Tag Archives: Seanne Wilson

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Tennessee State University celebrates Women’s History Month with gratitude

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –Women’s History Month is celebrated in March every year to recognize and honor the contributions that women have made in society throughout history. Tennessee State University honors its women with gratitude for their historic impact and achievements accomplished dating back to 1912.

TSU’s Women’s Center’s mission is to provide vital services that address needs by hosting programs and workshops that speak to the well-being of the TSU woman.

This month represents acknowledgement of previous and current contributions of women working towards a more equitable society.

From multi-media mogul Oprah Winfrey, who is one of the richest self-made women in America, to the University’s first-ever sitting female president Dr. Glenda Glover, who is one of two African American women to hold the Ph.D-CPA-JD combination in the nation, to Wilma Rudolph who became the first American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics.

As an official member of the TSU Alumni Family, Vice President Kamala Harris joins President Glenda Glover, and University officials for the University Alma Mater song to end a historic commencement in May 2022. (Photo submitted)

TSU has a variety of distinguished women with many accolades.    

“There are so many amazing women at Tennessee State University,” said Seanne Wilson, who has served as the director of the University’s Women’s Center since 2015. Wilson said many of TSU’s alumna paved the way for Black women in Nashville and beyond. “Often times we are overlooked,” Wilson said. “We’ve never had the shine we deserve. Now women are starting to be seen and we are operating in power.”

Wilson knew she wanted to be a part of the efforts to create a tranquil environment for female students on campus when she became the director.

TSU students during the 2022 annual Women of Legend and Merit Awards, which recognizes the achievements of women.

TSU’s Women’s Center’s mission is to provide vital and comprehensive services that address needs by hosting programs and workshops that speak to the emotional, intellectual, physical, and financial well-being of the TSU woman.

Something that Tamar Williams, who is a student ambassador for the center, said she appreciates. “It is extremely important for TSU to have a Women’s Center because women should have a safe space to be authentically themselves.” Williams, a sophomore studying mass communications, expressed how important it is to celebrate women not only during the month of March but year-round.

TSU students Carla Pulliam and Tamar Williams during a table top event last semester for the Women’s Center

“Women’s History Month is highlighting all women who have done extraordinary things,” Williams said. “Black women are visionaries that push the envelope every time and I think this month really does showcase that.”

Faith Ware, who is also a student ambassador for the Women’s Center, said she stumbled across the center her freshman year and never looked back. “You guys welcomed me in, and I haven’t left,” Ware smiled as she spoke to Ms. Wilson and other students in the center. “The environment gets better and better every year. It’s a safe space and a lot of help is offered here.”

Faith Ware

Gabrielle Mosby, a sophomore who serves as the center’s Vice President, told the University that this month is an expression of women. “The light is on us to showcase our beauty, talent, and excellence.” Mosby said distinguished women of the University have already set the tone for her after college. Along with Dr. Glover, she noted Dr. Tasha Andrews-Carson as an ‘amazing expression.’ Dr. Andrews-Carson serves as the assistant vice president of First Year Students and was a speaker during last year’s women’s conference, something that Mosby and Williams both said resonated with them.

Gabrielle Mosby

Williams also noted how the student body has campus leaders like Miss TSU who help embrace her authentic self.

Sa’Mariah Harding, a senior from Indiana currently serving as the 93rd Miss TSU, said she is proud to be a woman setting examples while serving the student body and appreciates the support from fellow female Tigers.

“They may have not all known me personally, but the love and togetherness that they had by wrapping their arms around me at a time that I felt like I couldn’t stand on my own, gave me more hope and ammunition that I never knew I could have until they stood beside me, hand and hand,” Harding said. “I love the women on Tennessee State University’s campus, and they are the reason that I continue to fight every day.”

93rd Miss TSU Sa’Mariah Harding

From the annual Women of Legend and Merritt event to the Women’s Center Women’s Conference, the University celebrates its women with several events not only in March, but throughout the entire school year.

Here is a list of 16 notable women in TSU history whose stories highlight their legacy and commitment to excellence.  

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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, Black History Month, Black History Month Event, EVENTS, Featured

Black History: TSU students encourage financial literacy and wealth management in memory of ‘Black Wall Street’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Money management and entrepreneurship were the key topics at a financial literacy workshop on Feb. 15 hosted by a group of Tennessee State University students, along with the Women’s Center, to provide awareness and empower their peers.

Gabrielle Mosby, right, one of the organizers of the workshop, presents a gift to keynote speaker Kyle Smith. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Titled “Bring Back Black Wall Street,” the workshop drew from the 2020 movie “Black Wall Street Burning,” that chronicled the 1921 Memorial Day massacre of Black people and the burning of the once thriving section of Tulsa, Oklahoma, referred to as Black Wall Street.

The students said the workshop, part of a Black History Month observance, was about knowing the past, shaping the future, and holding a conversation about empowering Black people to understand true financial wealth they can build upon.

Seanne Wilson, Director of the Women’s Center, makes a comment at the event. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Kyle Smith, a Nashville businessman, was the event’s keynote speaker. He said building wealth and attaining financial success start with discipline, hard work, and “surrounding yourself with the right people.”

Gabrielle Mosby, a freshman business major from Memphis, Tennessee, who is one of the organizers of the event, said Smith’s message was just what “we needed to hear.”

By age 22, and fresh out of college, Smith had started and was running a fitness business in his hometown. Two years later, he started a mobile notary business. He said his goal is to help others, build great relationships, and make an impact in other people’s lives.

“Today I just want to tell students that being an entrepreneur in the beginning takes time, it takes consistency and finding yourself a good mentor,” said Smith, 27, who owns two successful businesses in the Nashville area.

“I want them to understand what it takes to be successful in business, but also understand how to save their money and build generational wealth,” Smith said. “Too often people in my generation want instant gratification and focus on the liabilities that come with it. We need to focus on building assets. Cars, jewelry, purses and things like that won’t make us money in the long term.”

According to recent statistics, African Americans account for 13 percent of the U.S. population with significant impact on the economy, yet they lag in financial well-being when compared to other groups.

“’Bring Back Black Wall Street” is a conscious conversation that talks about the hard-hitting issue of building wealth within our Black community and how we can actively make a change,” Mosby said. “Looking at his business achievement in such a short time, Mr. Kyle Smith’s message was on point.”

Seanne Wilson, director of the Women’s Center, said the workshop was one of the many programs the center provides to empower young women, as well as young men, to think about how they spend their money. 

“As we were discussing Black history and what should be one of our focus areas for the month, financial literacy jumped out,” Wilson said. “I wish when I was in college, someone had talked to me about wealth management, saving money, and not spending unwisely. So, now I want to be proactive and help them understand the value of money and not be reckless in spending it.” 

Fellow workshop organizer Karly Miller, a sophomore pre-nursing major from Houston, said students were inspired by Smith’s message of financial management.

“It is motivating to hear about and see African Americans of the past and present who have established and maintained wealth in the community,” said Miller.

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

Featured photo by Aaron Grayson
Kyle Smith, a Nashville businessman, who owns two establishments in the area, gives the keynote speech at the financial literacy workshop, organized by students at TSU.

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.

Featured, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Black History: TSU students try to rebuild ‘Black Wall Street’ with financial literacy workshop

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A group of Tennessee State University students, along with the Women’s Center, hosted a financial literacy workshop on Feb. 15 to provide awareness and empower their peers.

Titled “Bring Back Black Wall Street,” the workshop draws from the 2020 movie “Black Wall Street Burning,” that chronicles the 1921 Memorial Day massacre of Black people and the burning of the once thriving section of Tulsa, Oklahoma, referred to as Black Wall Street. 

The students said the workshop is about knowing the past, shaping the future, and holding a conversation about empowering Black people to understand true financial wealth they can build upon.

“’Bring Back Black Wall Street’ is a conscious conversation that talks about the hard-hitting issue of building wealth within our Black community and how we can actively make a change,” said Gabrielle Mosby, a freshman business major from Memphis, Tennessee, who is one of the organizers of the event.

According to recent statistics, African Americans account for 13 percent of the U.S. population with significant impact on the economy, yet they lag in financial well-being when compared to other groups.  

Seanne Wilson, director of the Women’s Center, said the workshop is one of the many programs the center provides to empower young women, as well as young men, to think about how they spend their money. 

“As we were discussing Black history and what should be one of our focus areas for the month, financial literacy jumped out,” said Wilson. “I wish when I was in college, someone had talked to me about wealth management, saving money, and not spending unwisely. So, now I want to be proactive and help them understand the value of money and not be reckless in spending it.” 

TSU Women’s Center director Seanne Wilson (center) and students promote the Bring Back Black Wall Street event. (TSU Media Relations)

Fellow workshop organizer Karly Miller, a sophomore pre-nursing major from Houston, said the event is one that every student should attend, because if nothing else, they would be inspired.

“It is motivating to hear about and see African Americans of the past and present who have established and maintained wealth in the community,” said Miller. 

Kyle Smith, a Black Nashville businessman, was the event’s keynote speaker.

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, Athletics, Black History Month, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

‘$1 Million In One Month’ Campaign Gets Major Boost at Celebrity Telethon; More Than $60,000 raised in Four Hours

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – With just a few days to go, TSU’s historic push to raise $1 million in February for student scholarships is all but certain, thanks to a huge showing of Big Blue spirit on Sunday.

Jamie Isabel, left, Chairman of the TSU $1 million campaign, talks to NBC local affiliate Channel 4 about the telethon and the overall goal of the campaign. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

A four-hour celebrity telethon, “Dialing for Dollars,” raised more than $63,000. It was well over the telethon’s $25,000 initial goal, bringing total campaign contributions to nearly $938,609. Within two hours of the telethon, volunteers had already surpassed the $25,000 mark, organizers said.

“Today is a good day. This showing of support is very tremendous,” said Campaign Chairman Jamie Isabel, a TSU alum. “We exceeded our goal, which I knew we were going to do. The excitement and sheer commitment to the cause by all who participated are responsible for the success we achieved.”

Volunteers, including prominent local TSU alums, make calls to personal friends and acquaintances to contribute to the telethon. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

In a historic, long-term partnership with the Nashville Predators, TSU announced the campaign on Feb. 2 to raise $1 million during Black History Month for student scholarships. Since then, activities have included a “TSU Night” at the Bridgestone Arena, with appearances by the Aristocrat of Bands and the New Direction Gospel Choir, as well as a Big Blue Old School Concert at the Gentry Complex.

The telethon, live streamed from Jackson Hall on the main campus, included guest hosts and alumni, students, staff, faculty, community leaders and supporters manning telephones and taking contributions from supporters. TSU President Glenda Glover, who was on travel, called in to thank organizers and volunteers.

TSU alums State Rep. Harold L. Love, Jr., and his wife Leah Dupree Love volunteer at the telethon. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

Several prominent local TSU alums and supporters stopped by to help man telephones. They included TSU Board of Trustee member Richard Lewis and his wife, Delores, a former TSU administrator; Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry, Jr., State Rep. Harold Love, Jr., and his wife, Leah; Barbara Murrell, longtime TSU supporter and former administrator; TSU National Alumni Association President Joni McReynolds; and Vivian Wilhoite, Nashville and Davidson County property assessor, among others.

Dr. Frederick S. Humphries, president of TSU from 1975-1985, who could not be present in Nashville, was among many who joined in from home and made calls to friends and acquaintances to contribute to the telethon.

Miss TSU Jada Crisp, left, and Head Football Coach Rod Reed, middle, were among many students and staff who volunteered at the telethon. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

According to Isabel, some major contributors were:  Dr. William F. Pickard, chairman of Detroit-based Global Automotive Alliance, a supporter of HBCUs, who contributed $10,000; and Nashville businessman Joe Davis, who sent in a check for $5,000.

“We had some large checks, but we also had some small checks and all those small checks added up to get us to where we are,” said Isabel.

Mr. TSU Damyr Moore, a senior mass communications major from Atlanta, and Eukirah Pennyman, a junior film and television major, also from Atlanta, were among many students who volunteered at the telethon. Moore helped with making calls, while Pennyman served as technical director.

Telethon hosts Grant Winrow, left, Seanne Wilson and Michael McLendon make a pitch at the four-hour long fundraiser. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“The experience today has been a great one; to be among your peers and alumni toward one good cause that benefits the entire student body is just great,” said Moore. “To give my time and be able to help someone else come to school as I have been fortunate to do is really a great feeling.”

Pennyman agreed.

“I am from Atlanta, and I have been fortunate to have a few scholarships from TSU,” she said. “It was a good experience to have this telethon, which I think should be done every year because it helps to bring in more majors and more students.”

Cassandra Griggs is TSU’s director of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving, and co-chair of the $1 million campaign committee. She is very thankful to the many alumni who came out to make phone calls.

“They called individuals who were in their personal cellphone contacts, asking them to support TSU,  and that was very admirable,” said Griggs. “I feel very good that not only have we exceeded our goal for today, but we are going to meet our goal for the $1 million.”

Grant Winrow, a member of the campaign committee and one of the hosts of the telethon, called the day a “Big Blue Victory.”

“We went in with the idea of raising $25,000 and we more than doubled it. And that’s a phenomenal success,” said Grant, who helped organize the telethon. “This is in the last few days of our campaign, and we thought having a celebrity telethon by bringing in some of our most notable TSU influencers here to make some calls, was a great idea. It turned out very well.”

The next push to the finish line in the $1 million campaign is a celebrity courtside dining at the TSU men’s basketball game on Saturday in the Gentry Complex.

To donate, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/1million1month or text TSU1MIL to 41444. 

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

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, FACULTY, FEATURED, Featured, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Uncategorized, Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner

Angela Rye Inspires Attendees to Take Political Action At Annual Scholarship Fundraiser Honoring Outstanding Women

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Political commentator and analyst Angela Rye served as the special guest for this year’s Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner at Tennessee State University, 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, spoke briefly from the podium and then participated in a seated interview-style presentation. She answered questions from various attendees, including TSU President Glenda Glover and addressed several issues, such as affirmative action, the legitimacy of legacy admissions and the need for a black agenda.

“I want to help establish what a black agenda should look like, not just for 2020, but ongoing,” Rye said.  “Do you all know that before the Emancipation Proclamation, every year black folks met to talk about our political agenda? The last time we did that collectively, where there was a lot of attention drawn to it, was in 1972 in Gary, Indiana.”

During a light-hearted moment towards the end of the conversation, Glover suggested a petition be started for Rye to run for president.  She encouraged the audience with the chant, “Run! Angie Run! Run! Angie Run!”

Angela Rye

“You want me to run right out that door,” Rye jokingly replied.

Seanne Wilson, chairperson of the event, which took place in Kean Hall Auditorium, said the annual awards dinner raises money for student scholarships and highlights the careers of women she hopes her students will emulate.

“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.

According to Wilson, the 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.

Lyric Carter, a freshman civil engineering major who serves as a work-study student for the Women’s Center, said she was inspired by Rye’s comments.

” If we don’t speak for us, who is going to speak for us,” Carter said.

Vivian Wilhoite, Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County property accessor and a former Women of Legend and Merit honoree, said the event is important because it celebrates the women.

“We do not do enough to recognize women in the various areas of the world, whether it be in business or leadership or government or strong women committed to different topics and issues,” she said.  “I really think there are so many women doing so many different things, and we really cannot do enough to honor them.”

Several women where  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 received the “Rising Star” Award.

For more information about how to support the TSU Women’s Center, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/womenscenter/

Editor’s Note: Featured photo by Ramona Whitworth Wiggins

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

About Tennessee State University

With more than 7,000 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.

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/.

Alumni, EVENTS, FACULTY, FEATURED, NEWS, RESEARCH, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. National President to Speak at Women of Legend And Merit Event To Raise Scholarship and Program Dollars for Students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Beverly Smith, national president and chief executive officer of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, will serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s Women of Legend and Merit Award Dinner at Tennessee State University on April 10 in Kean Hall.

Smith, who also serves as the assistant commissioner and Georgia State director for Adult Education and GED Testing through the Technical College System of Georgia, said she is excited about addressing the young ladies at TSU because of the many issues facing women today.

Beverly E. Smith

“We are at a time today when the power of women really matters,” she said. “The power of our voice is clearly something of significance these days whether or not we are comfortable enough with ourselves to use or understand it.”

TSU President Glenda Glover echoed the same sentiments.

“We are extremely pleased to welcome Beverly Smith to our campus for our Women of Legend and Merit Awards Dinner, and look forward to hearing her inspiring and powerful words,” she said. “Women of Legend and Merit is in its 11th year and couldn’t have come at a more pivotal time in our nation’s history. Women should feel empowered and celebrated. Our dinner allows us to do this and raise scholarship and program dollars for students, all while partnering with the community.”

Seanne Wilson, chairperson of the event, which raises money for student scholarships, said Smith’s visit will give the young ladies at TSU an opportunity to witness a “woman of excellence” who is the head of a large body of women of excellence.

“This is an opportunity for them to meet women from varying organizations and diverse positions in life, and to hear their stories and their struggles and how they made it,” said Wilson, who serves as coordinator of the TSU Women’s Center.

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.

Wilson said the purpose of this event is to empower and uplift the female students at TSU.

Smith said the influence of her father, a civil rights activist, as well as powerful women in her family and early mentors such as legends Dorothy Heights and Althea Gibson helped propel her to success.

“You can’t be what you can’t see, and I think that certainly holds true especially for us in our communities. A lot of times it is very difficult to be what you can’t see,” she said. “If we celebrate who we are and who we have been, it gives us an opportunity for greater heights.”

This year’s honorees are Vivian Wilhoite, Metropolitan Nashville and Davidson County property accessor; Dr. Tameka Winston, TSU interim chair of Department of Communications; Many Bears Grinder, commission of the Tennessee Department of Veterans Affairs; and Tina Tuggle, Tennessee Titans director of community relations.

Awards will also be presented to retired educator Gwendolyn Vincent, and TSU freshman Natalie Cooper.

To purchase tickets for the April 10 awards dinner or learn more about the Women’s Center, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/legendandmerit/.

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.

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

Actress Vivica A. Fox empowers Women of Legend and Merit Awards attendees, encourages students to make right choices

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Actress Vivica A. Fox has a message for Tennessee State University students: make the right choices.

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TSU President Glenda Glover, scholarship recipient Kayla Daniels, and Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, associate professor of English and Women’s Studies at TSU. (By John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

Fox was the keynote speaker at the Women of Legend and Merit Awards on March 21, which also featured a performance by entertainer Angela Winbush.

With an extensive body of work that includes television, stage and film credits, Fox talked about her career, at times drawing laughter from attendees, and striking a more serious note when discussing her mother and her faith.

But Fox, who is also a producer and accomplished businesswoman, probably had the strongest message when she focused directly on TSU’s students, who participated in some capacity throughout the program.

“You all are our future,” Fox said. “The choices you make today will shape your tomorrow.”

First held in 2007, the WOLM awards is designed to bring awareness and raise funds to support the TSU Women’s Center, which offers student-focused programming to empower individuals and student organizations, as well as help students make the right choices.

At the awards dinner, TSU freshman Kayla Daniels was given a $1,000 scholarship to pursue her degree in business. The scholarship dollars are available mainly because of money raised at the WOLM awards through ticket sales and sponsorships.

Women’s Center coordinator Seanne Wilson said the awards dinner is also an opportunity for the TSU family and the Nashville community to be introduced to “dynamic, successful, and positive women who impact their community,” as well as society.

This year’s honorees were Dr. Stephanie Walker, Vanderbilt University/First lady Mt. Zion Baptist; Cheryl White Mason, Vanderbilt Law School; Teresa Phillips, TSU athletic director; Yvette Boyd, R.H. Boyd Publishing; and Vicki Yates, WTVF Nashville news anchor.

In particular, Wilson said the event seeks to expose the university’s “female student population to positive role models, networking opportunities and resources to assist in their academic, personal and professional growth as women.”

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Entertainer Angela Winbush. (By John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

But its main objective is to help the Women’s Center, which assists students with issues that range from financial needs to domestic abuse, Wilson said. It also has programs like “Wisdom Speaks,” in which alumni return to the campus to engage students in empowering discussions, as well as a clothing boutique.

“Some of our students are first generation college students and have a very limited wardrobe,” Wilson said. “Some young ladies, if they’re interviewing or doing internships, will come to the center looking for something to wear.”

The center is also sort of a home-away-from-home where students, not just females, can visit and do homework, or just hang out and debate the latest topics with friends, Wilson said.

Senior Kourtney Daniels said the center is a “vital resource to all students on campus.”

“It’s not just for the female population,” said Daniels, an agriculture science major with a concentration in food science and technology.

“Guys come in all the time, and we’ll have debates about everything from politics, to family issues we might have.”

For more information about the Women’s Center, visit http://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

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 38 undergraduate, 25 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.

 

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

Tennessee State’s Women’s Center is a ‘vital resource’ to students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Actress Vivica A. Fox says she’s looking forward to speaking at this year’s Women of Legend and Merit Awards, and highlighting Tennessee State’s Women’s Center.

WOLM-2
Women’s Center coordinator Seanne Wilson talks with students. (By John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

The WOLM awards dinner is scheduled for March 21 at 7 p.m. in the TSU Gentry Complex.

“It’s an evening where the women get to honor and uplift one another, and support one another,” Fox told Nashville radio station WQQK in a recent interview. “I’m looking forward to just celebrating and having a wonderful evening.”

First held in 2007, the WOLM awards is designed to bring awareness and raise funds to support the center, which offers student-focused programming to empower individuals and student organizations.

Center coordinator Seanne Wilson said the awards dinner provides an opportunity for the TSU family and the Nashville community to be introduced to “dynamic, successful, and positive women who impact their community,” as well as society.

Fox, also a producer and accomplished businesswoman, will be the keynote speaker. Entertainer Angela Winbush, whose hit songs include “Your Smile” and “Angel,” will perform.

Unknown-3This year’s honorees are Dr. Stephanie Walker, Vanderbilt University/First lady Mt. Zion Baptist; Cheryl White Mason, Vanderbilt Law School; Teresa Phillips, TSU athletic director; Yvette Boyd, R.H. Boyd Publishing; and Vicki Yates, WTVF Nashville news anchor.

In particular, Wilson said the event seeks to expose the university’s “female student population to positive role models, networking opportunities and resources to assist in their academic, personal and professional growth as women.”

TSU’s center assists students with issues that range from financial needs to domestic abuse, Wilson said. It also has programs like “Wisdom Speaks,” in which alumni return to the campus to engage students in empowering discussions, as well as a clothing boutique.

“Some of our students are first generation college students and have a very limited wardrobe,” Wilson said. “Some young ladies, if they’re interviewing or doing internships, will come to the center looking for something to wear.”

The center is also sort of a home-away-from-home where students can visit and do homework, or just hang out and debate the latest topics with friends.

Senior Kourtney Daniels said the center is a “vital resource to all students on campus.”

“It’s not just for the female population,” said Daniels, an agriculture science major with a concentration in food science and technology. “Guys come in all the time, and we’ll have debates about everything from politics, to family issues we might have.”

This year, Wilson said a deserving TSU student will be presented a $1,000 scholarship at the awards dinner. She said scholarship dollars are available mainly because of money raised at the WOLM awards through ticket sales and sponsorships.

To purchase tickets for the March 21 awards dinner or learn more about the Women’s Center, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/womenscenter/legend.aspx.

Department of Media Relations

Tennessee State University
3500 John Merritt Boulevard
Nashville, Tennessee 37209
615.963.5331

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 38 undergraduate, 25 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.