Tag Archives: President Glenda Glover

Alumni, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, GRANTS, NEWS, Research and Sponsored Programs, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized

TSU awarded record-setting $95 million plus in research funding on road to R1 designation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has reached a new milestone in research awards with over $95 million from various funding agencies and sponsors, for the 2022-2023 academic year. From groundbreaking discoveries to innovations in renewable energy and sustainable technologies, university officials believe these research efforts will continue to transform lives and shape the future of TSU students.

“I applaud our Research and Sponsored Programs division for the implementation and continuation of a robust program that speaks to TSU’s commitment to changing the world through our research,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.

In 2021, TSU’s external research funding was just over $70.7 million. The University has experienced a 34% increase since then. This includes an $18 million USDA/NIFA NEXTGeneration grant awarded to the college of agriculture that helped to propel TSU to the new record setting total.  

“We have hit the highest total in grant awards in the institutions history this fiscal year,” said Associate Vice President of Research and Sponsored Programs Dr. Quincy Quick.

 “This puts TSU in the upper echelon of research funding among HBCUs.”

“The USDA/NIFA grant isn’t just a financial fortune, but it is a transformative opportunity that will propel the TSU to new heights and academic excellence,” Dr. Quick added.

Quick, who is leading the R1 designation effort, says the goal is to ultimately reach a $150 million in total grant awards within the next five years. The R1 status the highest research designation, under the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Learning.

“Research expenditures is the key metric for going from R2 to R1,” Quick said.

To date, TSU’s Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences and the College of Agriculture have received a total of  $65.9 million awards of this year’s total.

Here are some of the other top awards received in 2022-23: 

·       Dr. Andrea Tyler – Title III, $10,254,498 (Department of Education) 

·       Dr. Quincy Quick – RSP, $5,000,000 (Department of Energy) 

·       Dr. Karla Addesso – College of Agriculture, $2,479,982 (USDA) 

·       Dr. Melanie Cantu – College of Agriculture, $2,016,694 (USDA) 

·       Dr. Rebecca Selove – RSP, $1,772,784 (National Institutes of Health) 

·       Dr. Deo Chimba – College of Engineering, $1,611,168 (Dept. of Transportation) 

·       Dr. Margaret Whalen – RSP, $1,255,618 (National Institutes of Health) 

·       Dr. Roy Sonali – College of Agriculture, $1,158,373 (USDA) 

·       Dr. Jianwei Li, College of Agriculture, $1,118,709 (USDA) 

·       Dr. D’Etra Young – College of Agriculture, $1,000,000 (USDA) 

·       Dr. Robbie Melton – Academic Affairs, $1,000,000 (Apple/Hewlett Packard) 

·       Dr. Catherine Armwood – College of Engineering, $1,000,000 (NSF) 

·       Dr. Dafeng Hui – College of Life & Physical Sciences, $1,000,000 (NSF) 

·       Dr. Lin Li – College of Engineering, $1,000,000 – (NSF) 

·       Dr. Hongwei Si – College of Agriculture, $1,000,000 (USDA/NSF) 

·       Dr. Richard Mu – RSP, $1,000,000 (NSF) 

Commencement, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, Graduation, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Student Profile, Uncategorized

Oprah Winfrey returns to TSU for commencement, full circle moment for all 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University welcomed its most famous alumnus, Oprah Winfrey, with open arms to deliver the 2023 Spring Commencement address. Winfrey began her remarks by declaring “who says you can’t go home again, because I’m back” to the delight of the crowd. She also shared that TSU President Glenda Glover’s persistence paid off and was the reason for her appearance.  

“Dr. Glover is the reason why I’m here, because she is relentless,” Winfrey said. Turning to President Glover, she added, “You actually don’t know the meaning of no. She’s been here a decade and has been asking me for a decade.”  

 Regina Rogers, who earned a degree in arts and science, says she will make Oprah Winfrey’s inspiring words a part of her everyday life. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Winfrey then went into a rendition of the University’s fight song, “I’m so glad I go to TSU”, a gesture that brought several graduates to their feet, while the crowd cheered her on through the course.  The global media leader and Nashville native’s message was simple but impactful, be good to people. 

“This is what I know for sure. There will never be anything in your life as fulfilling as making a difference in somebody else’s,” Winfrey said.

“Everybody here wants to see you take your integrity, your curiosity, your creativity, your guts, and this newfound education of yours and use it to make a difference. Everybody always thinks you got go and do something big and grand. I tell you where you start. You start by being good to at least one other person every single day. Just start there.”

TSU President Glover believed Winfrey’s return was an amazing experience for students and a historical moment for the University.

“Oprah Winfrey is a phenomenal individual who embodies everything her alma mater, TSU, represents and was able to translate that to our graduates,” said President Glover. “I was excited to watch as she touched the spirit of students. They listened, applauded, while soaking in her knowledge.”

Barbara Murrell, right, was the director of student activities at TSU when Oprah Winfrey, left, was a student.

Regina Rogers, who earned her degree in arts and science, said Winfrey’s message was taken to heart and is words to live by. Rogers was among more than 600 TSU graduates sitting in awe of Winfrey and hanging on her every word.

“Oprah’s commencement speech was inspiring and one that will help guide us to our next level of life,” added Rogers, of Nashville. “I really loved her speech. I am going to take her speech and apply it to my life from here on.”

 Former TSU administrator Barbara Murrell says that’s the Oprah she remembers, always willing to lend her talents to help and inspire others, even as a student.

 “As Director of Student Activities at TSU when Oprah was a student, I was often asked to provide a student who could speak at University events,” recalls Murrell.  

“I would call Dr. W. Dury Cox, TSU’s outstanding Speech and Drama Professor, and he would send Oprah Winfrey to do a reading or recite a poem for the occasion.  She was always articulate, intriguing, and thought-provoking in her delivery. Her message was extremely well received by the audience.”

 Murrell, who now serves as chair of the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute at TSU, says one performance comes to mind when she reflects on this full circle moment for the talented orator, who attended TSU from 1972-1975.

 “Our student center, during that time, served as a meeting place for the community. A professional women’s club, who provided scholarships for students, would always ask for a student to come, and do a reading or presentation to the group.”

 She recalls Winfrey poetry reading touched the women so, that several were left in tears. Murrell says to hear her commencement address touched her as well.

 “These same characteristics are evident on her global platform today in which Tennessee State University helped to develop and nurture.”

Winfrey received her degree from TSU in 1988 after she was allowed to submit a paper and several of her tv show reels for credit. Now, 35 years later, Winfrey returned to her alma mater fully embraced for this full circle moment, from student to alumna and as commencement speaker.

Watch the TSU commencement ceremony on the University’s YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/live/vJEbMmyKG5U?feature=share.

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TSU, World Bank Group enter knowledge and talent-sharing alliance to benefit students, faculty

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is partnering with the World Bank Group in a knowledge and talent-sharing alliance that will provide career and research opportunities for TSU students and faculty. The World Bank Group HBCU Alliance, which also includes five other historically black colleges and universities, says the goal is to advance “a more inclusive and sustainable social and economic development” between the bank and the six institutions.

President Glenda Glover welcomes Dr. Bah-Shen Turkel Welch, Liaison of the World Bank Group HBCU Alliance. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Under the alliance, TSU students and those from the other institutions will be opened to internship and career opportunities. Faculty will receive research opportunities, as well as stipends for those interested in incorporating the bank’s content into their courses and/or project-based research and community studies.

On Feb.7, a delegation of four experts from the World Bank Group visited TSU and met with officials, students, and faculty during a gathering in the Forum. The visitors made presentations about the work of the bank and discussed the critical role TSU and the other HBCUs can play in helping the World Bank solve some of the world’s global challenges, such as extreme poverty, hunger, and promoting shared prosperity.

Nathaelle Georges

“We are happy to welcome the World Bank Group to our campus,” said TSU President Glenda Glover, who was part of the initial meeting last year to discuss the formation of the alliance. On Sept. 23, President Glover and the presidents of Claflin, Clark Atlanta, Howard, Jackson State, and Xavier Universities met in Washington, D.C., and signed the agreement. 

 “We are so happy they chose TSU as part of the alliance that consists of six HBCUs. We are very happy about this opportunity that will give our students internships, scholarships, and career opportunities in all disciplines, and expose our faculty to world-class research that will provide critical answers and solutions to some of the world’s global challenges.”

Dr. Bah-Shen Turkel Welch, liaison of the World Bank Group HBCU Alliance, thanked President Glover for her role in making the WBG-HBCU Alliance a reality.

Rashad Dawson

“We wanted Madam President (Glover) at the table. Tennessee State University is really on the move under her leadership,” Welch said. “Our goal was to identify partners who understand the mission and focus of what we are doing, and we know TSU is ready.”

She said the focus of the alliance is internships and career and exposure to World Bank Group knowledge sharing between personnel and faculty in a “symbiotics “relationship. “This gives students and faculty an option for research while giving students the capacity to see other careers,” she said.

Nathaelle Georges, a biology major from Atlanta; and Rashad Dawson, a business administration major with a concentration in human resources, were among several students who attended the World Bank Group presentation. Before the briefing, neither one had heard much about the World Bank and its work.

Stevan Jackson, Senior External Affairs Officer of the World Bank Group, makes a presentation before student and faculty in the Forum. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

“These experts being on our campus today opened my eyes into the World Bank and about career choices in a place I never thought of,” said Georges, a sophomore. “As someone who wants to go into the medical field, some of the things they talked about align well with my career goals.”

Dawson, a freshman from Milwaukee, added, “Absolutely, I am open to seeking career opportunities with the World Bank.  With my concentration in human resources, I think they would be a perfect fit for me.”

Dr. Mohamed Kanu, professor of public health and associate dean of the College of Health Sciences, teaches a course in global health. He said “there is a lot of interest” in what the World Bank is offering, especially with opportunities abroad.

“Students want to explore beyond the shores of the United States,” he said. “What I want to do is to have an opportunity to write or apply for a grant through the World Bank that will allow me to involve my students so that I can take them to places outside of the U.S. to see the prospects and possibilities that are out there.”

Earlier, Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Philips, campus representative for the World Bank Group HBCU Alliance, said the university attaches great importance to the visit of World Bank Group delegation, and the benefits students and faculty will gain through the alliance.

‘We prepare you (students) for the world and we help to open your minds and hearts to the level of impact you can make globally,” Nicholas-Philips said. “We hope that by the end of the presentation today, your minds will be opened to the many possibilities and opportunities this alliance offers.”

Other members of the World Bank Group delegation who spoke or presented at Tuesday’s program were: Stevan Jackson, senior external affairs officer; Sophie Rabuku, senior executive assistant; and Dr. Mary Oluseyi Zackius-Shittu, senior human resource business partner.For more information on the World Bank Group HBCU Alliance, contact Dr. Arlene Nicholas -Philips at (615) 963-7427.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, GRANTS, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU to change lives of young adults with intellectual disabilities, receives $284,000 in grant award

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has received $284,000 from the TN Department of Intellectual Developmental Disabilities (DIDD), becoming the first public institution in Middle Tennessee and HBCU in the nation to offer the program.

A check presentation took place Tuesday morning as DIDD commissioner Brad Turner and his team joined TSU President Glenda Glover, Dr. Anita McGaha, TSU director of disability services, Rep. Harold Love Jr., Senator Brenda Gilmore and staff for the historic event.

Dr. Anita McGaha, TSU director of disability services, says the TigerEDGE Program will help students succeed. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

TSU’s grant will be spread over two years to create TigerEDGE (Educate, Develop, and Grow for Employability) a non-degree certificate program for students ages 18-26.

“We are fulfilling our mission to provide a college education and experience to a population that is often overlooked and underserved,” said President Glover. “We are indeed proud. We will work to change the lives of the program participants and their families.”

Commissioner Turner, who stated that he is a parent of a child with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), said it is an honor to present the grant to TSU. “It speaks value about the importance you see in students with disabilities and creating a brighter future for them,” he said.

“Once again Tennessee State is leading the charge … inclusive education is the key for all,” said Rep. Harold Love Jr. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Turner said being able to tell students that there is a public institution suitable for their education is the beginning of something great. “There are schools that you can go to that believe you have every right to have a 4-year college degree if that is what you want to do. And TSU is once again, leading that in higher education.”

Dr. McGaha said the program is currently targeting enrollment of eight students for the Fall semester. The unique program will provide the students with a residential and academic ambassador on campus, and mentors to assist the selected students.

“We all want to see our students, our children to succeed in life and we believe that this program is a tool to provide that,” Dr. McGaha said.

President Glenda Glover speaking with Andy Kidd, Deputy Commissioner of Fiscal and Administrative Services. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

TSU is among four higher education institutions to receive the Tennessee Believes grant from DIDD, which is a program that provides funding to colleges to create or expand post-secondary opportunities for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

For more information about the TigerEDGE Program or how to apply, contact Dr. McGaha at amcgaha@Tnstate.edu.

EVENTS, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner

Emmy Award-winning actress Lynn Whitfield highlights 13th Annual Women of Legend and Merit Awards 

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The highly anticipated annual Tennessee State University Women of Legend and Merit Awards, which recognizes the achievements of women, returned recently after a two-year break due to the pandemic. On Tuesday, April 5, four amazing trailblazing women received the coveted glass slipper symbolic of the awards, at an elaborate ceremony in Kean Hall, featuring Hollywood legend Lynn Whitfield.  

President Glenda Glover receives a glass slipper from Actress Lynn Whitfield.

The honorees were recognized for their achievements in various disciplines. Deputy Mayor of Nashville Brenda Haywood received the award for Community Service; Attorney Phyllis Hildreth, Education; General Session Court Judge Allegra Walker, Government; and Channel 5 News Anchor/Producer Tuwanda Coleman for achievement in Media. Lashan Dixon, former Mrs. United States of America, was also honored with a special award.  

TSU student ambassadors at the WOLM Dinner.

In an evening of glitz and glamour, TSU President Glenda Glover congratulated the honorees and recognized Whitfield for her long and successful Hollywood career that has earned her an Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award nomination. The day before the event, Whitfield had a brief interaction with about a dozen students on the main campus.  

“We are pleased to have you on our campus to speak to our students,” Glover told the actress. “And to our honorees, alumni, faculty, students, and supporters, we are so happy to see you. Thank you for your support.”    

Whitfield, noted for such movies as “Eve’s Bayou,” ‘The Josephine Baker Story,” and “A Thin Line Between Love and Hate,” capped the evening with a monologue attributed to such powerful women as actress Ruby Dee, poet Maya Angelou, and author Nikki Giovani.  

“I really don’t think that anybody invites an actress to anything just to make a speech,” Whitfield said. “I feel what I should do right now is, not try to ‘preachify’ to you but entertain you.” And she did, with song, dance, and acting!   

Also honored at the awards ceremony was TSU freshman Gabrielle Mosby, a business administration major with a concentration in supply chain management. Throughout the 2021-2022 academic year, Mosby has maintained a 3.43 grade point average. She was recognized as this year’s Rising Star and awarded a $1,500 scholarship to pursue her dream of owning an investment firm.  

TSU freshman, Gabrielle Mosby

“It was truly an honor to be celebrated among legendary women such as Mrs. United States of America, actress Lynn Whitfield, and all of the women who were honored here tonight,” said Mosby, who is from Memphis, Tennessee. “It is amazing to see that one day I will be legendary like them and this is the start of it.”    

Seanne Wilson, the director of the TSU Women’s Center, said the Women of Legend and Merit Awards dinner is intended to inspire the young women on campus to be leaders in all areas of their lives.  

“I’m always excited to bring fresh, young, relevant women to the table to help them to look toward where they inspire to go,” Wilson said. “As such, I’m always looking for connections as far as membership, professional development, and women that can help other women to the next level.”  

For more information on the TSU Women’s Center, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/womenscenter/. 

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.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

President Glover lauds dedication of TSU employees, unveils five-year plan at Faculty-Staff Institute

By Meagan Gosa

Nashville, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover praised employees for their contributions to the success TSU has achieved, and she challenged them to take the university to even higher heights over the next five years.

Faculty and staff attend event that was also live streamed. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

In her state of the university speech to the 2022 Faculty-Staff Institute on Tuesday, Dr. Glover addressed the university’s successes and challenges, particularly operating amid the coronavirus and its variants. She applauded employees for their dedication.  

“I commend you on how you have responded to this COVID crisis,” said Glover, who spoke in-person at the event that was also live streamed. “You made adjustments in your personal lives to meet the needs of our students. You are the source of our tremendous vitality.”

In pointing out TSU’s successes, the president discussed faculty attracting more than $70 million in sponsored research and external funding during the 2020-21 fiscal year, a school record. She also cited using federal dollars (CARES Act) to pay off students’ balances, and that the university is owed $544 million by the state of Tennessee. Discussions are currently underway to determine exactly how much the university will receive.

“I am reminded again and again that TSU is an extraordinary place,” said Glover.

The highlight of her presentation, however, was a five-year strategic plan for the university. It includes achieving an R1 research status (currently R2); 10 to 15 new doctoral programs; doubling research funding to $150 million; increasing overall enrollment from 8,000 to 10,000; boosting the endowment to $200 million, and $75 million in reserves; and establishing at least five high impact named centers with contributions of $2 million each.  

“It’s an exciting time for Tennessee State University,” said Dr. William Johnson, faculty trustee on TSU’s Board of Trustees. “The vision laid out by the president is … a high bar. But that’s what Tennessee State University does. We reach for the high bar and we overcome it.” 

Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said the university family is ready for the challenge.

“She’s challenged us over the next five years to move the needle on how Tennessee State University provides education and opportunities to our students,” said Stevenson. “And we’re ready to step up and accept that challenge.”

Dr. Nolan McMurray, Jr., interim dean of the College of Life and Physical Sciences, agreed.

“President Glover presented a strong and positive atmosphere for TSU’s future,” said McMurray. “She’s definitely going to take the school to the next level.”

Classes at the university are scheduled to begin on Jan. 24.

Note: Featured photo also by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations.

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.

Alumni, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

TSU President Glenda Glover testifies at congressional hearing, asks lawmakers to continue supporting HBCUs

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover testified on Oct. 6 at a virtual congressional hearing about the importance of historically black colleges and universities and urged lawmakers to continue supporting them.

TSU President Glenda Glover

The hearing before the House Committee on Education and Labor examined the essential contributions that HBCUs have made, the history that sets these institutions apart, and the enduring challenges and financial needs that they and their students face.  

“HBCUs have stood the test of time and managed to succeed in spite of the difficulties,” said President Glover. “Now, we need your assistance – your financial assistance. We seek funding.”

She thanked lawmakers for legislation that provided financial support amid the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly to HBCUs, but she said more is needed.

“The emergency funding was significant because it assisted students as they faced this sudden crisis,” Glover said. “Today we ask you to continue that financial support of HBCUs, not just on the emergency basis as the CARES Act and other emergency funding has done in the past. We ask you to assist HBCUs as they seek to grow, develop, become more competitive and sustainable for years to come.”

She outlined three specific areas that HBCUs need funding: infrastructure and deferred maintenance; technology; new academic programs; and research.

Particularly in the case of infrastructure and maintenance, Glover said some HBCU presidents have deferred maintenance as much as $100 million or $200 million. At TSU, she said it’s around $300 million.

The hearing comes as TSU continues to work to get more than $500 million owed the institution because of years of unpaid land-grant matches by the state, dating back to the 1950s. A Tennessee joint legislative committee has said the university could receive between $150 million and $544 million. 

“When matching funds were required, many times the states did not provide the proper match,” Glover said in prepared remarks. “This type of short changing with matching funds has continued for generations.”

Despite their continued challenges and limited resources, Glover and others who testified noted the success HBCUs have had. For example, they account for just 3% of colleges in the United States, but produce: 22% of bachelor’s degrees earned by African Americans; 25% of African Americans with STEM degrees; 50% of African American public school teachers; 60% of African American health professionals; 50% of African American lawyers; 50% of African American doctors; and 83% of African American judges. Additionally, 24% of Ph.Ds earned each year by African Americans are conferred by 24 of the more than 100 HBCUs.

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson, chair of the Education and Labor Committee’s Higher Education and Workforce Investment (HEWI) Subcommittee, led the hearing. She noted that several members of the Congressional Black Caucus are graduates of HBCUs, “including myself, a proud graduate of Fisk University, which was founded in 1866.”

“These historic institutions have nurtured and prepared generations of African Americans for success in a broad range of fields,” said Congresswoman Wilson.

For more information about HBCUs, visit https://bit.ly/3uOJZkH.

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.

Alumni, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, Uncategorized

TSU offering course on history of HBCUS and their global impact

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is offering a course on the history of historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) and their impact around the world.  

Dr. Learotha Williams, TSU history professor who will teach HBCU course.

The course starts this fall and is available to undergraduates and graduates. It provides a chronological and thematic study of the history of HBCUs in the United States from 1837 to the present, paying close attention to the ways they have influenced the social, economic, political, and intellectual life of African Americans in the U.S. and the impact their graduates have had on Modern America and the world.

“Along with President Glenda Glover, the Office of the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs is excited to have initiated the effort to bring this course to fruition,” said Dr. Michael Harris, interim provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. 

“This course offers students deep insight into the success of HBCUs and their impact on American society. HBCUs are the pillar of educational excellence, key institutional anchors for neighborhoods and communities, and foundational to the academic experience of African Americans.”

There are more than 100 HBCUs in the United States. They have pretty much always maintained a degree of popularity. But more attention was undoubtedly given to them when former U.S. Sen. Kamala Harris, a graduate of Howard University, began her run for vice president of the United States. And the spotlight on HBCUs has remained now that Harris has become the second most powerful person in the world.

“Needless to say, that we are excited about this course on the history of HBCU’s,” said Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, dean of the College of Liberal Arts at TSU. “It is important to recognize and promote the rich history and impact of HBCUs.”

In the course, students explore the historic role that HBCUs have played in the development of the communities where they are located and the intimate relationship they cultivated with the residents of those spaces over time.

“I am excited about taking a scholarly look at these institutions,” said Dr. Learotha Williams, a history professor at TSU who is teaching the course. “I hope to provide a better understanding of the role of HBCUs in American society. Not only that, but the national and international impact they’ve had, particularly the individuals and social movements they’ve produced.”

To learn more about HIST 4325, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/history/.

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.

FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, Uncategorized

Civil rights icon the Rev. Al Sharpton joins Tennessee State University as Distinguished Guest Lecturer, brings wealth of knowledge to political science

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Rev. Al Sharpton, one of the nation’s most renowned civil rights leaders and activists, will join Tennessee State University as a Distinguished Guest Lecturer for the 2021 spring semester starting in January. 

Sharpton will be a featured lecturer in the area of political science grounded in social justice during the academic term. 

TSU President Glenda Glover and the Rev. Al Sharpton at the 2019 Graduate Commencement ceremony. (TSU Media Relations)

“We are excited to have the Rev. Al Sharpton, a civil rights icon, serve as a distinguished guest lecturer at our university,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “His presence means our students will be able to engage with a piece of history at a time when his insight is more relevant than ever before.” 

Sharpton said his invitation to lecture at TSU is timely.

“It’s my honor to be a distinguished guest lecturer at Tennessee State University in the Spring of 2021 during such a historic time in American history,” said Sharpton. “The course I will teach will examine political science and social justice from the lens of recent cases—many of which I have directly worked on as a civil rights leader and it will look at shifting politics in the new administration relating to issues directly impacting Black communities. As a young teenage civil rights activist, I dreamt that I’d someday attend a HBCU, and as fate would have it, I am doing so as a distinguished lecturer.”

Sharpton, a community leader, politician, and minister, serves as the host of PoliticsNation on MSNBC. With more than 40 years of experience as an advocate, he has held such notable positions as the youth director of New York’s Operation Breadbasket, director of ministers for the Rainbow PUSH Coalition, and founder of his own broad-based progressive civil rights organization, the National Action Network. 

President Glover added, “Not only does Rev. Sharpton know American history and the role African Americans have played to shape that history, he has been an intricate piece of it as well. This will be an amazing opportunity for our students to learn from an individual who comes from the pages of the history books they are reading, and to gain knowledge directly from the source.” 

TSU sophomore Alexus Dockery, a political science major from Memphis, Tennessee, said she’s looking forward to hearing Sharpton. 

“Tennessee State University and its students have taken action to fight against social injustice,” said Dockery. “TSU students embody the meaning of call to action, which is demonstrated through our motto, “Think. Work. Serve. Rev. Sharpton understands the importance of this, and the importance of HBCUs contributing to society for the advancement of Black people.” 

Sharpton is no stranger to TSU. He gave the keynote address last year at the university’s spring graduate commencement ceremony, where he was bestowed an honorary degree in recognition of his body of work and societal impact. 

“It is an honor to welcome Rev. Al Sharpton to Tennessee State University,” said Dr. Michael Harris, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at TSU. “His lifetime commitment to public service and social justice will provide our students an exceptional opportunity to learn from a national leader. This once again demonstrates that our university is on the forefront of innovative educational excellence.” 

Dr. Kimberly Triplett, TSU’s Faculty Senate Chair, said Sharpton’s presence “will also assist in our recruitment efforts.”

“Part of our mission here at TSU is to promote academic excellence through scholarly inquiry, teaching, research, lifelong learning, and public service,” said Triplett. “Dr. Sharpton’s life work is the epitome of TSU’s commitment to its mission.” 

In 2014, he came to the university to take up the cause to have TSU’s 1957- 1959 Men’s Championship Basketball Team, the first-ever to win three national titles back-to back, inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. 

He joined university officials and staff, including President Glover, state officials, community leaders and stakeholders, as he presented his cause during a ceremony at TSU. 

Sharpton’s efforts, along with many others, contributed to the TSU men’s basketball championship teams of 1957-59 being inducted into the prestigious basketball hall of fame in 2019.

To view the full bio of the Rev. Al Sharpton, visit https://bit.ly/37IyaRL

Department of Media Relations

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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.

Alumni, EVENTS, Featured, Uncategorized, Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner

Political Analyst Angela Rye To Speak at TSU Women’s Center Scholarship Fundraising Affair

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Political Commentator and Analyst Angela Rye will serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner at Tennessee State University on March 19 as part of the TSU Women’s Center’s effort to celebrate Women’s History Month.

Rye, who offers regular on-air commentary for several media outlets including BET, CNN, MSNBC, and TV One, will speak about “Making An Impact Economically, Civically, and Politically.” The event is scheduled for 7 p.m. in Kean Hall on the main campus.

Seanne Wilson, chairperson of the event, which raises money for student scholarships, said she hopes Rye’s visit will inspire young women at TSU to be more aware of the power of their voice. 

“As we know, this is the year of the woman, and women are being more vocal and we are owning who we are. It’s very important with us attempting to educate these young ladies, that they are aware of opportunities and not afraid to speak out and to speak up for their rights,” said Wilson, who serves as coordinator of the TSU Women’s Center.

Wilson said an increasing number of young women in the Nashville community have expressed interest in attending this year’s event because of Rye.

“I think that a lot of women, whether they are in politics or not, will feel coached and mentored by her, or feel empowered by her.  And empowering women is something that the Women’s Center attempts to do,” Wilson said. “There are so many people out there who are interested in how we have gotten into this political climate.  How did we get here? And how do we fix the problems that we see?”

According to Wilson, the Women’s Center is a “safe zone” for women at TSU who experience issues such as fear, anxiety and depression, as well as domestic violence, homelessness and the lack of food. She said this year for Women’s History Month, the Women’s Center hopes to inspire students by bringing numerous professional women to campus, including judges, political figures, entrepreneurs, chief executive officers, and international women of distinction.

Several women will be honored during this year’s event including: Veronica Marable Johnson, Nashville Area Chamber of Commerce New Member Representative; Dr. Robbie Melton, TSU interim dean of the Graduate School; Karen Johnson, Davidson County Register of Deeds; Attorney Cynthia Fitzgerald; Attorney Joy Kimbrough; Dr. Judy Cummings, Pastor of New Covenant Christian Church; and Zaya Mouto, a sophomore Business Administration major who will receive the “Rising Star” Award.

To purchase tickets for the March 19 awards dinner or learn more about the Women’s Center, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/legendandmerit/.