Tag Archives: LaMar Octavious-Scott

Over 800 First-time Freshmen Expected for Orientation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – More than 800 first-time freshmen will embark on the “Land of Golden Sunshine” on July 16-24 to participate in New Student Orientation (NSO). Called the ROAR Experience, NSO is an immersive event over several days designed to introduce new first-time students to TSU’s thriving campus culture and community. This will also give parents and students an opportunity to ask any lingering questions regarding financial aid, course advisement and selection, and student activities. Current TSU students will share their experiences while faculty representatives will discuss their respective academic units.

LaMar-Octavious Scott, director of Admissions at TSU, says NSO helps equip students with the necessary tools to fulfill enrollment requirements before the fall semester begins. He says NSO also offers the new students and their families a glimpse into the vibrant Nashville area and showcases the abundant opportunities available on campus.

“The ROAR Experience is a wonderful opportunity for the incoming students and their families to see the campus and experience the culture of the Nashville area,” says Scott. “We want to provide an array of sessions that promote access, opportunities, and the student life experience at TSU.” 

Students will participate in groups based on their major. All sessions run from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., each day with check-in at 9 a.m. Students should contact [email protected] or Office of Admissions to register, pay fees, and confirm their assigned orientation date. 

Among attendees at NSO will be over 275 high-achieving high school seniors who have already committed to TSU following the Admitted Students Day event in May. Julian Kendrick, a prospective psychology major from Champaign, Illinois, emphasizes the positive impact of Admitted Students Day and looks forward to further enriching his experience at NSO.

“Admitted Students Day left me more inspired to come to TSU,” says Kendrick. “The culture here feels like family, and I believe I will fit right in. The remarkable academic programs and the enriching HBCU experience were my deciding factors in choosing TSU.”

The event, to be held on the main campus, in Kean Hall, will feature tours, program previews, and information sessions on various student services. The NSO strives to provide essential insights and interactions to ensure a seamless transition for the incoming Tigers.

Chelsea Morgan, assistant director of Undergraduate Admissions, emphasizes the pivotal role of orientation in setting students up for success.

“Orientation is the students’ key to success,” says Morgan. “It will equip them with the information and resources needed to navigate their first semester and beyond. We’re here to help you explore campus, meet new friends, and have a roaring good time.”

For more information on admissions at Tennessee State University, visit www.tnstate.edu/admissions.

TSU enhances enrollment experience with ZeeMee 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is embarking on a new era of personalized college recruitment with its latest collaboration with ZeeMee, a cutting-edge app that is revolutionizing the interaction between universities and prospective students. This partnership aims to elevate TSU’s recruitment process by building authentic connections and meeting students on their own terms.

Elmore J. Jones, Jr.

Deputy Chief Operating Officer Elmore J. Jones, Jr., says the partnership with ZeeMee will greatly enhance student engagement with potential new Tigers.

“Our admissions team is dedicated to maintaining a strong connection with our incoming applicants, and this partnership will provide us with an additional tool to achieve that goal.”

The ZeeMee app offers a unique platform for TSU to connect with prospective students in a more personalized and meaningful way. By joining the online community, accepted students will gain access to valuable information about campus life, housing options, course offerings, and more.

Director of Admissions LaMar-Octavious Scott says the collaboration with ZeeMee is focused on increasing student engagement, improving communication, and reducing the number of undecided applicants considering TSU.

LaMar-Octavious Scott

“We are excited to work alongside ZeeMee as we wrap up the Fall 2024 cycle and gear up for the Fall 2025 admissions season,” says Scott. “ZeeMee’s innovative approach and dynamic features allow prospective students to build meaningful connections with others who share an interest in TSU. This partnership will advance our recruitment-to-enrollment process and amplify our institutional marketability, putting the power in the hands of prospective students.”

TSU launched ZeeMee on June 19, coinciding with Juneteenth and the celebration of the university’s 112th anniversary. Scott shares, “As we observed this special day, we invited all prospective students to join us on ZeeMee and become part of the TSU community.”

Following the launch, students received emails and text messages inviting them to join the TSU community based on their admissions status. Admitted students will have access to additional opportunities for engagement, with ZeeMee conveniently accessible on mobile devices.

By leveraging ZeeMee’s data collection and analysis capabilities, TSU aims to measure the impact of the platform on enrollment and engagement. Throughout the year, ZeeMee will provide valuable insights into community performance, enrollment trends, and more.

In addition to facilitating interactions between prospective students, ZeeMee’s unique features create a social network tailored for the college experience. This virtual community allows students to connect, share experiences, and establish relationships before arriving on campus. According to Scott, this pre-arrival engagement not only fosters a sense of belonging but also empowers students to take ownership of their college journey.

For further information on admissions at Tennessee State University, please visit www.tnstate.edu/admissions.

                                                                                                            

Hundreds Expected for Exciting Admitted Student Day at TSU on May 18

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – As graduation draws near for Tucker Kyne from Knoxville’s Cannon County High School, the spotlight is on his aspirations to play football for the Tennessee State University Tigers. Excitement grows as Kyne prepares to take the next step toward his dream by committing to attend TSU.

More than 400 students and family members participated in last year’s Admitted Students Day, in Poag Auditorium. (Media Relations File photo)

On May 18, Kyne, who wants to major in human performance and sports sciences, will be closer to realizing his dream when he joins nearly 700 other first-time freshmen to participate in Committed Students Day at TSU. The event, scheduled from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Kean Hall on the main campus, promises to be a day filled with enthusiasm and possibilities.

“It will mean the world to me to play football for the Tigers and have the opportunity to earn a college degree as a student athlete,” says Kyne, as he expresses his eagerness to join the TSU community. “I am proud to be a TSU Tiger.”

For prospective participants, registration for Admitted Student Day opens on April 1. The program is designed to provide valuable insights into TSU’s academic offerings and campus life, guiding students toward a successful transition into their college journey. The day will be packed with engaging activities and informative sessions to address key questions and critical points for academic and student success.

LaMar-Octavious Scott, director of Admissions, encourages all interested students, applicants, and admitted individuals to participate in the event for Fall of 2024. He underscores the importance of the event in supporting students and their families through the enrollment process and ensuring a smooth and fulfilling start to their TSU experience.

“I want to invite all students that have interest, applied, and those admitted to join us at Admitted Students Day 2024,” says Scott.

Before participating in Committed Student Day, all invited students are provided with a Next Steps Checklist to ensure they comprehend the enrollment requirements. They are also urged to “Accept Admission,” register for New Student Orientation, apply for On-Campus Housing, as well as complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA form to apply for Federal Student Aid.

As the date approaches, families like Tucker Kyne’s parents eagerly await the chance to become part of TSU’s legacy of academic and athletic excellence. Paula Kyne, Tucker’s mother, says, “We are so thrilled for Tucker to attend a school with such rich tradition. Can’t wait to support the Tigers on Saturdays.”

For more information and to stay updated on Admitted Student Day, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/admissions/admitted.aspx.

Fall Preview Day gives students glimpse of HBCU experience

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – More than 500 high school juniors and seniors, accompanied by their families, filled Kean Hall for Tennessee State University’s Fall Preview Day. The annual event, held during the first week in December, is considered the university’s premier open house, which allows prospective students to explore TSU’s offerings, admission processes, and campus life. Among the enthusiastic attendees were McKenzie Nichole Brittingham, Kamdyn Marie Thomas, and Tavus Wright Jr., and their parents, who, despite the bad weather, were determined to learn more about TSU.

LaMar Octavious-Scott, right, Director of Admissions, presents Kamdyn Marie Thomas her certificate of admission, as her mother, Mekisha, and father, Timothy look on.

For Brittingham, of Memphis, Tennessee, choosing TSU was an easy decision. “I want to major in mass communication, and I want that HBCU experience. I can get both here,” she said confidently, with the support of her mother, Cheryl Rhea, who emphasized that it had always been her daughter’s dream to attend an HBCU, especially TSU.

Wright Jr., accompanied by his parents, Crystal and Tavus Wright Sr., made the journey from Macon, Georgia to visit TSU. Wright had already experienced TSU once before during a football camp, which left a lasting impression. “I was really impressed with what I saw and decided then that this is where I want to spend my college years,” he said. Wright has his sights set on a healthcare major and found TSU to be the perfect fit for his aspirations.

Dr. Portia Johnson, Director of Recruitment and Campus Visits, gives the visiting students and their parents a passionate welcome, as COO Jason T. Evans cheers her on.

COO Jason T. Evans welcomed students and highlighted the exceptional programs TSU offers and introduced key staff to guide attendees through the admissions process and to answer questions. 

“Today, you get to meet our outstanding faculty members and advisors who will tell you about our offerings, scholarships, other programs, and the benefit of a TSU education,” Evans said.

Brenda Collier, left, Coordinator of Undergraduate Recruitment and Advisement in the College of Health Sciences, speaks with Tavus Wright, Jr., and his family about programs in the college. Along with Wright, Jr., are his mother, Crystal, younger brother Elijah, and his father Tavus Wright, Sr.

Prospective students also had the opportunity to interact with current students and gain insight into campus culture and the supportive learning environment.

Timothy and Mekisha Thomas, proud HBCU graduates themselves, were delighted with their daughter Kamdyn Marie Thomas’ decision to choose TSU. Kamdyn, graduating high school with a remarkable 4.0 grade point average, plans to major in biology, with a particular interest in the renowned Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute, and the Honors College at TSU.

“We are very excited for our daughter and the choice she has made to come to TSU,” Timothy said. Kamdyn added, “Tennessee State is the best choice for me. It is closer to home, and I like the programs.”

McKenzie Nichole Brittingham, middle, who is already admitted, along with her mother, Cheryl Rhea, receives a ‘TSU Bound’ welcome from Denise Carpenter-Hulbert, Senior Academic Enrichment Coordinator in the Office of Student Success.

Participants were not only impressed by the wealth of information and engaging activities offered during Fall Preview Day, but they also expressed their admiration for the exceptional organization and seamless processes that characterized the event.

Fall Preview Day, coordinated by Dr. Portia Johnson, Director of Recruitment and Campus Visits, and LaMar Octavious-Scott, Director of Admissions, brought participants from over 15 states, including California, Illinois, and Michigan. Johnson emphasized the significance of Fall Preview Day, stating, “This event is an ideal opportunity for these prospective students to see firsthand how TSU can shape their academic and personal growth.”

Registration is open for spring and fall 2024 classes. For more information on admissions at TSU, visithttps://www.tnstate.edu/admissions/.