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.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Release) – As early as age 6, Jeia Moore was fascinated with Tennessee State University and believed she’d one day be a Big Blue Tiger. Today, she’s part of the TSU family.
Moore was among the first group of more than 1,300 first-time freshmen who received keys to their dorm rooms in Wilson Hall during freshman move-in day at TSU on Tuesday. Jeia’s parents, James and Camilla Moore, made the trip from Memphis to help her get settled.
President Glenda Glover, left, joins volunteers to unload students’ luggage during freshman move-in day at TSU. (Photo By Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)
“TSU was my first choice for college,” said Jeia, who has no previous ties to TSU, except a recent college tour. She will major in marketing. “No one persuaded me to come to this university except my conscience. I love the culture and tradition that I believe will help me to grow and develop into the woman I want to be.”
This year, freshman move-in day took place over the course of two days. Officials say the change was intended to shorten wait time and make processing easier for students, parents and volunteers. The first move-in on Tuesday was limited to all-female Wilson Hall, the largest residence hall on campus. The rest of the move ins took place on Wednesday. During both days’ activities, 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 President Dr. Glenda Glover, who personally unloaded some of the students’ luggage, greeted and welcomed the new Tigers.
Parents James Moore, left, and Camilla Moore, right, spend a moment with their daughter, Jeia, after dropping her off during freshman move-in day at TSU. Jeia will major in marketing. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)
“This is really going well and I am very impressed,” the President said about the move. “I appreciate the commitment and dedication of our staff, students and volunteers. Everybody is busy and making sure our new students settle in well. That’s really impressive.”
Savannah Williams, who drove in with her parents from Chicago, was also impressed with the atmosphere, but found the sudden realization of leaving home for the first time a little overwhelming.
“Leaving home for the first time is like really hitting me now,” said Williams, who will major in occupational therapy. “I guess it is time to mature. You got to learn to live on your own. It feels good to finally move in because I have been waiting. I am excited.”
Ronald Fenderson, left, who arrived Wednesday, expects to be a walk-on for the TSU Tigers’ Football Team. He was accompanied by his sister, Jakayla Fenderson; mother, Janelle Wilson; and father, Willie Wilson. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)
Just like Williams, the feeling of sadness and excitement was the same among parents who came to drop their children off. Jeia’s parents said their hearts were heavy, but are excited that TSU is the right school to give her the academic and social nurturing she needs.
“She is leaving home and it is so sad that she is leaving, but I know that my daughter has what it takes to pursue her dreams and to live out those things which she has cherished for a long time,” said Camilla Moore.
“I am sad but I am very excited that my daughter got this opportunity. TSU is a great institution that will give her an opportunity to nurture and grow here not only academically, but also socially,” added James Moore.
Ronald Fenderson, a dental hygiene major from Plymouth, Michigan, was among those who checked in on Wednesday. He will live in Watson Hall. Accompanying him were his older sister Jakayla Fenderson, and their parents, Willie and Janelle Wilson. A standout, all-around player on the football team at Canton High School, Ronald Fenderson expects to be a walk-on for the TSU Tigers.
“I have been in contact with the coaches, and I have been training all year for this and I am ready to go,” said Ronald, who learned about TSU during an HBCU tour. “TSU was the last place we came to and it just stuck with me.”
Members of the TSU Tigers’ Football Team help to move in new students in Wilson Hall. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)
The Wednesday arrival was just timely for Ronald. Among volunteers helping with move-in were representatives of the TSU athletic program, including members of the football, basketball, volleyball and track teams.
Head football Coach Rod Reed said as students who have been here, athletes can also help to make the transition process easier for new students.
“It is always good for our kids to get out and help out in the community,” Reed said. “This is a community effort for our athletes to be able to meet new people and help them break the ice, and maybe develop lasting friendships.”
Incoming freshman Kiana Jones, center, of Huntsville, Alabama, with her mother Tiffany, and her friend, Shawn Burrell. (Photo by Lucas Johnson, TSu Media Relations
Many community partners, including churches, banking institutions, food vendors, the Army, and WTST, The Blaze, TSU’s student-run radio station, set up tents and tables with free refreshments, food, giveaways and entertainment for the new students, volunteers and visitors. Among them were 15th Avenue Baptist Church, New Season Church, and Restoration Corner Ministry, which set up water stations and feeding tables in several residence halls.
“We came out to be part of the hospitality,” New Season Pastor Dwayne Lewis said Wednesday. “We were at Wilson Hall yesterday, and today we’re at Watson.”
Like the first day, officials said Wednesday’s move-in was just as smooth.
“The staff of Housing and Residence Life came up with this pilot for a two-day move-in and it has worked perfectly,” said Dr. Tracey Ford, vice president for Student Activities. “Mr. Brent Dukhie, the interim director, is a real strategist. He has been around housing for a long time. He understands and develops processes so things move along more smoothly. He was able to take a look at this process and be able to streamline it in such a way that we haven’t seen before.”
Incoming freshman Kiana Jones moved in Wednesday and said she’s looking forward to her college experience at TSU because her high school in Huntsville, Alabama, was predominantly white.
“I came to TSU because I like to experience different cultures from all over the country,” Jones said. “I really wanted to see what an HBCU would feel like. I’m excited to be here.”
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331
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.
Sara Franklin (center) was joined by her parents Dr. Sharilyn (left) and Clifford Franklin (right) during Freshmen Move-In August 21. The Franklins traveled from St. Louis and joined more than 1,200 first-time freshmen and new students move onto the Nashville campus. (photos by Rick DelaHaya, TSU Media Relations)
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Sara Franklin visited quite a few colleges before deciding on the school that best fit her academic goals and aspirations. Out of the many choices, the 18-year-old from St. Louis selected Tennessee State University based on one recommendation; one that she said influenced her more than any campus visit—a recommendation from the University President, Glenda Glover.
Franklin met Dr. Glover for the first time in Montreal at a conference. She said she was inspired by the accomplishments of the president, including the fact that the alumna was now the leader of one of the top Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the country.
“She told me about the great programs at the University and how the school was a wonderful place for me to start my academic career,” Franklin said. “I was impressed by her credentials as a CPA and lawyer, and that is something I aspire to as well. I think this will be a good fit.”
Franklin joined more than 1,200 first-time freshmen and new students who moved onto the Nashville campus as part of “Freshmen Move-In Day” Thursday, Aug. 21, in preparation for classes that begin on Monday for the fall term.
Her parents, Mr. Clifford and Dr. Sharilyn Franklin, couldn’t be more pleased with their daughter’s choice, saying Tennessee State University not only offered strong academic programs, but research opportunities, which add institutional value, and a vibrant alumni relations program.
“These types of programs and opportunities speak volumes for the university,” said Sharilyn Franklin. “The world is shrinking and is now a global society, so to be able to network with alumni across the country and the world is something that will be very important once she (Sara) graduates and begins her professional career.”
Both parents were also impressed by the accolades of the University, and while it is a mid-size campus with nearly 9,000 students, it is still small enough to provide a nurturing environment.
“I have a lot of respect for HBCUs and the quality of education and support they provide for students,” said Clifford Franklin. “Sara is a product of private schools and I know this will be a life-enriching experience for her. I know she will get a great education here and a nurturing atmosphere that will help her grow.”
Gerald Davis (left) helps during Freshman Move- In Day Thursday, Aug. 21. More than 200 volunteers, including student organizations, alumni, staff and friends, helped move nearly 1,200 students into their rooms during the annual tradition of Freshmen Move-In.
More than 200 volunteers made Move-In Day easier for students like Sara. Student organizations, alumni, staff and friends helped to move luggage, boxes of personal belongings and other items, while other volunteers assisted with providing directions and staffing water and refreshment stations for new residents.
While temperatures soared into the mid-90s, volunteers did not let that damper their enthusiasm and excitement as they helped new students settle into their new homes. Among those helping was Samantha Thomas, a senior Dental Hygiene major and reigning Miss TSU.
“I think it was great that we had so many volunteers, from administrators and staff to older students, to show we really are one big family,” Thomas said. “The upperclassmen were definitely excited to help and welcome our new ‘Big Blue’ family members to help with their transition.”
And that is just what Sharilyn Franklin is counting on as her only child is now on her own for the first time.
“I love the sense and feeling of family here on campus,” she said tearing up. “I know my daughter will be in good hands, plus when she gets homesick it’s only a few hours away.”
Department of Media Relations
Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331
About Tennessee State University
With nearly 9,000 students, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public university, and is a comprehensive, urban, co-educational, land-grant university offering 42 undergraduate, 24 graduate and seven doctoral programs. 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.
