Tag Archives: Tennessee Higher Education Commission

TSU on the frontline in COVID-19 prevention with production of protective masks for healthcare professionals and hand sanitizer

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is helping in the global fight against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). The University is stepping to the forefront and using its educational platform to make protective face gear for doctors, nurses and other medical personnel.

Headband designed by TSU 3D printing machines. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations).

TSU is also sharing information on how families can make their own hand sanitizer while producing the germ fighting solution for campus police.

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission has asked TSU to use its 3D printing machines to help design a portion of the mask, which has three components: plastic shield, headband and elastic band. The College of Engineering is leading the campus effort to produce the protective gear, which also includes the College of Agriculture and Library Services.

Reporters from all four Nashville TV stations, as well as WPLN (NPR), came out on March 24 to see demonstrations by TSU professors and grad students.

“We are currently fabricating several of the headbands to donate to THEC,” says Dr. S. Keith Hargrove, dean of Engineering. “We have faculty, staff and students involved in making this product from four different sites at TSU. We hope to collectively support the state’s effort to mitigate and limit the spread of COVID-19.”

TSU grad students Oluwatosin Fagbuyi (left) and Rotimi Joaquim discuss printing technology with WPLN reporter. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)

The masks will be used to protect Tennessee medical professionals, like nurses and doctors, who are on the front lines caring for individuals with the virus. In Italy, the country with the second highest number of COVID-19 cases, more than 20 doctors have reportedly died and thousands of other health workers have been infected since the outbreak.

Oluwatosin Fagbuyi is one of the graduate students helping to make the headbands using the 3D technology. He says he could not pass up the chance “to help save lives.”

“It’s nice to feel like I can help,” says Fagbuyi, who is majoring in mechanical and manufacturing engineering. “It’s an opportunity I couldn’t turn down.”  

In addition to helping with the mask, the College of Agriculture is also making hand sanitizer and sharing instructions on how individuals can make their own. The college is also producing the alcohol-based solution to make available for campus police.

Dr. Sudipta Rakshit in the College of Agriculture talks to reporters about making hand sanitizer. (Photo by Emmanuel Freeman, TSU Media Relations)

“There is such a shortage because of the virus,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture. “The idea is to help people make their own sanitizer in case they can’t get it commercially.”   

The process includes mixing ingredients such as isopropyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. But Ag officials say the main goal is to keep the percentage of alcohol greater than 60 percent. 

For information about TSU operations amid the COVID-19 pandemic, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/covid19.

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.

Tennessee State University Receives Official Designation as a Certified Vets Campus

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) –Tennessee State University today received its official designation as a Certified “Vets Campus.”

The University first received word of the distinction during the Veterans Day ceremony on Nov. 11, 2014 when Dr. Mark Hardy, vice president of Academic Affairs, announced the award.

Tom Morrison, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission Assistant Executive Director for Veterans Education, presents the title and certificate of designation to President Glenda Glover, officially declaring TSU a certified "Vets Campus."  (photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)
Tom Morrison (right), the Tennessee Higher Education Commission Assistant Executive Director for Veterans Education, presents the title and certificate of designation to President Glenda Glover, officially declaring TSU a certified “Vets Campus.” (photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

At a special recognition ceremony on the Avon Williams Campus this morning, TSU President Glenda Glover called the designation a “monumental achievement” not only for Tennessee State University but also for the entire community.

“This recognition is a fulfillment of our goal to make Tennessee State University a top destination for veterans,” Dr. Glover said. “This was made possible after much work, including surveys, student orientation and mentoring to make sure we had everything in place to ensure that veterans coming to TSU are provided the necessary environment and resources to ease their transition. I am honored to accept this award on behalf of TSU.”

Presenting the certificate and letter if designation to Dr. Glover, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission Assistant Executive Director for Veterans Education, Tom Morrison, said the organization was highly appreciative of TSU’s commitment and dedication to veterans.

“Veterans play a very important role in our nation, and we are thankful to Tennessee State University for its commitment to ensure the educational wellbeing of people who have served our country,” Morrison said.

He estimated that TSU currently has about 200 veterans who are enrolled on the GI Bill. “I am happy to present this title and certificate designating Tennessee State University as a Certified Vets Campus,” Morrison added.

During last year’s Veteran Day ceremony when the award was announced, Hardy explained that Vets Campus designation recognizes the institution’s efforts toward increasing the educational attainment of student veterans.

Passed into law in 2014, the Tennessee Veterans Education Transition Support (VETS) Act created an honorary program classification for state colleges and universities that effectively foster a supportive environment for veterans.

This “VETS Campus” means that the University provides support services especially for veterans to ease their transition from military service to college life; some are transitioning from military life to civilian life while adjusting to the ins and outs of college. Many are nontraditional students with spouses and children, who need help in navigating their way. We help them find resources or put them in the right direction for help to make their educational experience more rewarding.”

To attain the “Vets Campus” designation, schools must meet statutory criteria, including the facilitation of support and mentoring programs for veterans, in addition to ensuring academic credit is received for skills and training received during military service.  Schools must also educate faculty and staff about veterans’ culture, including information on the combat-related mental or physical disabilities many soldiers face during and after their service.

Today’s ceremony included several senior university officials, among them Dr. Evelyn Nettles, associate vice president for Academic Affairs, who thanked the various departments and individuals who were instrumental in making the designation possible.

 

RELATED STORIES

Tennessee State University Designated Certified Vets Campus

New AG Academy Graduates Nine, Helps New Farmers and Returning Veterans Develop Successful Farming Skills and Techniques

Cooperative Extension’s Farmer Academy Training to Benefit Returning Veterans, Ranchers and New Farmers

 

 

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 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.