NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is set to welcome hundreds of high school juniors and seniors, along with their families from across the nation, for the highly anticipated Spring Preview Day on April 12. This premier open house event showcases TSU’s programs, campus life, and community to prospective students.
The festivities will begin at 9 a.m. at the Gentry Center Complex on the main campus. Registration is now open.
“We warmly invite prospective students and their families to explore the exciting opportunities at TSU during Spring Preview Day,” says Dr. Portia Johnson, Executive Director of Recruitment and Campus Visits. “This event offers a unique platform for attendees to see how TSU can support their academic and personal growth, and we look forward to showcasing our vibrant campus.”
The Spring Preview Day will feature an array of engaging activities across campus. Participants will have the opportunity to interact with academic and financial aid advisors, as well as meet deans and department chairs who will present displays representing their respective areas. The visitors will also connect with current students, gaining insights into campus culture and the supportive learning environment that TSU provides.
Elmore J. Jones, Jr., TSU’s Deputy Chief Operating Officer, emphasizes the importance of Spring Preview Day in helping prospective students and families discover what distinguishes TSU as a leading institution.
“Spring Preview Day offers students and their families the chance to experience our exceptional programs, resources, and services firsthand,” says Jones. “Participants will interact with our outstanding faculty, advisors, and current students, highlighting the transformative learning environment that TSU is proud to offer.”
Last year’s Preview Day was canceled due to inclement weather; however, in 2023, over 500 prospective students and their families attended the event, which took place in early December, with participants hailing from more than 15 states, including California, Illinois, and Michigan.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture is making strides to enhance educational opportunities and strengthen the state’s agricultural sector by hiring an in-house veterinarian. The initiative, still in its early stages, aims to hire a licensed veterinarian within the next 18 months. This effort will benefit TSU animal science students, the agriculture community and Tennessee’s economy.
Cameron Walker during his current Kentucky Equine Management Internship.
The decision to hire an in-house veterinarian aligns with mirroring the university’s demographics and supporting its pre-veterinary students. Cameron Walker, a junior at TSU studying pre-vet, noted the value of this new addition for students like himself.
“Having somebody that went through the process and that can give you tips on what to do and how to get through vet school would be great to have first-hand,” Walker said. “For an HBCU to have a vet in-house is great. It’ll motivate us to keep pushing because we’re not the only ones trying.” Walker is currently an intern at the Kentucky Equine Management Internship (KEMI) program, located on a Central Kentucky horse farm.
After college, Walker will be applying for veterinarian school with a long-term goal of becoming a surgeon.
TSU senior Niarra Anthony during TSU’s ‘Ag Week’ celebration last Spring.
Niarra Anthony, a senior who works with goats, chickens, cows, and more on TSU’s farm, has been accepted into Purdue’s veterinary school. She said having a veterinarian on campus will be transformative. She believes it will show students that their dreams are achievable. “It makes me excited,” Anthony said. “I think that would be very beneficial for students like myself. Not only because I love animals, but one of the main reasons I want to be a vet is to let people that look like me know that they can do it too.”
Currently, only 2.2 percent of veterinarians in the U.S. are Black, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pre vet students stated that they aim to increase these numbers by having an in-house veterinarian on campus who will become role models to aspiring veterinarians.
Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean of the College of Agriculture
Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean of the College of Agriculture, outlined the significance of the new position. “The need for someone who understands animal diseases and connects that to human health is critical on the research side,” Reddy said. “That person will be able to assist, work with our extension agents, and guide them, as well as be helpful to the state’s animal producers.”
Reddy noted that the veterinarian will be involved in various aspects of the college.
From supporting TSU’s pre-vet students to advancing research at the upcoming One Health Center, which will link the study of animal and human diseases, a new veterinarian will play a vital role on campus. In December, the Tennessee State Building Commission (SBC) approved plans for TSU to expand its physical footprint with two new College of Agriculture buildings, including the facility where the veterinarian will likely work with the One Health Center. This $63 million project, totaling 110,000 square feet, combines federal and state funding to enhance the university’s research and outreach capabilities.
Rendering of one of the two new College of Agriculture buildings at Tennessee State University, slated for completion in August 2026.
In regard to outreach, an in-house veterinarian will not only enhance student experiences to sustain a future- ready university, but also boost Tennessee’s agricultural landscape. Pete Nelson, President of AgLaunch and a member of the TSUAg Advisory Board, highlighted the broader impact on the state’s livestock industry.
“Supporting this work with an in-house veterinarian can help take these programs to the next level and build new programs for farmers,” Nelson said. He stated that the university already supports farmers statewide who are seeking to grow their livestock operations, all while maintaining its own livestock on its research farm. So, this addition would improve TSU’s ability to assist underrepresented farmers and build self-sufficiency in livestock care, directly benefiting the state’s agricultural economy.
Pete Nelson, President of AgLaunch
The initiative of hiring an in-house veterinarian is supported by Land Grant funds, which provide the flexibility to hire without restrictions, according to Reddy. TSU currently has 23 Food and Animal Science students participating in the Dean’s Scholars program, eight of which conduct hands-on research on the university’s farm.
The addition of a licensed veterinarian on campus will serve as a resource for students, providing guidance from animal care to navigating the process of applying to veterinary schools. As Dr. Reddy noted, this hire is not only about filling a gap but also about fostering the next generation of veterinarians.
“There are very few Black veterinarians in the country,” he said. “A lot of students express interest, but not many get qualified to become a veterinary doctor because there are very few seats and very high competition,” he said. “We think having a veterinarian on campus will help those students prepare better, get into the best schools, and get veterinarians out there in the communities.”
As TSU continues to build its reputation as a leading institution among HBCUs, the addition of an in-house veterinarian represents a step forward. Not only does this effort supports students like Cameron Walker and Niarra Anthony, but it also positions TSU to play a crucial role in addressing the state’s agricultural needs and boosting its economy. Visit the College of Agriculture at www.tnstate.edu/agriculture/.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University, a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader for the past four years, has been chosen to host an Enhancement Workshop for Hubert H. Humphrey Fellows. This esteemed Fulbright program aims to tackle essential issues aligned with U.S. foreign policy priorities. Scheduled for February 17-21, 2025, the workshop will center on the theme “Inclusive Leadership Development and Equitable Policy Formulation.”
Dr. Jewell Winn
The selection by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs marks a significant opportunity for TSU to engage with a diverse, international group of leaders and public servants who represent various fields related to inclusive leadership in their home countries.
“The workshop signifies TSU’s commitment to global engagement and its recognition as a premier institution for fostering international dialogue and collaboration,” said Dr. Jewell Winn, TSU’s Executive Director of International Programs and Academic Global Engagement. “By welcoming these distinguished leaders from around the world, TSU reinforces its role in promoting cross-cultural understanding and advancing solutions to pressing global challenges.”
Dr. Peter Moran, Director of the Hubert H. Humphrey Fellowship Program, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “As the cooperating agency with the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, we at the Institute of International Education look forward to working with Tennessee State University to implement this professional development opportunity for the Humphrey Fellows.”
With a long-standing commitment to the Fulbright program, TSU has participated in numerous Fulbright initiatives, including its history-making recognition in 2019 as the first historically black university to host the Fulbright Pakistani Re-entry Seminar aimed at supporting students from Pakistan returning after their academic studies in the United States.
The Enhancement Workshop provides the Humphrey Fellows with a unique platform to deepen their expertise, foster professional connections, and collaborate on initiatives that contribute to a more just and equitable world, Winn added.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University, recognized as a leading technology and innovation hub, has been selected by the U.S. Agency for International Development to spearhead advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), specifically in the semiconductor sector. The SMART ‘AI for ALL’ Research and Training Center at TSU and International Programswill play a crucial role in shaping future AI technologies and driving innovation within this essential field.
Dr. Robbie Melton, TSU’s Vice President for Technology and Innovations and leader of the SMART Center, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership.
Dr. Robbie Melton
“We are thrilled to embark on this innovative journey with USAID,” Melton said. “The SMART Center presents an exceptional opportunity not only to advance AI research but also to solidify our role in economic development and technology transfer that benefits diverse communities. This collaboration will empower our students and faculty to push the boundaries of technology and play a significant role in shaping the future landscape of AI applications in semiconductors.”
Clinton D. White, Agency Counselor at USAID, said, “We are excited about the innovative work being done at Tennessee State University in the realm of AI and semiconductors. This initiative not only strengthens our technological capabilities but also enhances our commitment to fostering sustainable economic partnerships.”
This designation as a premier training center underscores TSU’s commitment to enhancing research and development in AI applications for semiconductors, positioning the university as a cornerstone of technological progress. The partnership aligns with USAID’s mission to promote sustainable economic growth and development.
Local Middle Tennessee students work on high-tech computers at the TSU SMART Center during a summer camp focused on artificial intelligence systems.
In addition to its advancements in AI, TSU is also recognized as a global coding hub for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) as part of Apple’s Community Education Initiative. This further reinforces the university’s dedication to providing innovative educational opportunities and training in cutting-edge technologies.
By harnessing TSU’s expertise in AI, this initiative aims to establish a dynamic platform that facilitates bilateral and trilateral trade opportunities between American businesses and Caribbean enterprises. It will foster an environment ripe for procurement opportunities, philanthropic services, and strategic partnerships throughout the Pan-African diaspora.
Dr. Jewell Winn, Executive Director for the Office of International Programs and Academic Global Engagement at TSU, emphasized the inclusivity of the project and partnership.
“It is paramount that we leverage the power of AI to drive technological advancement while ensuring that every community can participate in this growth. Our objective is to prepare a new generation of skilled professionals equipped to utilize these technologies for the benefit of all.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – In his inaugural State-of-the-University address on Jan. 6, Tennessee State University’s Interim President Dwayne Tucker unveiled a bold “Students First” initiative aimed at enhancing student experience, fostering transparency, and ensuring accountability amid financial challenges and low enrollment.
Dr. Robbie Melton, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs, left, along with Dr. Venkataswarup Tiriveedhi, and Reginald Cannon, Chairs of the Faculty, and Staff Senates, respectively, look on as President Tucker delivers his State-of-the-University address. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Addressing faculty and staff during the Annual Faculty Staff Institute in Kean Hall, Tucker emphasized the importance of treating students as valued customers. “As a business, our students are our customers,” Tucker said. “Our products for TSU should ensure our students receive a great education. This requires timely implementation of solutions and holding ourselves accountable.”
Tucker, a TSU alumnus and former member of the university’s Board of Trustees, stepped into the role following the abrupt resignation of Interim President Ronald A. Johnson. He accepted the role with no compensation. Tucker outlined an ambitious agenda to tackle the university’s financial situation, enhance enrollment, and prioritize sustainability.
Dr. Trina Jordan, Director of Technology in the Graduate School, commended President Tucker on his open-door policy. (Photo by Alexis Clark)
He laid out specific challenges that TSU has faced, citing inefficiencies in customer service, and processes that hinder progress. “We have cars and buses that are sitting idle due to bureaucracy. We need to ensure our operations are efficient and responsive to the needs of our students and staff,” he noted, calling for immediate actions and creative solutions to enhance revenue and operational capacity.
Among the notable achievements Tucker highlighted were some of the university’s successes, including the TSU Football Tigers being crowned 2024 Co-Big South-OVC Champions, receiving a $1 million grant from HUD for housing challenges in Nashville, and being selected to lead advancements in artificial intelligence by USAID. He also announced the state’s recent approval of the construction of two agricultural sciences buildings at a total cost of $63 million.
Dr. Kirmanj Gundi, Professor of Educational Leadership, hailed President Tucker’s emphases on transparency.
Reactions from faculty members present at the gathering were overwhelmingly positive, particularly appreciating Tucker’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Dr. Trina Jordan, director of technology in the Graduate School, said, “President Tucker was transparent at the Faculty and Staff Institute. His open-door policy is a step toward fostering collaboration and accessibility across the university.”
Dr. Kirmanji Gundi, professor in the College of Education, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing, “Without transparency and accountability, there is no organizational success. We must ensure our efforts are focused on serving our students.”
Dr. Courtney Nyange, Executive Director of the School of Nursing, wants transportation options for commuting faculty and staff. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Meanwhile, Dr. Courtney Nyange, executive director of the School of Nursing, expressed hope that Tucker’s approach would build trust and improve operations. During a Q&A session, Nyange voiced concerns about transportation options for staff commuting to work, suggesting the possibility of a dedicated bus line to enhance work-life balance. “Many of us spend a lot of time in traffic. Improving access could significantly improve our mental health and productivity,” she proposed.
As the university gears up for the spring semester, Tucker reiterated his focus on collaboration among faculty and staff to drive positive change. “Everything is on the table,” he stated. “We need everyone working together to identify revenue streams, streamline processes, and ultimately, serve our students better. Transparency builds trust, and accountability drives results—this is the culture we will cultivate at TSU.”
In the weeks ahead, Tucker plans to engage in continual dialogue with faculty, staff, and stakeholders to solidify TSU’s path toward excellence and sustainability.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is pleased to announce that alumnus Dwayne Tucker is the institutions new interim president. The TSU Board of Trustees made the appointment on Friday, December 13, during a special called meeting. Tucker, who was a member of the Board of Trustees, relinquished his seat to assume the position until a permanent president is named. He takes over the role without accepting a salary.
“I am both honored and humbled by this appointment,” Tucker said. “As a proud TSU alum, I care deeply about securing the strongest possible future for my alma mater and for the students who entrust us with their education. This is why I have served all along. We have serious and important work to do, and I look forward to joining the board in doing that work transparently and with integrity. It’s the TSU way.”
The appointment comes while TSU students and faculty are on winter break for the holidays. However, Student Government Association President Chrishonda O’Quinn was quick to respond and shared that she is eager to work with the new interim president.
“I am confident that Interim President Tucker’s deep understanding of the university’s culture and history will enable him to make a meaningful impact during his six-month tenure,” O’Quinn stated.
“The leadership and administrative transitions that our students have navigated this semester alone have been incredibly challenging for them. With Interim President Tucker officially being seated in the role, I am hopeful that we can strengthen student morale and overall experience, advocate more effectively for state support and accountability, and enhance the university’s reputation and brand.”
“As faculty we are glad to see a proud TSU alum take over the role as interim president,” added Dr. Venkataswarup Tiriveedhi, chair of the TSU faculty senate. “Mr. Tucker has a distinguished career in academia and the corporate sector. He is a man of honor and accepted this role gratis. I am sure with his outstanding experience and leadership TSU can overcome the current challenges.”
Prior to Tucker’s selection as interim president, he served as the CEO of LEAD Public Schools, a network of six public charter schools in the Metro Nashville area.
Tucker’s diverse business background and turnaround work with underperforming business units has resulted in a broad understanding of core corporate functions, including sales, operations, marketing, public relations, information technology, legal, human resources, and finance/accounting.
Serving as both a leader of human capital and an operations executive in the financial services and transportation industries, he has held the titles of CEO, chief human resource officer, chief administrative officer and president with companies including First Data, Northwest Airlines and Alliance Data.
The Board will continue its search for a permanent president during Tucker’s interim tenure. This leadership transition is part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the university and address its financial issues, which have been a significant concern for state lawmakers and the TSU community.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is proud to announce its continued commitment as a leading land-grant institution with plans to expand its physical footprint through the construction of two new College of Agriculture buildings.
The Tennessee State Building Commission (SBC) has approved the design phase for a Food and Animal Science building and an Environmental Science building, with a total investment of $63 million and a combined square footage of 110,000. The upcoming project is a combination of federal and state funding to the university.
Rendering of one of the two new College of Agriculture buildings at Tennessee State University, slated for completion in August 2026.
The SBCs decision coincided with the first day on the job for Dwayne Tucker as TSU’s new interim president. Interim President Tucker expressed gratitude to the commission for its approval and highlighted the importance of collaboration with the State on future capital projects.
“I am excited, on my first day, to see two new buildings approved for the University by the State Building Commission,” says Tucker. “These buildings symbolize the future growth of the University in spite of our current fiscal situation. Today’s actions also demonstrate the State government’s continued trust in TSU and ongoing support of our future. It also marks the beginning of our journey to enhance educational offerings and research capabilities with these state-of-the-art buildings.
The new buildings will feature at least 35 faculty offices, 23 research labs, 17 teaching labs, a multipurpose room, and four classrooms. These facilities are designed to foster a unique connection between research and instruction, supporting TSU’s mission to advance agricultural sciences.
Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture stated the decision marked a good day for the university and the college.
Dr. Chandra Reddy
“This is a great opportunity for TSU and our students,” Dean Reddy said. “From a teaching perspective, we will have the most modern teaching labs there. Agriculture is a very skill-based profession, not just a theoretical one, so the teaching labs will help us to provide experiential learning for students. Research wise these buildings will accommodate One Health Center, Precision Agriculture Center, Soil Health Center, and a Water Management Center.”
The expected move-in date for the new buildings is August 2026. They will be the largest on the campus and will feature a lower level along with a first and second floor and feature research laboratories, teaching laboratories, laboratory support facilities, lecture halls, classrooms, offices, collective workspace and support facilities. The SBC also approved TSU’s Organic Agriculture Building from the consent agenda.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University research could hold the key to affordable housing and other housing challenges facing families in Metro Nashville. TSU’s College of Public Service received a $1 million grant award from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to establish a Center of Excellence – Urban and Community Research Center (UCRC). HUD made the grant award official with a check presentation to Interim Provost Dr. Robbie Melton, during a housing roundtable hosted by TSU for Nashville’s HBCUs. Through the newly established research center, the university will study the impact of displacement and relocation from gentrifying.
Dr. Rafael Harun is the principal investigator for the grant.
“Our research will examine the impacts of gentrification-induced displacement on families and communities in the Greater Nashville Region, focusing on trends and patterns of residential mobility, housing challenges, and the effectiveness of HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program in the meeting the housing needs of vulnerable populations in the region,” Dr. Harun said.
“By employing a mixed-methods approach, the study will generate actionable solutions to improve affordable housing access, mitigate displacement effects, and promote equitable urban development.”
Dr. Rodney E. Stanley, interim dean of the College of Public Service said the grant award was a major milestone for the college and TSU
“The HUD grant is the largest received by the Urban Studies Faculty and is the largest grant ever received by the College of Public Service,” explained Dr. Stanley. “This Center of Excellence will provide valuable resources for adhering to part of the College of Public Service’s mission for research and community engagement. This is the first Center of Excellence in the College of Public Service. In turn, it will serve as an outstanding opportunity for students to work alongside faculty members in research on important public policy issues facing our urban communities. We are excited for this opportunity and we are extremely thankful to HUD for recognizing the valuable hard work that has been, and will continue to be conducted by our Urban Studies faculty.”
Dr. Kimberly Triplett and Dr. Cara Robinson are the co-principal investigators (CO-PIs) for the grant. The other Co-PIs are Dr. Reginald Archer and Dr. Shui Bin. Dr. Harun will serve as the center’s director, while Dr. Triplett and Dr. Robinson and will take on the role of co-director and community partnership manager.
Robinson is also chair of the Department of Social Work and Urban Studies. She said TSU’s urban studies program is committed to examining local issues through research and policy analysis to contribute to the local political landscape and dialogue. Robison added that the HUD award is another avenue for the program to fulfill its mission with this project.
“The project will take a quantitative and qualitative analysis of those trends and patterns and provide policy solutions for addressing the needs of those individuals and families. The Center of Excellence – the Urban and Community Research Center – will build on this research through the provision of small and large research projects in partnership with federal, state, and local agencies.”
TSU was one of two HBCUs to receive funding “to conduct research projects on topics of strategic interest to HUD and produce research that provides evidence-based solutions to housing, community development, economic development, or built environment challenges in underserved communities.”
“The Center of Excellence (COE) program at HUD is designed to support evidence-based, data-driven, and community-informed policymaking and program improvements at the local, state, and national levels,” said Solomon Greene, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy Development and Research. “HUD is proud to forge new partnerships with HBCUs and invest in innovative and actionable housing and community development research that can help shape policy and deliver better outcomes for communities.”
With support from HUD, each new Center of Excellence will anchor its research around a unique set of challenges that currently impact America’s housing industry.
“Universities are anchors in their respective communities; they serve as economic drivers and thought leaders,” said Acting Secretary Adrianne Todman. “To build the knowledge and insights we need to drive housing policy, there’s no better place to look to than our nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities.
HUD has previously awarded $11 million to HBCUs. Visit HUD’s Office of Policy Development and Research (PD&R) website for more information.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Dr. Turner Nashe Jr., a prominent entrepreneur and national technology leader, addressed nearly 600 graduates at Tennessee State University’s fall commencement ceremony held Dec. 7. Family and loved ones filled the Gentry Center Complex to be a part of the milestone event. As the keynote speaker, Nashe urged students to take ownership of their futures with the education they have received.
Dr. Turner Nashe, Jr., delivers the keynote address at the Fall Commencement Ceremony in the Gentry Center Complex. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“Life’s journey is unpredictable. My own path is a testament to that,” Nashe said. “Not everyone around you will see your potential, but that’s okay. What matters is your belief in yourself. With faith, focus, and resilience, you can turn the darkest days into your brightest moments.”
Nashe, the founder and president of Innertainment Delivery System and a board member at Sonata, holds bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees from TSU. He recounted overcoming skepticism from others, including his father, who believed college was not for him. “I had a choice: follow someone else’s dream or create my own. I chose to define my own success.”
TSU President Ronald A. Johnson, left, and Dr. Robbie Melton, Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, present a plaque to Dr. Turner Nashe, Jr., following his commencement address. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Before Nashe’s speech, TSU Interim President Dr. Ronald A. Johnson, emphasized resilience and family support, remarking on the significance of the graduates’ accomplishments. “Your journey has reached a milestone today. Remember, no educational endeavor is worthwhile unless it strengthens you and your community,” said Johnson, who presided over his first commencement as president.
Nashe offered graduates five keys to success as they continue their journey. He told them: “Apply your degree to innovation, live below your means because being debt-free is freedom, run your own race and stop comparing your journey to others, keep fresh eyes to spot opportunities, and execute your ideas as true success comes from action. You possess the power to transform your life and others’ lives. Define your purpose and use your education to make a difference in the world.”
Sandra Walker achieves her dream of earning her college degree after an 11-year journey. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
The ceremony celebrated a diverse group of graduates, including Sandra Walker, who received her bachelor’s degree in business administration. After an 11-year journey, juggling work and family, Walker expressed gratitude for TSU’s supportive environment. “This journey has taught me to use my education to make an impact on the world.”
Toby Gallant fulfills a promise to his late grandmother by earning his college degree after dropping out 38 years ago, six credits shy of completing his college work. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Toby Gallant, who returned to TSU after 38 years to complete his degree, shared his personal triumph. “I made a promise to my late mother that I would walk across this stage. It feels amazing to fulfill that promise,” said Gallant, reflecting on the significance of his achievement.
Patrick Granberry, a TSU employee, earned his doctorate in educational leadership, marking his third degree from TSU. “TSU has been a huge part of my life; I met my wife here and found my passion. I wouldn’t trade this experience for anything,” Granberry stated.
Provost Robbie Melton congratulates Patrick Granberry, a TSU employee, after he received his doctorate in educational leadership, his third degree from TSU. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Beyond their academic achievements, graduates were told to be proud of their TSU lineage because of the vital role the university plays in the broader Tennessee community. The university’s impact to the City of Nashville community is well over $500 million annually, and serves over 586,107 residents across 63 counties, through the College of Agriculture’s extension program. This engagement is providing valuable resources, education, and outreach to improve the local agricultural landscape and quality of life.
As the graduates embark on their next chapters, the messages shared today resonate with the promise and potential each individual holds. TSU congratulates its graduates and wishes them success in all their future endeavors.
NASHVILLE, TN — Aarian Forman, a two-time Tennessee State University graduate, has been named to Forbes’ prestigious 2025 30 Under 30 list, recognizing his groundbreaking work in education and leadership development through Xceleader, an organization he co-founded to empower HBCU students nationwide.
Aarian Forman
What began as a single Zoom call in 2017 to discuss student leadership at HBCUs has evolved into a transformative force in higher education. Under Forman’s leadership, Xceleader has impacted over 8,000 students and alumni through workshops, mentorships, and nonpartisan programs, securing nearly $1 million in funding to support its initiatives.
“This recognition from Forbes isn’t just a personal honor—it’s a testament to the power of HBCU education and the unique impact we’re making,” said Forman, who holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business from TSU. “We’re creating pathways for students to build intergenerational wealth and close the racial wealth gap through entrepreneurship, civic engagement, and leadership development.”
During his time at Tennessee State University, where he served as Student Government Association President (2016-2017), Forman developed the foundation for his future impact. “TSU showed me that higher education isn’t just about earning degrees—it’s about developing leaders who can create lasting change,” Forman reflected. “The university’s motto of ‘Think. Work. Serve.’ continues to guide our mission at Xceleader.”
Xceleader co-founders Tevon Blair, left, Jade Agudosi, center, and Aarian Forman
Alongside co-founders Jade Agudosi and Tevon Blair, Forman has positioned Xceleader as a catalyst for student empowerment. Their organization focuses on three key areas: entrepreneurship development, civic engagement initiatives, and women’s empowerment programs. The organization’s latest initiative exemplifies its innovative approach. Recently five HBCU students were selected to serve as content creators at an upcoming HBCU conference in New Orleans, providing them with hands-on entrepreneurial experience relevant to today’s digital economy.
Former SGA President Aarian Forman during a TSU football game in the 2016-2017 academic school year.
“HBCUs are national treasures,” Forman stated. “Their contributions to the American and global story continue to unfold in powerful and inspiring ways. Through Xceleader, we’re amplifying these contributions while creating new opportunities for the next generation of leaders.”
Tennessee State University has served as a pipeline for producing leaders and innovators like Forman. As a future-ready institution, TSU continues to empower its students and alumni to excel on national and global stages.
Xceleader is an Atlanta-based nonprofit dedicated to empowering HBCU students through leadership development, entrepreneurship training, and civic engagement. Through its comprehensive programs and initiatives, Xceleader works to create sustainable pathways for success and economic mobility within the HBCU community.
