Tennessee State University announced today that the institution is facing an unprecedented demand for student housing and is working to fulfill all housing assignments in the next few days.
Residence Life staff have completed nearly 97 percent of requests and will have provided housing for over three thousand students when the semester begins on August 16. The news comes as the largest freshman class in five years started moving in today through August 12, followed by returning students later this week. TSU is working to accommodate everyone and asks those still waiting on an assignment to check their student account for updates.
Traditionally, upperclassmen seek off campus housing. However, the high cost of housing in Nashville is prompting them to return to campus. The completion of the new 700-room residence hall will help to ease the University’s housing needs once it is completed in 2022, especially if this trend continues.
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.
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) – When
incoming Tennessee State University freshman Natoriya Owens arrived for Move-in
Day, the Memphis native brought a positive attitude, and enough generational
wisdom to last her college career.
“I’m honored to have my
family here, to learn from their different experiences,” said Owens, who made
the trip with her father, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
TSU President Glenda Glover (far right) with incoming freshman Natoriya Owens and her family. (TSU Media Relations).
Said Lillie Standard, the
eldest of the group: “I want her to keep her head in the books, keep up good
grades, and get the best education she can get.”
That sentiment was
undoubtedly shared by the families of the nearly 1,300 freshmen who moved on TSU’s
campus Aug. 13 and 14. This was the second year the event took place over two
days.
TSU
officials said the change was intended to shorten wait time and make processing
easier for students, parents and volunteers. The first move-in on Tuesday, Aug.
13, was limited to all-female Wilson Hall, the largest residence hall on
campus. The rest of the move-ins took place the next day.
During
both days, more than 200 volunteers, including student organizations, alumni,
staff and friends helped to move luggage, boxes of personal belongings and
other items, while others pointed out directions and manned water and
refreshment stations for the new residents.
TSU football players help with move-in. (TSU Media Relations)
“We want
to do all we can to help them get acclimated,” said Yolanda Cato, a residence
hall director at the university.
Beyonce
Bailey moved in the first day. The nursing major from Chicago said the good
customer service was one of the reasons she chose TSU.
“I like
the environment,” said Bailey, who visited the university during her spring
break. “It just feels like home. “
Darren
Evans Jr., also from Chicago, made the drive to Nashville the second day with
five other members of his family.
His
mother, Cathena, said her son also decided to become a Big Blue Tiger after
visiting TSU earlier this summer.
“We were
so impressed with the faculty and staff, the family environment,” she said. “He
was going to go to another university, and we made the decision over the summer
to come here based on that experience.”
Darren Evans, Jr., front center, a first-time freshman, made the trip from hometown Chicago with five members of his family. From left are aunt, Zelda Matthews; sister, Ayana Evans; cousin, Zachary Matthews; mother, Cathena Evans; and father, Darren Evans, Sr. (TSU Media Relations)
“I felt at home,” added Darren Evans,
who will be majoring in agriculture with a focus on animal science.
Beatrice Marchmon of Akron, Ohio, said
TSU has a good reputation, and she’s pleased her granddaughter, Brianna Boykin,
decided to attend.
“We feel from what we’ve heard, and we
know a number of grads from here, that this school is going to make sure that,
if she does what she needs to, that she’s going to be successful,” Marchmon
said.
Another arrival on Wednesday was Tupac
Moseley, who made national
headlines earlier this summer. Moseley was homeless his senior year, but
managed to graduate valedictorian of his class, and receive more than $3
million in scholarship offers.
TSU President
Glenda Glover personally led a team of senior university officials to Memphis
and presented Moseley with a full-ride scholarship, including housing and
a meal plan.
“For the
president herself to drive down to one of the schools to actually assist a
student personally, one-on-one, it’s just mind blowing to me,” said Moseley,
who will major in engineering.
Tupac Moseley and his sister, Jasmine. (TSU Media Relations)
In 2017, TSU
implemented higher admission standards to attract quality students. At the same
time, the university began initiatives to improve retention and graduation
rates, such as increasing the number of coaches to help students with their
personal and educational goals.
In June, TSU
announced it 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 last legislative session, and approved by state lawmakers.
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) – Lamonjae Romey got several offers from colleges and universities, but after learning about Tennessee State University and visiting its campus, the Big Blue sealed the deal.
TSU President Glenda Glover greets new freshmen. (Photo by Courtney Buggs, TSU Media Relations)
“When we came here the first time, I just fell in love with the campus,” said Romey, an Indianapolis native who plans to major in nursing. “Right then, I decided that this is where I want to be.”
Romey was among about 1,500 new freshmen that arrived at TSU on Wednesday for Freshman Move-In Day.
“It’s always a pleasing sight to see new students and their families join our university family as they come to us as freshmen,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
President Glover greeted many of the new students personally as she stood at the entrance of several residence halls during the move-in.
“It’s very important for these students to have a good start to the best college experience possible. I want them to study hard and do their best. Our move-in event is the first step to that experience. It’s a family thing like the slogan on our volunteer T-shirts read (display),” Glover said.
New TSU freshman Lamonjae Romey (center) with her mother, Latochia Rice (left), and grandmother, Doris Rice. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)
Freshman Shelby Sellers said she’s looking forward to attending TSU. She and her family drove about nine hours from Wisconsin on Wednesday. Sellers, who plans to major in biology, said what really attracted her to TSU was the kindness she was shown by faculty and staff when she visited the university.
“They seem to want to help you in everything; give guidance,” she said. “I really like the culture.”
Freshman Megan Davis of Knoxville, Tennessee, agreed.
“I could tell that the professors really care about students’ success,” said Davis, who plans to major in occupational therapy. “And I like the overall community.”
During the move-in Wednesday, a number of parents praised the helpfulness and organization of TSU’s staffers. Megan’s mother, Denise Davis, said she believes her daughter will be in good hands.
“My daughter just kept saying, ‘Mom, I really want to go to Tennessee State,’” Denise Davis said. “We came up for a couple of visits, and TSU sealed the deal.”
New TSU freshmen and their families enjoy some tasty barbecue. (Photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)
Dr. Tracey Ford, vice president of student affairs at TSU, said the university wants students and their parents to know that good customer service is a priority.
“We’re very excited … to welcome new Tigers into our family,” Ford said.
In addition to the university’s great faculty and staff, a number of TSU freshmen said they want to be part of the unique experience only a historically black college or university can offer.
“I chose TSU because of my heritage and the history I can learn here,” said Memphis native Tavion McCullough, who will be majoring in business administration.
Activities were planned throughout Move-in Day for the new freshmen, including orientation and a barbecue for them and their families. Before they start class on Aug. 21, students will have an opportunity to participate in an open house to learn about their colleges and academic departments.
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
With more than 9,000 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, 25 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.
