TSU announces Chief Operating Officer to lead strategic efforts

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) - Tennessee State University is pleased to announce retired Army Lieutenant Gen. Jason T. Evans as the institution’s Chief Operating Officer (COO). In his role as COO, Evans will provide strategic leadership and oversight for enrollment management, the Office of the Chief Information Officer, the newly established Customer Relations Office, and the TSU Police. Evans was introduced to the TSU campus community during the 2023 Fall Faculty Staff Institute.

Retired Lt. Gen. Jason T. Evans led complex organizations at every level of the U.S. Army in his 40 years of military service. (Photon by Aaron Grayson)

“The Chief Operating Officer and Customer Relations Office are both new to TSU and will play vital roles in helping to enhance the delivery of services to our students and their families,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.

“Gen. Evans’ commitment to excellence and his expertise are ideal for this role, as I look to him to strengthen TSU's enrollment management process, advance our IT infrastructure, and implement customer relations.”

With a distinguished military career that spanned four decades, Evans brings a wealth of command and staff leadership experience to TSU.  He has held various senior executive positions that include leading complex organizations at every level of the United States Army. This culminated with his selection as the Army’s first Deputy Chief of Staff, G9 (Instillations) where he was responsible for providing the best military advice to Army Senior Leadership for budget management of an $18 billion portfolio, policy, and regulatory guidance for 141 camps, posts, and stations Army-wide.

“I am deeply committed to advancing the university's strategic initiatives and finding innovative solutions to the challenges we face in enrollment management, technology, customer relations, and the university police. I look forward to working with the dedicated professionals at TSU to provide a world-class educational experience for our students and contribute to the continued success of the university."

As the COO, Evans will work closely with senior university administrators, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to streamline and optimize enrollment management, enhance the university's IT capabilities, and cultivate positive and lasting relationships with students, parents, and community members.

" I feel honored to have the privilege and opportunity to serve such a storied institution of excellence. I see this as a similar opportunity I had in the Army, enabling an institution for young people to be successful,” Evans said.

A native of Baltimore, Evans was born into the military life. His father spent 30 years in the Air Force.  He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s degrees in business administration and national resource strategy. The decorated veteran holds many awards and accolades, including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Parachutist Badge, and the Army Staff Identification Badge.

Evans and his wife, Machelle, of 39 years, are the parents of three adult children and four grandchildren.

The COO’s office is located in the Floyd-Payne Campus Center on the main campus.