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.