NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is pleased to announce that Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students Frank Stevenson has taken the helm of Nashville General Hospital (NGH) and leadership of the Metro Hospital Authority Board. VP Stevenson was elected board chair at the October meeting. In his new role, he continues to embody TSU’s commitment to service. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to be a part of the communities that border the campus and the city as a whole.
“This is a full circle moment for me because I remember my mother carrying me in her arms to Nashville General to get treated for an injury that resulted in getting stitches,” Stevenson recalled.
“It is also important to represent Tennessee State University in the communities we serve. I am honored to take on this significant role at Nashville’s public hospital. Just as I believe individuals should have access to a quality education the same holds true for access to quality healthcare.”
Stevenson has served the board for the past eight years and has also served as the chair of the finance committee for the past four years.
In addition to his executive management position at TSU, Stevenson also serves as the advisor of the New Direction Gospel Choir and Leadership TSU.
“Service is a major part of the student experience here at TSU. What better way to make a favorable impression on our students than to exemplify what it means to serve others.”
Stevenson holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Tennessee at Martin and a Master of Public Administration from Murray State University. He is currently completing the Doctoral Program at Trevecca Nazarene University. Stevenson recently served as executive director of a local charter school and executive deputy director for the Tennessee Office of Minority Health. He also serves on the boards of the Nashville Predators Foundation Board, The Tennessee Historic Commission and South Nashville Youth Football League.
NGH is Nashville’s first community hospital and first opened its doors in 1890. Today, the hospital sees nearly 60,000 patients annually.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The TSU Customer Relations Office is up and running, and recently held a campus-wide training session. The newly established office’s primary goal is to provide exceptional service and support to students, faculty, staff, and other key stakeholders. Customer Relations is led by Assistant Vice President Jessica Powell, who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the role.
Jessica Powell, Assistant Vice President of Customer Relations
“I am excited about leading this department,” said Powell, who has a long line of family members who attended TSU.
“In addition to having the professional background that is going to be needed to make meaningful changes, this job is also deeply personal for me. Every day, I’m coming in to make improvements on a university that means so much to the family members I love and working to make changes to better the university so that it can continue to have a positive impact on students for years to come.”
Working with Powell in the Customer Relations Office are Dr. Seneca McPhee, assistant director, and Ciera Walker, customer relations coordinator.
Dr. Seneca McPhee, Assistant Director of Customer Relations
Shaun Wimberly, Student Trustee, spoke highly of the initiative and highlighted its potential impact on the student body.
“As a student, I believe that the establishment of the Customer Relations Office will greatly contribute to student success and satisfaction,” he said. “It demonstrates TSU’s commitment to understanding and addressing the needs of its students.”
Frank Stevenson, Vice President for Student Affairs, described the opening of the Customer Relations Offices as a “gamechanger.”
“The Customer Relations Office aligns perfectly with our mission to provide comprehensive support services that foster student success and personal growth. By centralizing and streamlining communication efforts, we are better equipped to address the diverse needs of our students and ensure their overall well-being throughout their academic journey at TSU.”
Ciera Walker, Coordinator of Customer Relations
The university’s new Chief Operating Officer, retired Army Lt. Gen. Jason Evans, who provides oversight for customer relations, expressed his enthusiasm for the establishment of the office.
“Regardless of whether we are public servants or in the military, or as servants of the state, we are serving someone. That someone is our customers, our customers are the students primarily, and we also have other key stakeholders,” Evans said.
The Customer Relations Office is in the Floyd-Payne Campus Center on the main TSU campus.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – New faces and enhanced spaces will kick off the new academic year at Tennessee State University. Freshman move-in, a highly anticipated event, will take place over three days from August 14-16. Returning students will arrive later that week. As students unpack and prepare to focus on their academics for the next nine months, a registration assistance one-stop will be available to help them with essential resources.
Floyd-Payne Campus Center floors have been remolded and new seating will be installed for the upcoming fall semester.
TSU President Glenda Glover says helping students transaction from summer at home to college life is important. She will be there to welcome the new and returning Tigers.
“We are excited to welcome all of our students to the new academic year. TSU is a place of knowledge, growth, and opportunity whether you are a first-time freshman, transfer student or returning student. Our goal is to continue providing our students an environment that promotes academic excellence, personal development, and community engagement,” says President Glover.
Chief Operating Officer, Jason T. Evans, who oversees enrollment management and student success, also shares his excitement for the return of students for the fall semester.
“At TSU, we are dedicated to providing first-class support that enables our students to excel,” says Evans, the retired Army Lieutenant General, who joined the university recently. “We believe in nurturing students’ talents and equipping them with the skills needed to succeed in their chosen fields. Together, we will build a strong foundation for their future success.”
The Harold Love Student Success is undergoing new ceiling renovations in preparation for the upcoming fall 2023 semester.
Prior to embarking on their academic journey, prospective students and their parents participated in orientation programs offered on campus from May through June, with a final session on August 15. These programs provided an opportunity for families to familiarize themselves with TSU’s academic offerings, campus resources, and vibrant campus life. The university ensured that students and parents gained a comprehensive understanding of the university’s values and the support systems available to help them thrive.
Students will also see physical upgrades and enhancements to several buildings including student dining services and academic buildings that will feature new technology and other amenities. Over the summer, the student cafeteria received a major makeover, while academic buildings had upgrades ranging redesigned from lecture rooms, new roofs, to new seating for the Forum and Poag auditorium.
Vice President for Student Affairs, Frank Stevenson, highlights the university’s commitment to student success, stating, “TSU is focused on fostering a supportive and inclusive campus environment that promotes holistic development. We are dedicated to offering a transformative educational experience that empowers our students to become leaders in their communities and beyond.”
Classes for the new academic year will begin August 21, with TSU faculty and staff eagerly preparing to provide engaging and meaningful learning experiences.
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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The excitement of the upcoming fall semester at Tennessee State University will be coupled with concerns on managing the campus population due to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases across the country and in Tennessee.
University officials are optimistic based on the success of navigating through the pandemic over the last two years and are closely monitoring Davidson County and the City of Nashville.
“We have put various protocols in place to assist individuals with safety to minimize the spread on campus,” said Dr. Curtis Johnson, associate vice president and chief of staff. “We will continue working with faculty and staff to have the necessary PPEs (personal protection equipment) available for students attending classes and for all offices.”
TSU does not have a mask or vaccination mandate in place as outlined by state law, but university officials encourage campus family to wear masks, practice social distancing and to get vaccinated. (Photo: Aaron Grayson)
Recently, Davidson County had an uptick in confirmed COVID cases with an average of 2,842 cases within a seven day span, according to the state’s Department of Health.
TSU does not have a mask or vaccination mandate in place as outlined by state law, but University officials strongly encourage the campus family to wear masks, practice social distancing and to get vaccinated and boosted.
Last year, the university even offered incentives, encouraging students, faculty and staff to get vaccinated by offering gift cards.
Dr. Wendelyn Inman, an infectious disease expert, professor and interim public health program director in the College of Health Sciences, is in support of the university safety protocols and recommend students to return immunized to keep COVID-19 case numbers low.
“For people who need to, want to, and should wear a mask, they should wear them freely without question,” she said. “And people who aren’t immunized should get immunized.”
Dr. Wendelyn Inman
Frank Stevenson, associate vice president of student affairs and dean of students, said the university will continue abiding by CDC protocol for the upcoming semester and will provide the COVID-19 vaccine to students at their requests.
“We are asking all students to be both vaccinated and boosted,” he said, noting that students are required to report COVID-19 positive results to student affairs. “We know a whole lot more than we did two years ago,” Stevenson said. “And we feel good about being able to operate the campus in a safe environment.”
Students who test positive for COVID-19 are placed in an area identified as IQ, or isolation and quarantine zone where they receive “round the clock” service, including a health professional, meal service delivered three times a day, laundry service, and medication if needed.
Stevenson also encourages students to feel comfortable enough to continue taking online classes as an option as well. The university is currently offering discounts to students that take 100 percent of their classes online.
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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover welcomed first-time freshmen to the campus this week and assured the new Tigers and their families that TSU has worked diligently to create a safe environment amid the coronavirus pandemic.
President Glenda Glover, and Chief of Staff, Dr. Curtis Johnson, tell reporters that the university has taken the necessary steps to ensure a safe campus, as students return. (TSU Media Relations)
“Safety is a priority. We made adjustments based on where we are in the world today, and so far, it is working,” Dr. Glover said Tuesday, as more than 2,300 freshmen began moving into their residence halls. Classes start Monday, August 17. “We couldn’t have everybody coming in at the same time, so we assigned each person a time to arrive.”
Yuri Hopkins, her mom, dad and younger sister drove all-night from Miami, Florida, to be sure she was on time for the early check-in. She said the health screenings and the orderly move-in process “made me feel at home right away.”
Yuri Hopkins (in red) and her family, from Miami, Florida, were among the first groups to arrive for the early morning check-in. Hopkins will major in nursing. (TSU Media Relations)
“I am ready for TSU besides, I was ready to leave home,” said Hopkins, who will major in nursing. “My uncle came here and I have heard a lot of good things about their nursing program.”
Yuri’s father, Leshawn Hopkins, said he is sad to leave his daughter behind, but he likes what TSU is doing and that gives him hope.
“I am sad but she is prepared,” he said. “The pre-screenings, temperature checks for everybody coming on campus got me feeling more confident that she is in a safe environment.”
President Glover talks to incoming business administration major Oryanna Elizabeth Davis, right, from Memphis, Tennessee, as her brother, Omari Jolliffi, looks on. (TSU Media Relations)
Amiya Jenkins, of Nashville, whose sister Janice Broadway is a senior political science major at TSU, was on time for her early morning check-in at Wilson Hall. She is continuing a long TSU lineage in her family. In addition to her sister, several relatives, including her mom, attended TSU. So, becoming a Tiger is a dream come true.
“I couldn’t wait to join my sister,” said Jenkins, who will also be majoring in nursing. “Nearly all my relatives came here. It’s a tradition, and the school is offering me what I want, and I like how prepared they are to protect us from the virus.”
Dean of Students Frank Stevenson, right, welcomes Meghan Borrum, second from left, who arrived from Atlanta with her mom Sabrina Borrum, and family friend Brian Papin. (TSU Media Relations)
Amiya’s mother, Tavina Hopkins, added, “The rooms are so clean and the staff has been so helpful. I am proud of my school and how prepared they are.”
In her State of the University address on Monday, Glover emphasized safety, and referred to the implementation of a comprehensive safety plan that includes a 14-day “safer in place” policy upon arrival for all students in residence halls. The policy requires students to stay in their places of residence unless they need to perform essential activities, such as getting food, or going to medical appointments.
Volunteer workers help check in new arrivals at Watson Hall. (TSU Media Relations)
Under the plan, all classes will be online for the first two weeks, and there will be both in-person and online instruction throughout the semester, which will end by Thanksgiving. Additionally, classrooms have been assessed to determine the number of students that can occupy the rooms, based on guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Other safety measures include wearing of face coverings and social distancing at all times; regular cleaning and sanitizing of buildings; temperature checks upon entering campus and randomly throughout campus; installation of shields throughout the campus; and establishment of a non-emergency COVID-19 phone line and email for reporting concerns.
Dean of Students Frank Stevenson said the university is excited to welcome students back on campus, and will do everything necessary to ensure that students adhere to regulations put in place for their safety.
“We are going to be very intentional about sharing our expectation as students move on campus so that we can have a safe campus community,” said Stevenson, who is also associate vice president for Student Affairs.
Chicago native James Bracey, Jr., right, prepares to check into Watson Hall. Mom America Bracey, sister Kayden Bracey, and dad James Bracey, Sr., came along to see Bracey Jr., off to college. (TSU Media Relations)
“We are excited about how we are facing this challenge to make the student experience very unique. The process has been very smooth. We have parents who have come from all over the country and they are trusting us with their students and we have a plan that we believe is one of the best in the country for how we manage our campus environment during this pandemic.”
James Bracey, Sr., of Chicago, whose son James Jr., checked into Watson Hall, said he is also excited about his son coming to TSU, and is impressed with how prepared the university is about protecting students from the pandemic.
“I am okay with him leaving; it will be an adjustment but I like where he is going,” said James Bracey, Sr.
James Bracey, Jr., who will major in business and marketing, said he read a lot about TSU and likes the business program at the university.
“I chose TSU because I heard good things about it and when I checked the business program I really like it. I will miss my family and friends but I am ready to start this journey,” Bracey, Jr., said.
James Bracey, Jr.’s mom America Bracey, and 12-year-old sister Kayden Bracey, also came along to see their son and brother off to college.
To learn more about TSU’s campus operation plans for fall reopening, visit www.tnstate.edu/return. 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 seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University and the nation’s other historically black colleges and universities (HBCU) look to reap the benefits of federal legislation that permanently allocates $255 million to the institutions.
TSU President Glenda Glover
Last month, Congress passed the FUTURE Act to provide for the historic funding. TSU students and officials say the bill is critical to the viability of TSU and other HBCUs.
TSU President Glenda Glover commended
Congress for passing the legislation and hopes it will lead to additional
funding.
“The FUTURE Act legislation is a game changer for TSU, and the university is thankful to our Tennessee leadership of Senator Lamar Alexander, Representative Jim Cooper, Congressional Black Caucus members and others for their guidance to ensure the bill passed through both chambers,” says President Glover.
“I personally made calls to Sen.
Alexander’s Office, advocating the need for HBCU funding because of the
tremendous impact TSU has in changing the lives of our students, the community,
state and nation. I also spoke regularly with other HBCU presidents and
assisted advocacy groups United Negro College Fund, Thurgood Marshall College
Fund and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in higher education in
getting the bill passed. HBCUs have been
traditionally underfunded on all levels of government.”
“TSU is fortunate to have
relationships with local and state lawmakers that have resulted in much needed
appropriations. I believe the FUTURE Act is the beginning of the tide changing
in the amount, and types of funding HBCUs receive.”
The FUTURE Act not only provides permanent
funds to HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions, but also simplifies the
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and eliminates paperwork for
income-driven student loan repayment plans.
“We believe it’s a really
important piece of legislation,” says Amy Wood, assistant vice president for
financial aid at TSU.
The legislation
eliminates up to 22 questions on the FAFSA and allows the Internal Revenue
Service to share applicants’ tax information directly with the U.S. Department
of Education. It also automates income recertification for federal student loan
borrowers who use income-based repayment plans.
“Being able to eliminate some of
the processing time allows us more time to spend counseling students and
ensuring that they have what they need,” adds Wood.
Mariah Rhodes, a junior at TSU
majoring in political science, says she’s pleased the legislation may soon
become law. It has been sent to the President, who is expected to sign
it.
“HBCUs have produced some of the
best African-American doctors, lawyers, politicians and engineers,” says
Rhodes, a Memphis native who is an HBCU White House ambassador. “This money
will help HBCUs in a tremendous way.”
Her mother agrees.
“They (HBCUs) are underfunded, and
we need to really do something about that,” says Denise Woods.
TSU Dean of Students Frank
Stevenson called the legislation a “game changer.”
“HBCUs are still seeing a number
of first generation college students, and funding is really important to the
success of these institutions that have done so much to move the needle toward
equity and opportunity for higher education for students,” says Stevenson.
Last year, TSU received $2 million to support retention of academically high achieving students from underserved communities.
The funds were included in Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee’s budget
during the latest legislative session, and approved by state lawmakers.
Tennessee State University 3500 John Merritt Boulevard Nashville, Tennessee 37209 615.963.5331
About Tennessee State UniversityFounded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a premier, historically black university and land-grant institution offering 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24 master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Rickey Scott had a ready smile and willing hand to help anyone in need. That’s how Tennessee State University students, faculty, and staff remembered the freshman Monday night at a candlelight vigil.
Students hold hands as they console one another at the vigil for their late schoolmate. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
Scott,
19, died Sunday afternoon at a local Nashville hospital from a critical
gunshot wound, according to authorities. The case remains under investigation.
Many
held hands, while others wiped away tears, as students said prayers and sang
songs during the vigil organized by the SGA and Freshmen
Class. TSU’s Amphitheater on the main campus served as the
backdrop for the very emotional event. The university was stunned by the sudden
death of the engineering major from Ohio, who
was just entering his third month as a freshman. Many of the students did not
know Scott personally, but attended the vigil to show their support for
his family and friends. Others who encountered the spirited young man
remembered his smiles, lightheartedness and caring personality.
TSU
President Glenda Glover was among university officials at the candlelight
vigil. She lamented Scott’s death, expressed sympathy to Scott’s family who
attended the ceremony, and thanked the students for coming together to remember
their fellow student.
Students join the parents and other family members for a walk across campus following the vigil as a show of solidarity. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
“We ask the Almighty God to put his arms around us as a university, a student body to protect us and strengthen this family during this time,” Glover said. “We are heartbroken by this loss and we grieve with Rickey’s family and those who knew him. In times like these, we must come together and support each other as one university community.”
Tiona
Williamson, a sophomore majoring in cardiorespiratory care, did not know Scott
too well, but fondly remembers talking to him just days before his passing.
“I met him and we had a couple of conversations,” said Williamson, of Jackson, Tennessee. “I didn’t know him personally, but thought he was a really sweet person. He was really nice, cool and laid back. It is so sad what happened to him.”
“He
was loved,” one of Scott’s family members added.
Also speaking at the candlelight vigil were Katelyn Thompson, president of the Student Government Association; Mr. TSU Damyr Moore; and Caleb Jarmon, President of the freshman class.
Frank
Stevenson, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students,
said the vigil was a show of unity among students, especially the freshmen, who
wanted to make sure that they came together, to hold hands and to encourage one
another.
“This
is somewhat of a cloudy day in the Land of Golden Sunshine,” Stevenson said.
“We have a Tiger that has fallen and the students have paused to celebrate his
life with this vigil.”
Miss
Freshman, Ashanti Mitchell, said it was sad to lose a classmate just shortly
after starting their college journey.
“We
have been here no more than three months and just now starting our first Homecoming
and to lose one of our classmates is just unfortunate,” said Mitchell, a
biology major from Louisville, Kentucky. “I wish coming together was under a
better circumstance. The fact that my class came out and supported even though
some of them didn’t even know him, I really appreciate it and I hope that we
keep this close bond and be supportive of each other going forward.”
Sunday was the start of Homecoming week at TSU, but Glover
assured the gathering of increased TSUPD and Metro police presence to ensure
safety due to the expected high traffic on campus.
Law enforcement is continuing to look into all information, including video surveillance. TSUPD say there was no report of a shooting or suspicious activity on campus prior to receiving the call from Metro police dispatch. They’re still trying to determine exactly where he sustained the fatal injury and a motive. School administrators are asking for the public to come forward with any information that may help in the investigation.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University students looking for internships, full-time employment and co-op opportunities got a major break on Oct. 2. More than 100 companies and potential employers converged on the main campus for the 2019 Fall Career Fair.
TSU student Shaun Anderson, a business administration major, right, talks to Dell representatives at the Career Fair. In the photo are, from left, Bonnie McKissack, Senior Sales Leader; Tiffany C. Perry, Inside Global Sales Manager (TSU alum); Shaheed Whitfield, Recruiter (TSU alum); Elizabeth Casey, Recruiter; and Shelton Cammon, Recruiter. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
Representatives from government
agencies, aerospace, engineering, healthcare and the entertainment industries
set up tents, tables and displays in the Gentry Center Complex to network with
students about career and potential employment opportunities.
Many have scheduled follow-up
interviews with students on the TSU campus.
Officials said nearly
500 students attended the all-day fair, organized by the TSU Career Development
Center in the Division of Student Affairs.
Micaih Mayfield, a junior mechanical engineering major, and Oluwatosin Fagbuyi, a graduate student, also in electrical engineering, were among those looking for career opportunities. Mayfield was looking to land an internship, while Fagbuyi, who graduates in May, was looking for a co-op or full-time employment.
Micaiah Mayfield, a junior mechanical engineering major, talks to representative of BWX Technologies. She said she received many positive responses from companies. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
“Everything looks very promising,”
said Mayfield, of Nashville, who made several stops, leaving her resume at each
point. “A lot of people asked for my resume, they looked over it and asked a
lot of questions about my career goals.”
For Fagbuyi, who was very
optimistic about landing an opportunity, he said going after companies this
early before his May graduation was a good effort.
“I count myself lucky to be able to get this opportunity to attend a career fair,” said Fagbuyi, who received an internship in his undergraduate years as a result of the career fair. “From what I have seen today, I will absolutely get something from it, thanks to the TSU Career Development Center for preparing us.”
Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for Student Affairs and dean of students, said the goal of the fair was to “share some of our amazing students” with these companies and the world.
“We are really excited about these corporations and companies that are here to meet students that TSU produces,” said Stevenson. “It is nice to see them so excited about interacting with our students.”
Major sponsors included General Electric, Altria, LG&E and KU Energy, Humana, Innophos, Inc., and Dell, which was to meet the next day with seven students who received on-the-spot preliminary interviews at the fair. Regions Bank is a standard sponsor. Like many of the other sponsors, hiring TSU students is not new for Dell. At the tech giant’s table during the fair, two of the company representatives and recruiters were TSU graduates, who got their start from the career fair.
Alexander Sellers, Systems Engineering Manager at Boeing, right, who earned two degrees at TSU, received his start from the career fair. He returned as a recruiter and to mentor his young protégés. (Photo by Erynne Davis, TSU Media Relations)
Tiffany C. Perry,
inside global sales manager for North America at Dell, earned a bachelor’s and
a master’s degree from TSU. She said coming back to her alma mater to recruit
is just one way of trying to give back.
“It’s been an awesome day for me,” said Perry. “I am thankful for this opportunity. I am even happier to know that the candidates that came to our table were just incredible, they were prepared and represented TSU well.”
Alexander Sellers,
systems engineering manager at Boeing, was one of those representing his
company at the fair. He talked about the preparation he received, the
importance of the career fair and the excitement to be back on the TSU campus,
where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the College of Engineering.
Antoinette Duke, Associate Director of the TSU Career Development Center, left, presents a plaque to representatives of GE in appreciation of their support as major sponsor of the career fair. (Photo by Michael McLendon, TSU Media Relations)
“The career fair is integral for any student’s progression,” said Sellers, who was first hired by Lockheed Martin as a result of the career fair. “TSU is going to provide you the foundation of think, work, serve, and your classwork. But you have to get connected, and this is what that is all about.”
Antoinette Hargrove Duke, associate director of the Career Development Center, said the fair is an opportunity to properly “position our students.”
“We have spent most of the year preparing our students, getting them job ready,” Duke said. “So, at this career fair, it is our opportunity to partner the two (students and companies) together in hopes that we can increase our chances of making sure when our students graduate that they land employment that’s going to match the education that they have received.”
Duke was also glad
to see former students and alumni of the career center who return as mentors
and recruiters to help their younger protégés prepare for the real world.
“It is just nice to see them giving back to their institution,” she said.
Duke presented each of the major sponsors with a plaque in appreciation of their support to TSU and the Career Development Center.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Jon-Robert Jones never gave much thought to wearing a tie. But after tying his first one, the Tennessee State University mass communications major has a new mindset.
“It is just fascinating how something so simple can change your whole image,” said Jones, who was among nearly 400 first-time male freshmen who participated Thursday night in “Tied to Success,” a rite of passage for all incoming male students at TSU. A highlight of the program is when the young men are given ties.
Frank Stevenson, Dean of Students and Interim Vice President of Student Affairs, presents student leaders and mentors (dressed for business) to incoming male freshmen at the Tied to Success ceremony in Poag Auditorium. (Photo by Michael McLendon, TSU Media Relations)
“I love seeing folks nicely dressed, but I didn’t think it was cool for me,” said Jones of Decatur, Georgia. “I am liking it.”
As a welcome into the “Big Blue Brotherhood,” the young men were given TSU blue ties with the name of the university. For some, like Jones, it was the first one they’ve owned. University officials, upperclassmen, and community leaders were on hand to assist those who needed help tying the perfect knot.
Before the tie tying and male bonding, officials and student mentors talked to the freshmen about proper campus behavior and how to present themselves in general.
TSU administrators, including Dr. Curtis Johnson, Chief of Staff and Associate Vice President for Administration, front right, demonstrate the art of tying the perfect knot to incoming freshmen. (Photo by Michael McLendon, TSU Media Relations)
“As
these students embark on their college careers and prepare for the professional
world, we want to help them develop good character and avoid anything that
could hinder their future success,” said Frank Stevenson, TSU’s dean of
students and interim vice president for Student Affairs. ‘’Tied to Success’ is
a step in that direction; we’re preparing them now.”
Damyr Moore, a
student mentor and the new Mr. TSU, was among those helping the incoming
freshmen with their ties.
“I feel like this is very important for these young men,” said Moore, a senior mass communications major from Atlanta. “This event not only shows them another next step in manhood, that it is important to be able to tie a tie, but it is nice to know there are brothers here who are willing to help you learn these things so you can be a better person.”
Jon-Robert Jones, right, for the first time ever, is wearing a well-knotted tie he perfected with the help of Brent Dukhie, interim Executive Director for Housing and Residence Life. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)
Moore’s sentiments rang through to Coreyontez Martin, a freshman health sciences major from Louisville, Kentucky. He knows how to tie a tie, but wants to be an encouragement to fellow freshmen who don’t know.
“Knowing how to tie a tie gives them an opportunity that can help them later in life or in their careers,” Martin said. “For me and my fellow freshmen, this gives us an opportunity to learn something that the classroom really can’t teach you. I appreciate the orientation and hope other institutions will emulate TSU.”
At last night’s ceremony, several senior administration officials, faculty, alumni, staff, and community leaders joined in to admonish the newcomers about academics, image and deportment. Among them were Dr. Curtis Johnson, chief of staff and associate vice president for administration; Terrance Izzard, associate vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success; Dr. John Robinson, interim associate vice president for Academic Affairs; and Grant Winrow, special assistant to the president.
“I think the night
and this opportunity were good not just for the students but for the university
community to show these young men that they are our concern and that we care
about them,” Johnson said. “This is an opportunity to engage them and to
encourage them to utilize the resources we have here on the campus.”
State
Rep. Harold Love, Jr., a TSU alum, and a regular participant in “Tied to
Success” for the last three years, said the initiative reinforces that TSU is
intentional about the incoming students’ success, academically, as well as socially.
“We
talk about the African American male and the struggle they often have when they
first arrive on a college campus,” Love said. “It is initiatives like this that
allow them to make the transition easier. It instills in them that the TSU
community as a whole is concerned about them, and more specifically, we want to give them the skill they need to be successful
when they graduate.”
According to organizers, about 400 male students participated in this year’s Tied to Success, which is coordinated by the Men’s Initiative Office in the Division of Student Affairs. Overall, there are nearly 1,400 new freshmen at TSU for the fall semester.
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 38 bachelor’s degree programs, 24
master’s degree programs, and seven 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.
