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TSU says Southern Heritage Classic more than just a football game

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Linda Parrish has been coming to the Southern Heritage Classic since it started 33 years ago. Each year, she looks forward to the second weekend in September for the replay of tradition, camaraderie, homecoming, and most of all, the rivalry on the football field. 

President Glenda Glover gives an update on the university at the annual President’s Reception and Alumni Mixer at the Renasant Center in Memphis. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“I remember when the classic first started with TSU playing Grambling State University, and how it has evolved into one of the premier Black college football showcases in the nation,” says Parrish, a 1976 TSU graduate, and a retired registered nurse from Miami. 

The classic is more than the action on the field for TSU. West Tennessee, north Mississippi, and specifically Memphis are fertile grounds to recruit top high school students.

Brenda Gale Joiner, a graduating senior at Hamilton High School with a 3.9 GPA, is coming to TSU next fall to major in civil engineering. She was among several students recruited at the annual college fair as part of the classic week events.  

The TSU Aristocrat of Bands participates in the 33rd Southern Heritage Classic Parade. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“TSU is the home of the Tigers, and I love it,” she said. “I know it is a great institution. I have heard great things about the programs, and my father went to TSU.” 

Another fair goer, Kiereney Cole, a graduating senior from Booker T. Washington High School, has TSU in her sight. She wants to major in business, marketing and entrepreneurship. She has heard a lot about TSU’s business program.

“I choose TSU because it looks a very good school and I like the HBCU atmosphere,” says Cole. “I know few graduates from my school who go there and and I like what they say about the university.” 

Kiereney Cole, right, a graduating senior from Booker T. Washington High School, talks to a TSU admissions official at the annual college fair in Memphis. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

At the President’s Reception and Alumni Mixer – part of the classic weekend event – to update alumni and supporters on the state of affairs at the university, TSU President Glenda Glover touted the high quality of students attending the university. She announced the university’s historic freshman enrollment, the highest among all HBCUs in the nation, record research funding, also the highest among HBCUs, as well as a $250 million from the state for infrastructural improvement.  

“I greet you in the name of excellence. We began this semester with excitement and enthusiasm about the great things that are happening at TSU,” President Glover said. “We have the largest enrollment in our first-year class in the history of our university. I am told it is the largest enrollment of all HBCUs. Our research funding was also the highest last year, and we came close to tying that record this year, with $67 million in research funding. TSU received $250 million from the state for infrastructural development. We are in the process of identifying the structures we want to improve and upgrade and present our plan to the state.”

Debbi Howard, Director of Alumni Relations, welcomes guests at the President’s Reception and Alumni Mixer. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

On TSU’s recent housing situation, Glover said demand had exceeded supply due primarily due to high enrollment, and the high cost of living in Nashville, which had more upperclassmen seeking on-campus because they can no longer afford housing in the city. She said TSU’s situation was not unique. 

“Many universities across the country and even here in Tennessee are experiencing the same demand for campus housing. Some sent students homes without any options. We provided our students with options because we know many of them will not come without a place to stay. TSU students could attend online for free if they paid a deposit or live in off-campus housing.”  

The President thanked alumni, officials, and friends for their continued support of TSU and most importantly students.  Before the night ended, the gathering had raised more than $40,000 for student support, including $25,000 from TSU alum Lt. Col. James W. Williams, a Vietnam veteran and former prisoner of war. The check was a contribution to an endowment in his name at the university. Also, during halftime of the football game, alumnus Sedric Turner presented a check for $110,000 as the first installment on a $1 million pledge to support student scholarships and the Aristocrat of Bands.

Diehard TSU Tigers fans cheer on their beloved team at the Southern Heritage Classic football game. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Besides the college fair and big game on Saturday, another highlight of the SHC was the annual parade in the Orange Mound community of Memphis. Hundreds of people lined the route to see the floats and participants, including TSU’s world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands.   While the score wasn’t in TSU’s favor, the University still came away as winner with peaked interest from high school students and alumni support. 

About Tennessee State University

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 39 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and eight doctoral degrees.  TSU is a comprehensive research-intensive institution with a R-2 Carnegie designation and has a graduate school on its downtown Avon Williams Campus, along with the Otis Floyd Nursery Research Center in McMinnville, Tennessee.  With a commitment to excellence, Tennessee State University provides students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders in every facet of society. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, Uncategorized

TSU’s transportation app provides free, real-time shuttle access for off-campus housing students 

Tennessee State University students living in University off-campus housing won’t have to wonder where the shuttle bus is for pickup and drop off for classes.

TSU’s BusWhere app is back.

The shuttle app is intended to help students plan their pickup and drop off times accordingly at the university and housed facilities.  

With the BusWhere tracking app, students will be able to see the shuttle bus location on the map in real-time and view estimated times of arrivals for any stop along the route to know when the shuttle has arrived. 

Students shared that the free app and transportation is the huge convenience they needed for their academic schedule.  

“The bus comes every hour and the drivers have been extremely nice and welcoming,” TSU senior Tamara Conley said. “My experience with the shuttle has been great so far.” 

TSU student Jason Ferrell uses BusWhere app to check the status of his shuttle.

The shuttles are making their rounds to the six locations the University is utilizing for overflow housing. The hours are from 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Monday – Thursday and 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Friday to Sunday. The late shuttle runs from 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. each day. 

The shuttles on the BusWhere app are making their rounds to the six locations the University is utilizing for overflow housing.

Starr Branch, a junior majoring in mass communication, said the shuttle is suitable for students without a vehicle or for those who just would prefer to save gas. 

“Many students haven’t had the chance to own their own vehicle yet, so being able to know a ride from school and back is put in place is very comforting to many,” Branch said. “With the app you know how to navigate through your day better by knowing when your ride will be at the giving destination.” 

 Associate Vice President of Student Affairs Frank Stevenson said the shuttles run at the top of the hour from hotels and every half hour from the campus. Students are asked to be at the designated stop 5-10 minutes prior to departure. 

TSU students smiles on shuttle bus headed to campus.

“The students are now able to hop on the shuttle to save gas,” Stevenson said. “Our late-night shuttle is running very well … and the students are getting to class on time.” 

TSU students should visit buswhere.com/tnstate to register for the University’s shuttle tracker app.

About Tennessee State University

With more than 8,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs and seven doctoral degrees. TSU has earned a top 20 ranking for Historically Black Colleges and Universities according to U.S. News and World Report, and rated as one of the top universities in the country by Washington Monthly for social mobility, research and community service. Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University celebrated 100 years in Nashville during 2012. Visit the University online at tnstate.edu.

Featured, FEATURED, NEWS

TSU Alums and Owners of National Food Chain Slim and Huskys Inspire Incoming Freshmen with Story of Hope, Success

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Clint Gray III and Emmanuel “E.J.” Reed, TSU alums and two of the three owners of a major national restaurant chain, recently inspired incoming freshmen with their message of hope and success during a ceremony on campus. The co-owners of Slim & Husky’s, the famous hip-hop pizza franchise, spoke about how a dream they had in their college dorm kicked off with a $3,000 startup money and grew into building a multi-million-dollar company with branches across the country.

“Slim & Husky’s was born right here at TSU, in these dorms,” Gray reminded the students. “As freshmen and college students, we had the same dream as most of you to make a difference, but we had a plan and we worked on it.” Gray and Reed named vision, strategy, and execution as the key to their success.

“Your first step is to have a vision,” Gray added. “Just like most of you, we came to TSU as three young, motivated, and ambitious knuckleheads. We had a dream sitting in the same seats you are sitting in, faced with the same challenges that you are going to face, like getting up early for class, going to study hall, and for some of us, going to football practice, but we had one vision.” 

That message of having a dream with a vision, strategy and execution plan struck an immediate chord with Talisa Elliott, who had long heard about Slim & Husky’s, but said she was very moved to be in the presence of the actual owners and to hear their story of “how they made it through TSU to get to where they are.

“I love supporting Black-owned businesses but hearing their stories of how they turned $3,000 into a $7M deal in seven years, is amazing,” said Elliott, a mass communications major from Memphis, Tennessee. “Hearing these guys makes me even more excited about coming to TSU. Their message is extremely encouraging, considering my own dreams and motivations.” 

Reginald Ponder, of Atlanta, a pre-med biology major, also said the presentation added to his excitement about being at TSU and what he can become. “Everything has been going great. I have been networking and speaking to people. Orientation was fine,” said Ponder, who is interested in vying for a student leadership position. “I am looking forward to being in student government. Clubs and organizations do a lot of work on campus. I want to be part of that.” 

Gray, Reed, and Derrick More graduated from TSU in 2007. Two years later, the trio regrouped and revisited their college dream of owning a business. With $3,000 between them, they started a three-man moving business with a rented truck. Within seven years, they had built a multi-million dollar moving company that set the stage for opening the first location of Slim & Husky’s Local Pizza Beeria, at 911 Buchanan St., in 2017. Today, the company has 10 locations across the country, with a plan to open 50 more locations in the next five years. 

“Our vision would be nothing if we hadn’t taken the time to plan out our moves,” Reed said. “So, whatever it is that you guys want to do, it starts with a vision, and then you strategize how you get from point A to point Z. But it doesn’t stop there. You must execute your plan, or it will all mean nothing.” 

Tasha Andrews-Carson, executive director of new student programs, said the gathering, part of freshman welcome week, was intended to get the students “acclimated and familiarize” with the university. 

For more information on admission at TSU, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/admissions/

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TSU a family affair for triplets as incoming freshmen 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – It may be a little overwhelming to walk a 500-arce university campus as an incoming freshmen, especially when you are hours away from home. But luckily, the Howell triplets will have each other to lean on as they embark on a new journey this fall at TSU. 

The Howell triplets – Mya, Walter Jr., and James of Louisville, Kentucky, had several acceptance letters from schools across the country. But when the trio toured the TSU campus last summer, they knew they were right at home. 

“Automatically when we walked on campus it felt like home,” James said. “I fell in love with it and thought it was a great school.” 

The Howell triplets are attending the university on scholarship and spent the first hours on campus for TSU’s traditional Freshmen Move-In.  

The Howell triplets moved into their dorms Tuesday morning and are excited for their new journey at TSU. Photo by Aaron Grayson.

Mya, who is the oldest by a minute, is majoring in exercise science to become a physical therapist. While her brothers are engineering majors. Walter said he knew it was the right decision when he researched the college of engineering program, noting that he wanted to attend an HBCU. Despite a few of their acceptance letters being at different colleges, they didn’t think twice about going their separate ways. “It felt natural to stay together,” Mya said. 

While they are a little nervous to leave home, they know their parents are a phone call away. 

For Walter Sr., and Ethel Howell, shipping the triplets off to college is more than bittersweet. 

“There will be a huge void with them not being around daily.” The parents said. “My prayer is that TSU embraces them just as we have. By giving them the guidance and structure just as if they were living at home. We are extremely proud of all their accomplishments.” 

The Howell family during freshmen move in day. Photo by Aaron Grayson.

Academically, Walter Sr. said the triplets have been preparing for this very moment. “They have all of the tools they need in this life to be productive and successful young adults,” he said. 

“We have no doubt that our faith and their determination will take them to higher heights.” 

The Office of First Year Students will also help the trio adjust to college life. Staff members work closely with new students to ensure their success through academic advisement and campus services. The Howell triplets are a part of the record setting freshmen class that have registered for the fall. TSU is expecting over 2,000 first year students to begin the academic school year.

The University has delayed the beginning of classes to accommodate the large freshmen move-in. TSU is now accepting applications for fall 2023. For more information, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/apply/  

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

From dreams to reality: AOB, producers detail historic gospel album ‘Urban Hymnal,’ set to release in September 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – From Black spiritual to contemporary, musical experts say Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands anticipated gospel album is a conceptual journey of faith that embodies the evolution of gospel music told through the lenses of an HBCU band.

Titled ‘The Urban Hymnal,’ the album has 10 tracks filled with organic sounds that were created in the Land of Golden Sunshine. The history-making album features trailblazers within the gospel music industry.

Two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir The Baptist, left, and AOB assistant director professor Larry Jenkins records historic gospel album titled ‘Urban Hymnal,’ with AOB on campus. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

When Dr. Reginald McDonald was promoted to Director of Bands in 2015, he was told by his predecessor to dream big for the band’s legacy,  to ensure a high level of national prominence, and to be known as one of the top bands in the country. 

AOB’s most recent main stage accomplishment was performing at the 2022 Essence Festival of Culture in New Orleans, sponsored by a partnership with McDonalds, highlighting African American culture.

“And as a result of that performance, so many mega artists within the gospel community have now asked to be a part of the project,” McDonald said.

It is executively produced by AOB Director Dr. McDonald, assistant director professor Larry Jenkins, Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin, two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist, and platinum recording artist, TSU alum Dubba-AA. 

AOB students have been recording the Urban Hymnal gospel album at TSU for several months and are in the final stages of production, set to be released mid September. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

The album is in the final stages of production and will include features from music moguls and acclaimed artist such as Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, John P. Kee, Louis York, Dubba-AA, Sir the Baptist, Prof. Jenkins, Take 6, Mali Music, and more. 

“For me to be the band director of Tennessee State is nothing short of divine intervention. This album can do something to solidify the branding of not just the band, but the university for decades,” McDonald said. 

“This will be the first (album) from us, it won’t be our last.” He said he is grateful to have the ability to transition students, ‘from dreams to reality.’

TSU senior Arianna Scott, said she wasn’t sure about playing the piccolo in high school, but historic moments like being a part of the album made her instrumental journey worth her while. 

“All this legacy that we have … a gospel album is huge for us,” Scott said, describing how excited she was to hear herself playing the piccolo on the recorded album.

AOB assistant director professor Larry Jenkins, Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin, and AOB director Dr. Reginald McDonald.

To add this milestone onto AOB’s lengthy list of accomplishments over the years, professor Jenkins, who also contributed to composing the album, said this is yet another first for the band, putting them in position to lead the way for bands all over the world.

“All the opportunity that comes from this … getting credit on an album that we need to get a Grammy for, that’s what really makes me feel good about it.” Jenkins has hopes of the album receiving a Grammy in the gospel roots category next year. 

“It feels amazing to be a part of something so unique, so progressive,” he said, noting that the process of creating the album is a family affair for AOB and the university.

TSU alum Dubba-AA, couldn’t agree more.

“This band program isn’t just a program … this is my family,” he said. “It (the album) is going to make you want to get closer to God. This album will touch souls.” He said he is honored to be a part of the project, working besides trailblazers in the music industry, and ‘doing things that no one has done on an HBCU scale.’

AOB band leaders and music industry representatives look forward to releasing a successful gospel album this year. (Photo submitted)

Sir the Baptist, who received an honorary degree at TSU last spring alongside Dallas Austin, said the album is a game changer. 

“We will bring back to life some of the hymnals, but in an urban way,” he said. “To have support from so many people and brands, it means a lot and shows us that we are on the right track. “This is really going to change culture.”

The album is set to be released no later than mid- September and will be available on every major platform.  

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, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Student Profile

Shaun Wimberly selected new student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees

NASHVILLLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Shaun Wimberly, Jr., has been appointed the new student trustee on the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees. Wimberly’s appointment was announced during the Board’s June meeting. He was selected by President Glenda Glover to serve a one-year term, as a non-voting member of the Board.

Shaun Wimberly, Jr.

“Congratulations Shaun on your appointment to the TSU Board of Trustees,” President Glover said. “The student trustee plays a critical role at this university. As a student here over the years, you have demonstrated outstanding leadership quality. I have no doubt that your contribution to the Board will make a positive difference for your fellow students.”

Dr. Deborah Cole, chair of the Board, welcomed the new student Trustee. “We are pleased to welcome you Mr. Wimberly to the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees,” she said. “The Board looks forward to your service and working with you on the board and on board committee matters.” 

President Glenda Glover and Shaun Wimberly, Jr., participate in a program featuring FedEx-HBCU Ambassadors outside the New York Stock Exchange in Lower Manhattan. (Submitted photo)

“I am excited for my new appointment to the Board of Trustees for the academic school year,” said Wimberly. “I am delighted to be working alongside such a distinguished team and I believe that there are great things to come. I look forward to learning and working diligently throughout my tenure, to serve my university and the student body well.” 

A native of Louisville, Kentucky, Wimberly is a junior agribusiness major with a 3.7 grade point average. He is a Brand Ambassador of the Men’s Initiative. He has won many honors and awards, including the National Academy of Future Scientists and Technologists Award of Excellence. As a member of the FedEx-HBCU Student Ambassador program, Wimberly joined President Glover and FedEx executives on Feb. 1 to ring the closing bell at the New York Stock Exchange. 

Kenneth Rolle, II, president of the Student Government Association, described Wimberly as the “epitome of a student leader.” 

Shaun Wimberly interacts with students at Dawhenya Methodist Basic, a middle school in Maase, Ghana, during a recent cultural and educational exchange program. (Submitted photo)

“His drive and ambition have spoken well for him since his freshman year. I have watched him grow on campus and I am excited to watch him serve as the first male student trustee,” said Rolle. “He and I will work closely together as we continue to advocate and improve the experience for students here at Tennessee State University. I look forward to seeing him at work.” Wimberly was selected from among three candidates submitted to President Glover by the SGA. 

Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, noted that Wimberly has been a model student on our campus and has exhibited high leadership qualities.

“He comes with a great amount of experience,” said Stevenson. “Seeing his commitment to student engagement and to making sure that student concerns are heard at the level of the trustees is important. He is a good fit.” 

Wimberly succeeds Tiara Thomas on the Board of Trustees. A top political science major, Thomas served two one-year terms on the board.  She graduated last May and is pursuing her master’s degree at TSU. 

For more information on the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees, visit  https://www.tnstate.edu/board/ 

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, College of Engineering, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, Research and Sponsored Programs

TSU’s aviation program breaking barriers to increase number of black commercial, Air Force Pilots

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Growing up in Dallas, Texas, Mateo Lannaman’s dream was to be a pilot and fly high across the sky. With lack of funding and without a clear path, he didn’t know where to turn, until he met a mentor in flight training at Rising Aviation who gave him an advice that would change the young man’s life forever. 

Mateo Lannaman, second from left, a first-time freshman from Dallas, Texas, will major in aviation management to fulfill a dream of becoming an airline pilot. Pictured are l-r: Dr. William Smith, Assistant Director of Admissions; Mateo, his sister Milan, mother Senia, and dad Derrick Lannaman. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“He told me about Tennessee State University and the outstanding aviation program there,” Lannaman said. “He said there were scholarships for qualified students who were interested.” Lannaman took his mentor’s advice and applied. He was accepted with a full scholarship to study aviation management as a concentration in the Department of Applied and Industrial Technologies in the College of Engineering. The program is certified to train commercial pilots.  

“I am really impressed so far from what I have seen and the family atmosphere,” said the Rock Hill High School graduate, after meeting the dean and few staff of the College of Engineering during a campus tour Thursday with his family. 

Dr. Lin Li, Interim Dean of the College of Engineering, says the aviation management program is a pipeline to grow the number of minorities in the industry. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

With the low number of black commercial and Air Force pilots in the nation, Lannaman comes into an aviation program that is seeing tremendous growth thanks to a vigorous recruitment effort, outstanding faculty, and a long partnership with the Air Force ROTC (AFROTC) detachment at the university.  

“We have a long relationship with the AFROTC through many programs that are benefiting the College of Engineering and our aviation and aeronautics programs,” said Dr. Lin Li, interim dean of the college. He said the goal of the aviation program is to help increase the number of pilots in the country, especially African Americans. Currently, only about 2.6 percent commercial pilots are African Americans, while only about 6 percent African Americans are in aviation management positions. The number is even more dismal for the U.S. Air Force, where less than 2 percent of pilots are African Americans.  

Lt. Col. Michael Wilson, right, of AFROTC Detachment 790 at TSU, greets Cadet Jaiden Walker, a sophomore political science major, who wants to be an officer in the Air Force. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“The purpose of our aviation management program is really to create a pipeline to grow the number of minorities in the industry,” Li said. Through their collaboration, Li said the college and AFROTC have stepped up their effort in recruitment by talking to area high school juniors and seniors. Some initiatives include dual enrollment programs that offer college credit.  There is also a 2+2 program with Motlow State Community College, where students majoring in applied and industrial technology taught by TSU professors, can transfer to the university at the end of their two years and complete their four-year degree at TSU. An aviation summer camp for 20 high school students is also planned for 2023, Li said. Participants will receive 45 hours, including flying hours, using simulators and lecture hours.   

“We hope this will get students interested in gaining firsthand experience in becoming a pilot,” Li added.  

Lt. Col. Michael Wilson is an assistant professor of aerospace studies with AFROTC Detachment 790 at TSU. He said the partnership with the College of Engineering is reaping mutual benefits by attracting the best engineering students to the Air Force as well as working with the college to enhance its aviation program.  

“We are working with the College of Engineering, and they are doing a phenomenal job at developing the aviation program,” Wilson said. “The Air Force is inherently in the air. And we develop aviators, and we develop pilots, and we develop training. They have the skill set necessary in the engineering world. So, we help each other in that regard.” Wilson said in addition to recruitment initiatives, the college is receptive to the creation of a living learning community on campus, where engineering students that are in the AFROTC will have a block of rooms to live and learn together. 

“This way they hold each other accountable for their studies, make sure they get up in the morning to come do PT, and be where they need to be for all of their classes or all of their studies,” he said.  

Currently, eight TSU students are part of a cohort of 65 recruits from institutions across Middle Tennessee who are part of the AFROTC detachment at TSU. Cadet Jaiden Walker, a sophomore political science major, is one of them. The Selma, Alabama, native said his goal is to become an officer in the Air Force. He credits a substitute teacher in the 8th grade with getting him interested in the Air Force.  

“He always talked about his experience (in the Air Force) and things he did,” Walker said. “So, when I went to high school, I joined the JROTC, which gave me the opportunity to receive a scholarship.” He said he had the choice of going to any HBCU, but he chose TSU, where he once visited during a college tour.  

“That was a very memorable tour for me. Everything just seemed to align well, the fit was right, I enjoyed the people,” he added.  

Li said he is working with AFROTC for more scholarships to help interested students defray the cost of the aviation program, as well as developing marketing tools such as billboards, to increase awareness of the program.  

“One of our biggest challenges in the College of Engineering is that we have limited pilot instructors. So, that’s an area where AFROTC can also help because they have the facilities and the resources,” Li said.  

For more information on the TSU Aviation Management program, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/ait/aviationflight.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.

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

TSU’s Millicent Lownes-Jackson receives National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable highest honor

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Dr. Millicent Lownes-Jackson, dean of the TSU College of Business, has received the coveted Milton Wilson Award for exceptional service. The award is given by the National HBCU Business Deans Roundtable, an organization dedicated to providing a forum for deans of HBCU business schools to address opportunities and challenges associated with enhancing business programs and initiatives.

Dr. Millicent Lownes-Jackson

Lownes-Jackson, now in her ninth year as dean at TSU, and more than 40 years in higher education, was recognized for her leadership, service and commitment to the academic profession.

“It is truly an honor to receive the Milton Wilson Award named in recognition of a true visionary trailblazer,” Lownes-Jackson said, as she received the award at the 2022 HBCU Business Deans Roundtable in Westlake, Texas, June 2-4.

“I am most grateful to the Executive Committee and the Selection Committee of the HBCU Business Deans Roundtable for seeing some of Milton Wilson’s entrepreneurial qualities and personal attributes in me. As I continue my daily walk through life, I will continue to strive to carry Dr. Wilson’s torch of dedicated commitment to business excellence in higher education.”

The highest honor bestowed by the National HBCU Deans Roundtable, the Milton Wilson Award is named after Dr. Milton Wilson, the founder of Howard University and Southern University’s schools of business, and the first dean to attain American Assembly of Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) accreditation for two HBCUs’ schools of business. Milton was also among the nation’s first 100 African American CPAs, and one of the first seven African Americans to earn a doctoral degree in accounting in the nation.

Lownes-Jackson, the first African American woman to receive an MBA degree from Vanderbilt University, began her academic career at TSU where she rose through the ranks from Instructor to full professor, associate dean of the College of Business, and interim TSU provost, before heading the College of Business. Lownes-Jackson also holds a Ph.D. from Vanderbilt University.

For more information on the TSU College of Business, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/bis/.

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TSU track and field legends Ralph Boston and Wilma Rudolph named to USTFCCCA Hall of Fame

By TSU Athletics

EUGENE, ORE.  (TSU News Service) — Tennessee State University track and field legends Ralph Boston ’61 and Wilma Rudolph ’63 were both named to the inaugural class of the U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame at a ceremony on June 6 at the Hult Center for the Performing Arts.

Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice, TSU’s Director of Track and Field, presents Ralph Boston his award at the induction ceremony. (Lauren Ellsworth, USTFCCCA)

Chandra Cheeseborough-Guice, TSU’s director of Track and Field and Olympic gold medalist, who was present at the ceremony, presented Boston his award. Cheeseborough-Guice also received Rudolph’s award on behalf of her family.

“It was an honor to be selected to present Ralph Boston his award at the inaugural NCAA Hall of Fame induction ceremony, and to be asked to receive Wilma Rudolph’s award on behalf of the Rudolph family,” Cheeseborough-Guice said. “I am so honored to be in the company of greatness and represent Tennessee State University.”

“The Collegiate Athlete Hall of Fame is intended to acknowledge the great athletes who have made collegiate track & field and cross country such incredible sports,” said Sam Seemes, CEO of the USTFCCCA. “Not only do we have a large queue of past athletes that are worthy of enshrinement into this hall of fame, but we also recognize a vital responsibility in producing first-class presentations to properly commemorate their accomplishments”

Wilma Rudolph set four world records in her days as a collegian. (Submitted Photo)

Ralph Boston’s greatness was just beginning when he won the NCAA Championships long jump title in 1960. That summer he went on to break the world record set by Jesse Owens in 1935 while qualifying for the Rome Olympics, where he won the gold medal.

His senior season of 1961 saw him break the indoor world record three times, but that was just a prelude for his outdoor season. Boston recorded the first 27-foot long jump a week before nearly winning the NAIA team title for Tennessee State all by himself with four wins and a tie for second. In July he improved his long jump world record to 8.28m (27-2) in winning the U.S.-USSR dual meet in Moscow.

Rudolph didn’t have to travel far to find her home for collegiate track & field. She grew up in Clarksville, Tennessee, about 15 miles outside of Nashville, where Tennessee State had become a mecca for women’s sprinting long before organized national collegiate track and field was a reality for women.

Ralph Boston broke the world record set by Jesse Owen at the Rome Olympic in 1935. (Submitted Photo)

By the time she was enrolled at Tennessee A&I (as TSU was known then) in the fall of 1958, she was surrounded by national champions and Olympic medalists. She had earned a bronze medal with three of the group as part of the U.S. 4×100 relay team at the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne, Australia while a 16-year-old prep.

Rudolph blossomed while in college, never more so than at the 1960 Rome Olympics, where she became the first American woman to win three gold medals in the same Olympics by winning the 100 and 200 before anchoring the winning 4×100 team. She equaled the world record in the prelims of the 100, one of four world records she set in her days as a collegian.

Without collegiate national championships available to her, Rudolph was dominant at the AAU championships, winning 10 of the 12 AAU championships she lined up for combining indoors and outdoors. She was the first woman to win four AAU titles in the 100 yards/meters, all during her first four years at Tennessee State.

Boston and Rudolph are just two of the initial 30 athletes who will be enshrined. Nearly 150 years has elapsed since the first known intercollegiate competitions of running, jumping, and throwing took place. Those events in the mid-to-late 19th century set the stage for the modern-day sports of collegiate track & field and cross country.

In addition to an annual induction ceremony, plans for a permanent “hall” location are being pursued. “I’m proud that we’re stepping forward to preserve our history,” added USTFCCCA President Leroy Burrell, in his 23rd year as head coach of track & field at the University of Houston. “Many of the coaches in our association agree that a collegiate athlete hall of fame is long overdue to recognize the athletes who have provided us with countless unforgettable moments.”

The induction preceded the 100th edition of the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track & Field Championships held at Hayward Field, June 8-11.

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TSU spotlighted on Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner successful six-day space mission

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Items representing Tennessee State University’s legacy of excellence were part of the cargo onboard a Boeing spacecraft that recently returned to earth after a successful six-day mission to the International Space Station.  

President Glenda Glover

TSU was one of 14 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) asked to send flags, small pennants and other items representing their institutions, to be flown onboard Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The unmanned spacecraft for Orbit Flight Test-2 or OFT-2, launched May 19. It returned to earth May 25, making a safe landing at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. The successful mission capped a major milestone for the aerospace giant, having failed in its previous attempt about a year earlier. 

“Tennessee State University is proud to be among the 14 historically black colleges and universities that Boeing recognized on the space flight of its CST-100 Starliner with flags, pennants, and other items,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “We are proud of our partnership with Boeing, which has led to internships and other opportunities that have propelled many of our students to successful careers. This recognition shows Boeing’s commitment to equity and inclusion, and highlights, once again, the importance of HBCUs.”  

TSU and Boeing have a longstanding relationship that has included grants and funding for various research, training and engineering projects, as well as providing employment and internship opportunities for TSU students. 

Ed Gerding, Boeing’s vice president and chief engineer and a long supporter of TSU, said the OFT-2 mission had very special meaning to him because pennants representing TSU were among those on board as the space craft journeyed to the International Space Station and safely landed back on Earth. 

TSU flag, jersey, backpack and other small pennants were among items flown to space onboard Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. (TSU Media Relations)

“When I receive the pennants back, I plan to visit TSU with these as a recognition of the strong partnership we’ve built between the university and the Boeing Company,” said Gerding, who is responsible for training, digital and international engineering and global services at Boeing.  

Kenneth Rolle II, president of the Student Government Association, said he’s thankful for the partnership between TSU and Boeing and for the spotlight on HBCUs. 

“As far as the mission to space and having those paraphernalia from HBCUs and Tennessee State University that’s major, because HBCUs are rarely heard of in conversation about going to space,” Role said. “So, this just shows how global HBCUs really are.”  

The higher education mementos from the 14 institutions were part of the approximately 760 pounds of cargo that flew inside the Starliner’s crew module when it launched to the International Space Station for OFT-2. The end-to-end test was a critical developmental milestone on the company’s path toward flying crew missions for NASA. 

Dr. Lin Li, interim dean of the College of Engineering, said TSU is fortunate to have Boeing’s continued investment. 

“Congratulation for the successful launch of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft to the International Space Station,” Lin said. “Boeing continues to invest in the students and academic programs in the College of Engineering. The company’s Recruitment and Retention Initiative for Students in Engineering (RISE) program at TSU identifies high achieving students to receive scholarships as recognized Boeing Scholars.  In addition, Boeing’s funding helps support students’ professional development in preparing for the workforce.” 

Besides TSU, the represented universities with which Boeing also has a recruiting relationship are Clark Atlanta University, Morehouse College, Alabama A&M University, Florida A&M University, Howard University, Morgan State University, North Carolina A&T; Prairie View A&M University, Southern University and A&M College in Louisiana; South Carolina State University, and Tuskegee University. 

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

Featured Photo by TSU Media Relations
TSU flag, jersey, backpack and other small pennants were among items flown to space onboard Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner. (TSU Media Relations)