Tag Archives: Emmanuel S. Freeman

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COVID-19 Omicron variant poses ‘great concern,’ TSU public health expert says

NASHVILLE, TENN. (TSU News Service) – A Tennessee State University public health expert calls the COVID-19 omicron variant “one of great concern,” and is applauding the U.S. government’s quick response in imposing travel restrictions on people coming in from southern African, where the variant was first detected. The Biden administration is going even further by requiring all Americans entering the U.S. to be tested. 

Dr. Wendelyn Inman

Dr. Wendelyn Inman, an infectious disease expert and professor and director of the public health program in the College of Health Sciences, says she does not see the need for a shutdown or lockdown, but calls the measures “another layer of protection for the general public until we have a full understanding of the virus.” 

“It could be two or three weeks before we fully know how the new COVID-19 variant is transmitted between people and if it can cause more severe illness than other mutations of the virus,” says Inman, previously the chief of epidemiology for the State of Tennessee. “What we do know is that the symptoms are milder for healthy people and those that are immunized.” 

As of Friday, the U.S. had reported the omicron variant in five states. Minnesota, Colorado, New York and Hawaii confirmed new cases of the variant on Thursday. The first case was reported Wednesday in California. The infected person, a resident of San Francisco, had just returned from a trip to South Africa. 

With the virus already detected in over 25 countries, the U.S. government and other countries are restricting travel in the hope of keeping the virus from spreading. And, Inman and other scientists are urging the public to continue to adhere to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s recommendation to get immunized, continue to wear masks, social distance, and wash hands. 

So far, the COVID-19 vaccines have proved to be highly effective in preventing hospitalization and death, with people who are unvaccinated 10 times more likely to be hospitalized if infected. And vaccine-makers are optimistic the current vaccines authorized for use in the U.S. will provide protection against omicron, too. 

“If you are immunized, it is not going to send you to the hospital or to the morgue,” says Inman, who worries that there are still vaccine skeptics in Tennessee, especially Middle Tennessee. “I am more concerned for people in areas where larger numbers of unimmunized people are working, living, and playing. Most people don’t grasp the concept until a family member or somebody they know dies. No one has to die before we take it seriously.” 

According to the CDC, more than 60 percent of Tennessee residents are fully vaccinated. 

At TSU, the university reports a high vaccination percentage among employees and students. More than 70 percent of full-time faculty and staff, as well as hundreds of students are vaccinated. As of Nov. 8, TSU officials say 74.5 percent, or roughly 920 faculty and staff, have had both vaccination shots. More than 2,300 students have presented proof of vaccination. 

“Tennessee State University has worked diligently to keep infections to a minimum,” says Dr. Curtis Johnson, TSU’s associate vice president and chief of staff. “We continue to enforce the guidelines we have in place to protect the health and well-being of our students, faculty, and staff, along with our visitors. We are grateful for the cooperation we have received from the TSU family. It is encouraging to see the results of our efforts, and it benefits our communities greatly.” 

For more information on TSU’s COVID-19 protocol, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/nanobio/COVID19.aspx 

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 eight 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.

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Top graduate, single mother motivated by striving to be the best for her young son

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – When Dana Bonner received her degree at Tennessee State University’s Fall Commencement on Nov. 20, among those in the crowd cheering her on was her 3 1/2-year-old son, Aspen.

Graduating with a 4.0 GPA, Dana Bonner received her bachelor’s degree in psychology. (Submitted photo)

“It’s been a tough journey, caring for him while trying to keep a job, and balancing that with classwork,” said Bonner, an honor student who graduated with a 4.0 grade point average. “But as hard as it has been the goal has always been to do whatever it takes to complete my degree and try to secure a better future for us.” 

And Bonner is doing just that, building a future by trying to be at the top of her class. The Seattle native was among nearly 700 undergraduate and graduate students who received degrees at TSU’s graduation ceremony. Bonner got her bachelor’s degree in psychology. She plans to return to TSU to pursue her graduate degree. Her career goal is to become a sports psychologist. 

A transfer student, Bonner came to TSU in her sophomore year from Nashville State Community College, where she had majored in physical therapy. The demand of a physical therapy study was too overwhelming and prevented her from giving the necessary care and attention to Aspen whom she had had since her freshman year. Coming to TSU, she switched to psychology, and says that’s the best decision she made. 

“I started my college career with a young child, and I have been a single mother all the way,” she said. “So, I had to learn how to navigate between being a good student and being a mother to my child. Being a single mother is hard enough, and to put school on top of it, and then you throw in having to work is extremely tough.” 

While coping has been tough, Bonner said she is thankful for family support. Nine years ago, mom, dad and sisters moved to Nashville. That transition has helped with raising Aspen. 

“Thankfully, I did have their help, but a lot of time I felt like it was my responsibility to take care of my child. Although I had their help, I tried to take on as much as I could,” she said. 

This balancing act and remaining a top student have not gone unnoticed by Bonner’s professors, who see the young mother as an example of “sheer determination to succeed no matter the odds.” 

Dr. Keisa Kelly, professor and chair of the Department of Psychology, said Bonner’s determination is no surprise. 

“When Dana transferred to TSU, she immediately stood out to me as someone with a purpose,” said Kelly. “With the support of a loving family, Dana overcame difficult challenges as a young adult, and entered TSU with the determination to use her intellect, empathy, resilience, and psychology degree to help others. I am so thrilled to learn that Dana intends to stay with the TSU psychology department to earn her Master’s in Psychology, and it is my hope that she will also complete her doctorate in our APA-accredited Ph.D. program in counseling psychology.” 

Despite her mounting responsibilities, Bonner maintains a full college life, including extracurricular activities. This past year, she was selected for the Scholarly Trainees Acquiring Research Skills program at the University of Tennessee, serving as a research assistant in their psychology department and participating in professional develop opportunities. She is a member of Golden Key International Honor Society, and Phi Kappa Phi National Honor Society. She coaches high school and club volleyball and is a youth leader in her church. 

“I want my son to know that everything that we have now, I worked so hard so we could have this life, so we could enjoy the things that I know we are going to have,” she said. “I want my child to know what it is like to work hard. It’s nothing to be ashamed of. There is a lot of humility in working hard.”

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 eight 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.

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TSU, UCOR partnership to spur engineering students’ interest in environmental management

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has entered a partnership with UCOR, a leading cleanup contractor for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Reservation, to spur student interest in environmental management opportunities. The goal is to help build a pipeline of qualified candidates for ongoing environmental management work at Oak Ridge and DOE facilities elsewhere.  

President Glenda Glover receives a check for $25,000 from officials of UCOR to help fund education and training for engineers. In the photo are, from left, Ken Rueter, UCOR President and CEO; Dr. Glover; Sonya Johnson, UCOR Communications, Community, Diversity, and Workforce Development Programs Manager; and Joe Aylor, UCOR Chief of Staff. (Photo by DeShun Smith)

On Nov. 10, UCOR presented TSU with a $25,000 donation to help fund education and training for engineers.  Earlier in the week, representatives from UCOR spoke to students in TSU’s College of Engineering and gave them an overview on Oak Ridge’s environmental management program and career opportunities at UCOR.  

“Tennessee State University is grateful to UCOR for this new partnership, and for their generous donation to our College of Engineering,” TSU President Glenda Glover said.  “Our students will have access to Oak Ridge environmental management experts and opportunities for internships and career growth in this exciting field.”  

Dr. Glover added that through the partnership, UCOR will be connected with TSU’s diverse population of talented students who are involved in cutting-edge research and are taught to be problem solvers and critical thinkers.  

Norel McAdoo, a senior civil engineering major, attended the UCOR presentation at TSU. (Submitted photo)

Ken Rueter, UCOR president and CEO, said, “These partnership agreements continue to enhance our outreach efforts and expanding employment opportunities in environmental cleanup at nuclear facilities like the Y-12 National Nuclear Complex and Oak Ridge National Laboratory. HBCUs are a rich resource for qualified professionals in engineering, environmental science and other disciplines we depend on for mission success.”

Under a Memorandum of Understanding between UCOR and TSU, the partners will work together to identify research, training, and education opportunities and to promote internships and mentoring that enrich the educational experiences of participating students.   

Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, dean of the TSU College of Engineering, called the partnership “a great investment” in the university’s environmental engineering program.  

“This partnership will help support students with experience, engage our faculty through research, and facilitate career pathways for our graduates to Oak Ridge and DOE operations,” Hargrove said.  

Norel McAdoo, a senior civil engineering major, is one of the students who attended the UCOR presentation at TSU. 

“I think this a great opportunity for our engineering program,” said McAdoo, of Little Rock, Arkansas. “During their (UCOR) workshop they gave us ideas for potential projects that we can do at the College of Engineering. I also feel they will be a great resource to help students solidify what they want to do after they graduate.”  

For more information on TSU’s College of Engineering, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/engineering/moreaboutus.aspx 

FEATURED PHOTO
TSU President Glenda Glover, right, along with university representatives, holds discussion with UCOR officials in her office. Pictured are Ken Rueter, UCOR President and CEO, left; Dr. Glover; Joe Aylor, UCOR Chief of Staff; Iris Ramey, TSU’s Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations; and John Barfield, Director of Engagement and Visibility for Research and Sponsored Programs. (Photo by DeShun Smith)

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 eight 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.

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Congresswoman Nikema Williams to deliver TSU’s fall commencement address Nov. 20

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – U.S. Congresswoman Nikema Williams (D-Ga.) will be the commencement speaker when Tennessee State University holds its fall graduation ceremony on Nov. 20. More than 700 undergraduate and graduate students will receive degrees in various disciplines.

The commencement will be held in hybrid format with the live ceremony in the Gentry Complex, where U.S. Rep. Williams will address the graduates. University officials say COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, including the wearing of masks, social distancing, as well as encouraging all adults to be fully vaccinated. Additionally, each student will receive only five invitations for family members and friends, to avoid overcrowding.

“Giving the current challenging condition brought on by the pandemic, we are taking every precaution to ensure that the ceremony is conducted safely,” says Dr. Curtis Johnson, associate vice president and chair of the graduation committee.  “We are limiting the facility capacity to between 60-70 percent, and encouraging family members and invited guests to sit together.”

TSU reportedly has one of the lowest virus infection rates and one of the highest vaccination rates when compared to other Tennessee universities.

Williams, who represents Georgia’s 5th congressional district in the House of Representation, is in her first term and serves as president of the freshman class of the 117th Congress. A former state senator, union member, and special needs educator, Williams has been a fierce advocate for social justice, women and families throughout her political and professional career.

The lawmaker “always centers” the voices of the marginalized and how “women and people of color continue to fight for racial and social justice in our country.” In Congress, she serves on the House Financial Services, and Transportation and Infrastructure Committees, as well as the Select Committee on the Modernization of Congress. She has membership in several caucuses, including the Congressional Black Caucus, Democratic Women’s Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus, Voting Rights Caucus, LBGTQ+ Equality Caucus, and the HBCU Caucus.

Congresswoman Williams has been recognized as one of Georgia Trend magazine’s 100 Most Influential Georgians, Forty under Forty, Power 30 Under 30, Outstanding Atlanta, and Who’s Who in Black Atlanta. Born in Columbus, Georgia, Williams attended Talladega College where she was initiated into Chi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

The commencement, to begin at 9 a.m., will be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person. The stream link will be announced later. For more information on Fall Commencement, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/records/commencement/

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 eight 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.

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Crowning of new Mr. and Miss Tennessee State University continues Homecoming tradition

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – After a virtual event last year due to the pandemic, the Mister and Miss TSU coronation returned live Wednesday with the crowning of the new Tennessee State University king and queen. Mark Timothy Davis, Jr., and Mallory Rian Moore were invested during an elaborate ceremony in Kean Hall, as part of the 2021 Homecoming festivities. 

President Glenda Glover congratulates the new Mr. TSU Mr. Mark Davis, and Miss TSU Mallory More. (Photo by Daniel Adkins)

Hundreds of people — including parents, relatives, friends, and fellow students — packed a jubilant Kean Hall to witness the coronation of the two students and their court. 

TSU President Glenda Glover congratulated the new king and queen after giving them the oath of office. Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, followed the president. He charged the two students to take their roles seriously. 

“It is my pleasure to charge the new king and queen and this royal court with the expectations of this office,” Stevenson said. “You must lead with integrity and help enhance student experiences in the Land of Golden Sunshine. You are charged as the first historic pandemic transition from quarantine to excellence as king and queen. You must always act with love and respect for each other.” 

Miss TSU 2021-22 Mallory Moore is a senior health sciences major from Birmingham, Alabama. (Photo by Daniel Adkins)

 Davis, a senior mass communications major from Cincinnati, plans to help male students develop into men with good character traits that others can emulate. With a five-point plan focused on sexual assault awareness, mental health, campus engagement, creating a definition of what a man is, and embracing your difference, Davis’ goal is to change the stereotypical view people have of “our young males” because of the way many carry themselves. 

“We must try to change the way the world looks at our students, especially the black males, and TSU is doing a very good job in that area,” says Davis.

The new Mister TSU Mark T. Davis, Jr. is a senior majoring in mass communications. He is from Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Daniel Adkins)

After graduation, Davis plans to pursue a master’s degree in psychology. His career goals are to become a director of student activities at TSU, and ultimately manage artists, and be the CEO of his own record label. 

Moore, who becomes the 92nd Miss TSU, is from Birmingham, Alabama. She is a senior health sciences major. She wants to use her position to implement a program built around mentorship and providing opportunities for fellow students.  

Escorting Little Miss TSU Aset Dolorne Seaton-Terry is Little Mister TSU Connor Alexander Bean. Aset is the daughter of Antonio and Aleshia Seaton-Terry. Connor is the son of Dr. Andre Bean and Dr. Keisha Bean. (Photo by Daniel Adkins)

“I want to do a mentorship initiative because I know for me coming in as a freshman, I didn’t have that and it made things a lot difficult for me,” says Moore. “I don’t want other students to face those difficulties. So, I want to create this program for the freshmen, and I am including the sophomores because the sophomore class didn’t get one because they were home due to the pandemic.”  

In addition to being Miss TSU, Moore is active in many campus organizations and programs. For two years, she served on the university’s cheerleading team. She is a member of the TSU choir, and the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success. She was initiated into Chi Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity Incorporated, Alpha Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and Order of Omega National Honor Society for Greek Leaders. Moore’s career goal is to become an occupational therapist. 

Members of the new Royal Court:

Mister Senior – Shaun Anderson
Miss Senior – Destiny Pennington 


Mister Junior – Tre’veon Hayes
Miss Junior – Sa’Mariah Harding 


Mister Sophomore – Alex Brooks
Miss Sophomore – Anasia Strickland 


Mister Freshman – Gary Richardson
Miss Freshman – Brookly Gordon 

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 eight 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.

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TSU Students, officials bury COVID-19 pandemic in time capsule, to be unearthed in 2041

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A TSU-inscribed face mask, a letter from the university president, and a Homecoming banner were among items recently laid to rest in a time capsule to remind those who open it 20 years from now of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

President Glover, Associate VP Frank Stevenson and student leaders bury the time capsule on the main campus. From left, are Mr. TSU Mark T. Davis, Jr.; Miss TSU Mallory Moore; SGA VP Jevaria Jefferson; SGA President Derrick Sanders; Dr. Glover; Tiara Thomas, Student Trustee; and Stevenson. (Photo by Andre Bean)

President Glenda Glover, along with student leaders and university officials, buried the time capsule during a lively, socially-distanced ceremony on the main campus on Oct. 26. It will be unearthed in 2041. Tiara Thomas, Student Trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees, conceived the idea for the capsule. She said it will tell future students about what it was like to live during COVID-19. 

“The time capsule is to make sure people know and have our firsthand account of how we dealt with this moment,” said Thomas, to a loud cheer from the crowd, including the Aristocrat of Bands, that provided entertainment. Her presentation was in the form of a letter to fellow students summarizing the events of the time. 

President Glover places an envelope in the time capsule containing a letter, a mask and an AKA pouch. (Photo by Andre Bean)

“There are going to be so many people writing history books, making documentaries, but we want to leave something that tells our story, to make sure it is as true and accurate as possible,” Thomas added. “We have been through so much and so many stories to be told from so many angles, and I just want to make sure we capitalize on that moment because, indeed, we are history makers.” 

Like many students at the ceremony, Terrian Jefferson and Kershaun Barksdale agreed with Thomas.

Tiara Thomas, Student Trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees, conceived the idea for the time capsule. (Photo by Andre Bean)

“This means a lot to me because future students can actually see what we dealt with in today’s time,” said Jefferson, a junior health sciences major from Memphis, Tennessee. “And for even those of us here today, this will remind us that this really did happen.” 

Barksdale, a psychology major from Holly Springs, Mississippi, added: “I feel like this burial is necessary because it puts us in a unique position to be able to accurately tell the story of what took place during this time.” 

Besides the mask and students’ messages, the time capsule contains a banner from the AOB, an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. pouch from Dr. Glover, who is also international president of the sorority, press releases, news articles, and memorabilia from the Black Lives Matter Movement, among others. Tuesday’s event also marked TSU’s weeklong 2021 Homecoming, which kicked off Sunday with a gospel explosion. 

AOB Drum Major Travion Crutcher places a banner from the marching band in the time capsule. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

Frank Stevenson, associate vice president of Student Affairs and dean of students, thanked President Glover for her leadership, Thomas for her foresight in conceiving the idea for the time capsule, and the campus family for their support. 

“As we bury this time capsule, let’s celebrate the brilliant leadership of President Glover during this pandemic; she was very intentional, and she required that out of all of her staff,” Stevenson said. “During the pandemic, we were left in the care of 2,200 students who stayed on our campus. We were the frontline workers. While other personnel were working from home, we had to be intentional about our presence. From our police department, health services to our residence hall staff, we were here, and we did it and we are excited to make this moment.”   

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 eight 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.

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TSU President Glenda Glover nominated for 2021 inclusive leader award

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – TSU President Glenda Glover is a nominee for the GlobalMindED 2021Inclusive Leader Awards. Glover is among leaders from across 15 industry sectors nominated for this year’s awards. Winners will be announced virtually on Nov. 3.

President Glenda Glover

The awards recognize the “most inclusive” leaders in key industries for their innovations and bold actions to promote access and equity for women, people of color, and underrepresented populations in their recruiting, development, and in their pipeline strategies from education to employment.

“I am delighted and honored to be nominated for this prestigious award, along with other distinguished leaders who are impacting our world in very positive ways,” Dr. Glover said. “GlobalMindED’s work to close the equity gap by creating a capable, diverse talent pipeline with programs for students from the least resourced background is highly commendable.”

According to its webpage, GlobalMindED serves low-income students, returning adults seeking badges/credentials, First Gen to college and inclusive leaders who teach them, work with them and hire them. The organization’s goal is to reach 25,000,000 First Gen college students, graduates, those who work with them and those who want to hire them algorithmically connected to role models, mentors, internships and jobs. 

Students and the general public are invited to attend the awards ceremony on Nov. 3, beginning at 5 p.m. Central/6 p.m. Eastern. To attend you must register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wcSRBKoARb-5d75rLrp8yw

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 eight 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.

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Gospel explosion featuring Grammy winner Tye Tribbett kicks off TSU’s 2021 Homecoming week

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University kicks off its 2021 Homecoming with a gospel explosion featuring Grammy and Stellar awards winning gospel legend Tye Tribbett. Known for such hit albums as “Greater Than” and “The Bloody Win,” the singer, songwriter and keyboardist headlined the show in the Gentry Center Sunday, Oct. 24.

Other big-name stars and groups that took part in the concert included gospel notables Earnest Pugh, winner of Best Gospel Album at the 6th Annual Independent Music Awards; Stellar Award nominee Lisa Knowles Smith; the renowned TSU New Direction Gospel Choir; and the legendary Nate Bean & 4Given gospel group.

Themed “The Return,” this year’s homecoming is buzzing with excitement as the university returns to normal celebration, following the cancellation of homecoming last year and the scaling down of many other activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Organizers say all safety protocols will be observed.

Jeia Moore is excited about The Return.

“I am pretty excited to have homecoming in person. It’s going to have many surprises and excitement,” says Jeia Moore, a senior information systems major from Memphis, Tennessee. “Lots of expectations are riding on this homecoming. The student body is really excited that we are keeping the tradition of the gospel explosion, which brought artists that have literally raised us from little kids in the church to who we are now.”

 Derrick Sanders, president of the Student Government Association, says, “This is going to be a homecoming to remember.” He’s glad the university is keeping safety in mind, and hopes homecoming participants will be responsible.

Derrick Sanders says Homecoming will be one to remember.

“We want everybody to stay safe; to wear a mask, protect one another,” says Sanders, a senior English major from Cincinnati.

Besides the big game against Murray State at Nissan Stadium on Oct. 30 and the parade that morning, another major highlight of TSU’s homecoming is the Annual Scholarship Gala, TSU’s signature fundraising event. It will take place on Oct. 29 at the Music City Center. This year, the gala welcomes Grammy award-winning artist Howard Hewett, and for masters of ceremony, award-winning radio personality Jasmine Sanders and comedian and actor Rodney Perry.

Other homecoming activities this year include the Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest on Oct. 24; the Coronation of Mr. TSU and Miss TSU on Oct. 27; the homecoming concert featuring rappers Chief Keef, Sada Baby, Dreezy, and Big Scarr on Oct. 28; the Breakfast of Champions, the Charles Campbell Fish Fry, and the National Pan-Hellenic Step Show on Oct. 29; and the legendary Homecoming Parade on Oct. 30.

The parade will be from 14th and Jefferson Street to 33rd and John Merritt Boulevard.

For more information about TSU’s 2021 Homecoming, visit https://bit.ly/3aBoV7M.

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 eight 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.

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

Student mentorship, retaining excellence focus of new Miss TSU Mallory Moore

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News) – As the 2021-2022 Miss Tennessee State University, Mallory Moore is using her unique position to implement a platform built around mentorship and providing opportunities for fellow students.  

Miss TSU Mallory Moore

To achieve her goal, she has initiated “Our Turn – Doing M.O.O.R.E,” or Making Opportunities Open to Retain Excellence, aimed at continuing TSU’s legacy of scholarship, leadership, and service; as well as “Shadowing a Tiger,” a mentoring program for freshmen and sophomores. 

“I want to do a mentorship initiative because I know for me coming in as a freshman, I didn’t have that and it made things a lot difficult for me,” says Moore. “I don’t want other students to face those difficulties. So, I want to create this program for the freshmen, and I am including the sophomores because the sophomore class didn’t get one because they were home due to the pandemic.” 

Moore is a senior health science major from Birmingham, Alabama. She won the coveted Miss TSU title in April after a fierce election process that also ushered in a new Mr. TSU (Mark T. Davis, Jr.), a new Royal Court, and other Student Government Association officers. 

As a former Miss Junior, Moore says she understands the challenges students coming to college for the first time face, such as coping in a new environment, developing new study habits, and making new friends. She wants to help them overcome potential pitfalls that could hinder their progress. 

“I am very determined, and I see that a lot of people see that I am very confident, and as a leader, I want to pass that on to them,” says Moore. “I want them to understand that college is fun, but to also remind them that there is a greater goal and an expected end, which is their eventual graduation.”  

Moore says although coming to TSU was to fulfill her mother’s dream of attending an historically black college or university (HBCU), she has no regrets about becoming a “Big Blue Tiger.” 

“The reason why I chose to come to TSU is because my mom wanted to go to TSU when she was my age, but my grandmother wouldn’t let her. She wanted her to go to a predominantly white institution. So, she begged me to go on a visit. I took my mom’s advice and came on a visit, and I immediately fell in love the moment I stepped on the campus. It has been the perfect home for me.” 

In addition to being Miss TSU, Moore is active in many campus organizations and programs. For two years, she served on the university’s cheerleading team, whose coach, Dwight Pope, she credits with helping to keep her on track.

“Coach Pope was very hard on , and I was upset with him at times, but looking back, he was teaching things I needed to know for this moment,” she says.

Moore is a member of the TSU choir, and the National Honor Society of Leadership and Success. She was initiated into Chi Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity Incorporated, Alpha Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated, and Order of Omega National Honor Society for Greek Leaders. 

The coronation of Mr. TSU and Miss TSU will be part of Homecoming week activities. It will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 27 in Kean Hall, starting at 7 p.m. 

For more information about TSU’s 2021 Homecoming, visit https://bit.ly/3aBoV7M.

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 eight 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.

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Mr. TSU Mark Davis wants to help male students develop into responsible men that impact society

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Mark T. Davis, Jr., the new Mr. Tennessee State University, says his goal is to help male students develop into men with good character traits that others can emulate. The goal, he says, is to change the stereotypical view people have of “our young males” because of the way many carry themselves. 

Mr. TSU Mark T. Davis, Jr.

‘We must try to change the way the world looks at our students, especially the black males, and TSU is doing a very good job in that area,” says Davis, a Cincinnati native. “I came here on an HBCU college bus tour, and immediately fell in love with the university.  ‘No durags, wife beaters, or sagging pants.’” 

A senior mass communications major, Davis has developed a five-point plan called “BLUE IS KING,” where BLUE stands for Building Legacies Upon Existence. The plan focuses on sexual assault awareness, mental health, campus engagement, creating a definition of what a man is, and embracing your difference. He hopes this will leave a legacy that impacts future students. 

“This HBCU is preparing us for the real world,” says Davis, who formerly served as Mr. Junior. “What I want to accomplish as Mr. TSU is to really make sure that by the time I am done with my reign, people will remember how I made them feel as Mr. TSU,”  

As part of his plan, Davis has initiated several events he says help students stay engaged. They include: “Eye of the Tiger Scavenger Hunt,” an informative program with hints that tell something new about TSU; “Tailored Tuesdays,” which challenges males and females to dress up in business casual attire but emphasizes business professional; and “Today’s Quote,” that involves passing out motivational quotes in the courtyard on Wednesdays. 

“I really just am excited about my initiatives, in pushing forward what kings or professionals are supposed to look like, or what’s business casual,” says Davis. “I just want to make sure that when other people come on our campus and see a male, that that male is a good representation of TSU.”

Davis is part of Allure Modeling Troupe, Collegiate 100, and Pep Club.

The coronation of Mr. TSU and Miss TSU will be part of Homecoming week activities. It will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 27 in Kean Hall, starting at 7 p.m. 

For more information about TSU’s 2021 Homecoming, visit https://bit.ly/3aBoV7M.

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 eight 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.