Tag Archives: leadership

Interim President Johnson Announces Key Additions to Leadership

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University Interim President Ronald A. Johnson has announced the addition of two seasoned higher education leaders, Dr. Bridgett Golman and Darryl Thompson, to his leadership team. These appointments mark significant progress in President Johnson’s First 100 Days Action Plan, which focuses on stabilizing operations, resolving critical issues, and positioning TSU for long-term success.

Dr. Golman and Mr. Thompson will play pivotal roles in advancing the university’s Trajectory Change Initiative (TCI)—a key component of the 100-Day Plan aimed at leadership transition, operational stabilization, and university transformation. Their expertise and leadership will help drive the initiatives necessary to ensure that TSU remains future-ready and aligned with the strategic goals set by the Board of Trustees.

Dr. Bridgett Golman joins the team as the Interim Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. In this role, she will provide transitional leadership across several key areas, including customer relations, disability services, enrollment services, strategy and effectiveness, and undergraduate recruitment.

Dr. Golman brings 28 years of experience in higher education, having worked at research universities, public universities, and community colleges, where she has been instrumental in enhancing academic performance, elevating the student experience, optimizing enrollment management, and driving institutional growth.

Darryl Thompson will serve as President Johnson’s Special Advisor for External Affairs, Infrastructure, and Major Projects. With over 30 years of experience, Mr. Thompson is recognized for his ability to lead comprehensive strategies for institutional advancement, resource acquisition, and strategic partnerships. His recent tenure at Kentucky State University saw him build strong relationships with elected officials and executive branch leaders, while also ensuring the effectiveness of infrastructure projects and operational efficiency.

“I am pleased to welcome Dr. Bridgett Golman and Darryl Thompson to the TSU leadership team,” said Interim President Johnson. “Their extensive experience and dedication to institutional excellence will be crucial as we continue to execute our First 100 Days Action Plan, meet the Board’s strategic goals, and prepare TSU for a successful future.”

These appointments underscore the progress being made in President Johnson’s efforts to improve TSU’s daily operations and align the university with the Board’s long-term vision. As TSU continues its journey through the 100-Day Plan, the addition of high-caliber leaders like Dr. Golman and Mr. Thompson is a testament to the university’s commitment to excellence and its readiness to face the challenges ahead.

TSU College of Business strengthens industry partnerships by linking students with professionals

Tennessee State University’s College of Business is bridging curriculum with practical training for students by engaging business and industry professionals into the life of the college.

Through six advisory boards focused on specific aspects of their diverse degree programs, the college is preparing the next generation of business leaders for the workforce by making those connections while they are learning.

Frank
Retired Army Maj. Gen. Frank L. Miller, a retired senior Dell executive and former chair of the Supply Chain Management Governing Board, is credited with the vision behind the establishment of the College of Business’ Leadership Case Challenge Competition.

Among those alignments include Accounting, Alumni, Business Information Systems, Economics and Finance, and Supply Chain Management advisory and governing boards. The College of Business Advisory Board, designated for the entire college, has been active for more than 30 years and influential in bringing corporate support to the college. The Board has most recently sponsored a faculty retreat, offered scholarships, supported faculty research, and assisted the College in planning and orchestrating the Frank L. Miller, Jr. MBA Case Competition designed to provide MBA candidates with a forum to build and exercise their leadership skills.

Each board has specific goals but generally all work toward helping students find success while in the classroom and when they complete college.

“The jobs driving today’s economy require not only content knowledge in a given field, but those who can work well with others, communicate effectively and help companies solve some of the challenges they face,” said TSU President, Dr. Glenda Glover. “The expertise our advisory board members bring to the table are invaluable as our students learn to leverage and strengthen their skills for success in a competitive job market.”

Additionally, the boards, which are made up of professionals representing a cross-section of business and industry, focus on introducing students to potential employers, offer  mentoring support, raise funds for scholarships, provide internship opportunities, sponsor students to attend conferences, and professional and leadership development sessions, and foster a sense of giving back.

Jackson
Dr. Millicent Lownes-Jackson

“The College of Business has been deliberate in exposing students to real-world interactions as part of their academic experience. With the rapid advances that technology and other industry standards create in the global business environment, it is increasingly important that today’s business leaders are versatile and equipped in handling a number of trending issues,” said Dr. Millicent Lownes-Jackson, dean of the College of Business. “The mentoring, training, internships, scholarships, and career opportunities that our advisory boards provide not only help students with their academic preparation, but prepare them to be critical thinkers and problem solvers once they enter the workforce.”

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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 45 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.