Scholars’ Reception Aims to Attract the Best and Brightest to TSU

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) - President Glenda Glover is making sure qualified students have full access to opportunities at Tennessee State University.

TSU President Glenda Glover

She has initiated a “Presidential Scholars’ Reception” program to meet with high school graduating seniors in their communities and offer them scholarships to attend TSU.

The university’s Office of Admissions and Recruitment works closely with high school counselors to identify high-achieving students to receive the scholarships based on grade point average and ACT/SAT test scores.

“We look forward to continuing to be a leader in providing access to higher education in the state of Tennessee,” Glover said. “We continue to work together with area high school counselors and those in surrounding states to make sure we can assist students through scholarships to realize their dreams of higher education.”

On March 13, Glover offered scholarships to several students during a reception at the President’s Residence on campus for students and their parents.  Two more scholars’ receptions are scheduled this month in Sandy Springs, Georgia, on March 22, and another in Hoover, Alabama, on March 28.

The scholarship tour is just one of several initiatives aimed at attracting the best, qualified students, as the institution raises its admission standards. Last May, Tennessee State implemented the “250-Mile Radius Rate,” a program that offers discounted tuition rates of nearly 40 percent for students in counties in nearby states within 250 miles of Nashville.

Dr. John Cade, TSU’s vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Services, said the plan helps boost the university’s effort to recruit out-of-state students, a breadbasket for Tennessee State.

“Based on our national alumni base and legacy, out-of-state students have traditionally been attracted to Tennessee State University, but the cost of tuition has been a major barrier for many,” Cade said.

Speaking recently to a panel of educators and community leaders in Nashville, Glover said the university is focused on student success, and is no longer a “school of last resort.”

She said, as an HBCU, Tennessee State has always opened its doors to all students, even those rejected by other institutions. But she said the university has shifted its focus “exclusively” to student success.

In October, Glover announced a hike in admission standards, while enhancing student success initiatives to increase retention and graduation rates.

Beginning this fall, all students must have a 2.5 GPA and a 19 on the ACT for admission to TSU. The previous admission scores were 2.25 or a 19 on the ACT for in-state students, and a 2.5 or 19 ACT for out-of-state students.

“Excellence remains our top priority, but we can’t be the school of last resort,” Glover said.