Tag Archives: College of Agricullutre

 TSU Tiger Bay, College of Ag Team Lead $5M Wetlands Restoration Effort

By Charlie Morrison

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tiger Bay Wetlands restoration project officially launched this winter, led by a collaborative team from Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture (TSUAg). With the support of public and private partners, TSU is taking significant steps toward rehabilitating this vital ecosystem.

Dr. Bill Sutton emphasizes the importance of hands-on experience in preparing students for success in the private sector, public sector, or graduate school.

Representatives from TSUAg, the Nashville Metro Government, the Cumberland River Compact, and Resource Environmental Solutions recently took the first step in a $5 million USDA Forestry Service-backed project.

The project to restore Tiger Bay took shape after the College of Agriculture secured a grant from the USDA Forestry Service. The project, titled the “Restoration of an Urban, Forested Wetland at Tennessee State University to Improve Educational Opportunities and Ecosystem Services,” will restore the forested environment and free it from invasive species.

Associate Dean for Academics and Land-grant Programs Dr. De’Etra Young is the principal investigator for the grant. She stated that TSU scientists and students will assist in the restoration of this forested wetland ecosystem, which will improve the ecosystem services that the wetland provides, along with experiential learning opportunities.

“Tiger Bay is a unique asset we’re lucky to have right here on campus,” Young says. “Restoring it is important, and our partnership with the USDA Forestry Service, the Nashville city government and non-profit and for-profit environmental firms is critical to our being able to execute this grant in full.”

Dr. De’Etra Young

Young continued to note that these efforts will also provide a research environment for TSU students who can utilize this opportunity to develop real-world skills that will set them apart in their post graduate job search. “It’s our responsibility to preserve this unique asset for future generations of research students, and this team we’ve assembled will help us greatly in meeting that responsibility.”

Young shared that successfully executing the grant and bringing the project to life began with assembling the right team. TSUAg faculty members Drs. Bill Sutton, Tom Byl, Sarah Neumann, Yujuan Chen, Jason de Koff and Reginald Archer are all participating in the rehabilitation program.

Forestry management is key to Tiger Bay’s rehabilitation. Urban Forestry professors Drs. Neumann, Chen, and Young will identify invasive species for removal and select new tree species to enhance the ecosystem’s health.

While Dr. Reginald Archer will create geospatial and topographic maps of Tiger Bay’s natural resources, Dr. Sutton and Dr. Byl will focus on wildlife and vegetation considerations.

TSU Ag research professor Dr. Tom Byl works in the wetlands with graduate student and mentee Devin Moore.

Dr. Sutton is leading the wetlands restoration, partnering with Resource Environmental Solutions “We are planning a full-scale wetland restoration to remove invasive species and to re-plant with native species,” Sutton says.

Dr. Byl will focus on hydrology and water quality to support a healthy TSU wetland ecosystem. Excessive nutrients at Tiger Bay have fueled cyanobacteria and toxic algae blooms for years, and this project allows Dr. Byl to build on his 20 years of wetlands research.

“The wetland has tremendous value, and we are very lucky to have it on our campus,” says Dr. Byl. “Our goal is to revitalize the wetland, make it more accessible to the TSU community and the public, and preserve it as critical greenspace and habitat for wildlife.”

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

Alexis Clark contributed to this report.

College of Ag to Hire Veterinarian, Boosting Program and State’s Economy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture is making strides to enhance educational opportunities and strengthen the state’s agricultural sector by hiring an in-house veterinarian. The initiative, still in its early stages, aims to hire a licensed veterinarian within the next 18 months. This effort will benefit TSU animal science students, the agriculture community and Tennessee’s economy.

Cameron Walker during his current Kentucky Equine Management Internship.

The decision to hire an in-house veterinarian aligns with mirroring the university’s demographics and supporting its pre-veterinary students. Cameron Walker, a junior at TSU studying pre-vet, noted the value of this new addition for students like himself.

“Having somebody that went through the process and that can give you tips on what to do and how to get through vet school would be great to have first-hand,” Walker said. “For an HBCU to have a vet in-house is great. It’ll motivate us to keep pushing because we’re not the only ones trying.” Walker is currently an intern at the Kentucky Equine Management Internship (KEMI) program, located on a Central Kentucky horse farm.

After college, Walker will be applying for veterinarian school with a long-term goal of becoming a surgeon.

TSU senior Niarra Anthony during TSU’s ‘Ag Week’ celebration last Spring.

Niarra Anthony, a senior who works with goats, chickens, cows, and more on TSU’s farm, has been accepted into Purdue’s veterinary school. She said having a veterinarian on campus will be transformative. She believes it will show students that their dreams are achievable. “It makes me excited,” Anthony said. “I think that would be very beneficial for students like myself. Not only because I love animals, but one of the main reasons I want to be a vet is to let people that look like me know that they can do it too.”

Currently, only 2.2 percent of veterinarians in the U.S. are Black, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pre vet students stated that they aim to increase these numbers by having an in-house veterinarian on campus who will become role models to aspiring veterinarians.

Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean of the College of Agriculture

Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean of the College of Agriculture, outlined the significance of the new position. “The need for someone who understands animal diseases and connects that to human health is critical on the research side,” Reddy said. “That person will be able to assist, work with our extension agents, and guide them, as well as be helpful to the state’s animal producers.”

Reddy noted that the veterinarian will be involved in various aspects of the college.

From supporting TSU’s pre-vet students to advancing research at the upcoming One Health Center, which will link the study of animal and human diseases, a new veterinarian will play a vital role on campus. In December, the Tennessee State Building Commission (SBC) approved plans for TSU to expand its physical footprint with two new College of Agriculture buildings, including the facility where the veterinarian will likely work with the One Health Center. This $63 million project, totaling 110,000 square feet, combines federal and state funding to enhance the university’s research and outreach capabilities.

Rendering of one of the two new College of Agriculture buildings at Tennessee State University, slated for completion in August 2026.

In regard to outreach, an in-house veterinarian will not only enhance student experiences to sustain a future- ready university, but also boost Tennessee’s agricultural landscape. Pete Nelson, President of AgLaunch and a member of the TSUAg Advisory Board, highlighted the broader impact on the state’s livestock industry.

“Supporting this work with an in-house veterinarian can help take these programs to the next level and build new programs for farmers,” Nelson said. He stated that the university already supports farmers statewide who are seeking to grow their livestock operations, all while maintaining its own livestock on its research farm. So, this addition would improve TSU’s ability to assist underrepresented farmers and build self-sufficiency in livestock care, directly benefiting the state’s agricultural economy.

Pete Nelson, President of AgLaunch

The initiative of hiring an in-house veterinarian is supported by Land Grant funds, which provide the flexibility to hire without restrictions, according to Reddy. TSU currently has 23 Food and Animal Science students participating in the Dean’s Scholars program, eight of which conduct hands-on research on the university’s farm.

The addition of a licensed veterinarian on campus will serve as a resource for students, providing guidance from animal care to navigating the process of applying to veterinary schools. As Dr. Reddy noted, this hire is not only about filling a gap but also about fostering the next generation of veterinarians.

“There are very few Black veterinarians in the country,” he said. “A lot of students express interest, but not many get qualified to become a veterinary doctor because there are very few seats and very high competition,” he said. “We think having a veterinarian on campus will help those students prepare better, get into the best schools, and get veterinarians out there in the communities.”

As TSU continues to build its reputation as a leading institution among HBCUs, the addition of an in-house veterinarian represents a step forward. Not only does this effort supports students like Cameron Walker and Niarra Anthony, but it also positions TSU to play a crucial role in addressing the state’s agricultural needs and boosting its economy. Visit the College of Agriculture at www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/.

TSU builds on reputation as a Leading Land-Grant university with $63 Million Investment

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is proud to announce its continued commitment as a leading land-grant institution with plans to expand its physical footprint through the construction of two new College of Agriculture buildings.

The Tennessee State Building Commission (SBC) has approved the design phase for a Food and Animal Science building and an Environmental Science building, with a total investment of $63 million and a combined square footage of 110,000. The upcoming project is a combination of federal and state funding to the university.

Rendering of one of the two new College of Agriculture buildings at Tennessee State University, slated for completion in August 2026.

The SBCs decision coincided with the first day on the job for Dwayne Tucker as TSU’s new interim president. Interim President Tucker expressed gratitude to the commission for its approval and highlighted the importance of collaboration with the State on future capital projects.

“I am excited, on my first day, to see two new buildings approved for the University by the State Building Commission,” says Tucker. “These buildings symbolize the future growth of the University in spite of our current fiscal situation. Today’s actions also demonstrate the State government’s continued trust in TSU and ongoing support of our future. It also marks the beginning of our journey to enhance educational offerings and research capabilities with these state-of-the-art buildings.

The new buildings will feature at least 35 faculty offices, 23 research labs, 17 teaching labs, a multipurpose room, and four classrooms. These facilities are designed to foster a unique connection between research and instruction, supporting TSU’s mission to advance agricultural sciences.

Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture stated the decision marked a good day for the university and the college.

Dr. Chandra Reddy

“This is a great opportunity for TSU and our students,” Dean Reddy said. “From a teaching perspective, we will have the most modern teaching labs there. Agriculture is a very skill-based profession, not just a theoretical one, so the teaching labs will help us to provide experiential learning for students. Research wise these buildings will accommodate One Health Center, Precision Agriculture Center, Soil Health Center, and a Water Management Center.”

The expected move-in date for the new buildings is August 2026. They will be the largest on the campus and will feature a lower level along with a first and second floor and feature research laboratories, teaching laboratories, laboratory support facilities, lecture halls, classrooms, offices, collective workspace and support facilities.   The SBC also approved TSU’s Organic Agriculture Building from the consent agenda.

Alexis Clark contributed to this article.

TSU reopens facility destroyed by tornado during Small Farm Expo

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture hosted its 20th Annual Small Farm Expo, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony for facilities rebuilt after the 2020 tornadoes. The event celebrated the reopening of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research and Education Greenhouse, the Agriculture Education Center, and the Pavilion, which are key parts of TSU’s agricultural programs.

Dr. Chandra Reddy, left, and TSU Interim President Ronald A. Johnson. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University)

TSU Interim President Ronald A. Johnson had remarks at the ceremony, emphasizing the resilience and determination of the university in overcoming past challenges.

“The devastation caused by the 2020 tornado was a formidable setback, but it did not deter us,” Johnson said. “We’re not just replacing what was here, we’re advancing what we can do. These state-of-the-art facilities will redefine the landscape of agricultural research, education, and community engagement, not just at TSU but across the state of Tennessee.”

These rebuilt facilities enable researchers to conduct cutting-edge experiments in sustainable agriculture and host educational workshops, seminars, and public outreach programs.

The Small Farm expo brought together hundreds of industry leaders, small farmers, and students for a day of workshops, farm tours, and the annual awards luncheon. Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean of TSU’s College of Agriculture, expressed his gratitude to the partners who continue to participate in the yearly expo and who helped rebuild the facilities.

TSU students interact with industry employers during the Small Farm Expo, which brought together hundreds of Ag leaders, small farmers, and students. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University)

“We seized this opportunity to build a modern, comprehensive agricultural research station that we can all be proud of,” Reddy said. “The new research infrastructure stands as a symbol of our collective strength and determination, and it will serve as a beacon for future research, innovation, and education.”

Dr. De’Etra Young, Associate Dean for Academics and Land-grant Programs, noted the significance of the new facilities for the university’s future.

“These facilities symbolize our commitment to a future-ready TSU,” Young said. “They are designed to foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence, ensuring that our students and faculty have the resources they need to lead and excel in agriculture.”

Dr. De’Etra Young

The Expo featured workshops on urban agriculture, poultry production, beekeeping, and hemp research, as well as guest speakers from local, state, and federal levels.

TSU students Jhanya Chenault and Jaida Seafous, both agriculture ambassadors studying animal sciences, expressed excitement about the opportunities to engage with industry professionals and expand their career paths.

“I jump at these opportunities because I want to present myself to future employers,” said Chenault, a junior from Atlanta, GA. “Being here in Tennessee, we have so many options, and I’m surrounded by people who want to be in the same spaces that I want to be in.”

TSu Ag. student ambassadors Jhanya Chenault, left, and Jaida Seafous.

For Seafous, a sophomore from Houston, TX, this was her first time attending the Expo.

“I wanted to take full advantage of this opportunity,” Seafous said. “We want to get our faces out there, and I have many opportunities at Tennessee State University.

Finis Stribling who is the Director of TSU’s New Farm Academy Small Farms Program, highlighted the significance of Expo and highlighted farmers who may be limited to resources. “Our mission has always been to work with small-scale, limited-resource, underserved producers,” he said. “Now, we’re looking at innovative approaches like drone technology to advance small-scale farming here at TSU.”

Dean Chandra Reddy, left, and Finis Stribling, center back, present Small Farm Expo category winners with checks for their achievements. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University)

The expo also honored Ryan McCaffrey as the Tennessee Small Farmer of the Year, awarding him $3,000 for his achievements. Other award recipients, each receiving $1,000, included Debra Lockard for the Alternative Enterprises Award, Briley Dodge for the Innovative Marketing Award, and Adam Clark as the Most Improved Farmer of the Year.

TSU continues to demonstrate its commitment to advancing agricultural research and supporting the state’s small farming community. These efforts ensure that the next generation of agricultural leaders is well-equipped for the future, even in the face of challenges like the devastating 2020 tornado.

TSU using $20K from Tractor Supply company to address students’ needs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is using a $20,000 donation from Tractor Supply Company to help fulfill the needs of students, particularly during the pandemic.

The funds will be used by TSU’s College of Agriculture to help “students in need of financial support,” says Dr. Chandra Reddy, the college’s dean.

Braxton Simpson

“We are very excited and are very thankful to Tractor Supply Company for this support,” says Reddy. “We have so many needs in the college, but our biggest need is providing support to outstanding students that are in dire need of funding. This investment in our students by Tractor Supply company will go a long way in preparing future agricultural leaders in the country.”

TSU senior Braxton Simpson of Atlanta is majoring in agricultural business. She says she’s glad the funding will be used to help students with financial hardships, especially during the coronavirus pandemic.

“It allows students to stay focused and not worry about paying for school,” says Braxton. “We’re very grateful for the donation.”

Jamie Isabel with advancement and university relations at TSU says the contribution is the “impetus of a major relationship that we are currently working on” with Tractor Supply.

“Our students, graduates will be very pleased to have Tractor Supply as a corporate partner,” says Isabel. “The contribution is indicative of the support that TSU is receiving from corporate America.”

Over the last several months, TSU has worked diligently to ensure students have the tools they need to complete their coursework as a result of COVID-19.

Emmanuel Wallace

In March, TSU students had to transition to remote learning because of the coronavirus. The University purchased laptops and tablets for those students who needed them. TSU recently resumed classes for the fall, but has an alternate plan that includes students continuing to learn remotely if there’s a surge in COVID-19 cases.

TSU junior Emmanuel Wallace of Memphis, Tennessee, is an agriculture major concentrating on food and animal sciences with a pre-vet focus. He says he’s pleased with the University’s effort to help students, and is grateful for the contribution from Tractor Supply.

“As a whole, TSU is doing everything it can,” says Wallace. “This (donation) is very helpful, especially during the pandemic.”

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

For more on TSU operations affected by the coronavirus, and student information, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/covid19.

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a  premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees.  TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee.  With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students  with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

TSU, UT partnership prepares Ag students for success in vet school

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) — Tennessee State University has partnered with the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine (UT-CVM) to help TSU agriculture students transition to vet school once they complete their degrees.

College of Ag Dean Dr. Chandra Reddy

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) identifies qualified TSU freshmen and immediately sets them on an academic trajectory to successfully meet the requirements for admission into UT-CVM, or other institutions of veterinary medicine.

“The MOU between TSU’s College of Agriculture and UT’s College of Veterinary Medicine provides a pathway for students majoring in animal science at TSU to get into the veterinary school at UT. We are very pleased with this new arrangement between the schools,” said TSU College of Agriculture Dean Chandra Reddy, who was instrumental in finalizing the agreement.

“It will help increase minorities in the veterinary profession and help us prepare our students appropriately for veterinary college. Health care for pets is a huge demand in society today. Many of our students are interested in the veterinary profession and we welcome this opportunity to prepare and place students in this competitive and demanding field.”

Dr. Mike Jones, director of Student Services, Diversity, and Recruitment at UT-CVM, shared Dr. Reddy’s sentiment about the TSU and UT-CVM Pre-Veterinary Emphasis (PVE) Scholars Program. 

Dr. De’Etra Young

“I’m very excited about it,” said Jones. “Veterinary medicine is considered one of the least diverse of all health care professions. We want to serve the needs of the underserved.”

The agreement between the universities began in 2016 when Jones, a UT-CVM professor of Avian and Zoological Medicine, came to TSU to speak to agriculture students in the student organization Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS). Dr. James P. Thompson, the dean of UT-CVM, sent Jones with the mission to form an agreement with TSU to recruit its students into UT’s vet college.

There, Jones met Dr. De’Etra Young, the MANRRS advisor, who works closely with TSU’s top students. For the next four years, Jones and Young worked on the MOU, which was signed in June.

“We are excited to enter this new partnership with UT-CVM,” said Young, who is now interim associate dean of Academics and Land-grant Programs at the College. “We are increasing our efforts to provide experiential learning and hands-on experiences to prepare our students for graduate studies or the workforce. This new arrangement will assist us in preparing our students appropriately for veterinary school.”

TSU sophomore Cierra Woods, pre-vet focus

Students will be notified in September if they are accepted into the program. The students will be assigned mentors — one each from TSU and UT-CVM. The mentors will work together to advise each student, monitor their progress, ensure ongoing commitment, and support other training opportunities, such as summer jobs or internships.

Assistant Professor Carollyn Boykins-Winrow teaches animal science classes at TSU and will be serving as mentor to the students selected for the program.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for the students,” said Boykins-Winrow. “The students will know what to expect from UT and UT will know the preparation the student went through to get there.”

TSU junior Emmanuel Wallace is an agriculture major concentrating on food and animal sciences with a pre-vet focus.He agreed the programwill be beneficial to freshman students.

“I think it is awesome,” said Wallace, of Memphis, Tennessee. “It will tell them what classes they need to take, as well as give them the overall hands-on experience they need to be successful.”

TSU junior Emmanuel Wallace, pre-vet focus

Cierra Woods, a sophomore Ag major at TSU who also has a pre-vet focus, said she is glad students will have the opportunity to work with a variety of animals.

“People always think domestic animals, but there are so many animals you can work with,” said Woods. “I think everyone should have the opportunity to try something different.”

Both Woods and Wallace are interns in a partnership the College of Agriculture has with the Nashville Zoo to also prepare students for vet school.

For more information about the partnership and the TSU and UT-CVM program, contact Dr. De’Etra Young at (615) 963-5123 or email [email protected].

To learn more about TSU’s College of Agriculture, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/.

NOTE: College of Ag communications specialist Joan Kite contributed to this story.

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a  premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees.  TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee.  With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students  with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

TSU alumna and Amazon Teacher of the Year Shasta Charlton inspires students to be successful

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University alumna Shasta Charlton didn’t know much about robots. But that didn’t stop the first-year teacher and her students from building and coding one, and winning $50,000 from Amazon.

TSU alumna Shasta Charlton

Charlton, a computer science teacher and Robotics Club staffer at Whites Creek Comprehensive High School in Nashville, is a 2020 Amazon Future Engineer Teacher of the Year Award recipient. She is one of 10 individuals selected from among thousands of eligible teachers to receive the prestigious award, which includes $25,000 for the school and $25,000 in school supplies.

Charlton’s ability to relate to students helped get the attention of Amazon. When her school presented she and her students with the challenge of building and coding a robot, they did not back away.

“I don’t have a computer science degree, but I went home and I buried myself in YouTube videos and read every book that I could get my hands on to make this happen for them,” recalls Charlton, who also convinced the students to start a Robotics Club. “In about six months we had a fully working coded robot, and we actually ended up winning third in the state competition. I could have easily just said no, but instead, me and my students said we were going to buckle down and figure it out.”

Amazon award recipients were chosen based on a variety of criteria, which included their commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion within computer science education, a recommendation from a school administrator, and compelling, personal anecdotes about their school and students.

While she’s thrilled to be nationally recognized by Amazon, Charlton says she’s even more excited about the number of students she’s convinced to attend TSU in just her first year of being a teacher.

“I’ve really been trying to connect my students with TSU as much as possible,” says Charlton, who graduated from TSU last year with a degree in agricultural sciences. “I have four students this year who are going to TSU to major in some form of agriculture.”

Dr. John Ricketts is an Ag professor and extension specialist at TSU who encouraged Charlton to transfer to the university and major in agriculture when she was at Nashville State Community College. He says he’s not surprised at the success she’s having after just one year of teaching.

“She was extremely motivated as a student; she’s incredibly brilliant too,” says Ricketts of Charlton, whose concentration was in agricultural education. “When she went to Whites Creek, we knew that they had a home run. And frankly, it’s a home run for TSU because she’ll be sharing the good word about Big Blue.“

Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of TSU’s College of Agriculture, agrees.

Students work on robot for competition. (Submitted photo)

“As a student, she was very active and passionate about her program,” says Reddy. “She is also typical of our agricultural education graduates who have been getting very high scores on the state education exams and are doing extremely well as teachers and leaders in the communities they serve.”

In 2009, Nashville State Community College and TSU formed a Dual Admission Agreement. It provided certain guarantees to students who committed to TSU early in their community college matriculation, such as priority advising and registration, as well as access to TSU’s campus.

Since then, the Tennessee Board of Regents instituted the Tennessee Transfer Pathways program, which superseded DAAs and provided guarantees to community college graduates statewide.

Dr. Sharon Peters, executive director of community college initiatives at TSU, says students at Nashville State continue to be on TSU’s radar.

“Nashville State should be our pipeline,” says Peters. “The majority of the students that leave Nashville State should be coming here, or considering us, particularly if they live in Davidson County.”

For more information about TSU’s College of Agriculture, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/

For more about community college initiatives at TSU, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/commcolleges/

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a  premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven doctoral degrees.  TSU is a comprehensive research intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation, and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee.  With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students  with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.