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TSU shines at the 34th Southern Heritage Classic

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – It was a Tennessee State University takeover in every sense of the word as the City of Memphis turned TSU blue for the 34th Annual Southern Heritage Classic (SHC). Simmons Bank Liberty Bowl Stadium was also filled with excitement following head coach Eddie George and the Tigers’ thrilling victory over the University of Arkansas Pine-Bluff 24-17.  The win culminated a weekend of events highlighting the special connection between the University and the Bluff City.

The 34th Annual Southern Heritage Classic, located at the Simmons Bank Liberty Bowl Stadium in Memphis, Tennessee, held an attendance record of 32,518. (Photo courtesy of Tennessee state university)
 

This year’s classic also held a deeper significance for TSU ever since President Glenda Glover announced her retirement in August. “It’s an exciting win,” President Glover said. “There’s nothing like coming back to your hometown, being with your friends and family. Knowing that this is my last time to win in this stadium as president of TSU makes it all the more special.”

It was also special because it was the world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands’ first appearance at the classic since winning a Grammy earlier this year. The band was the highlight of the classic parade, bringing back childhood memories for TSU senior Oryanna Davis. Davis is a current cheer coach of the Little Tigers and has attended every SHC since birth.

TSU senior and cheer coach, Oryanna Davis, takes a selfie with the Little Tigers at the annual SHC.

“I’ve been to every Classic in my 21 years,” Davis, a Memphis native, said.

The TSU business administration major said her favorite part of the Classic every year is witnessing the Aristocrat of Bands (AOB) dominate the halftime show. She also mentioned that another highlight is being a part of the annual Orange Mound Classic parade with support from her family, friends, and former teammates. Davis was a part of the TSU cheer team for two years before becoming a Little Tigers coach.

TSU’s world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands dominates the halftime show against UAPB.

“I am around the people I love and doing what I love,” she said. “So being able to support the university and also have people around me support me is special.”

Hundreds of people lined the route to see the floats and participants in the annual parade, including President Glover, AOB, TSU student leaders, and local bands from across the Mid-South filling the streets. You could hear Davis’s family cheering her on from the parade’s sideline. Davis’s mother, Janine Jolliffi, said it takes a village to raise and educate children, emphasizing that the heritage of the classic is more than just a football game or a parade.

“It’s an all-out community event,” the Memphis native said. “We want to cheer for them, support them, and see them succeed. Not only in the parade, but we also want to cheer them on in education as well.” Davis’s younger brother, 14-year-old Omari Jolliffi, said their family has always been a part of TSU, even before his sister enrolled.

Oryanna’s family, including her mother Janine, and brother Omari, cheering her on from the Orange Mound parade’s sideline during SHC.

“The parade is a great thrill and rush I look forward to every year,” Omari said. He also stated that he plans to follow in his sister’s footsteps and graduate from TSU with hopes of becoming a veterinarian.

The classic means more than the action on the field for TSU.  It is also a significant effort in recruiting young students like Omari. West Tennessee, North Mississippi, and specifically Memphis are fertile grounds to recruit top high school students.

Director of Admissions LaMar-Octavious Scott, speaks with future TSU Tigers during the Classic College and Career Fair at Liberty Park in Memphis.

The TSU Office of Enrollment Management and Student Success spoke with many future Tigers during the Classic College and Career Fair at Liberty Park in Memphis. LaMar-Octavious Scott, the director of admissions, said the college fair was an outstanding experience as local high school students were eager to learn how to become a part of the Tiger family. 

“Not only was this a great way to promote the institution, but to be able to put the students in the front seat to their future,” Scott said. “It’s a great level of exposure that often helps meet the student’s expectation of wanting to attend an HBCU.”

Scott revealed that the office of enrollment had forged powerful connections with community leaders, igniting a surge in exposure through collaborative partnerships and initiatives. As the fair unfolded, there were over 2,650 students in attendance, more than 100 student inquiries, and 20 who were granted on-the-spot admissions.

SGA leaders were a part of the annual Orange Mound Classic parade cheering with a crowd of hundreds before the SHC football game.

Attendance for the football game was 32,518 with UAPB as a first-time opponent. With additional events such as the Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium tailgate, the Penny Hardaway Memphis District Golf Classic, and the Classic concert starring Gladys Knight, the 34th annual Southern Heritage Classic will be one to remember. 

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TSU continues to attract high achievers; student accepted to 160 colleges and nearly $9 million in scholarships, to enroll

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (TSU News Service) – Jayla Woods, a recent graduate of Whitehaven High School in Memphis with nearly $9 million in scholarship offers to attend college, has decided to bring her talent to Tennessee State University.

Woods, who has a weighted 4.2 grade point average and has been courted by more than 160 colleges, will be a double major at TSU this fall. She said she selected TSU because the university offers the majors she wants to pursue.

Jayla Woods

“I have always wanted to attend an HBCU,” says Woods, who wants to become a sports dietitian. Her goal is to develop meal and diet plans for athletes. “I want to do a double major in nutrition and athletic training, and TSU will let me do that.”

In addition, Woods says she is a “huge” fan of the Tennessee Titans. Her cousin currently plays for the team.

At TSU, Woods will join fellow Whitehaven High School classmate Meaghen Jones, another highly sought-after graduating senior with more than $10 million in offers from 213 colleges. Jones announced in April that she plans to attend TSU in the fall.

Woods and Jones are coming to TSU on full scholarships.

TSU President Glenda Glover says it is no surprise that Woods and Jones selected TSU.

“Tennessee State University is a place with high standards for high achievers,” says Glover.  “More and more we continue to attract elite scholars who value the world-class programs and quality education offered here in a caring community of faculty, staff and administrators who are committed to excellence.”

Woods, like her fellow Whitehaven High classmate, is an academic standout with a number of local and national recognitions. She was a member of the student council, president of the National Honor Society, vice president of the National Honor English Society, member of Alpha Zeta Honor Society, the Science National Honor Society, and yearbook editor. She plans to become a member of the Honors College at TSU.

The only child of Vearnon and Jacquelyn Woods – both college graduates – Jayla says her parents have been the main reason for her success.

“They are the biggest influence in my life,” says Woods. “They push me every step of the way to be successful in everything I undertake. So, I guess I am trying to follow in their footsteps to be the best person I can be.”

Jayla comes to TSU as part of a millennial generation of high achieving students that the university continues to strategically recruit in its effort to improve retention and graduation rates. This comes on the heels of sweeping changes TSU President Glover announced in 2016 that raised admission standards to attract the best and brightest.

Following that announcement, the university launched a number of initiatives, including “Experience TSU” to attract the best and brightest students in four major markets – Atlanta, Birmingham, Memphis and Nashville.

President Glover led the campaign to meet potential students face-to-face to ensure their commitment to attend TSU. For instance, Glover visited Meaghen Jones and her parents to “seal the deal” for her to come to TSU.

Terrence Izzard, TSU’s associate vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Success, is directly responsible for recruitment and admissions. He says “Experience TSU” was a way of “personally congratulating these students for applying and being accepted” to TSU.

“The goal was to personally welcome them to the TSU family and let them know of all the wonderful opportunities to grow and learn while here at Tennessee State University,” says Izzard.

Officials project more high-achieving students will be coming to 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

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, 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.

Uncategorized

TSU Alum Donates $30,000 for Student Support as President Glover Gives Upbeat Report on Progress at the Institution

President Glover, joined by Director of Alumni Relations, Cassandra Griggs, left; and Betsy Jackson, Director of University Foundation, receive a check for $30,000 from Roosevelt Bud Reese as his personal donation to Tennessee State University for student support. (photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)
President Glover, joined by Director of Alumni Relations, Cassandra Griggs, left, and Betsy Jackson, Executive Director of University Foundation, receives a check for $30,000 from Roosevelt Bud Reese as his personal donation to Tennessee State University for student support. (photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Just minutes after Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover gave a cheerful report of progress at the institution and thanked alumni and friends for their support, a former student stepped up with a sizable individual donation to his alma mater.

Roosevelt Bud Reese, who earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees at TSU, presented the President with a check for $30,000 from his CMI Foundation for student support, and challenged his fellow alumni to follow suit by giving to the University.

“We applaud your generosity and continued support of TSU,” Dr. Glover told Reese during a reception given by the President Friday night at the Sheraton Hotel in downtown Memphis. “We are grateful for this gift that will be used to provide quality education for our students.”

In addition to Reese, many of his family members have either earned degrees or are current students of TSU. His brother, Stanley, Business Administration; daughter Candice, Business Administration; and son Chris, Criminal Justice, have all graduated. Grandson Shawn is currently an Aviation Management major at TSU.

“Tennessee State University has educated my whole family, and this is just a way to give back,” Reese said. “As a two-time graduate of TSU, I know what quality education can lead to, and I just want to make sure others get the opportunity I was afforded.”

Earlier, President Glover told the gathering of alumni, corporate and individual supporters, friends, faculty and staff that the University was making tremendous progress from improvements in recruitment, retention and graduation, to enhancements in campus safety and emergency management.

“Enrollment for the new academic year is now more that 9,000, and TSU is the only TBR institution that has not experienced a drop in enrollment for two years in a roll,” Dr. Glover told the gathering to a rousing applause. “We have also initiated programs to help students stay in school and graduate on time.”

As a measure to reduce financial burden on students, Dr. Glover reported on the University’s Book Bundle initiative, a digital cutting-edge program aimed at lowering the cost of traditional textbooks. The plan allows freshman and sophomore students to buy “e-books” (downloaded on a tablet) for general education classes, saving students up to $735 per semester.

On retention and graduation, the President spoke about the University’s new Take 15 initiative that encourages students to take at least 15 credits each semester to graduate in four years, as well as the 3+1 program, a dual (college/high school) enrollment program.

Dr. Glover also announced the TSU Community College Initiative aimed at creating a seamless transition of two-year degree holders to TSU. Through this initiative, Dr. Glover said, TSU is reaching out to all 13 community colleges around the state to develop long-lasting partnerships and relationships through “2+2” or dual enrollment efforts.

“Just yesterday, we signed a Student Transfer Partnership Agreement with Southwest Tennessee Community College right here in Memphis, my home town,” she said

In other areas that also drew cheers from the gathering, including state lawmakers and community leaders, the President disclosed that the University has raised more than $9.5 million in giving to the University since she arrived on campus about 18 months ago.

“Our corporate partners, community stakeholders, alumni, faculty, staff and individuals have been very generous and supportive of our plea for support,” said Dr. Glover, who presented a check for $50,000 to her alma mater as her “first order of business” when she became president in 2012, challenging other alumni to follow suit.

“We thank you for your support and for buying into our vision to make TSU the best it can be,” Dr. Glover added.

 

 

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.

NEWS

Tennessee State University President Glover Extends Scholarship Offers to More than 100 Top High School Seniors

TSU President Glenda Glover interacts with several of the more than one students who attended her annual scholarship reception in the Downtown Memphis Sheraton Wednesday Evening. (Photo my John Cross, TSU Media Relations)
TSU President Glenda Glover interacts with several of the more than 100 students who attended her annual scholarship reception in the Downtown Memphis Sheraton Wednesday Evening. (Photo my John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – If Darrick Tucker’s enthusiasm over TSU President Glenda Glover’s announcement of scholarship offers is any indication, more than 100 top high school seniors from west Tennessee and northern Mississippi could be headed to TSU next fall.

Tucker, an all-A’s senior from East High School in Memphis, who wants to become a bio-medical engineer, was among more than 200 students and their parents who packed a hall in the Downtown Memphis Sheraton Wednesday evening to hear Dr. Glover at her annual Presidential Scholarship Reception.

“Tennessee State University is a caring institution for students who want to succeed, and we do everything possible to help them make the transition,” said Dr. Glover, assuring parents that TSU has plans to ensure on-time and early graduation.

For instance, the President named Take 15, a TSU initiative that ensures students graduate in four years by taking at least 15 credit hours or more per semester, and 3+1, another program that ensures student graduation in three years and beginning graduate school in their fourth year of enrollment.

“We nurture your children for success, but to achieve that they must be ready to work hard and be willing to invest the time and energy to graduate on time,” Dr. Glover, a Memphis native and TSU alum, who spoke about her personal gratification of returning home to recruit students, cautioned parents.

“This area means so much to me. This is where I had my beginning. I went to school here. The possibilities in earning an education are just so many. It is just wonderful to attend TSU and come back home as president.”

Unlike last year when the President awarded $3 million in scholarships to 50 students from 15 high schools in west Tennessee and northern Mississippi, no specific amount was announced this time. However, admissions officials said that all of the more than 100 students in attendance could get a full ride if their complete application packages are received by September 24.

“All of these students have been pre-screened by our admission counselors, with the required GPAs or ACT scores,” said Dr. John Cade, interim vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Support Services. “They only need to act fast to meet the September 24 deadline.”

Darrick Tucker is ready.

“There is a more than 85 percent chance that I will come to TSU,” said Tucker, expressing sentiments and enthusiasm shown by many of his fellow seniors at the reception. “TSU’s programs seem to fit what I am looking for.”

Tucker’s parents, mother Marion and father Kirk are just as equally excited about their son’s prospect of selecting TSU for his college career.

“All we have been receiving are letters from schools interested in our son, but this is the first time we are actually meeting a person talk to us about his future,” Kirk Tucker said about what he called the “face-to-face” approach of the President and the admissions officials.

“He has worked so hard to get to this point, and we are very sure that he is ready to work even harder in college,” added Marion Tucker, about her son.

The Presidential Scholarship Reception, one of many activities leading up to the Southern Heritage Classic in Memphis, offered incentives for parents and students to attend the football game between TSU and Jackson State University on Saturday. All in attendance received at least one free ticket to the game.

 

 

 

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.