and engaging way. I appreciate TSU providing these opportunities during Black History Month; it really deepens our connection to our culture.”

Chief Information Officer Sterlin Sanders explores the evolution of Black music through interactive exhibits at the National Museum of African American Music.

Fellow student Kristian Butler, also a family and consumer sciences major, reflected on her experience at The National Museum of African American Music.

“My favorite experience was watching the ‘Roots Theatre’ documentary and seeing how African American music has transitioned and evolved throughout history and around the world,” said Butler, who is from Memphis.

According to Turner, the tour was hosted by TSU’s Business and Finance Department. She hoped participants gained a deeper understanding of Black history and the invaluable contributions of African Americans to shaping the United States.

At The Fisk University Galleries, visitors admired African American masterpieces that showcased Black artists’ impact on the art world.

“We were completely in awe of the talent and history represented here. Seeing these works in person was truly inspiring,” said one attendee.

Tonya Turner

At The National Museum of African American Music, the group explored Black music’s evolution through interactive exhibits.

“I never knew how deeply rooted African American music is in every genre we listen to today. This experience was eye-opening,” remarked a TSU faculty member.

The tour concluded at The Jefferson Street Sound Museum, highlighting Nashville’s Black music scene.

“I grew up in Nashville, but I never realized how much history was right in my backyard. This tour gave me a newfound appreciation for my city,” shared a student participant.

As a token of appreciation, participants received gift bags filled with TSU memorabilia to commemorate the event. As the bus returned to campus, a shared sense of gratitude and enlightenment resonated among attendees. TSU’s first Black History Month tour was more than just a day of sightseeing—it was a celebration of history, music, and the enduring legacy of African Americans in Nashville and beyond.

The organizing committee for the event included Darryl Thompson, Sharon Hull-Smith, Dr. Brione Lockett, Brittany Cosby, Dr. Learotha Williams, Regina Anderson, Linda Spears, Greg Robinson, LaToya Bankhead, Andre Westmoreland, Franchetta Greer, and Bradley White.

EVENTS, Featured, FEATURED, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Student, Student Leaders, Student Profile

Basket Drive Provides Families With Thanksgiving Meals

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University student leaders and organizations will make the Thanksgiving holiday one to remember for some local families. On Saturday, November 11, over 100 students held a successful food drive to prepare food baskets for families in need.  TSU students, faculty, staff, and alumni donated non-perishable food items for the baskets that will be distributed during the holiday season to help families.

“This Project 111 service event consisted of students and the community packing Thanksgiving baskets for those in need,” said Chrishonda O’Quinn, SGA executive vice president.

“The number 111 is significant because TSU has been in existence for 111 years. The objective was to pack 111+ Thanksgiving baskets. I’m pleased the TSU community answered the call.  We exceeded our goal.”

The sophomore delegation and O’Quinn presented the drive as part of their Project 111: Community Service. Mr. Sophomore Brandon Diggs voiced how important it was for the sophomore class to participate in the drive.

Mr. TSU Davin Latiker, left, and Miss TSU Victoria McCrae, with Mr. Sophomore Brandon Diggs, right, preparing Thanksgiving baskets

“We wanted to show each other, the faculty, students, and staff that although we are only in our second year here at Tennessee State University, how powerful we are as a collective working together to make a change in our community,” said Diggs.

It was estimated that there were roughly 300-400 items donated, as food filled four tables plus the stage in the Elliott Hall auditorium.

“Directly after the event, we dropped the donations off to the Nashville Rescue Mission,” O’Quinn add, in response to where the food would be donated.

Members from the Psi Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity Inc, Sisters in Different Shoes Inc. and SGA used their personal cars to take the items to the shelter. Diggs remarked how Nashville Rescue Mission was very proud to see them.

“As HBCU students, we should give back to our community in general because we are the community. We are making the history and culture of our institution day by day; we write the narrative not only for ourselves but for the ones around us.”

SGA Executive Vice President, Chrishonda O’Quinn and TSU students posing with a finished Thanksgiving basket

Noting that service is an essential part of the student experience at TSU, O’Quinn said student leaders are expected to lead service initiatives.

“It is important to give back to the community since it is consistent with the universities’ goals of social responsibility, community development, and historical preservation. It enhances not just the educational experience of the students but also the communities they serve.”

Over the past weeks SGA leaders have led student participation in a breast cancer walk and a mental health and wellness week.

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TSU Student Leaders Walk for Breast Cancer Awareness

By Angel Higgins

The event has a special meaning for organizer, TSU student Tamauri Murray

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The goal of the Tennessee State University Office of Student Activities and Leadership is to enhance the skills of those elected or selected to serve in the student government association. Mister Junior Tamauri Murray is doing just that by using his platform to bring awareness to breast cancer awareness.   Murray organized the TSU Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Walk for student leaders to participate on Saturday, October 21.  For the Birmingham, AL native, the event had a special meaning and to have his peers involved made it even more significant.  

The event had a special meaning for organizer, TSU student Tamauri Murray and his mother Tuwanna Murray who is a breast cancer survivor.

“I wanted to make sure I used my position as Mister Junior to emphasize breast cancer awareness. This walk is one of the ways I have done so. While my mom is home fighting her fight in Birmingham. It’s my mission to do my part here in Nashville.”

Tamauri’s mother, Tuwanna Murray, is a breast cancer survivor and the walk was in her honor. His mom found out her diagnosis on June 20th after finding a lump in her breast and having a mammogram. He recalled the day his mother told the family.

“This summer I was working at TSU as a University Ambassador and went home for the weekend in between orientations. My mom sat me and my sister down and told us she felt a lump and was diagnosed with breast cancer. I really did not know how to process it. I did not cry and instantly lost my appetite. So many questions were asked, lots of which my mom did not have answers to yet,” says the computer science major.”

The TSU leader emphasized how important it was for him to use his platform to bring awareness to breast cancer after seeing his mom go through surgery and chemotherapy. Throughout all the ups and downs the Murray family has been through since Tuwanna’s diagnosis, she keeps God on her side and is very proud of what her son has accomplished.

“I could not do it without my support squad, that includes my son, Tamauri,” Tuwanna Murray said.

Student Government Association Executive Vice President, Chrishonda O’Quinn, at the TSU Goes Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Walk

“Since he found out, he checks up on me and supports me while in Nashville. I am so proud of him and the efforts he has put forth being Mister Junior. Tamauri organizing the walk just made me smile harder than ever. My love for him and his sister will forever be unmatched.”

Several hundred participated in the walk as a part of the national observance of Breast Cancer Awareness for October. The event began near the Walk of Fame Park off of 4th Avenue South in Nashville.  Student Government Association Executive Vice President, Chrishonda O’Quinn said the initiative was really important for students to be a part of and to represent the University.

“Tamauri wanted to partner with Student Activities and Leadership for the walk. It feels really nice to be here not only in support of the survivors and people who have been through it but his mother as well. The administration and I are grateful to be a part of this walk.”

O’Quinn and Murray serve as members of the TSU 83rd Student Government Association.  

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TSU Welcomes first African American Female crew member of Air Force One                 

Senior Master Sergeant Wanda Joell visited the TSU as a part of an Academic Lecture Series

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University had the pleasure of welcoming Senior Master Sergeant Wanda Joell as guest speaker for the “Dreams In Flight” Academic Workshop. Sergeant Joell is the first African American female to serve as a permanent Presidential crew member aboard Air Force One. Her visit to campus was a part of the John Merritt Classic 25th Anniversary Celebration.

Guest speaker Senior Master Sergeant Wanda Joell speaks at the Dreams In Flight Workshop at TSU.

Students were able to ask Sergeant Joell questions about her time in the Air Force and being a part of Air Force One, in addition to what it was like to serve 4 presidents. This included former Presidents George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama.

ROTC Cadet Jaiden Walker said his big takeaway from the workshop was to always be prepared for new opportunities planned or unplanned.

 “Sergeant Joell inspired me to stay prepared because it is always opportunities that we never really thought of,” said Walker, a junior majoring in political science and mass communications.   

“As long as you stay prepared, whatever opportunities do come your way, you can take advantage of them.”

The trailblazing presidential flight crew member said she hopes that the workshop inspired students to never give up and keep chasing their dreams and goals in life.

“I hope I made a difference in at least one person’s life. It was important to me to try to inspire and make a difference.” She is working on a book called, ‘Dreams in Flight’ that tells the whole story of how her career started and what she is doing now.

From left to right, guest speaker Senior Master Sergeant Wanda Joell, Dr. Melton, Dr. Smith and Lt. Col Cash, posing with a statue replica and picture of Air Force One and a signed photo from former President Barack Obama.

Sergeant Joell grew up in Bermuda and always dreamed of leaving the small island to see the world. She made that dream come true by joining the US Air Force when she was 22 years old. While leaving Bermuda she encountered a flight attendant boarding Air Force One and had another dream she wanted to fulfill, being a flight attendant aboard the same aircraft one day.

“I got inspired by a flight attendant when I was leaving Bermuda, and I loved her compassion towards me. She made me want to fulfill that dream.”

From that point on, Sergeant Joell started to pave a pathway to be a flight attendant aboard Air Force One. Over the span of 2 years and countless documents submitted, she finally got the call she had been waiting for, a call to see if she was a good fit by doing a test flight.

“The Chief flight attendant told me he wanted to see if I could work well and play well with the other crew members.” According to her recommendation, she passed with “flying colors” and was hired.

After 28 years and 12 days of service, Sergeant Joell decided it was time to retire. Since then, she has been a guest speaker among other things to try and inspire others to never give up and achieve their dreams.

Junior ROTC Cadet, TSU student Jaiden Walker, a Political Science and Mass Communications major, sings the Alma Mater during the Academic Workshop.

TSU ROTC Commander Lt Col Stephen Cash said the event was ideal for his cadets to see how planning and following your goals can lead to success.

“We immediately thought this was something that would be helpful for the student body and especially our University 1000, first-year students. For them to hear on how to establish then chase and achieve their goals.”

Dr. Johnnie Smith, assistant vice president of Academic Affairs, added that she was excited that TSU would get the opportunity to hear from such a dynamic individual with an amazing life story, to showcase the TSU ROTC program at the same time.

 “We are excited to have Senior Master Sergeant Wanda Joell. This is a great day for TSU, having a woman who has not only served our country but who has served under four sitting Presidents of the United States of America. TSU has one of the best Air Force ROTC programs and I think it’s a quiet kept secret that I plan on unlocking.”

Academic Affairs hosted the workshop and is looking forward to making this event a part of future John Merritt Classic celebrations.

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TSU’s Zakiya Hamza Receives BlueCross BlueShield Scholarship

By Angel Higgins

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University senior ZaKiya Hamza is one step closer to achieving her dream of becoming a nurse practitioner.  The nursing major was recently awarded the BlueCross Power of We Scholarship. A video, two essays, and two recommendation letters later, Hamza joined five other students, from across the State, in receiving the $10,000 scholarship.

“I was ecstatic when I found out and I’m very grateful for the BlueCross BlueShield Power of We Scholarship,” said Hamza.

ZaKiya Hamza

The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation, in partnership with the National Association of Health Services Executives Memphis Chapter, honored six students for their remarkable contributions to community service, leadership, and academics.

The scholarship was founded in 2013 by the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation to address the historic lack of opportunity and health inequities that minority groups suffer, particularly underrepresentation in the medical industry. Since then, the scholarship program has assisted more than a dozen deserving individuals in pursuing degrees in nursing, medical technology, pharmacy, and other professions.

Hamza, a Nashville native, chose nursing because she enjoys working with others and helping people. When asked her thoughts on being a part of the TSU School of Nursing, Zakiya explained, “I am grateful to be a part of the School of Nursing and hope to see this program continue to grow”. 

She also said she was grateful for the support she received from Professor and Interim Bachelor of Science in Nursing Director Dr. Shaquita Bonds. After that it took about four months to hear back and once accepted she had to go through a round of interviews.

“I found out about this scholarship thanks to my professor who announced it in class, and the nursing program sent mass emails for scholarships to apply as well.”

Dr. Courtney Nyange, executive director of nursing and professor, expressed what it means for the School of Nursing the excitement that comes along with a TSU student receiving such an honor.  

“The focus of the School of Nursing is on the preparation of the next generation of nurses through a learning environment that promotes excellence in education, scholarship, and collaborative practice in diverse communities locally and globally,” added Nyange.

“Nursing faculty and staff are invested in the success of our students who envision themselves in the helping and healing arts. We are grateful for the awarding of the Power of We Scholarship to our nursing student, Zakiya Hamza and are excited about what the future holds for her in the nursing profession.”

Zakiya added that receiving the scholarship will help her immensely with nursing school costs, while being able to focus solely on her education because nursing school is a full-time job. In addition to furthering her career as a nurse practitioner, she plans to own and operate her own clinic.

The next application cycle will open later this fall. For more information about the Power of We Scholarship vist BCBSTNews.com/Scholarship