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Class of 2028 officially begins academic with Freshman Convocation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Fall 2024 Freshman Convocation marks the official start of transformation and growth for the newest TSU Tigers. Tennessee State University officially welcomed hundreds of students from the class of 2028 on Sept. 11. First-time students filled Kean Hall, with females dressed in all white and males in dark-colored suits, as they were formally introduced by TSU faculty and staff as official TSU Tigers.

TSU Interim President Ronald Johnson addresses the Class of 2028 during his first formal interaction with them at the freshman convocation.

The annual assembly signifies the beginning of their academic journey at the university and their transformation as college students.

This was the first formal interaction between the new class of students and TSU Interim President Ronald Johnson, who welcomed them with words of encouragement.

“Welcome to TSU,” Johnson said. “Let’s travel together over those hurdles, gain access, and conquer self-doubt. We now know that on the other side, we will have the capacity to own opportunities.”

Dr. Tasha Carson, Assistant Vice President of First-Year Students, reminded the students that they are a vital part of the university, and the goal is to meet their needs and inspire their aspirations. “Class of 2028, you are symbolic of our commitment to TSU’s motto: Think, Work, and Serve,” Carson said. “I now pass to you an eternal light representing knowledge and truth because you are the light of our institution.”

Smiling students from the class of 2028 attend the Fall 2024 Freshman Convocation in Kean Hall, officially marking the start of their TSU journey. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University.)

Student Government Association President Chrishonda O’Quinn, now a senior, reassured the freshmen that she was in their shoes just four years ago. She encouraged them to stay strong during their Tiger Journey and leave a lasting legacy at the university.

“TSU is not just a place where you’ll get a degree. It’s where you discover who you are, what you stand for, and the legacy you want to create,” O’Quinn said.

Victoria Cooksey

“This is an environment of rich culture, leadership, and purpose. You are the next generation of scholars, leaders, and innovators,” she continued. “Whether you realize it or not, each of you has a voice, a unique talent in progress, and now is the time to find that.”

Victoria Cooksey, a freshman from Salt Lake City, Utah, and a member of the Tennis Team, said her first month at TSU has been a great experience. “Adapting to the tennis life, the school life, and also socializing at events … it’s been super fun, and I love it so far,” said Cooksey, who is studying mechanical engineering. She noted that the freshman convocation was uplifting and a great way to interact and kick off the school year with her class. “I feel so happy to be here and to see everyone, even the alumni who came back. I feel like it really shows how great this school is, and I’m excited.”

Tyler Huey, of Memphis, a third-generation legacy student, said the freshman convocation made him feel celebrated as a new student at TSU and was a great opportunity to connect with classmates and network.

Huey, who is studying health sciences, said attending TSU was a no brainer.

Tyler Huey

“I’m a legacy student. It just feels good to be somewhere where my family before me walked,” he said. “The history of historically Black colleges is deep. I’ve always felt like attending an HBCU was for me. Why not go to a school that was made for us, by us?”

At the end of the ceremony, legacy students were presented with pins to honor their dedication to continuing their family’s legacy at their alma mater. To close the convocation, students pledged to commit themselves “to serious intellectual and cultural efforts” and to conduct themselves “with honor and dignity to become better prepared to live a full and useful life in society.”

The Grammy Award-winning Aristocrat of Bands delivered a great performance to close out the ceremony. Other notable speakers at the Freshman Convocation included Interim Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Bridgett Golman, TSU Associate Vice President and University Registrar Dr. Verontae Deams, Miss TSU Chandler Holt, and Mister TSU Chandler Cotton.

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TSU welcomes Class of 2028 during move-in week

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – For TSU’s incoming freshman, Kennedi Hines, her passion for engineering started at age 7. Now, Hines, a Nashville native, will begin her collegiate journey at Tennessee State University to fulfill her dream of becoming an architectural engineer.

“She has been building, constructing things, and drawing blueprints to scale since she was a little girl,” said Hines’ mother, Brittney Hazley. “So, I knew she had a passion and talent for this.”

TSU freshman Kennedi Hines, left, and her mother, Brittney Hazley, move her belongings into Wilson Hall as she settles into her dorm.

 Hines, a third-generation legacy student, said she’s excited about the next four years at her new home. She is one of hundreds of first-time freshmen who moved into their dorms starting August 12, as a part of Freshmen Move-in. 

 “I moved in this week, and seeing how the culture is at TSU has been great,” Hines said. “Being here has brought me out of my shell.”

TSU faculty, staff, and alumni made significant efforts to ensure a seamless integration for new and returning Tigers. Following Freshmen move-in thousands of upperclassmen returned a few days later.  All hands were on deck for move-in, including volunteers from corporate partners Amazon, Kroger, and Regions Bank.

Michelle Brown, Amazon’s Public Policy Lead for the state of Tennessee, and a team of Amazon employees arrived to help students and their families unload their cars and move into the freshman dorms.

Michelle Brown, Amazon’s Public Policy Lead for the state of Tennessee.

“We are proud partners of TSU,” Brown said. “We’ve participated in job fairs and various events, so it’s only natural we would be here on the first day of school helping freshmen move in. We’re just excited to kick this off and continue to grow and build with TSU, so thanks for having us.”

Kelly Allen, North Nashville Branch Manager for Regions Bank, said their work with TSU is a natural extension of their commitment.

“Our role as a bank and as members of the Nashville community is to proactively find ways to use our time, talents, and resources to make life better in our community,” Allen said. “Regions is a proud supporter of Tennessee State University because of your mission to educate students and your role as a vital economic engine for Middle Tennessee.”

Incoming freshmen like Madison Menifee, a Mass Communications major from Ohio, and Lurenzo Moffett of Indiana, who will be studying architectural engineering, had great move-in experiences with their families as well. Menifee, a first-generation student, said she feels great about her decision to attend TSU after lengthy college tours throughout the year.

TSU freshman Madison Menifee, right, and her mother, Toni Prosser, stand in front of Wilson Hall after moving her into her dorm.

“I chose TSU because of the way they welcomed me in,” Menifee said during move-in. “This feels like a family. There’s so much support here. And I chose a HBCU for the cultural aspect.”

Moffett, one of six siblings, is the first to attend a HBCU. “I love the cultural feel here,” he said. “And I look forward to joining campus organizations.”

Dr. Brent Dukhie, Assistant Dean of Student Support, said that the TSU housing staff provided an effective check-in, friendly personnel, and well-run systems that resulted in a seamless move-in experience this year.

TSU freshmen Lurenzo Moffett, center, and his family during move in week.

“The housing staff is excited to welcome our Tigers back to school this week! We can’t wait to have another incredible year full of community, support, and wonderful memories,” Dukhie said.

“And the support from local churches and companies such as Regions, Amazon, and Kroger has been invaluable. Their partnership has made a tremendous impact on our move-in process, and we’re incredibly grateful for their commitment to our students. This collaboration truly exemplifies the power of community.”

Dukhie added that the goal of move-in is to give new and returning students a strong sense of community and support, while ensuring them a memorable and enriching HBCU experience.

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TSU prepares Class 2028 for college life

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Metro Nashville students are proving that staying close to home can be advantageous as they prepare to attend Tennessee State University this fall. Incoming freshman and Nashville native Eric Thomas joined hundreds of students for the first week of new student orientation (NSO) at TSU.

Thomas, a Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) graduate, is benefiting from a partnership between the school district and TSU that launched two years ago. This partnership provides 100 scholarships to top students from MNPS. When NSO concludes in August, Thomas is expected to be among nearly 1,000 new first-time freshmen enrolling at TSU as the Class of 2028.

2024 New student orientation had nearly 1,000 new first-time freshmen enrolling at TSU as the Class of 2028.

Thomas graduated from Hillsboro High School with a 3.8 GPA and has an interest in mass communications and accounting. “I really enjoyed orientation today,” Thomas said. “All the ambassadors were really enthusiastic and had great spirits. I love the environment.”

New student orientation offers first-time freshmen several opportunities to visit the TSU campus, from late July to August, to prepare for college life. Called the ROAR Experience, the orientation also provides parents and students an opportunity to ask any lingering questions regarding financial aid, course advisement and selection, and student activities alongside university ambassadors.

Thomas stated that he looks forward to spending his collegiate years at TSU and is grateful for the partnership between TSU and MNPS that resulted in a scholarship for him. “I really haven’t processed how blessed I am to be in a position to have a full-ride scholarship.”

Incoming freshman Eric Thomas, left, and his mother, Ta-tanisha Thomas, during NSO.

Thomas’ mother, Ta-tanisha Thomas, said he had been accepted into several colleges, and it speaks volumes that he chose TSU.

“This is a huge opportunity for him, and I know that he’s going to do really well,” she said. “I’m very happy that he’s part of the TSU family, and we are too now.”

TSU is also the university of choice for out-of-state students. Atlanta native Jordan Harris and his family were just as excited for him as he joins his older brother at TSU. Jordan plans to major in agriculture business this fall, while his brother Julian Harris, a rising senior, is studying biology. The Harris’ parents, Walter and Julia, said that they both enjoyed the seamless process of NSO and are excited to know both of their sons will be together to support one another.

“Just sitting here going through the new student orientation, I can tell that they’re very organized,” Julia Harris said. “They are ready for this incoming class to come in, as well as my son having a support system with his older brother.”

Jordan and Julian’s parents Walter, left, and Julia Harris at new student orientation in Kean Hall.

The annual event for incoming freshmen was held on the main campus in Kean Hall. Activities featured tours, program previews, and information sessions for students and parents on various student and university services.

Dr. Portia Johnson, the Executive Director of Recruitment, said this opportunity gives students an exciting glimpse into their next four years at TSU while ensuring parents have a smooth transition into college.

“We want them to feel excited about coming to college. This is a new journey for them as they are leaving the nest and high school,” Johnson said.

The final orientation date for new students is Tuesday, August 13, 2024. To enroll or learn more about the first-year student experience at TSU, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/fye/.