Tennessee State University Welcomes Future Tigers at Big Blue Explosion Preview Day

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) — It was all excitement at Tennessee State University on Nov. 15 as nearly 600 prospective students and their families filled Kean Hall for the much-anticipated Big Blue Explosion Preview Day. The gathering offered high school juniors and seniors an insider’s look at what it truly means to be a part of the TSU Tiger family, featuring interactive displays, campus tours, and testimonials from current students and faculty.

TSU President Dwayne Tucker welcomes prospective students and their families to Fall Preview Day. (photo by Aaron Grayson)

Among the eager participants were A’Marie Walker from Dayton, Ohio, and M’Kayla Symone Kelley, an aspiring dental hygienist from Portland, Oregon. The two students, alongside their supportive families, were captivated by TSU’s robust academic offerings and welcoming atmosphere, both aiming to enroll this fall. “I really like the environment here at TSU, it just feels right,” said Walker, who is considering an engineering major. “I’m confident I’ll be here this fall.”

TSU Student Ambassadors help to register and welcome the visitors to the Big Blue Explosion Preview Day. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Kelley echoed similar sentiments. “I was attracted to TSU because of its strong dental hygiene program. The positive reviews I found on social media encouraged me to explore further,” she said, with her parents and sister at her side.

The day kicked off with TSU President Dwayne Tucker’s welcoming remarks, where he reflected on his own transformative experiences as a student at the university and emphasized the importance of building relationships during one’s educational journey. “You’ve made an excellent choice in coming to Tennessee State University,” Tucker said. “The success you will achieve is rooted in the connections you foster here.”

A’Marie Walker, second from left, who wants to study engineering, came to Preview Day with dad Anthony, left, mom Ranita, and grandmother Clarissa Gates, far right. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

TSU’s Vice President of Enrollment Management, Dr. Eric Stokes, expressed his hopes for the visitors: “We wanted them to leave here knowing that TSU is alive, strong, and fully prepared to welcome them as future Tigers. Our aim is to inspire excitement about joining the Big Blue family.”

The event was also enriched by groups such as the River City Chapter of The Links Incorporated of Memphis, and the Sigma Beta Club from Atlanta, both of whom brought students to explore higher education options. Zamiriah Wooden, an 11th grader interested in nursing, said, “TSU is one of my top choices. It’s exciting to see what it’s like inside the campus! I can’t wait for the full college experience.”

Dr. Eric Stokes, right, Vice President of Enrollment Management, confers with Holly Blakemore, Senior Merit Scholarship Coordinator, just before the kickoff ceremony. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Equally enthusiastic, Jaiden Woodus, a senior aspiring to become a pilot, noted, “Being here today has been amazing. I’m looking forward to learning more about TSU’s aviation program and how it can help me achieve my dreams.”

The day’s excitement extended beyond students as family members expressed their approval of TSU. Clarissa Gates, A’Marie Walker’s grandmother, remarked on the welcoming environment at Preview Day. “I am very excited and thrilled for him to have the full college experience,” Gates said.

Dr. Portia Johnson, Director of Recruitment, urges visitors to learn everything about TSU. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Dr. Portia Johnson, Director of Recruitment at TSU and mastermind behind the Big Blue Explosion Preview Day, kicked off the event, urging attendees to immerse themselves in the opportunities available afforded them. “This is your chance to learn everything there is to know about Tennessee State University,” Johnson said. “Ask questions and make sure you have all the information you need.”

With participants hailing from about 15 states, many traveling long distances from places like California and Michigan, the day concluded with an invitation to watch the TSU Tigers in action against Gardner-Webb at Nissan Stadium.For more information on admission at TSU, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/admissions/.

The Sigma Beta Club from Atlanta brought 28 students to experience the Big Blue Explosion Preview Day. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Featured photo: Nearly 600 prospective high school juniors and seniors and their families, some coming from as far as California and Illinois, packed Kean Hall Gymnasium on the main campus for the TSU Big Blue Explosion Preview Day. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

About Tennessee State University

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