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TSU announces new Student Government Association leaders in first in-person election since pandemic

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU New Service) – It’s officials! Tennessee State University Student Government Association has a new group of officers for the 2022-2023 academic year. The new student leadership, including a Mister TSU and a Miss TSU, was announced Friday during an elaborate ceremony on the main campus after a week of campaigning. It was the first in-person campaigning and election since the pandemic.

Kenneth Rolle II, SGA President

TSU President Glenda Glover, along with staff from the Office of Student Affairs, congratulated the new officers when the election results were announced. 

Kenneth Role II, a senior urban studies major from Orlando, Florida, was elected president, while Aliyah Holmes, a sophomore double major in political science and criminal justice from Houston, was elected vice president.

Aliyah Holmes, SGA Vice President

Sa’Mariah Harding, a rising senior majoring in mathematics and secondary education from Indianapolis, was elected the 93rd Miss TSU. Tre’Veon Hayes, the new Mister TSU, will escort her. Hayes, a rising senior majoring in elementary education, is from Memphis, Tennessee.

Frank Stevenson, associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students, described the new officers as a “dynamic group” of student leaders.

“They were each very strategic in sharing their platforms during the campaign,” Stevenson said. “Student leadership at TSU is not accidental but very intentional, and this group proves that in practice.” 

Sa’Mariah Harding, Miss TSU

Rolle, who becomes the 82nd executive president of the SGA, said his goal is “to get students’ concerns at the forefront of the agenda.”

“My goal is to make sure student concerns are heard and something is done about them, especially when it comes to financial aid, student housing, and the rest.,” Rolle said.

Harding, the new Miss TSU, who ran on the theme “The Louder the Prouder the Tiger Family,” said her goal is “to get every woman on campus feel as a queen.”

Tre’Veon Hayes, Mister TSU

“I want to make sure that every woman feels good about themselves every day when they wake up,” Harding said. “I want to make sure they are proud about who they are, and loud and proud about being a TSU Tiger.”

Dr. Andre Bean, assistant dean of Student Engagement and Leadership, said he’s confident the new group of SGA leadership has a strong agenda to move the student body in a very positive direction.

“I am excited about this group of students and I am looking forward to what they have to bring to the table,” Bean said.

Following is the list of the Royal Court and other members of the SGA:

Mister Senior – Irwin Todd

Miss Senior – Zion Bonds

Mister Junior – Timothy Brewer

Miss Junior – Victoria McCrae

Mister Sophomore – Cotton Chandler

Miss sophomore – Zaria Hobbs

Representatives-At-Large

Michael Darden

Tanya McNeal

Kyra Tucker

Dajah Robinson

Keyanna Canady

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 Debate and Forensics Team No. 1 Nationwide among HBCUs, wins 3rd consecutive championship

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State University Debate and Forensics Team is number 1 among HBCUs in the nation. At the recent 5th Annual HBCU National Speech and Debate Competition at Prairie View A&M University, TSU walked away with 10 national titles, 50 total awards and the overall tournament championship, making them the top HBCU in the country for the third consecutive year. 

TSU’s Debate and Forensics Team members, from left (sitting): Aliyah Holmes, Marshaun Adams, Akyra McDougal, Sanae Chestnut, Ashlynn Freeman, Mark Twyman, Deja Thomas, Ayana Nichole, Chase Garrett and Maya McClary. Back row (standing): Mariah Brown, De’Traelyn Hubbard, Elizabeth Ward, Dwight DeBerry and DezNeshia Glasper. (Submitted photo)

“I started three years ago not winning at any tournament and now to being a three-time national champion is phenomenal,” said team captain Maya McClary, a senior mass communications major from Orlando, Florida. “My experience on the team has been life changing. Forensics has taught me to use my speech as an outlet to express myself.  I would not change anything or anyone on this team.”

Ashlynn Freeman, a sophomore and first-year member of the team, said this championship is special because it gave her a voice she didn’t have before.

Maya McClary, Team Captain

“As a young African American woman, I feel constantly that I have no voice in the world because I am shown not to be heard,” said Freeman, an agricultural science major from Kansas City, Kansas. “With the platform that speech and debate give me, I’m being heard.”

This year, the tournament returned to in-person, after going virtual the last two years due to the pandemic. Other institutions participating in the tournament April 1-3 included Howard University, Texas Southern University and North Carolina A&T.

Prof. Sean Allen, director of forensics in the TSU Department of Communications, is the coach of the TSU debate team. He attributes the success of the group to the “hard work” of the students and to the support of the communications department.

Ashlynn Freeman, First-Year Team Member

“This win was a group effort,” said Allen, who has been with the program at the university for the last six years. “This couldn’t have been achieved without the support from the communications department and university competitions like the Robert N Murrell Oratorical Competition, where I recruit top talent.”

Dr. Jacqueline W. Mitchell, professor and chair of the Oratorical competition, congratulated the team for their championship, and thanked Prof. Allen for his commitment.

Prof. Sean Allen, Team Coach

“The TSU Forensics Team, #1 nationally ranked, consistently outranks competing HBCUs year after year under the coaching of Professor Sean Allen,” said Mitchell, who also chairs the Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest. “Because of this national reputation which we’ve held for several years, we attract annually the top high school debaters across the nation to our freshman class. They all want to be a part of a top-seeded winning team, which TSU provides at the highest level.”

For more information on the TSU Forensics and Debate Team, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/Communications/forensics.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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Over 4,000 attend TSU Spring Preview Day, potential for record-setting freshman class for 2022 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – On Saturday, more than 4,000 eagerly waiting high school students and their families packed the Gentry Center Complex to get their first taste of TSU and the HBCU experience. It was Spring Preview Day at Tennessee State University, when the institution invites high school junior and seniors to various elaborate ceremonies across campus to acquaint them with the university’s offerings, admission processes and campus life. 

President Glenda Glover welcomes visiting students and their family members to Spring Preview Day. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

This year’s preview day saw the return to in-person gathering, the first in nearly two years due to the pandemic. The record number of visitors represented 15 states, including California, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. 

Cherri Branch Donelson, a high school English teacher from Memphis, with a long history of family members coming to TSU, said, she couldn’t wait to get her daughter, Leah Dylainee Donelson, to enroll at the university. 

Cherri Branch Donelson, left, says it was an easy decision for her daughter, Leah Dylainee Donelson, to enroll at TSU. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“The energy in here today is just what I have always imagined with generations of my family members coming to TSU from when it was Tennessee A&I,” Cherri Branch said. “It was an easy decision for my daughter to come here. The first person in my family to go to college came here and that started a long legacy beginning from the 1950s. And my daughter is ready. She has worked hard for this day.” 

“I will be a Tiger here next semester,” said Leah Dylainee, a Bartlett High School academic standout, who has already been admitted. She plans to study mass communications and media. “I love this school, not just because of my family members coming here. I was drawn to TSU because of the culture.” 

The record number of visitors to Spring Preview Day came from about 15 states, including California, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Earlier, TSU President Glenda Glover joined the festivities to welcome the new Tigers and their family members. 

“Welcome to Tennessee State University,” Glover said, to loud applauds from the crowd. “We here at TSU we make sure your children are taken care of. We make sure they get the best education. We have various colleges, majors, and programs to choose from. We have the faculty, academic programs, and an active student life to teach you how to succeed in college. To you parents, when you leave your child with us, we will make sure we take care of them.” 

Charles Crutchfield IV, a pre-med major who came to Spring Preview with his father, mother, and younger sister, is coming to TSU in the fall as part of the Levi Watkins Institute, a collaboration between TSU and Meharry Medical College for exceptional students who want to become medical doctors. 

Charles Crutchfield IV, incoming pre-med freshman, attends Spring Preview with his family. From left, are Laurie Crutchfield, mom; Arianna Crutchfield, sister; Charles IV; and Dr. Charles Crutchfield III, father. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“TSU’s outstanding reputation I heard through the Levi Watkins program drew me to this school,” said Crutchfield IV, of St. Paul, Minnesota, whose father, Charles Crutchfield III, is a medical doctor. “I love this school. In fact, the welcome here today is the biggest I have seen in all my college tours, and it makes me feel even more at home here.” 

Sammy Edward Freeman III, who wants to study criminal justice, and his mother, Tremika Guess, from Memphis, were among the early arrivals at Spring Preview. He chose TSU “because of the programs, the people and to be closer to home.” 

Sammy Edward Freeman III, an academic standout from Memphis’ Kirby High School, attends Spring Preview with his mom, Tremika Guess. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“What really brought me to TSU is the hospitality; it is an HBCU, and I am around many people I know from my hometown,” said Freeman, who hopes to be the first in his family to graduate college. “I feel very comfortable and already feel at home. You have pretty good programs.”

Freeman’s mother, Tremika Guess, added, “I am happy for him. He has been looking forward to this. He has worked hard. He has earned it. He received a scholarship here, and we are going to take full advantage of that.”

Saturday’s activities also included an academic and student services fair in Kean Hall, where the various colleges and department set up tents and tables to meet students. It also included meetings with faculty and student leaders, including Mister and Miss TSU; and a parents-only gathering where parents received information on how to respond to their children’s needs while on campus. The all-day event culminated with campus tours, as well as the Big Blue Tiger Spring Blue & White Football Game in Hale Stadium, with entertainment by the world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands. 

Terrance Izzard, left, Associate Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Success, greets incoming freshman Justin Pruitt, right, and his father Jacob Pruitt. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Terrance Izzard, associate vice president of enrollment management and student success, applauded the record turn-out, and thanked the student services department for “an outstanding program.” 

“Spring Preview Day was bigger and better than ever with record number of eagerly waiting people to learn more about the HBCU experience,” Izzard said. “We are thankful to have the strong leadership in our division to help students get admitted and complete the enrollment process. I think the excitement in the room was because students are happy to be on campus.” 

At a parents-only gathering, Tasha Andrews-Carson, Executive Director of New Student Programs, talks to the visitors about how to respond to their children’s needs while on campus. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

The record crowd for this year’s Spring Preview, was up from the previous record of 1,200 for the last in-person Preview Day in 2019. Officials said more than half of all high school seniors at the program Saturday had received admission letters.

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 Student Leadership Group Visits Headquarters of WM, Leading Provider of Environmental Services

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  (TSU News Service) – More than 30 Tennessee State University (TSU) students recently traveled to Houston, Texas, to visit the WM corporate headquarters and meet with the company’s senior leadership team. The students, accompanied by Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students Frank Stevenson, are participants in Leadership TSU, one of the university’s most selective student leadership programs.

Leadership TSU students,  and L to R, Dr. Napoleon Harris ( Coordinator of Student Support), Molly Morrissey (Sr. Community Relations- WM), Frank Stevenson (Associate VP and Dean of Students),  and Eddie McManus (Mid-South Area Vice President- WM), take a Group picture in the WM Corporate Headquarters office in Houston. (Submitted Photo)

During their visit, the students heard from members of WM’s executive leadership team about the personal and professional experiences that have impacted their success, the company’s approach to sustainability, and more.

“It was just very mind-blowing and very impactful seeing those [executives] and what WM is doing,” said Anarra Williams, a senior food and nutritional science major from Daytona, Ohio. “When I first got there, I just thought those were people who pick up our trash, but they really are honing on their sustainability piece, something I want to be a part of.”

WM President and CEO Jim Fish shares a moment with some members of Leadership TSU during the group’s visit. (Submitted Photo)

Nykole Allen Clark, a senior business administration major from Las Vegas, Nevada, added, “That exposure to them and the company itself totally changed our perception of WM. As a business major, I saw a lot and heard a lot to help me in my preparation as a student and as a leader. It was an aha moment for me.”

In their day-long visit, the students met with WM’s top executives on key topics, including the company’s approach to sustainability and how this focus shapes its operations. For example, WM focuses on materials recovery solutions at its area landfills, such as its 183-acre site in Nashville, home to the only mixed construction and demolition (C&D) materials recovery facility in Davidson County. Students also engaged in a robust Q&A with each of the WM leaders. Tamla Oates-Forney, who oversees WM’s people team, fielded questions from students about her experience as a black female executive in corporate America, sharing why education is an opportunity equalizer and why diversity and inclusion are important in leadership and the workplace

WM Chief People Officer Tamla Oates-Forney engages with Leadership TSU students. (Submitted Photo)

“The Houston trip was amazing. To have WM roll out the red carpet of leadership experience for our students was simply breathtaking,” said Stevenson. “They were intentional about making sure our students had a glimpse into their company’s culture. It was amazing conversation and dialogue between students and the WM executive team. I think our students were surprised at all of the components of WM.”

The Leadership TSU visit is an extension of a three-year partnership between WM and TSU first announced late last year. Through that partnership, WM has committed $300,000 to TSU; half of that funding will be directed toward sustainability research conducted in collaboration with TSU’s Colleges of Agriculture and Engineering, and the other half will provide need-based scholarships to up to 10 students each year attending TSU from the Nashville area.

“The energy and curiosity of these student leaders was truly inspiring,” said Eddie McManus, Mid-South area vice president, WM. “This visit was a great way to kick off our relationship with TSU, and we look forward to all that is ahead, including building out the research program and getting to know more students through the internship and scholarship opportunities.”

Visit TSU online at tnstate.edu, and to learn more about WM and the company’s sustainability progress and solutions, visit sustainability.wm.com.

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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Historic confirmation of first Black woman to Supreme Court brings hope and inspiration for Black women and young girls 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The history-making confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as the first Black woman to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court offers a moment filled with hope and excitement for Black girls and young women, experts say. In a 53-47 vote – with three Republicans joining Democrats – the Senate Thursday confirmed Judge Jackson, making her only the third black and sixth woman to serve on the nation’s highest court. 

President Joe Biden nominated Jackson on Feb. 5 to take the seat of retiring Justice Stephen Breyer.

“This is one of the most incredible historical moments for our nation and one of immense pride and joy for millions of Americans with the confirmation of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.  

“African American women have been at the forefront in facilitating and bringing positive change to our country for centuries.  The true significance of this confirmation cannot be overstated.  Now, an African American woman with impeccable credentials, a brilliant legal mind with the utmost character and integrity, will serve on the highest court in our nation. It is long overdue, but the day has come.” 

President Glover, who also serves as vice chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), commended President Bidden “for staying the course and keeping his commitment to our community and Black women with his nomination and now confirmation of Judge Brown.” 

Kennedy Booker, a junior political science major from Detroit, said Judge Jackson’s confirmation provides a fresh face for the Supreme Court, and her previous judicial and governmental experience creates the diversity needed at the federal court level. 

“Justice Jackson represents the kind of change our federal courts need,” Booker said. “She will forever be an asset and trailblazer for those that come after her.” 

Fellow political science major Anissia Fleming, a sophomore from Franklin, Tennessee, said Judge Jackson will be a “representation of the change taking place in the country.”

“As a symbol, Judge Jackson represents moving past the stereotypes that have to do with race and gender,” Fleming added. “As an individual, she is more than qualified for the job. She will provide exactly the type of representation this country needs as a role model and as a source of inspiration in the Supreme Court for so many in this country.” 

Dr. Shameka Nicole Cathey, assistant professor of political science at TSU, said the historic confirmation of Judge Jackson is “symbolic of the ongoing strive of Black women in our country.” 

“Having Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson included in the U.S. Supreme Court offers a particular significance in relations to diversity and representation,” Cathey said.  “Beyond her personal background, she brings a plethora of professional experiences that not only qualifies her for this moment but gives her the ability to own this moment. Her very presence on the High Court will push the framework of public policy in our country.”

Since 1790, there have been 115 Supreme Court justices. The confirmation of Jackson for the first time in history seats four women and two Black justices on the High Court. Judge Clarence Thomas is the current seated African American Justice. 


TSU’s Women’s Studies in the College of Liberal Arts focuses on the groundbreaking achievements of women and the impact on our global community. For more information, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/cla/programs/womensstudies.aspx. 

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More than 2000 of TSU’s best and brightest recognized at annual Honors Convocation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University recently recognized more than 2,000 students with the distinction of best and brightest at its Honors Day Convocation on March 22. The event was held virtually for the second straight year due to the pandemic.

President Glenda Glover

All the students recognized maintain a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Among the honorees were 400 President’s List scholars. These are students who have maintained 4.0 GPA throughout their matriculation.

Amaris Johnson, a 2003 TSU graduate, and director of OEM Operations at Eaton Corporation, was the keynote speaker. She was a member of the Honors College while a student at TSU. 

Dr. Coreen Jackson, Dean of the Honors College, left, presents Trinity Gourdin with the Dr. McDonald Williams Highest Senior Honors Award.

Before Johnson’s address, TSU President Glenda Glover congratulated the honorees for their achievements. She challenged them to further develop their talents “to be the leaders you have been chosen to be.”

“Honors Day is more than personal recognition; it is a challenge to soar even higher,” Glover said. “As honors students, we will depend on you to research challenges and issues and to develop solutions that will remake our university. Whether it is the COVID pandemic, or racial injustice, it is you, our honorees, who must contribute to finding a path that leads to solutions to the threats that we currently face.” 

Tiara Thomas, Student Trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees, received the Outstanding Student Leader Academic Award. (Submitted photo)

Johnson, a former Miss Honors, earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management at TSU. Speaking on “Promoting academic excellence, transforming leaders, while beating odds in a global pandemic,” she reminded the honorees that as honors students, they have been prepared to promote excellence in any circumstance they face in life, “even a pandemic.” 

“You see, when excellence is your habit, things like pandemic don’t get in your way. It doesn’t cause you to panic and run,” Johnson said. “They cause you to thrive and shine.” 

Trudie Thomas, Coordinator of the Honors College, right, presents Amaris Johnson, the convocation speaker, with a special award.

She told the students that success is within reach, but they must be vigilant in their pursuits with a clear plan in going after their career. She named five “pearls of wisdom” that foster success and that “separate people that model excellence as a habit from those who don’t.” 

According to Johnson, the pearls of wisdom are: Money talks and everything else walks; Slay every day the power of executive excellence; Your network is your net worth; Chase experiences not money and titles; and Be intentional and know your endgame. 

Aubrey Sales, a senior political science major with a 4.0 GPA, has been admitted to four of the top-10 law schools in the nation. (Submitted photo)

“I have a firm belief that if you don’t define your own race, you will find yourself crossing someone else’s finish line,” Johnson said. “Define your endgame, be intentional and develop your map that matches your vision. You’re a pearl of excellence. Whatever you do, do it with excellence.” 

Aubrey Sales, Torrance Buntyn, and Christopher Buford II were among students honored and who participated in the convocation. They are thankful for the recognition. 

Sales, a 4.0 senior majoring in political science, said it was a humbling experience to be recognized for “your hard work with the world watching.” 

Torrance Butyn, a senior music education major, has been accepted at several top universities to pursue his graduate degree in music. (Submitted photo)

“I am very thankful to Tennessee State University for honoring us,” said Sales, of Huntsville, Alabama, who has been admitted to four of the top-10 law schools in the nation. “I had the best professors at TSU, who I credit for the preparation I received.” 

Buntyn, also a senior, is a music education major from Jackson, Tennessee. He has a 3.9 GPA.  

“The Honors Convocation has always been an exciting event for honoring academic scholars at TSU,” said Buntyn, who has been accepted to several top universities to pursue his graduate degree in music. “Being a part of the Honors Convocation always reminds me that hard work pays no matter what, and that there is always a reason to celebrate the small things in life.” 

Christopher Buford, a senior mechanical engineering major, is staying at TSU to purse his master’s degree. (Submitted photo)

Buford, a senior mechanical engineering major, has a 3.7 GPA. The future business owner plans to stay at TSU to earn his master’s degree in mechanical engineering. 

“I enjoyed being a part of the Honors College,” Buford, a Nashville native, said. “They taught me that life is limitless and I can do more if I put my mind and heart to it.”   For more information on the TSU Honors College, visit  https://www.tnstate.edu/honors/

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 takes aim at female gamers, will open academic eSports center in the fall

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The multibillion-dollar industry of video gaming, or eSports, is thought to be a hobby primarily enjoyed by males worldwide. Tennessee State University aims to change that perception.  

Dr. Effua Ampadu-Moss, Director of TSU’s eSports program, left; and Dr. Deborah Chisom, Executive Director of Open Education Resources, congratulate Kiara Davis and Tiara Radcliff, winners of TSU’s first eSports team competition. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

The university recently hosted a special eSports gaming competition for female gamers. Recent statistics show that only 22 percent of women participate in eSports. The goal of the competition was to use video gaming as a pathway to recruit minorities, particularly Africa American females into STEAM Academic programs. 

Tiara Radcliff, a senior psychology major, whose team won the gaming competition, is thankful for the opportunity. She has been playing since she was 6, but never competitively.

“It was my first-time winning in a tournament. I enjoyed it,” said Radcliff, of Indianapolis. “Some girls don’t play because they think it is for guys. I am glad TSU is doing this. It will open up more girls to the game.”  

TSU has six teams, including males and females, and the university is offering classes in eSports this fall. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Kiara Davis, Radcliff’s teammate in the competition, is also thankful that TSU is “opening doors for girls.” She has also been playing from a very young age but was always afraid to join a team.  

“As a young kid, I watched my father and my younger brother play. I was very timid to join the eSports team. So, I didn’t join,” said Davis, a freshman business administration major from Memphis, Tennessee. “When I came to TSU, I decided to give it a go, and I am glad I did. What TSU is doing will get more women involved and they will see that they can actually play.”  

Currently, TSU has six teams, including male and females, and the university is offering classes in eSports this fall though a new Academic eSports Center. 

Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice, Olympic Champion and TSU’s Track and Field Coach, tests her skills at virtual reality gaming, at the eSports competition. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Robbie Melton, TSU’s vice president of the Global Smart Technology Innovation Center, said the university wants to push students to look at eSports as more than just a game.  

“We want to look at the academics of game design, of coding, of entrepreneurship, of the psychology and the management,” said Melton. “It’s a whole gamut of career opportunities that we want to prepare them for looking at what they’re passionate about the interest of eSports.”  

Dr. Effua Ampadu-Moss, director of TSU’s eSports program, will teach a graduate course in the program, called “Special Topics: The Rise of eSports in Higher Education Administration.”  

A local TV station cameraman captures the moment as the eSports team competition got fierce in the Floyd/Payne Campus Center. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“Gaming has always been a male sport, and that’s the stigma we are trying to break by letting them know that girls can get in the game as well,” Ampadu-Moss said. “So, with the competition, we wanted to encourage our female eSports student-athletes to come out and play to help encourage other girls on campus to come out and play as well.”  

 Executive Director Deborah Chisom, who oversees eSports and Open Education Resources, added that eSports helps students build character, leadership skills, as well as teaches them to be strategic.  

“eSports is where the young people are going today,” said Dr. Chisom. “So, in order for us to be a part of it, we needed to start an eSports at TSU, not only for young men, but for our young girls as well. I think it is very important because it allows them some skills and helps them to be engaged. I like to see them collaborate; I like to see them plan.” 

For more information on eSports at TSU, visit the SMART Global Technology Innovation Center at https://tsu-smartinnovationtech.netlify.app/ 

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.

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

TSU to expand its online digital, STEM literacy program across Africa; four new countries show interest

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is continuing to bridge the digital divide through a dual enrollment partnership for underserved students in Africa. The university is expanding the program to include four new countries on the continent that have expressed interest. 

Monrovia College (high school) students take online classes in coding and creating concepts taught by TSU professors. The school, located in Monrovia, Liberia, is one of three locations in Africa participating in the TSU digital literacy program. (submitted photo)

TSU officials say Ghana, Malawi, Nigeria, and Zambia want to join Liberia and South Africa, where students are taking online courses in coding and creating concepts taught by TSU professors. The program is part of a STEM literacy partnership with the African Methodist Episcopal Church that gives students digital resources to develop their technology skills. All participating students receive an iPad, supplied by Apple, Inc.

“This program has been so successful in just the delivery and the opportunities that we are bringing that these four countries have asked us to duplicate our model to include them,” says Dr. Robbie Melton, vice president of the Smart Technology Innovation Center at TSU. 

Dr. Robbie Melton

Melton says the programs for the new countries are in the works and will start this fall. “We have the capacity to handle those requests, because we have trained teachers on our side, but we are also using the train-the-trainer model, so the teachers over there are being trained to expand the program,” she says. 

 Initiated a year ago, the TSU digital literacy program is serving more than 300 high school and college students in three different locations in Liberia and South Africa: Monrovia College (high school); AME University in Monrovia, Liberia; and Wilberforce Community College in Evaton, South Africa.

The students are thankful for the opportunity. Here are few comments:

“I am very excited about the program. I have always had an interest in technology and am looking forward to advancing my knowledge. The teacher is very good and makes understanding very easy. My goal is to one day study in the US, expand my knowledge, and come back home and start my own firm.” Jacques Monbo, Senior, AME University 

Dr. Johnnie Smith (picture not shown), Head of the TSU Africa Project, interacts with students at Wilberforce Community College in Evaton, South Africa, during a virtual presentation. (Submitted photo)


“I am very excited about this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I am doing everything possible to do well in this program. It is my dream to come to the US and study, receive a master’s degree, come back to my country to give back and make my people proud.” Mohamed Sheriffi, Jr., Sophomore, AME University 

“I love this program and I love the challenge. The professor is very encouraging. I want to go to college to gain more knowledge. I want to become an air hostess.” Jewel Paye, 12th Grade, Monrovia College 

“Firstly, I am excited about learning new technology, as technology keeps changing and evolving.  We are excited to have this opportunity firsthand and free of charge for us and our students.  Apple coding has been more advanced in learning and designing App.” Sandile Maxwell Vilakazi, Lecturer, Wilberforce Community College 

With the time difference, Prof. Ramona Whitworth, who teaches coding and creating concepts, wakes up at 4:30 a.m. (Central Standard Time) to teach her 10:30 a.m. Saturday class for students at AME University in Monrovia, Liberia. (Submitted photo)

In the program, eligible high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, and college students can earn both university and high school graduation credits that will start them on the pathway to degrees in STEM. Other related courses will be available provided students’ desire to continue with their educational studies through TSU.

“With these three locations, we are able to provide coding and creativity skills – basically computational basic literacy,” says Melton. “This is a major empowerment for these countries. So, with the support of Apple in donating the iPad, and with our partners here, from the AME Church, Tennessee State University, and other community partners, we have been able to launch this program to enable these students to jumpstart their knowledge and skills in technology.” 

Dr. Johnnie C. Smith, executive director of the Dual Credit/Dual Enrollment Partnership and head of the Africa project at TSU, says the addition of the four countries shows that there is certainly a great need abroad. 

“I think it brings a whole lot of opportunities and energies for the institution and that we are definitely headed in the right direction,” says Smith, adding that nations in other parts of the world, including the Caribbean, have also expressed interest. “We have been having multiple conversations with all of these different groups, just to try to see what their interest is and what TSU can provide.” 

Ramona Whitworth, a TSU adjunct professor, who’s one of the instructors in the program, says the students’ enthusiasm about learning the new technology makes teaching them “so much easier,” even with the six-hour time difference. For instance, she is up at 4:30 a.m. to teach her 10:30 a.m. Saturday class for students in Monrovia. 

“I am teaching them coding and creating concepts, something that is new to them, but they are always ready for the challenge,” says Whitworth, who is also director of graduate admissions at TSU. “Our mission is to teach them these coding concepts, with the goal of them coming up with ideas to develop apps to benefit their community.” 

For more information on TSU’s SMART Technology Innovation Center, visit https://tsu-smartinnovationtech.netlify.app/

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.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured

TSU secures top jobs for students, graduates with spring career fair

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Amid the pandemic, job prospects continue to look very bright for TSU students and recent graduates, thanks to the university’s rigorous career readiness programs that have some major companies offering full-time employment to students. Many of the students will have solidified and secured job placements before graduation.  

NTT DATA representatives Whitney Wells, Campus Recruiter, left: and Horace Jones, Director of Project Program Management and a TSU alum, talk to a student at the Career Fair. The company has already hired three students from the university since February. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

At TSU’s Spring 2022 Career Fair on Feb. 25, it was disclosed that Bank of America, a longtime TSU partner, which last year contributed $1 million to help with students’ job readiness, and NTT DATA Services, a multinational information technology service and consulting company, were the latest among entities quickly recruiting students for high-paying positions.  

In just the last few months, the two companies reportedly have hired six computer science and business majors from the upcoming May graduating class, as well as offered internships to several others from various colleges.

Russell Marcellus Waters will reportedly make more than $75,000 in starting salary with Bank of America. (submitted)

Among the new hires is Russell Marcellus Waters, a computer science major, from Huntsville, Alabama, who is expected to receive a starting salary of more than $75,000 as a technical analyst with Bank of America. He will join several other former TSU students who currently work for the company.  

“It is really a good feeling to not just go into any job, but one that’s paying well, just after graduation,” said Waters, a graduating senior, who has been interning with Bank of American since his sophomore year. He will be assigned in Charlotte, North Carolina, when he starts in July.  

“The first time I stepped on TSU’s campus my goal was to graduate with a job upon graduation,” added Waters. “The exposure I received from the classroom and the preparation from the Career Development Center, whether it was sharpening my interviewing skills or resume writing, allowed me to apply to Bank of America for an internship, and I was accepted in my sophomore year.”  

Peyton Williams is joining NTT DATA as a Business Technology Consultant. (Submitted)

Peyton Williams, who earned a master’s degree in business last fall, is one of three graduates joining NTT DATA as a business technology consultant. Williams and another former student started in early February in the company’s Nashville office. The third will start in August and will also be assigned in Charlotte.  

“I developed a relationship with NTT DATA Services earlier in my years at TSU by attending events hosted by the College of Business and the Career Development Center,” said Williams, of Sunset, Louisiana. “My education at Tennessee State University helped me to continue to build the interpersonal, strategic thinking, and an entrepreneurial spirit necessary to be an effective leader at a company like NTT DATA Services.”   

Sonecia Nard, a senior biology major, right, talks with Ronald Douglas, Jr., Senior Project Manager at HCA Healthcare. Douglas, a 1999 TSU graduate in Business Information Systems, returns to recruit at his alma mater. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

The Spring Career Fair, a potential springboard to internships, co-ops, and job opportunities for many students, this year brought together more than 140 employers, including Fortune 500 companies, federal and local government agencies, the U.S. military, educational institutions, and individuals. They set up booths and displays to review resumes and hold on-the-spot interviews with students.   

Organizers said more than 500 students attended the all-day fair in the Gentry Center Complex.   

Sonecia Nard, a senior biology major; and Khiri Jenkins, a third-year computer science major, were among the first students at the fair. Nard, who graduates in May, was looking for a full-time position, while Jenkins was looking for an internship opportunity.  

Antoinette Duke, Director of the TSU career Development Center, left, interacts with representatives of BAE Systems, one of the more than 140 companies at the Career Fair. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“I am looking for opportunities that will help me get more experience in my career field and give me more options of what I want to do with my life,” said Nard, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, who was seen talking with representatives of HCA Healthcare. “Although I am a senior, this is my very first career fair. The employers have been very receptive and helpful. It’s been a nice experience.”  

For Jenkins, a native of Atlanta, he is looking for opportunities that can further his education and position him for a bright career.  

Khiri Jenkins, a third-year computer science major, discusses his resume with Emily Burton, Talent Acquisition Manager at JW Marriott. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“The employers I met were very interested in what I had to say,” said Jenkins. “I am very optimistic about my chances of getting an opportunity with one of these companies.”

The career fair was the second in-person fair since the pandemic. Prior fairs were held virtually. 

Frank Stevenson, associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students, called this year’s career fair a “home run.” 

“It feels amazing to know that our students are going to be leaving this institution with jobs,” said Stevenson. “That’s our whole goal, to know that they are employable, and have the skill sets that these companies and organizations are looking for.”  

“This is probably one of the better career fairs we’ve had,” added Antoinette Duke, director of the Career Development Center. “We have companies here that have already hired some of our students for the summer. So, this is the place to show up in one location to get as many Tigers as they can.” 

For more information on the TSU Career Development Center, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/careers/ 

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.

FACULTY, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal discusses college affordability at TSU workshop

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – U.S. Under Secretary of Education James Kvaal held a workshop on Feb. 18 at Tennessee State University to discuss college affordability. It was part of a daylong visit by U.S. Secretary of Education, Dr. Miguel Cardona, to address teacher shortages and other educational needs.  

James Kvall, U.S. Under Secretary of Education, left; Dr. Jerri Haynes, Dean of the TSU College of Education; and Rich Williams, Chief of Staff of the U.S. Department of Education, participate in the discussion at the workshop. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Organizers of the workshop said its main purpose was to allow Kvaal to hear directly from students about their concerns. They included the challenge of paying tuition and the effectiveness of Tennessee Promise, a state initiative that allows high school graduates to attend a community or technical college free of tuition.  

For instance, while Tennessee Promise takes care of tuition, students say they still have to pay for their books, which can sometimes be expensive.  

“They shared problems as students, and things they want to see happen in the future,” said Dr. Jerri Haynes, dean of TSU’s College of Education, and one of a number of educational stakeholders who also attended the workshop.  

Hartlee Hill, a first-year TSU dental hygiene major from Livingston, Tennessee, said she liked the fact that Kvaal took time to listen to their issues.  

“It was so good to be here and to hear everybody’s views and how to help improve the system,” said Hill.   

Accompanied by Rich Williams, chief of staff of the U.S. Department of Education, Kvaal said he wanted to gather information on the needs of students and educators, as well as make them aware of existing services. He said he was impressed by the level of “talented young people” at the workshop.   

“They were very sharp and very passionate about the issues they presented,” Kvaal said. “We talked a lot about the challenges of covering living expenses, books, and the challenges of student support services, such as mental health challenges and the difficulties first-generation college students face in navigating the system.”  

Dr. Curtis Johnson, TSU’s associate vice president and chief of staff, and Jessica Macy, senior director of student impact at Tennessee Achieve, a partnering organization to Tennessee Promise, were among stakeholders at the workshop.  

“This opportunity helped us highlight our students and all of their hard work and persistence, in attending college,” said Macy.  

Earlier in the day, the highlight of Education Secretary Cardona’s roundtable discussion was TSU’s Grow Your Own teacher pipeline initiative in the College of Education. TSU is the number one HBCU for producing teachers and a top institution in the field across the nation. 

“I’m really proud of what I see here,” Cardona told reporters after the roundtable. “We want to see more of this across the country. We know that with the American Rescue Plan funds, and what we’re pushing with Build Back Better, there’s going to be more support for this. It takes seeing programs like this to keep us pushing really hard because we know they work.” 

To learn more about TSU’s College of Education, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/coe/. 

For more information about the state’s Grow Your Own initiative, visit https://bit.ly/36oIgKN.