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Former TSU official discusses new book on TSU history, career and urges students, alumni to protect university’s legacy

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Discussing his experience during the merger of Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee, a former TSU administrator said April 5 that the historically black university’s continued existence will greatly depend on the strength of its students and alumni. Dr George A. Pruitt, former vice president of Student Affairs, has written a book, “From Protest to President: A Social Justice Journey through the Emergence of Adult Education and the Birth of Distance Learning,” that discusses the merger and his career, including his time at TSU.  He was the guest speaker at a forum on campus, themed, “Prevailing Against All Odds: Sustaining and Preserving TSU’s Rich History.”

Dr. George A. Pruitt is President Emeritus of Thomas Edison State University, where he served for more than 35 years as president. (Photo By Aaron Grayson)

Pruitt, who went on to have a distinguished career in higher education, is president emeritus of Thomas Edison State University. He served as the institution’s president for over 35 years.  

“I have a request of you,” Pruitt said to students in the Cox/Lewis Theater in the TSU Performing Arts Center. “I have been carrying this institution’s torch for a long time. Fred Humphries (former president) carried the torch. Others carried it and they are old and many have retired, and I want this university to still be here. And that’s only going to happen if you all build up that courage to continue the fight. I mean the students, and I absolutely need the alumni.”

Pruitt said, “The state of Tennessee has never, ever cared about Tennessee State University. It only did what it had to because of politics and the law, and you have a lot to say about what the politics and the law is now and will be.”

Chrishonda O’Quinn

Chrishonda O’Quinn, and junior marketing major, and sophomore Teleah Allen, a mass communications major, were among students who listened to Pruitt’s presentation. They accepted his challenge and called on fellow students to unite in moving their institution forward.

“I believe he (Pruitt) is completely correct. As students we need to step up. Being a current student here, I have noted that we are not on one accord like students and faculty were back then,” said O’Quinn, of Chicago. “We need to engage, but before reaching that point, we must fix the culture. When something goes wrong, the first place some of us go is to the media. We need to engage our leaders instead.”

Allen added that Pruitt was very inspiring. “Being here since I was a freshman, I have seen a lot of change, but we need to do more to help our institution grow. Many institutions don’t want to see us succeed. Like he said, it is left with us to make that change,” said Allen, of Little Rock, Arkansas.

Teleah Allen

Following Pruitt’s keynote address, organizers hosted a panel discussion, including former and current TSU professors and staff who were at the institution during the merger. They included Sterling Adams, retired special assistant to Dr. Humphries and professor of mathematics; Barbara Murrell, former vice president and current chair of the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute; Dr. Al-Haji Amiri Yasin Al-Hadid, retired chair of the African Studies Department at TSU; and Dr. Pruitt.

Dr. Takema Winston, chair of the TSU Department of Communications, and organizing chair of the forum, said bringing Dr. Pruitt as a keynote speaker was part of her goal as chair to help preserve TSU’s rich history by sharing the various experiences of longtime faculty and administrators, to sustain the university’s legacy.

“After recent conversations with Dr. George A. Pruitt regarding his book that talks about his time in leadership at TSU, I believed that this was a great story to share with our students,” Winston said. 

Many former and current TSU administrators and faculty attended the forum with Dr. George A. Pruitt. From left are Barbara Murrell, former Vice President and currently Chairperson of the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute; Dr. Jacqueline Mitchell, Professor and Director of Interdisciplinary Studies; Dr.  Learotha Williams, Professor of African American and Public History; Dr. Pruitt; Dr. Tameka Winston, Chair of the Department of Communications; Dr. Al-Haji Amiri Yasin Al-Hadid, retired Chair of the African Studies Department; and TSU alumna Sandra Hunt. (Photo by Eric Franzen)

Professor of African American and Public History, Dr. Learotha Williams, who moderated the panel discussion, said Pruitt’s presentation provided a “first-hand” account of one of the most important moments in TSU’s history, “where we were fighting for identity, and to retain our status” as a historically black college.

Also speaking were Sandra Hunt, representing the TSU National Alumni Association; Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, dean of the College of Liberal Arts; and Dr. Jacqueline Mitchell, professor and director of interdisciplinary studies.

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Hollywood actress Nia Long highlights TSU annual Women of Legend and Merit awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Hollywood superstar and multi-award winning actress Nia Long had a message for Tennessee State University students, honorees, and guest: Be graceful, be fearless, and be your authentic self.

Hundreds gathered on April 11 for the highly anticipated annual TSU Women of Legend and Merit (WOLM) Awards, a ceremony recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of women in the community.

WOLM honorees, President Glenda Glover and actress Nia Long. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

The elaborate awards dinner in Kean Hall honored dozens of local notable women with Hollywood legend Nia Long as the keynote speaker.

“If you change your thinking, your doing will be different,” Long said during the event. “Be fearless. No one is going to believe in you the way you believe in yourself.”

With an extensive body of work that includes television, film credits and production, Long detailed the journey of her career and overcoming obstacles as a woman in the entertainment industry.  “Sometimes we are given less than. But don’t pay attention to that, keep moving forward.”

Hundreds gathered on April 11 for the highly anticipated annual TSU Women of Legend and Merit (WOLM) Awards ceremony. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

During the event, three TSU students asked Long questions, including Miss TSU Sa’Mariah Harding, who asked how the Hollywood actress was able to overcome and be able to step into her own lane as a Black woman.

Miss TSU Sa’Mariah Harding, a senior from Indiana, hugs Nia Long moments before the annual Women of Legend and Merit awards. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“Be yourself no matter what,” Long told Harding. “Stick to what feels real.”

TSU President Glenda Glover congratulated the honorees and recognized Long for her thriving career on the big screen that has earned her many accolades.

Long received a lifetime achievement award in recognition of her range within the entertainment industry.

The WOLM awards is designed to bring awareness and raise funds to support the TSU Women’s Center, which offers student-focused programming to empower individuals and student organizations. The center’s Director, Seanne Wilson, said this year’s WOLM event, themed “Extraordinary Women Living Legendary Lives,” was aimed to empower both men and women to discover their destiny without fear.

President Glenda Glover and actress Nia Long. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

The honorees this year, in various categories, were Dr. Cherae M. Farmer-Dixon, Dean of School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College – Medicine; Dr. LaDonna Boyd, President/CEO R.H. Boyd – Media; Dr. Laquita Stribling, Vice President, Tennessee Manufacturing and logistics – Business; Patricia Malone Smith, Director of Corporate Relations, Urban League of Middle Tennessee – Community Service; Janet Rachel, President, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Metropolitan Nashville Chapter – Leadership; Laura Fitzgerald Cooper, Attorney and Freelance Writer – Education; and Jennifer Bell, Associate Athletic Director, Tennessee State University – Athletics.

Tamar Williams, a sophomore mass communications from Memphis, Tennessee, received a Women’s Center student ambassador award.

For more information on the TSU Women’s Center, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/womenscenter/. 

About Nia Long

Nia Long recently produced and starred in the Netflix smash hit thriller Fatal Affair which debuted at number one on the platform. Additionally, Nia starred opposite Samuel L. Jackson and Anthony Mackie in the Apple film, The Banker, for which she received an NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture.” Other recent film credits include Janicza Bravo’s Sundance-nominated.

Lemon, and Netflix’s Roxanne Roxanne with Chanté Adams and Mahershala Ali. In TV, recent credits include Kenya Barris’ #BlackAF and Justin Simien’s Dear White People. Nia is well known for her iconic work in Boyz In The Hood, Friday, Love Jones, The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, Third Watch, and The Best Man franchise; the latter two garnering her three NAACP Image Award wins. Recently, she headlined the Sony feature film Searching 2, a follow-up to the hugely successful and critically acclaimed box office hit Searching, as well as the Netflix feature Plus/Minus. She also starred in the Peacock limited series The Best Man: The Final Chapters, where she reprised her two-time film role alongside the original cast, and also appeared in the Netflix comedy, You People, opposite Jonah Hill and Eddie Murphy, with Kenya Barris directing.

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TSU professor home vandalized with swastikas, hate messages

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –  It wasn’t the first time Tennessee State University professor Dr. Andrew Patrick’s Black Lives Matter (BLM) signs had been stolen from the front yard of his Sylvan Park neighborhood home. However, it was the first time his home had been vandalized with swastikas and hate messages because of his support for the organization. 

“This happens a lot. But the actual vandalizing of our houses with the Neo-Nazi signs and statements is new,” said Patrick, who is a 10-year history professor at TSU.

Dr. Andrew Patrick (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

On March 19, Patrick and his family woke up to the new paint job. Their home, along with four others, were vandalized with racist and anti-semitic graffiti in the Sylvan Park neighborhood.

Patrick’s home was vandalized with three swastikas symbols and two “white power” signs spray painted on the sides. The act was caught on one of Patrick’s neighbors Ring doorbell cameras around 1:30 a.m. The footage shows two individuals vandalizing the home, with one attempting to cover the camera with spray paint.

Patrick and his family have lived in their Sylvan area home for a decade. A community Patrick describes as, ‘a liberal inclusive enclave,’ that has seen a pattern of their community signs being stolen overtime.

“It seems like they were just going after their political opponents like me, as a supporter of BLM,” said Patrick, who identifies as a non-religious white male who was raised Catholic.

Within hours, dozens of neighbors came together to remove the messages and symbols of hate from the vandalized homes. Two of those supporters were TSU professors who also live in the neighborhood, husband and wife, Dr. Elizabeth Dachowski and Dr. John Miglietta.

Patrick noted that the outpouring of support and cleanup included his son and some of his friends.

Andrew Patrick’s son being interviewed by local media while creating new signs for their front yard. (Photo submitted)

“They got down to it and did most of the clean up on the house,” Patrick said. “They made many different signs of love and support for BLM and the Jewish community. ”

Now, there are more than 100 signs plastered on Patrick’s home: ‘Hate has no home in Sylvan Park.’

He also stated that he is very appreciative of the support from his TSU colleagues.

“Dr. Miglietta and Dr. Dachowski, as soon as they heard they came over right away,” he said.

“Other colleagues have been calling to make sure I am okay. Everyone has been extremely helpful and kind.”

Dachowski, a TSU history professor, and Miglietta, political science, rushed over after they received a call from Patrick’s wife about being vandalized. “I found this very disturbing,” Dachowski said.

“All of the homes targeted had signs indicating support for disadvantaged groups. Something like this could be the beginning of an isolated incident or a nasty campaign against people.” Dachowski and Miglietta noted that they took pride in the neighborhood joining forces to support one another in solidarity.

Although Patrick is proud of the outpouring of support, he voiced his biggest concern with the state of Tennessee.

Andrew Patrick’s son during clean up to remove the messages and symbols of hate from Sylvan Park vandalized homes. (Photo submitted)

“I am a little more concerned about Tennessee’s white supremacy problem,” he said. “So, that is the next step. My neighborhood is going to band together, we are going to be unified, but I want to see some reaction here.” Patrick reiterated that he is not a vengeful individual but wants justice as the two suspects are still at large as of April 11.

“I already forgive them for what they have done. But it would be nice to talk to them,” he stated. “Chucking a few white supremacists in prison for a little while, I don’t think that’s really going to help. The Tennessee government has to do a lot more to fight these hate groups.”

On a federal level, hate crime laws are classified as crimes committed on the basis of the victim’s perceived or actual race, color, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or disability, according to the U.S Department of Justice.

Patrick told the University that the homes with signs and or flags representing disadvantaged groups being vandalized isn’t a coincidence.  He noted that the first time his BLM signs were stolen out of his yard happened during the 2020 election cycle.

“They are trying to intimidate us,” he said. “This is politically motivated vandalism. Not only is it not going away, but it is also getting worse.”

Click here to see video of Dr. Patrick sharing what happened the morning of March 19.

The incident is currently under investigation. If you recognize the individuals from the camera footage, contact Nashville Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463.

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Hollywood superstar Nia Long to highlight TSU’s Women of Legend and Merit Awards

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Hollywood superstar and multiple-award winning actress Nia Long will be the featured guest at this year’s Tennessee State University Women of Legend and Merit Awards on Tuesday, April 11. The annual awards ceremony recognizes the outstanding accomplishments of women in the community.

This year’s honorees, in various categories, are Dr. Cherae M. Farmer-Dixon, Dean of School of Dentistry at Meharry Medical College – Medicine; Dr. LaDonna Boyd, President/CEO R.H. Boyd – Media; Dr. Laquita Stribling, Vice President, Tennessee Manufacturing and logistics – Business; Patricia Malone Smith, Director of Corporate Relations, Urban League of Middle Tennessee – Community Service; Janet Rachel, President, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc., Metropolitan Nashville Chapter – Leadership; Laura Fitzgerald Cooper, Attorney and Freelance Writer – Education; and Jennifer Bell, Associate Athletic Director, Tennessee State University – Athletics.

Long will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her body of work.

A single mother of two sons, who is noted for many movie and television roles, Long has lit up the big screen in numerous films, including The Best Man Holiday, Friday, Made in America, Momma’s House, and Boyz n the Hood. She also stared in Third Watch, for which she won the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Drama Series. An earlier notable role includes Long’s portrayal of Will Smith’s girlfriend and fiancée Beulah “Lisa” Wilkes on The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. In 2022, Long starred in the Peacock miniseries The Best Man: Final Chapter, reprising her role from the previous film.

For more information on the Women of Legend and Merit Awards, or how to purchase tickets for the event, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/legendandmerit/

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TSU international food festival highlights cultural exchange, world-wide cuisines

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –  From Ethiopian injera, a pancake-like flatbread, to Indian samosa, a fried pastry with a vegetable filling, the savory smell of exotic spices filled Elliot Hall on the Tennessee State University campus.

TSU student Aziz Alqari serving Saudi Arabian cuisine during an International Food Festival and Cultural Exchange event.

More than 150 students and staff members visited booths during the International Food Festival and Cultural Exchange event hosted by TSU’s Office of International Affairs (OIA).  

The annual student activity included representation from seven regions and dozens of countries from around the world like Brazil, Turkey, and Nepal.

The OIA Executive Director, Dr. Jewell Winn said it was a great time for students to showcase their heritage through their international dishes.

“To see so many people come out, it warmed my heart,” Winn said.  “They were very proud to be able to share their culture.”

This festival was also an opportunity for local businesses and artisans to showcase their products.

TSU alumna Martha Lupai roasting Ethiopian coffee beans during the food festival. (Photo by Dylan Tate)

TSU alumna Martha Lupai of Ethiopia, has a business in Nashville’s local Farmers Market. During the event Lupai had made Ethiopia coffee from scratch to share.

“Food brings people together,” Lupai said. “It’s my duty as a student of TSU to share my culture. I love sharing my culture with food, clothes, and products. That is my passion in life to connect people to their roots.”

Aziz Alqari, a TSU master’s student from Saudi Arabia shared the same sentiment.

“We have a lot of international students from all over the world at TSU,” Alqari said. “So, I think it is a chance to see the variety in our school.”

More than 150 students and staff members visited booths during the 2023 International Food Festival and Cultural Exchange event.

Alqari, who is receiving his MBA in supply chain logistics, said he enjoyed everyone tasting the middle eastern cuisines.  

“Everyone had a good time. I made a lot of friends and tasted a lot of different food.”

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TSU’s Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands makes historic performance at the Grand Ole Opry

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands marched through the doors of the Grand Ole Opry with Tiger spirit for their historic debut in front of thousands.

TSU’s Grammy-award winning Aristocrat of Bands debut at the Grand Ole Opry April 4, 2023. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Fondly referred to as AOB, the band has had many firsts, with appearances across country at several iconic venues.

Now, the trailblazing band can add to its list of ‘first to do it’ following their debut at the Grand Ole Opry on April 4.

“Being at Opry tonight as an HBCU band … this opportunity is breathtaking,” said AOB’s director Dr. Reginald McDonald. “To be a band of firsts, we are excited. This is another opportunity for our students to learn beyond the classroom.”

TSU Sophisticated Ladies debut at the Grand Ole Opry. (Photo by Jenai Hayes)

There were about 80 band members and five Sophisticated Ladies that participated in the 12-minute performance.

“It feels so good to be here,” said Joshua Knox, an AOB drum major from Detroit, Michigan. “Being able to perform at this historic stage makes everything so great being here with my fellow band members.”

AOB performed two songs off their Grammy-award winning album The Urban Hymnal. The band performed Dance Revival and Blessings on Blessings with soulful sounds from the Grammy-award winning duo Louis York, who is featured on the song, along with TSU alumna Ashley “FluteBae” Crawford.

Joshua Knox

TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands is the first collegiate marching band to win a Grammy, the music industry’s highest honor for Best Roots Gospel Album.

Aimee Rollins, a freshman from Atlanta who plays the clarinet, said the overall experience was another one for the books.
“Every time we perform it is a great time,” Rollins said, noting that the crowd’s energy was lively. “When they come and experience something new, introducing them to a new world of music they didn’t know about before .. with a lot of TSU people in the crowd hyping us up, I really did appreciate it.”

Aimee Rollins


Louis York singer and music producer Claude Kelly, described the experience of performing with AOB at the Grand Ole Opry as ‘next level history.’

Check out the Aristocrat of Bands debut at the Grand Ole Opry here. Listen to The Urban Hymnal album on all music streaming platforms such as Apple Music, YouTube, and or Spotify.

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TSU students, faculty showcase ground-breaking research at symposium 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Over 100 TSU graduate and undergraduate students presented their groundbreaking research during the Tennessee State University 45th Annual University-Wide Research Symposium. With cash prizes ranging from $50-250, students delivered thought-provoking insights on a wide range of research topics, including the use of essential oils on strawberries, and analyzing estrogen receptor response to breast cancer cells.  

J’la Jenkins, a second year public health masters student, speaks with another student about her research on promoting cancer health equity. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

The symposium, which is largely composed of presentations from the science, engineering, business, and humanities disciplines, was a week-long event sponsored by TSU’s Division of Research and Sponsored Programs. The symposium featured research and studies conducted by faculty, graduate, and undergraduate students.  There were over 20 oral and poster presentation winners placing in first, second and third during the symposium award ceremony. 

“The research symposium continues to be a cornerstone for showcasing Tennessee State University’s student and faculty research talent,” said Associate Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs Dr. Quincy Quick. 

“The Division of Research and Sponsored Programs is always excited and overjoyed to support and sponsor this annual event across the university and look forward to the novel and innovative contributions presented.” 

Pallavi Rathore, a second-year masters student, speaks with another student about her poster presentation during the university-wide research symposium. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Students were judged on originality, organization, presentation, knowledge and overall.

Pallavi Rathore, a second-year masters student studying plant sciences, won 1st place for poster presentation in the “graduate agriculture,” interdisciplinary category. 

“It was really nice winning an award,” Rathore of India, said. “It was a boost of confidence, and the first award I’ve ever won at the University.” Rathore research was a study on root system architecture traits, with the goal bringing new plants into the world to fight climate change. Rathore said she looks forward to receiving her PhD after graduation, studying plant molecular biology. 

Anarra Williams

This year’s symposium theme is “Ascending to New Heights,” something that Anarra Williams did as she achieved a new level of success by winning first place for the undergraduate oral presentation interdisciplinary category.  Williams is a senior from Ohio, studying food and nutritional science with a minor in English. Her research was related to ‘reversing the entrepreneurial curse: Assessing issues faced as a self-employed juicing business owner.’ 

Williams owns her own juicing business, “A Dose of Wholesomeness.”

During the award ceremony, Williams was shocked about winning first place within her category. “As a senior, it is good to know they were interested enough to present me with first place … I am lost for words,” she said. “You never know where these competitions will take you.” Williams will be attending Virginia Tech for her master’s to pursue a career as a food chemist. 

Keynote speaker TSU alumna Dr. Maria Thompson being awarded a gift on behave of the Research and Sponsored Program, presented by the program’s chair, Reginald Cannon. (Photo by Celeste M. Brown)

Keynote speaker for the closing event was TSU alumna Dr. Maria Thompson, who is the former president of Coppin State University and previously served as the vice president of Research and Sponsored Program at TSU. Thompson gave a heartfelt speech about how she started her research as a freshman at TSU, not knowing its longevity within her professional career. 

“Research can be a foundation for your career, but also an approach to your whole life,” Thompson said. 

Thompson expressed how proud she is of the students and their research. 

“The whole world is before them,” Thompson told the University. “Once they have their foundational education and their research experience here at Tennessee State University, there is no door they can’t open, there is no experience they can’t create.” 

Thompson was then awarded a gift on behave of the Research and Sponsored Program, presented by the program’s chair, Reginald Cannon. Cannon noted that the 45th Research Symposium is a chance to bring the internal research community together. “It is excellence to showcase how well our students are doing.” 

See the full list of participants for the symposium at www.tnstate.edu/researchsymposium/. For more information on research at TSU visit the research and sponsored program site at www.tnstate.edu/research-1/.

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TSU career fair success for students 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University students were dressed for success for the 2023 Spring Career Fair, hoping to secure employment after graduation. Approximately 750 TSU students attended the event with nearly 200 employers. Students met with potential employers and left with more knowledge about internships and job market opportunities.

Jea’Lon Davis, a senior from Jackson, Mississippi, who is studying health sciences, said he enjoyed speaking with the wide variety of employers, with hopes of career opportunities this Fall post-graduation. “This is a good thing for our students to explore what opportunities are out there,” Davis said. “You never know who you will bump into at these career fairs. This is an opportunity of a lifetime.”

TSU senior Jea’Lon Davis speaks with a potential employer from Texas, Coordinator of Recruitment & Retention Dr. Kishawna Wiggins, during the 2023 Spring Career Fair. (Photo by John Cooper)

Davis spoke with employers who notified him about summer internships to apply for as he looks forward to becoming a sports nutritionist.

The fair included representatives from government agencies, aerospace, banking, engineering, healthcare, and several other industries.

“We had a good turnout of employers who were actively seeking to hire our students for internships and full-time employment,” said Angela Davis, the Assistant Director of the Career Development Center.

“We hope that students received  opportunities on the spot, as they did last year. We also hope that our freshman that attended had the experience of networking and interviewing with employers in preparation for their sophomore year,” she added.

The students took advantage of meeting employers who set up tables and displays in the Gentry Center Complex to network and showcase career and employment opportunities.

TSU freshman Paradise Jenkins speaks with employers during the 2023 career fair (Photo by John Cooper)

While seniors were there for current career development, freshman like Paradise Jenkins and Emmanuel Coleman stopped by to practice networking skills and gain exposure. “I came because I wanted to see what experience and opportunities I would be able to have in the near future,” Jenkins said, who is a Dallas native studying criminal justice.

Coleman, a business administration major from Detroit, said the career fair can broaden student’s horizons. “It’s important for freshmen to see the opportunities that they can come across even as a first-year student. Even if you don’t get an internship, these companies still see and hear you.”

TSU freshman Emmanuel Coleman says its important for students to see the opportunities available at the career fairs even as first-year students. (Photo by John Cooper)

Bank of America (BOA) was one of several returning employers for the career fair. BOA recently contributed $1 million to the University as part of an initiative to help students finish college and find employment in a competitive workforce.


Dontia Brown, the Vice President of Diversity and Campus Strategy Recruiting for BOA, said it was great to return to TSU after hiring students last Fall on the spot.

“We met with a lot of them during the Fall career fair then hired them into full-time programs,” Brown said, noting that the company had more full-time hires than interns last semester. This time, Brown said she met many freshmen who were eager to work.

“Meeting a lot of freshmen has been great, they have been super engaged early on. We have opportunities that are open for students going into their sophomore year, so this is the perfect time for them to learn about what BOA has to offer.”

Dontia Brown, the Vice President of Diversity and Campus Strategy Recruiting for Bank of America, speaks with a TSU student about internship and job opportunity. (Photo by John Cooper)

TSU graduate Iyana Clemente was excited to see familiar faces at her alma mater in her role as an employer. Clemente received a degree in aeronautical and industrial technology in 2021 and works for the Federal Aviation Administration. “Giving back to HBCUs is extremely important,” Clemente said. “Being able to see students that I was on campus with, being able to give back to them is a great opportunity for me.” 

If you are a prospective employer or TSU student looking for more information about the TSU Career Services Department, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/careers/ .

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TSU advances to Honda Campus All-star challenge national championship 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State University  Honda Campus All‐Star Team is headed to the National Championship, with a chance to win the title and a $75,000 institutional grant from the motor company. The Honda Campus All-Star Championship (HCASC) consists of four‐student teams facing off in head‐to‐head competition, quickly answering questions about history, science, literature, religion, math, the arts, pop culture, and sports.

This is the 26th year TSU has participated in the Honda Campus All‐Star Challenge, a competition that consists of 32 HBCU teams vying for the national title. This year’s campaign competition is April 17 in Torrance, California.

From left to right: Tyler Vazquez, Morgan Gill, John Miglietta (coach), Kelley Zumwalt, Cameron Malone are headed to the national championship in California. (Photo submitted)

The TSU scholars are  Cameron Malone, the team’s captain who is a junior majoring in Electrical Engineering from Oak Ridge, TN, Kelley Zumwalt a senior majoring in History and Political Sciences from Nashville, TN, Morgan Gill, a sophomore majoring in Urban Studies/ Pre Law from Stockbridge, GA, and Tyler Vazquez a sophomore majoring in Biology and Pre‐Med from Winston Salem, NC.

Malone said the scholars made it to the playoffs last year, but are excited about qualifying for the national tournament this time. “We have a really good chance to win it all this year,” Malone said.

“The actual teamwork involved in our team sets us apart. We have confidence in our members when they are answering questions.”

The team coach is TSU Professor of Political Science, Dr. John Miglietta. “TSU has won $193,500 in cumulative grant money since the inception of the program,” Miglietta said. “The team and I are looking forward to traveling to Torrance, California, for the National Championship Tournament. I greatly appreciate the opportunity that American Honda provides to showcase the academic achievement at historically Black colleges and universities.”

TSU earned the bid to the national competition after its second-place finish at the qualifying round, in early March at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia. The university won the National Championship in 2007. 

This year’s HCASC theme is “Friends for Life,” as the corporation encourages the students to network, and build friendships that last a lifetime. The tournament culminates with the final eight teams playing each other April 17th at the American Honda headquarters. The competition will be streamed April 20‐21 on www.hcasc.com.

About Honda and Historically Black Colleges and Universities

For over 30 years, Honda has supported the success and dreams of Historically Black College and University (HBCU) students through initiatives including the Honda Campus All‐Star Challenge and Honda Battle of the Bands. These programs provide unforgettable experiences and opportunities for HBCU students, including meeting and networking with peers from other HBCU schools. Honda has impacted the lives of more than 200,000 students and awarded over $14 million in grants in support of HBCU education programs and facilities improvements.

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TSU recognizes the best and brightest, nearly 3,000 students celebrated during honors convocation 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University honored nearly 3,000 students, recognizing the best and brightest at its 2023 Spring Honors Convocation, which is a ceremony that  highlights academic rigor.

Among the convocation honorees were 2,974 Dean’s List students who maintained a grade point average of 3.0 or higher and 483 President’s List scholars who maintained a 4.0 GPA and received medallions.

TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover, left, the Highest Honors Senior Award recipient Jae Walls, center, and Dean of the Honors College Dr. Coreen Jackson, during the 10th annual spring honors convocation. (Photo by Aaron Grayson) 

This year the Dr. McDonald Williams Highest Honors Senior Award recipient was Jae Walls, a presidential scholar from Atlanta, Georgia, who is one of the two students that were selected for the American Heart Association HBCU Scholars Program.

Walls is a junior studying biology who said she was proud of her award at the honors convocation. She noted how excited she was about the event being held in-person for the first time since the pandemic. 

“I am excited because everyone has been so busy at college, so I think this is a great opportunity to celebrate our academic achievements together,” Walls said. She noted that 2,974 students making the Dean’s List just shows what kind of talent TSU produces.

“It shows how intelligent students here at TSU are and how they can work through these hard classes. It is important to have events like this because it allows TSU to showcase how great the students are.”

Deja Story and Madison Taylor are two TSU freshman being recognized as Presidents List scholars this spring during the annual Honors Convocation. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Tyler Vazquez, a presidential scholar recipient and a Dr. Levi Watkins scholar who is studying molecular biology, said he looked forward to seeing his peers and college deans in-person to celebrate their hard work paying off.

“It’s incredible to be able to honor so many students for their academic excellence,” Vazquez said. “It is no easy journey … kudos to all the students.”

There are approximately 269 freshmen that were recognized for being on the President’s List as well. Also included are 165 Honors seniors that will be graduating this spring.

Of the 2,974 Dean List students, those with a 3.0 or above, 1325 are from TSU’s record-setting freshman class.  Last semester, the University welcomed over 3500 first-year students. It was the largest in school history and top among HBCUs. The incoming class also had a GPA average of 3.4.  The Honors College has a total enrollment of 824 students as of March 2023.

SGA Vice President Aliyah Holmes, left and President Glenda Glover, right, with the 2023 Honors Convocation speaker TSU alumnus Dr. Eddie R. Cole, center, who was presented an award during the event. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Dr. Coreen Jackson, the Dean of the Honors College, said she is proud to witness many outstanding students ecstatic about their impressive academic journey. “Despite them going through the pandemic and dealing with all the challenges for the last few years, these students have weathered the storms and continued to hold their heads up and continue to strive towards academic excellence,” Jackson said.

“We are so pleased and proud of their accomplishments. Having the opportunity to honor them is just amazing.”

The Honors Convocation keynote speaker was TSU alumnus Dr. Eddie R. Cole, an Associate Professor of Higher Education and Organizational Change at UCLA and the author of a multi-award-winning book, The Campus Color Line. During the event, Dr. Cole expressed his gratitude towards his undergraduate professors and experience at the university for setting him up for a successful professional career.

Dr. Levi Watkins Jr., scholars during the 10th annual honors convocation ceremony. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“In so many ways I am just thrilled to be here because looking at you, I see myself,” the 2007 graduate said to the honor students.

“One thing that is clear out of all my success as a student at the next level … was that Tennessee State University prepared me to be there. It was my HBCU experience,” Dr. Cole said.

For more information on the TSU Honors College, visit  https://www.tnstate.edu/honors/ .