Tag Archives: Dr. Mikki Allen

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Tennessee State Athletics Signs Multiyear Agreement with Taymar

By: TSU Athletics

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State Athletics and Taymar have signed a multiyear agreement for the firm to handle ticket sates and sponsorships.

“Partnering with Taymar gives us a strong advantage as we continue to expand our reach and impact,” said Tennessee State Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen. “The Taymar approach to revenue generation through ticketing and sponsorships will help us connect more deeply with our fans, alumni, and partners in the Nashville community.”

Taymar has hired Eric Evans as Director of Sponsorship and Ticket Sales to work closely with Tennessee State Athletics and the university in the Nashville community.

“We’re thrilled to work for Dr. Mikki Allen, Julius McNair and the entire team at Tennessee State Athletics,” said Taymar President Joe Rickert. “Under the vision and leadership of Dr. Allen, the program is building tremendous momentum, and we look forward to engaging Tiger fans and corporate partners in new ways that enhance both the gameday atmosphere and their connection to the program.”

TSU is Taymar’s second client school in the Ohio Valley Conference (Arkansas-Little Rock) and its second client in Tennessee (Middle Tennessee State).

“I grew up in Nashville and was well aware of Big John Merritt, Ed Temple and the Tigerbelles, and the Aristocrat of Bands,” said Taymar Founder/CEO Mark Dyer. “It is an honor for Taymar to go to work for Mikki Allen and his team at TSU.”

Visit www.TaymarSalesU.com or contact [email protected] for more information.

About Taymar

Taymar is a North Carolina-based college sports marketing company focused on driving new revenue growth for athletic departments and organizations through ticket sales, sponsorship, ticket operations, and fundraising. Taymar is committed to serving clients and colleagues and was founded on the belief that organizations want senior-level counsel, more personalized service, and increased goal alignment.

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.

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TSU to Honor Dwight Beard with the Dwight L. Beard Bar-B-Que at the Annual John A. Merritt Classic

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Once a dreamer aiming for a position at the White House, Dwight L. Beard has transformed his aspirations into a legacy of generosity, mentorship, and unwavering support for Tennessee State University, his alma mater. As a testament to his dedication, TSU Athletics will honor Beard with the naming of the Dwight L. Beard Bar-B-Que on Friday, August 29, the weekend of the John A. Merritt Classic, an annual football event focused on celebrating the legacy of the late football coach John A. Merritt, who led the TSU Tigers from 1963 to 1983.

Dr. Mikki Allen, Director of Athletics, presents Dwight Beard with a special Tigers football helmet. (Submitted photo)

Driven by a passion for education and community, Beard’s journey is one that reflects the very essence of TSU’s spirit. He has consistently dedicated his time and resources to ensure that students can achieve their dreams, whether it’s through mentorship or assistance with financial needs.

“It’s a true honor to have the barbecue named after me during such a significant event for our university,” Beard said. “I am deeply appreciative of the recognition, but my greatest joy comes from seeing students thrive and succeed. The future of TSU lies in its students, and I’m committed to doing my part to help them achieve their goals.”

Dwight Beard is a familiar presence on campus and in the community, actively engaging with TSU students to discuss their future and explore ways to help them achieve their goals. (Submitted photo)

Dr. Mikki Allen, director of Athletics at TSU, described Beard’s impact: “Dedicating an annual barbecue in honor of TSU alum Dwight L. Beard during John A. Merritt Classic Weekend is a way to celebrate his enduring impact on Tennessee State University. His legacy embodies the pride and tradition that make the John Merritt Classic so special.”

Beard’s commitment to his alma mater stems from humble beginnings. Born as the youngest of 14 in a rural Tennessee town, he faced numerous challenges before earning his Bachelor of Science from TSU in 1974. Throughout his life, his faith, family values, and drive to uplift others have shaped his journey.

Always dedicated, Dwight Beard collaborates with TSUNAA Nashville Chapter member Annie Kinzer to distribute personal hygiene supplies to students on campus. (Submitted photo)

As a successful businessman, Beard founded Beard Property Maintenance, Inc. in 1983, quickly establishing it as a renowned leader in landscaping services across Middle Tennessee. Yet, it is his volunteer work that truly sets him apart, with serving five terms over 35 years as president of the Nashville Chapter of the TSU Alumni Association, and 17 years on the TSU Foundation Board.

“Dwight has been a constant supporter in every way you can imagine,” noted Debbi Howard, director of Alumni Relations at TSU. “From mentoring students and helping them find their paths, to rolling up his sleeves to support various initiatives, he does it all with heart.”

Dwight Beard joins students on campus for a food distribution. (Submitted photo)

Students like Morgan Palmer, a 2025 business administration graduate, reflect on how Beard’s mentorship has changed their lives. “Mr. Beard was very supportive of my initiative to provide free feminine hygiene products to my peers. He helped when I saw no way forward. His kindness and commitment to student causes are something I’ll always cherish,” Palmer said.

Similarly, senior business major David Nyenwe expressed deep gratitude for Beard’s timely assistance when he faced challenges that could have affected his academic career. “Mr. Beard didn’t know who I was, but he stepped in to help. His genuine concern for our education and future speaks volumes about his character,” Nyenwe said.

TSU interim President Dwayne Tucker, seated in front row with blue vest, along with Dwight Beard and other participants, gather for a photo at the TSUNAA Majestic MidSouth Regional Conference in Knoxville, (Submitted photo)

The Dwight L. Beard Bar-B-Que will be an integral part of the John A. Merritt Classic festivities, where alumni, students, and supporters of TSU will come together to celebrate Beard’s legacy and the futures of students he continues to inspire.

As Beard puts it, “My parents instilled in me a profound respect for education, and I see supporting TSU as a way to honor their legacy. I believe in our students, and it is a joy to be there for them.”

This year’s Classic — taking place on August 30 against North Carolina A&T — promises to be a true celebration of community spirit, pride, and the powerful impact one individual can have on countless lives. Get season tickets for TSU home games at tsutigers.com/tickets .

For more information on TSU Athletics, visit https://tsutigers.com.

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TSU announces ‘We Are One’ 2023 homecoming celebration

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – With the theme of “Through Resilience and Perseverance, We Are One,” Tennessee State University proudly announces homecoming 2023 is October 8-14.  Homecoming kicks off the with the annual Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest and Gospel Explosion on Sunday, Oct. 8 to start the weeklong celebration. In addition to the big game between fellow HBCU Norfolk State University and the TSU Tigers, major events will include Mister and Miss TSU Coronation along with the Royal Court, the scholarship gala, the legendary Jefferson Street parade, and numerous alumni and student activities. 

President Glenda Glover

“This year’s theme embodies the spirit of solidarity and unity that defines the university and its local community, said TSU President Glenda Glover. ” There’s no homecoming like a TSU homecoming. We have planned for a celebration that will welcome thousands of alumni back home to our campus, their campus.”

President Glover added that she is pleased to have TSU alumni, former faculty and administrators to serve as the grand marshals and honorees the homecoming. 

The Grand Marshals leading this year’s parade include former Senator Brenda Gilmore, state government administrator Dr. Turner Nashe, and Tennessee Tribune publisher and civil rights activist Rosetta Miller-Perry. The honorees are longtime educator and administrator Dr. John Cade, legal maestro-turned-community leader Sammy Comer, and retired TSU Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and English professor Dr. Gloria Johnson.

Grammy award-winning Aristocrat of Bands during homecoming in 2022 welcoming alumni, family and friends to TSU.

The Special Presidential Honorees, distinguished as lifetime achievement luminaries, include civil rights leader Dr. Xernona Clayton, ambassador and gospel music advocate Bobby Jones, the chair of the Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Institute, Dean Barbara Murrell, and former long-time director of Field Services and Extension, and director of Financial Aid Homer Wheaton.

TSU students will continue to benefit from homecoming with the Annual Scholarship Gala, TSU’s signature fundraising event. It will take place at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 13, at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville. TSU homecoming Chair and director of strategic planning Grant Winrow said the gala gives alumni and supporters a chance to party with purpose and give back. 

Grant Winrow

“This is our biggest opportunity to let the world know how TSU has been a presence amongst colleges and universities across the country with our historical accomplishments and achievements,” Winrow said. “We have some of the most illustrious alumni who have stepped foot on this campus.”

Referring to this year’s honorees and grand marshals, Winrow said this is a selection to be very proud of.

“We have an unprecedented number of honorees this year. They are the epitome of dedicated service to the university.”

Student Government Association President Derrell Taylor said this year’s theme is impactful. “It’s a great opportunity to emphasize that we are one. We are part of the same product, goal, and mission,” Taylor said. “It’s meaningful because it is one of the most anticipated moments of the year. Students are excited to be able to put on their flyest outfits and attend some of the best events of the year.” 

Derrell Taylor

Taylor also noted how this is his last homecoming as an undergraduate student and Dr. Glover’s last homecoming as an active president. “This is our president’s final victory lap. It will be nice to see everyone come home and give her her flowers.” 

President Glover announced her retirement in August. 

Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen said homecoming is all about the community honoring the past, celebrating the present, and investing in the future of Tennessee State University. “Homecoming is much more than a single event. It’s a celebration of history, culture, community, and the enduring legacy of Tennessee State University,” AD Allen said.  

“We know a major part of the celebration will be the football game. We’re excited to play Norfolk State University and I know Coach George will have our team ready to perform at a high level.”

Dr. Mikki Allen

The 2023 homecoming will also feature the now Grammy award-winning Aristocrat of Bands, who will be a major highlight of the TSU homecoming parade. Thousands are expected to line up and down Jefferson Street, hours before the big game, to see the trailblazing band. The parade route is from 14th and Jefferson Street to 33rd and John Merritt Boulevard.  

For more information on all the events for the 2023 TSU Homecoming, visit www.tnstate.edu/alumni/homecoming/

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Dr. Mikki Allen Selected to coveted NCMFC Coalition Academy

By TSU Athletics

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen  has been selected as one of 12 Athletic Directors to participate in the Coalition Academy coach mentorship program. The Coalition Academy was started in 2021 and it pairs Athletic Directors (AD) with minority head coach prospects.

Allen, who is entering his third year as TSU’s Athletic Directors, was the only FCS AD selected and the only AD from an HBCU. The list includes several power five ADs such as Greg Byrne from Alabama, Whitt Babcock from Virginia Tech, and Allen Greene from Auburn among others.
 
Dr. Allen will be paired up with Coach Dell McGee from the University of Georgia who is the Run Game Coordinator and the running backs coach. Tim Banks from Tennessee, Sherrone Moore from Michigan, and Des Kitchens are a few of the selected coaches. The Academy is coming off an incredibly successful first year, highlighted by the hiring of Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame), Tony Elliott (Virginia), and Jay Norvell (Colorado State).
 
“There is a certain closed-mindedness amongst decision-makers in college athletics who only hire candidates with coordinator experience,” Allen said. “The hiring philosophy, effective or not, limits the number of qualified minority applicants for available head coaching positions.

Throughout the history of college football, there has been a limited number of minority offensive and defensive play-callers,” Allen continued. “I believe that this is due, in part, because minority coaches many times ascend through the coaching professions by way of their recruiting process. This being the case, many times because they are so highly coveted as recruiters, they take lateral jobs and are not at the program long enough to gain coordinator experience.

The networking opportunities that the Coalition provides opens so many doors for these aspiring head coaches. College sports is a relationship-driven industry and its special that these individuals get an opportunity to be coaches and developed by leaders that share a vested interest in helping people and improving college sports,” he said.
 
In its first year, the Coalition Academy helped to counteract the narrative that there is a lack of qualified minority coaches to fill available positions and is helping to bring parity to the hiring process in college football. This is why, the Coalition Academy is excited to announce the launch of its second year and the new members of its class.

For more information about the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches, please visit https://ncmfc.com/.