Tag Archives: Emmanuel S. Freeman

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

Fall Preview Day gives students glimpse of HBCU experience

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – More than 500 high school juniors and seniors, accompanied by their families, filled Kean Hall for Tennessee State University’s Fall Preview Day. The annual event, held during the first week in December, is considered the university’s premier open house, which allows prospective students to explore TSU’s offerings, admission processes, and campus life. Among the enthusiastic attendees were McKenzie Nichole Brittingham, Kamdyn Marie Thomas, and Tavus Wright Jr., and their parents, who, despite the bad weather, were determined to learn more about TSU.

LaMar Octavious-Scott, right, Director of Admissions, presents Kamdyn Marie Thomas her certificate of admission, as her mother, Mekisha, and father, Timothy look on.

For Brittingham, of Memphis, Tennessee, choosing TSU was an easy decision. “I want to major in mass communication, and I want that HBCU experience. I can get both here,” she said confidently, with the support of her mother, Cheryl Rhea, who emphasized that it had always been her daughter’s dream to attend an HBCU, especially TSU.

Wright Jr., accompanied by his parents, Crystal and Tavus Wright Sr., made the journey from Macon, Georgia to visit TSU. Wright had already experienced TSU once before during a football camp, which left a lasting impression. “I was really impressed with what I saw and decided then that this is where I want to spend my college years,” he said. Wright has his sights set on a healthcare major and found TSU to be the perfect fit for his aspirations.

Dr. Portia Johnson, Director of Recruitment and Campus Visits, gives the visiting students and their parents a passionate welcome, as COO Jason T. Evans cheers her on.

COO Jason T. Evans welcomed students and highlighted the exceptional programs TSU offers and introduced key staff to guide attendees through the admissions process and to answer questions. 

“Today, you get to meet our outstanding faculty members and advisors who will tell you about our offerings, scholarships, other programs, and the benefit of a TSU education,” Evans said.

Brenda Collier, left, Coordinator of Undergraduate Recruitment and Advisement in the College of Health Sciences, speaks with Tavus Wright, Jr., and his family about programs in the college. Along with Wright, Jr., are his mother, Crystal, younger brother Elijah, and his father Tavus Wright, Sr.

Prospective students also had the opportunity to interact with current students and gain insight into campus culture and the supportive learning environment.

Timothy and Mekisha Thomas, proud HBCU graduates themselves, were delighted with their daughter Kamdyn Marie Thomas’ decision to choose TSU. Kamdyn, graduating high school with a remarkable 4.0 grade point average, plans to major in biology, with a particular interest in the renowned Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute, and the Honors College at TSU.

“We are very excited for our daughter and the choice she has made to come to TSU,” Timothy said. Kamdyn added, “Tennessee State is the best choice for me. It is closer to home, and I like the programs.”

McKenzie Nichole Brittingham, middle, who is already admitted, along with her mother, Cheryl Rhea, receives a ‘TSU Bound’ welcome from Denise Carpenter-Hulbert, Senior Academic Enrichment Coordinator in the Office of Student Success.

Participants were not only impressed by the wealth of information and engaging activities offered during Fall Preview Day, but they also expressed their admiration for the exceptional organization and seamless processes that characterized the event.

Fall Preview Day, coordinated by Dr. Portia Johnson, Director of Recruitment and Campus Visits, and LaMar Octavious-Scott, Director of Admissions, brought participants from over 15 states, including California, Illinois, and Michigan. Johnson emphasized the significance of Fall Preview Day, stating, “This event is an ideal opportunity for these prospective students to see firsthand how TSU can shape their academic and personal growth.”

Registration is open for spring and fall 2024 classes. For more information on admissions at TSU, visithttps://www.tnstate.edu/admissions/.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU joins campaign highlighting value of 4-year education

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is participating in the “Four The Future” campaign, a consortium of 10 public universities in Tennessee. This collaborative effort aims to raise awareness about the value of higher education from a public university perspective.

President Glenda Glover

The “Four The Future” campaign will engage community and business leaders, prospective students, and citizens in a multi-year effort to emphasize the importance of a four-year degree. The focus will be on workforce development, training, and economic growth, highlighting the essential role that higher education plays in these areas.

President Glenda Glover commented on TSU’s involvement and its contributions to the campaign, saying, “At TSU, we are committed to providing a world-class education, engaging in impactful community outreach, promoting excellence, and molding young minds. As a Carnegie Designated Research Two institution, we play a significant role in supplying graduates in high demand careers for education, health care, business, agricultural sciences, engineering and many more. Securing employment is the best return on your investment.”

COO Jason T. Evans

TSU’s Chief Operating Officer, Jason T. Evans, will serve as the university’s liaison with “Four The Future.” Evans expressed his excitement about the campaign. “We are delighted to join forces with other Tennessee universities to showcase the value of a four-year degree,” Evans said. “TSU has a rich history of transforming lives through education, and this collaboration allows us to further highlight the impact our institution and others in the consortium have on the state.”

In addition to its commitment to higher education and workforce development, TSU has established numerous partnerships with major corporations and entities that are in line with the vision of Four The Future. These collaborations aim to enhance the skills and knowledge of employees, further contributing to workforce development efforts.

For instance, the university recently entered into a groundbreaking agreement with Amazon, the global e-commerce and technology company. The partnership enables Amazon’s hourly employees to take college courses as part of the company’s Career Choice program, a $1.2 billion commitment to upskill over 300,000 employees by 2025. Through Four The Future, TSU remains committed to providing innovative solutions for workforce development, enhancing the educational experiences of students and Tennesseans alike.

The other participating institutions in the “Four The Future” campaign are Austin Peay University, East Tennessee State University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Technological University, University of Tennessee Chattanooga, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, University of Tennessee Knoxville, University of Tennessee Martin, and University of Tennessee Southern.

Visit https://fourthefuturetn.com for more information on the “Four The Future” campaign. 

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

Hundreds expected for Fall Preview Day

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University announces its much-anticipated Fall Preview Day, the premier open house event designed to showcase the university to prospective students and their families. The event, scheduled for Dec. 2, will begin at 2 p.m., in the Kean Hall Gymnasium, offering an extensive range of activities across the main campus.

Fall Preview Day 2023 is expected to attract hundreds of high school juniors and seniors, along with their families, from various states across the nation. Visitors from across Tennessee and as far away as California, Texas, Michigan, and Wisconsin will have the unique opportunity to experience TSU campus during the fall and gain valuable insights into the university’s academic offerings and admission processes.

“We invite prospective students and their families to join us for Fall Preview Day and explore the possibilities that await them,” says Dr. Portia Johnson, Director of Recruitment and Campus Visits. 

“This event is an ideal opportunity to see firsthand how TSU can shape their academic and personal growth, and we look forward to welcoming them to our campus.”

During preview day, visitors will have the opportunity to interact with academic and financial aid advisors, as well as deans and chairs of various colleges and departments. These representatives will provide valuable information about the wide array of programs, scholarships, and other offerings available at TSU.

Jason T. Evans, TSU’s Chief Operating Officer, emphasizes the importance of Fall Preview Day in providing prospective students and their families with an immersive experience of what makes TSU an exceptional educational institution. “Fall Preview Day allows these students and their loved ones to witness firsthand the outstanding programs, resources, and services that set our university apart,” says Evans. “They will engage with our exceptional faculty members, advisors, and current students, who will share their experiences and illustrate the transformative learning environment at TSU.”

Fall Preview Day attendees will also be treated to a TSU Tigers basketball game in the Gentry Center Complex. This engaging activity will showcase the vibrant campus culture and the enthusiastic support for TSU athletics. Free tickets will be provided at a limit of three persons per family.

To obtain more information about the event and register for Fall Preview Day 2023, please visit the official website at 
https://visit.tnstate.edu/event/449439.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, Marketing, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

TSU’s Isabelle Langham Named to NACADA Advisory Board

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Isabelle Langham, the executive director of Student Success at Tennessee State University, has been appointed to the Emerging Leaders Program Advisory Board of the National Academic Advising Association (NACADA), the Global Community for Academic Advising. NACADA is widely recognized as the leading association globally for the advancement of student success through excellence in academic advising in higher education.

Isabelle Langham speaks with first year students during New Student Orientation in Gentry Center.

“It is an honor to be selected as an ELP advisory board member for NACADA,” she said. “I am eager to collaborate with fellow leaders in the field and work toward enhancing academic advising practices worldwide. Together, we can make a profound impact on student success and positively transform the higher education landscape.”

A member of NACADA’s 2022-2024 Class of Emerging Leaders, Langham joins a remarkable group of individuals who will play a vital role in shaping the future of academic advising. The esteemed advisory board is responsible for collaborating on initiatives aimed at advancing effective advising practices and promoting student success. Langham will serve for two years.

Jason T. Evans, TSU’s Chief Operating Officer, commented on Langham’s accomplishment, saying, “We are immensely proud of Isabelle Langham’s recognition by NACADA. Her appointment to the advisory board is a testament to her exceptional leadership and dedication to supporting student success at TSU. We have no doubt that her contributions on a global scale will benefit not only our university but also the entire academic advising community.”

 Isabelle Langham, Executive Director of Student Success, right, talks to an incoming freshman and his mother during a session of New Student Orientation recently in the Health Sciences Building, on the main campus.

At TSU, the Office of Student Success, led by Langham, serves a diverse student population, including incoming first-time freshmen, readmitted freshmen, continuing freshmen, and new freshmen transfers. With a caseload of over 4,000 students last year, Langham emphasized the importance of the ELP in supporting her work. 

“Being selected for the Emerging Leaders Program last year was not only a professional honor but an opportunity to share new trends and leadership insights with my colleagues,” Langham said. 

“I am grateful for the chance to contribute to the success of my alma mater and our students and to work with an incredible team of leaders in the Office of Student Success. I am also thankful for the work of those before me, like the late Fannie Hyde-Perry, who shared a love of our hometown Moss Point, Mississippi, and service to TSU as a former New Student Orientation director.”

For more information on the Office of Student Success at TSU, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/studentsuccess/advisement_center.aspx.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU’s second largest class in history takes oath to succeed during Freshman Convocation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Class of 2027 reached an important milestone, as the institution formally welcomed the students at the annual Freshman Convocation held in Kean Hall on Sept. 18. The ceremony celebrated the arrival of the 1,784 first-time freshmen, who comprise the second-largest freshman class in the University’s history. They also have a collective grade point average of 3.4, an indication of their impressive academic prowess. 

President Glenda Glover and student leaders turn on their flashlights in solidarity with the new freshmen, symbolizing the light the students must be on campus and in the world. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

TSU President Glenda Glover, school administrators, academic deans, and members of the Student Government Association, were all present to induct the new Tigers into the TSU community.

President Glover greeted the new students with warmth and enthusiasm, encouraging them to be steadfast in their pursuit of success and to follow in the footsteps of TSU graduates who are making a positive impact on the world. She emphasized the significance of their journey at TSU, stating, “You are headed in the right direction by choosing TSU. Step up! You must remain strong in your own faith. Trust God to be strong in your life.” The president said.

Sanyla Clark

“My message to the Class of 2027 is to be strong in your commitment to success, to trust in your own faith, and to find mentors who will support and guide you. As young people, it is on you to make a difference and bear the torch of service. Welcome to Tennessee State University, where you have a strong support system to help you succeed.”

Two freshmen, Sanyla Clark from Atlanta, majoring in communications, and Samuel King from Tallahassee, Florida, pursuing a degree in psychology, embraced President Glover’s words. 

Samuel King

Clark expressed her gratitude, stating, “I am very pleased to be inducted into the Tennessee State University Class of 2027, and the president’s words made me feel so much at home.” 

King echoed her sentiments, appreciating the family-like atmosphere at TSU and the strong support system helping them succeed in their next four years.

“I really enjoy the family atmosphere at TSU. Here you really feel like you belong because of the people here supporting you. With the message that President Glover gave to us, I know that I have a strong support system around me to be successful throughout my next four years,” King said.

As part of the induction ceremony, President Glover instructed the students to turn on the flashlight of their cell phones and raise them as a symbol representing the light they must be on campus and in the world.

New freshman class leaders join in singing the Alma Mater during the induction ceremony. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

During the ceremony, TSU’s Chief Operating Officer, Jason T. Evans, emphasized that the university’s leaders and faculty were dedicated to supporting the students. 

“The leaders that you see here seated at the platform along with their staffs are here to ensure your wellbeing and that you receive the support you need to be successful,” stated Evans.

Dr. Robbie Melton, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, urged the students to aim for excellence in their academic pursuits, promising to assist them in achieving their doctoral degrees.

Other notable speakers at the Freshman Convocation included Dr. Tasha Carson, Assistant Vice President for First-Year Students, Darrell Taylor, Student Government Association President, Miss TSU Victoria McCrae, and Mister TSU Davin Latiker.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU to Participate in Amazon’s Career Choice School Fair, Strengthening Partnership

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is thrilled to announce its participation in Amazon’s Career Choice School Fair, as part of the ongoing partnership between the university and Amazon. The fair is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 27 at Nashville International Airport. It will provide TSU representatives with the opportunity to showcase the institution and its offerings, as well as give Amazon employees the opportunity to make course selections or career choices.

President Glenda Glover

Earlier this year, TSU joined forces with Amazon to offer college courses to the company’s hourly employees as part of the Career Choice program tuition assistance program. The program is an integral part of Amazon’s commitment to invest $1.2 billion in upskilling over 300,000 employees by 2025. TSU’s participation in the Career Choice School Fair solidifies its dedication to providing accessible educational opportunities and nurturing the career growth of Amazon employees.

TSU now joins the growing list of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) participating in the program, becoming the only HBCU in Tennessee to be included in the Career Choice network. This partnership will enable TSU to train and educate hundreds of Amazon employees, enhancing their job skills and opening doors for career advancement.

“We are delighted to see our existing relationship with Amazon expand into this exciting new partnership,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “By providing training and education through the Career Choice initiative, TSU aims to equip Amazon employees with the necessary skills to thrive in their careers. With our dedicated faculty and staff, we are committed to the success and graduation of these employees.”

The Career Choice School Fair is scheduled for Sept. 27 at Nashville International Airport and will provide TSU representatives with the opportunity to showcase the institution and its offerings. Located in downtown Nashville, TSU is conveniently positioned to deliver its world-class programs to Amazon employees. With nearly 30,000 employees in Tennessee and the addition of fulfillment centers and a downtown office bringing over 5,000 tech and corporate jobs to Nashville, TSU’s involvement in the Career Choice program will have a significant impact on the local community.

Jason T. Evans, TSU’s Chief Operating Officer, highlighted the fair as a major opportunity to demonstrate the university’s renowned programs and offerings. “This is a chance for Amazon employees to witness the excellence in our business information, computer science, supply chain, health sciences, and finance programs,” said Evans. “We eagerly anticipate this collaboration and the opportunities it will bring.”

Dr. Verontae L. Deams, from TSU’s Enrollment Management, expressed the university’s readiness to fully represent itself at the Career Choice School Fair. “We are fully prepared to make the most of this opportunity,” stated Deams. “Partnering with Amazon aligns with TSU’s commitment to contribute to workforce development and provide opportunities for professional growth and development.”

Since its launch in 2012, Amazon Career Choice has partnered with hundreds of schools across 14 countries to support employees’ career success. To date, over 130,000 Amazon employees have participated in the program. TSU’s Assistant Vice President of Institutional Advancement, LoLita Toney, who serves as the liaison for the partnership with Amazon, emphasized that the Career Choice benefit addresses the financial barrier faced by many students pursuing a college degree.

“We are honored to be selected as an Amazon partner,” said Toney. “Together, TSU and Amazon are creating lasting positive impacts on individuals and their families by providing educational opportunities. We are excited about this collaboration and eagerly await the arrival of Amazon associates to join the Big Blue family.”

Amazon employees interested in Career Choice are encouraged to visit the dedicated portal and complete a TSU application.

Visit the Amazon Career Choice at TSU: https://www.tnstate.edu/amazon/index.aspx


For the TSU application, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/admissions/apply.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Student Profile, Uncategorized

TSU celebrates legacy students with special pinning ceremony

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Dr. Carolyn Baldwin Tucker, a two-time Tennessee State University graduate, had a special moment last night when she pinned her grandson, Josiah Jones, as he begins his journey as a legacy student at TSU this semester. Tucker, an author and retired Davidson County council member, received her undergraduate and graduate degrees from TSU and sees her grandson’s enrollment as a continuation of their family legacy. Tucker’s husband and two children are graduates of TSU.

Dr. Carolyn Baldwin Tucker ’69, pins her grandson Josiah Jones, as her husband, Jesse F. Tucker ’70, and daughter, Attorney Susan Tucker Jones ’96 ’97, look on. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“Tennessee State University provided me the means to achieve the things that I have achieved,” Tucker said. “I came here in 1965 as a freshman. TSU laid the foundation for me, and I am glad that my grandson is here to continue that legacy.”

Josiah Jones, a business administration major, and his grandmother, participated in the TSU Legacy Pinning Ceremony, organized by the Office of First-Year Students. The ceremony honored students with immediate family members who are TSU graduates.

TSU President Glenda Glover, along with Chief Operating Officer Jason T. Evans, and Debbi Howard, director of Alumni Relations, were among the officials who spoke at the event.

President Glover greets students and family members at the Legacy Pinning Ceremony, as Dr. Tasha Carson, Assistant Vice President of First-Year Students, looks on. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“It is a privilege to greet you on this occasion set aside to honor our legacies,” Glover said. “We pay tribute to those who attended TSU and those who had the thought to send their sons and daughters back to TSU. They have carried the spirit of Tennessee State in their hearts and kept it and passed it down to their children. When a family leaves a legacy, it means giving something back that will be valued, treasured for the next generation, those coming behind us.”

During the ceremony, TSU’s legacy students took part in the reading of the Legacy Creed, pledging to uphold the legacy of those who came before them and maintain the scholastic standards and mission of ‘Think, Work, Serve.’ They also vowed to forge their own path of greatness.

From left, Debbi Howard, Director of Alumni Relations, Jason T. Evans, Chief Operating Officer, and President Glenda Glover applaud participants at the pinning ceremony. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Talia Talley, a health science major from Birmingham, Alabama, expressed her gratitude for her father, Anthony Talley, pinning her as a legacy student. She, along with other speakers at the pinning ceremony, thanked their parents for encouraging them to attend TSU and for passing down the vision and values they gained from their experiences at the university.

“I am truly honored to be a legacy student at TSU,” Talia said. “My father always speaks so highly of his experience at TSU, and it’s wonderful to see his legacy live on. I am grateful for the vision my dad had in encouraging me to attend the same institution that gave him his foundation.”

Talia Talley receives her pin from her father Anthony Talley ‘97.  (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Dr. Tasha Carson, assistant vice president of First-Year Students, thanked her staff, Student Ambassadors, and the office of Alumni Relations for their help in organizing the pinning ceremony. She recognized Jefferey Thomas on his vision for the Legacy Ceremony, now in its third year.

EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

TSU equipped with new mindset, focused on exceptional customer service

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – As Tennessee State University prepares for the new academic year, staff members are embracing a new mindset after participating in an all-day campus-wide customer relations training Wednesday. Led by industry experts and experienced professionals in customer service, the training aimed to better equip staff to serve their clients, specifically students.

President Glenda Glover reminds faculty and staff that customer service is about creating an excellent experience and inclusiveness that honors the TSU brand. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

Isabelle Langham, Sterlin Sanders, and Greg Robinson, who hold key positions at TSU, expressed their appreciation for the timely training and its ability to help them better serve both internal and external customers.

Langham, the Executive Director of Student Success, commented, “This training is important, especially before the start of a new academic year because it helps us define and identify the needs of our customers.”

Sanders, Assistant Chief Information Officer, added, “This training has been transformative. It offered highly beneficial information and practices that will enhance the overall customer service experience at TSU. This training will support the university brand that ‘Excellence is Our Habit’.”

The training provided valuable insights into effective communication strategies and handling inquiries. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

Robinson, the Chief of TSU Police and Assistant Vice President, shared his excitement about the insights provided during the training, stating, “I was very pleased and excited about their reiteration of some of the same things we have talked about at this university from the standpoint of public safety.”

The training, which follows the establishment recently of the Customer Relations Office under the oversight of Chief Operating Officer, retired Army Lt. Gen. Jason Evans, engaged participants in interactive discussions and hands-on activities. It provided valuable insights into effective communication strategies, timely handling of inquiries, personalized support, empowering TSU employees to consistently deliver exceptional customer service.

More than 100 employees from various departments across campus attended the training in the Health Sciences Building. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

At an opening ceremony on the main campus, TSU President Glenda Glover expressed her satisfaction with the participation and commended COO Evans for engaging the services of the industry-leading Moran Consulting firm for the training. President Glover emphasized the significance of customer service in the higher education setting, noting that students are not just customers but also the products of the institution.

“We are happy that these experts are here to work with us and carry us through this process as we become better communicators and better customer relations individuals. Customer service and customer relations are more than just answering the phone, listening to complaints, and solving problems. It is about creating an excellent experience and inclusiveness that honors the TSU brand.”

Jessica Powell is the new Assistant Vice President for Customer Relations.

COO Evans added, “My hope is that this will be the beginning of an ongoing initiative to have the highest level of customer service for our students, faculty, and staff.”

Jessica Powell, Assistant Vice President of Customer Relations, expressed her hopes that the training offered concrete steps for employees to interact with customers at the highest level, both internally and externally. Over 100 employees from various departments across the campus attended the training, demonstrating a commitment to providing exceptional customer service to the TSU community.

FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

TSU opens new Customer Relations Office to enhance student experience

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The TSU Customer Relations Office is up and running, and recently held a campus-wide training session. The newly established office’s primary goal is to provide exceptional service and support to students, faculty, staff, and other key stakeholders. Customer Relations is led by Assistant Vice President Jessica Powell, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role. 

Jessica Powell, Assistant Vice President of Customer Relations

“I am excited about leading this department,” said Powell, who has a long line of family members who attended TSU. 

“In addition to having the professional background that is going to be needed to make meaningful changes, this job is also deeply personal for me. Every day, I’m coming in to make improvements on a university that means so much to the family members I love and working to make changes to better the university so that it can continue to have a positive impact on students for years to come.” 

Working with Powell in the Customer Relations Office are Dr. Seneca McPhee, assistant director, and Ciera Walker, customer relations coordinator.

Dr. Seneca McPhee, Assistant Director of Customer Relations

Shaun Wimberly, Student Trustee, spoke highly of the initiative and highlighted its potential impact on the student body.

“As a student, I believe that the establishment of the Customer Relations Office will greatly contribute to student success and satisfaction,” he said. “It demonstrates TSU’s commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of its students.” 

Frank Stevenson, Vice President for Student Affairs, described the opening of the Customer Relations Offices as a “gamechanger.” 

“The Customer Relations Office aligns perfectly with our mission to provide comprehensive support services that foster student success and personal growth. By centralizing and streamlining communication efforts, we are better equipped to address the diverse needs of our students and ensure their overall well-being throughout their academic journey at TSU.”

Ciera Walker, Coordinator of Customer Relations

The university’s new Chief Operating Officer, retired Army Lt. Gen. Jason Evans, who provides oversight for customer relations, expressed his enthusiasm for the establishment of the office.

“Regardless of whether we are public servants or in the military, or as servants of the state, we are serving someone. That someone is our customers, our customers are the students primarily, and we also have other key stakeholders,” Evans said. 

The Customer Relations Office is in the Floyd-Payne Campus Center on the main TSU campus. 

FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

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.