Tag Archives: Tournament of Roses

EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

AOB thrills in 2022 Rose Parade; band wows many in ‘West Coast swing’

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands once again showcased its excellence to the world with a spectacular performance in the 2022 Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.  

TSU President Glenda Glover receives rousing acknowledgement as her image is projected on the jumbotron in the Crypto.com Arena, during the AOB’s halftime show for the Los Angeles Lakers’ game. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

One of only four university marching bands and the only one from a historically black college or university (HBCU) to participate in this year’s parade in Pasadena, California, the AOB also captivated huge crowds and fans in a “West Coast swing” that included performances in Disneyland Park, the California African American Museum, and a halftime show for the Los Angeles Lakers in the Crypto.com Arena, formerly Staples Center.  

TSU President Glenda Glover, who traveled to California with a large group of TSU supporters and alumni to cheer on the AOB, also received rousing applauses during the various stops, including a cheering acknowledgement when her image was projected on the jumbotron in the Staples Center. 

The TSU Aristocrat of Bands march in the 133rd Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, to cheers from the thousands of spectators. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“This is one of the most exciting moments for us and especially in the lives of these students to be able to represent the university at the Rose Parade,” said Dr. Glover before leaving for Pasadena. “This is so special to represent TSU, the state of Tennessee, and HBCUs. That is just phenomenal.” 

The Aristocrat of Bands is celebrating 75 years of existence this year. Officials call the appearance in the Rose Parade the highlight of the anniversary celebration, themed “75 Years of Excellence.” TSU was invited to participate in the Tournament of Roses last year, but the parade was cancelled due to the pandemic. 

President Glover joins the Los Angeles Chapter of the TSUNAA in presenting a plaque of appreciation to Director of Bands, Dr. Reginald McDonald. From left, are Charles Galbreath, TSUNAA National President; LaVonne Williams, President of the LA Chapter; Dorothy Thornhill, VP of the LA Chapter; Dr. McDonald; and President Glover. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“In a perfect sense, us getting the opportunity to do the parade this year actually aligns well with this very significant year of the AOB,” said Director of Bands, Dr. Reginald McDonald, when the university received the reissued invitation. “This is the 75th year of the existence of the Tennessee State University AOB. The capstone performance of the anniversary is definitely the Tournament of Roses.”

With the parade and the “West Coast swing” now under their belt, band members and students can’t say enough about the experience, excitement and opportunity afforded them to represent their university. 

TSU alum and Tennessee State Rep. Dr. Harold Love, Jr., who traveled to California to support the AOB, makes a statement at the Tournament of Roses Parade celebration. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“As a graduating senior, my California experience was an amazing way to end my time in the Aristocrat of Bands,” said Tiara Thomas, who plays the French Horn in the band. “Each performance was electric and allowed us to make our mark in California. This was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.” 

Fellow band member and lead drum major Travion Crutcher added, “My experience on the Aristocrat of Bands’ tour through California was truly amazing. We had the opportunity to showcase to the world what makes the AOB different from other marching bands. This trip was filled with memorable moments created with friends and with once-in-a-lifetime performances. Thank you to everyone who had a part in making this experience possible for me and my fellow band members.”

Kiesha Nix

At the Crypto.com Arena, the AOB followed a longtime Lakers tradition, in which the HBCU selected to perform in the Rose Parade is also invited to perform at a Lakers’ game during the school’s visit. But this year, Lakers officials said the AOB’s performance was “out of this world.” 

“No coincidence that both the TSU Aristocrat of Bands and the NBA are both celebrating 75 years of excellence and triumph,” said Kiesha Nix, vice president of charitable affairs and executive director of the Lakers Youth Foundation. “The Lakers count it a privilege to be a part of this epic moment in time and to make lifelong memories for the TSU students!”  

Band members Travion Crutcher, lead drum major, left; and Tiara Thomas, French horn player and TSU Student Trustee, thank the audience on behalf of the AOB during the Tournament of Roses Parade Celebration. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Overall, band director McDonald said he is grateful for the opportunity and support from fans and supporters, and glad that the “students gave it their all with outstanding and superb” performances in all of their appearances. 

“The experience in California was really great. Our students were outstanding in their performances, and remarkable in how they conducted themselves. It says a lot about our students, our band staff and just everybody involved,” McDonald said. “We are still getting positive feedback from folks at all of our events. I must say thank you to our alumni. They came in droves like at Homecoming or at a classic game. Their support was overwhelming.” 

The Sophisticated Ladies of the AOB strike a pose at the Tournament of Roses Parade Celebration. (Photo by Debbi Howard)

California is home to one of the largest concentrations of TSU alumni. Many attended the parade, while others, including fans from across the nation, traveled to cheer their “beloved AOB.” 

Featured photo by Aaron Grayson
The TSU Aristocrat of Bands march in the 133rd Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, to cheers from the thousands of spectators.

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, Featured, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

Rose Bowl-bound AOB receives rousing send-off from community as members depart for California

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State University community gathered in front of the Performing Arts Center in the early hours Tuesday morning to celebrate as the Aristocrat of Bands prepared to depart for the Tournament of Roses in California. 

President Glenda Glover arrives at the Performing Arts Center in the early hours Tuesday morning to personally bid band members farewell as they board buses for the airport. She flew out to California the next morning to join the students. (photo by Andre Bean)

President Glenda Glover, dressed in TSU blue and white, led a large group of cheering university officials, students, faculty, staff, alumni, and fans in a send-off celebration for the nearly 250 band members as they boarded buses for the airport on their way to the 133rd Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, on Jan. 1. 

“This is one of the most exciting moments for us and especially in the lives of these students to be able to represent the university at the Rose Bowl,” said Glover, who flew out the next morning to join the students.  

“This is so special to represent TSU, the state of Tennessee, and HBCUs. That is just phenomenal. They worked so hard for this. They have earned the right to show the world who they are. So, we are just proud of them.” 

AOB members board the plane at Nashville International Airport for their flight to California. (Photo by Andre Bean)

Sandra Hunt, president of the Nashville chapter of the TSU National Alumni Association, added: “This is extremely exciting for us as alums from across the nation. Not only that many of us will be glued to the TV watching with pride and cheering, but many will be there in Pasadena.” 

The send-off was organized by alumni, staff, students and individuals who provided various support to help make the trip possible. TSU alum and State Rep. Harold Love, Jr., Director of Alumni Relations Debbi Howard; Miss TSU Mallory Moore, TSU Chief of Staff, Dr. Curtis Johnson; and Associate Vice President for Student Affairs Frank Stevenson were among those at the send-off. 

“We’ve always gotten tremendous support from President Glover, the university, alumni, the community and the fans, so this is just another example of that support,” Director of Bands, Dr. Reginald McDonald, said.

Director of Bands, Dr Reginald McDonald, left, gives band members a final pep talk as they prepare to depart for their California trip. (Photo by Andre Bean)

“”It’s a great feeling that our supporters came out and showed us love before we set out for California,” added Tiara Thomas, student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees, who plays the French horn in the band.

The AOB, which is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, is one of only four university bands nationwide invited to participate in the Rose Bowl Parade this year. TSU is also the only band from a historically black college or university (HBCU) that will be performing.  

President Glover and Band Director McDonald talk to the media, as other TSU officials and supporters watch. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

Termed the “West Coast swing,” the AOB’s California visit also includes performances at Bandfest, a two-day exclusive field show for marching bands selected to participate in the Rose Bowl Parade; Disneyland Park; the California African American Museum; as well as a half-time show for the Los Angeles Lakers in the Staples Center.  

Travion Crutcher, head drum major of the AOB, said he is looking forward to performing in the Rose Bowl, but also “experiencing Hollywood from up close.” 

Band members celebrate as they prepare to leave for the 133rd Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Andre Bean)

“I am looking forward to experiencing in person what I see on TV shows and movies,” said Crutcher, a senior electrical engineering major from Huntsville, Alabama. “I am looking forward to embracing the culture in that part of the US.”

California is home to one of the largest concentrations of TSU alumni. Many are expected to attend the Rose Bowl Parade, while others, including fans from across the nation, are flying in to cheer for their “beloved AOB.”

Featured photo by Andre Bean
Dozens of OAB supporters, including students, staff, alumni and fans gather by a busload of band members to say good bye as the students prepare for the early morning ride to the airport, on their way to the Tournament of Roses in California.

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.

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

TSU’s AOB celebrates 75 years with trip to Tournament of Roses, receives major Hollywood endorsement

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Tennessee State University world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year with an invitation to the 133rd Rose Bowl Parade in Pasadena, California, on Jan 1, 2022.

The Aristocrat of Bands enter campus as they participate in the 2021 Homecoming parade on Jefferson Street. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

The band, the only one from a historically black college or university (HBCU) marching in the parade this year, was one of only four university bands selected nationwide last year to participate in the Tournament of Roses, but the parade was cancelled due to the pandemic.

This year’s reissued invitation comes with the endorsement of Emmy and Peabody Awards-winning actor and director Levar Burton, the 2022 grand marshal of the Rose Bowl Parade. Also known as an educator and lifelong children’s literacy advocate, Burton – with followers in the hundreds of thousands – endorsed TSU and the AOB on his Twitter page. 

Dr. Reginald McDonald, Director of Bands

“Help the Aristocrats get to Pasadena and the Tournament of Roses Parade,” @levarburton tweeted. 

Termed the “West Coast swing,” the AOB’s California visit is also packed with other exciting activities. Before the parade on New Year’s Day, the AOB will take part in Bandfest, a two-day exclusive field show for marching bands selected to participate in the parade, to showcase their musicianship and unique talents. Performances at Disney Land, the California African American Museum, as well as a half-time show for the Los Angeles Lakers in the Staple Center, are also planned.  

And band members and students are exuberant.

Levar Burton, Parade of Roses Grand Marshal, endorses the Aristocrat of Bands. (Submitted Photo)

“I am definitely excited to have this opportunity after waiting for a year,” says Tiara Thomas, student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees, who plays the French horn in the band. She says the visit will be a major exposure for the university. 

“I am very thrilled to be a part. We have a number of things lined up just for people out in California who have not seen us or do not even know where Tennessee State is,” she says. “So, to be able to make this trip with most of my friends, I am really excited and very grateful.” 

Travion Crutcher, head drum major of the AOB, who will be going to California for the first time, says he is looking forward to performing in the Rose Bowl, but also “experiencing Hollywood from up close.”

Tiara Thomas says the West Coast visit will be a major exposure for TSU. (Submitted photo)

“I am looking forward to experiencing in person what I see on TV shows and movies,” says Crutcher, a senior electrical engineering major from Huntsville, Alabama. “I am looking forward to embracing the culture in that part of the US.” 

Dr. Reginald McDonald, TSU’s director of bands, lamented the last-minute cancellation of the California visit last year, but is excited about the return, which he says aligns well with the 75th year of the existence of the AOB. 

“Like everybody else, I was extremely disappointed with us not being able to do the parade last year because of the pandemic, but at the same time I understood,” says McDonald, who announced “75 Years of Excellence” as the theme for the AOB’s anniversary.  

“In a perfect sense, us getting the opportunity to do it (the parade) this year actually aligns well with this very significant year of the AOB. This is the 75th year of the existence of the Tennessee State University AOB. The capstone performance of the anniversary will be the Tournament of Roses on January 1,” McDonald says, calling the appearance at the Rose Bowl a major recruitment tool.
 

AOB Lead Drum Major Travion Crutcher is looking forward to the Hollywood experience. (Submitted Photo)

About the invitation to perform for the Lakers, McDonald says while it is a challenge, it will be fun. “Whether it is the NFL, NBA or NHL, we have done it before.” 

Dr. Robert B. Miller, president and chairman of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, who visited TSU in 2020 to officially invite the AOB, returned to TSU recently to reaffirm the university’s invitation for the 2022 parade. 

“Only the best of the best are invited and the Aristocrat of Bands is one of them,” Miller said in 2020 when he first presented the band with the official tournament flag and invitation, at a ceremony in the Gentry Center Complex.

The band’s last practice, before leaving for their break and subsequently California, is Friday, Dec. 17.

For more information on the TSU Aristocrat of Bands, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/aristocratofbands/ 

Featured Photo Courtesy of DeShun Smith
TSU President Glenda Glover, along with university and band officials, receive the official Tournament of Roses flag during the halftime show of the 2021 Homecoming game at Nissan Stadium. From left, are Band Member Jordan Hampton; TSU Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff, Dr. Curtis Johnson; President Glover; President and Chairman of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, Dr. Robert B. Miller; Director of Bands Dr. Reginald McDonald; and Band Member Rameek Nelson.

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, College of Liberal Arts, EVENTS, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU’s World-Renowned Aristocrat of Bands Names New Leaders as Group Prepares for 2021 Tournament of Roses

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – As the Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands prepares for its historic appearance in the Tournament of Roses in January, the marching band has announced a new lineup of drum majors.

Julien Dooley, the only returning drum major, will lead the “Fantastic 4” in 2020-2021. (Submitted photo)

The new “Fantastic 4,” as they are called, were announced at the AOB’s recent virtual banquet, which also recognized outgoing drum majors who are part of the 2020 TSU graduating class. Julian Dooley, a senior communications major from Decatur, Georgia, who will lead the new Fantastic 4, is the only returning member. Joining him are Justen Ramsey, rising junior, health science, from Atlanta; Travion  Crutcher, rising junior , mechanical engineering, from Huntsville, Alabama; and Cameron Brown, senior, mass communications major from Birmingham, Alabama.

Dr. Reginald McDonald, TSU’s director of bands, congratulated the new Fantastic 4, and paid special tribute to the outgoing members for their accomplishments and service to the university.

“I thank you for your love, service, hard work, dedication and loyalty to the Fantastic 4, the Aristocrat of Bands and Tennessee State University,” McDonald said. “Congratulations on your accomplishment in earning your degrees. We wish you the very best in all of your future endeavors.”

Justin Ramsey, Drum Major No. 2

 The outgoing drum majors, who will receive their bachelor’s degrees in various disciplines at the August 1 commencement ceremonies are Hassan Moody, from Decatur, Georgia, business administration; Cole Gilbert, from Jonesboro, Georgia, health science; and Xavier Ellis, from Stone Mountain, Georgia, criminal Justice.

At the virtual banquet, the AOB also announced captains for the Sophisticated Ladies, Royal Elegance, and section leaders for the instrumentalist.

In March, the world-renowned AOB received official invitation to participate in the 2021 Rose Bowl Parade on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, California. Dr. Robert B. Miller, president and chairman of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, came to TSU to personally present the band with the official tournament flag and invitation.

Travion Crutcher, Drum Major No.3

The AOB will be one of only four university bands nationwide to participate in the parade, with a domestic television audience of more than 38 million.

“Only the best of the best are invited  and the Aristocrat of Bands is one of them,” Miller said in the Gentry Complex, amid thunderous cheers from university officials, relatives, former band members, and Mr. and Miss TSU and their royal court.

Cailyn Sparks, a member of the AOB Sophisticated Ladies Dance Line, called the Rose Bowl Parade invitation “an opportunity of a life time.”

“I am glad my mom and dad and maybe some other family members will be there,” said Sparks, a junior elementary education major from Phenix City, Alabama, who will be going to California for the first time. “I am extremely excited about going to the Rose Bowl and excited to be there with my family.”

Cameron Brown, Drum Major No. 4

McDonald added, “If you know anything about parades in this country, the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Parade are numbers one and two,” he said. “To have either one of those parades on your performance as a portfolio, says a lot about your band program.”

In addition to the Tournament of Roses invitation, receiving the Best Band ranking, and a record ninth appearance at Honda Battle of the Bands Invitational, the AOB is enjoying a stellar year of achievements and accolades. In April 2019, during the NFL Draft in the Music City, the AOB were featured on the nationally syndicated ESPN sports talk show, First Take; the band received a shout out from pop star Lizzo for the band’s rendition of her “Truth Hurts” medley. In January 2019, percussionists from the band performed in the Rose Parade. They were also featured performers at the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons’ 2019 home opener.

For more information on the AOB, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/aristocratofbands/

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, 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, Athletics, EVENTS, FACULTY, Featured, FEATURED, NEWS, SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES

TSU Is all Roses; World-Renowned Aristocrat of Bands to Participate In 2021 Tournament of Roses

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University Aristocrat of Bands is going to the Tournament of Roses. The band recently received an official invitation to participate in the 2021 Rose Bowl Parade on Jan. 1 in Pasadena, California.

The crowd applauds after the announcement that the TSU Aristocrat of Bands will participate in the 2021 Tournament of Roses in Pasedina, California. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

The AOB will be one of only four university bands selected nationwide to participate in the parade, with a domestic television audience of more than 38 million.

“Only the best of the best are invited  and the Aristocrat of Bands is one of them,” said Dr. Robert B. Miller, president and chairman of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, who came to TSU to personally present the band with the official tournament flag and invitation.

“It is a major accomplishment for the band, and for your university. This is a big deal,” he said. “In 132 years of the tournament, 107th  Rose Bowl this year, your band is going to be there. You are going to do entertainment like no other band in our parade does. Our parade has got 22 bands, 45 floats, the best floral and entertainment groups in the nation and TSU’s Aristocrat of Bands is going to be there.”

The Aristocrat of Bands entertains the crowd at the Gentry Center as the band celebrates words of their official invitation to the Rose Bowl Parade next year. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

At the flag presentation in the Gentry Center, amid thunderous cheers from university officials, relatives, former band members, and Mr. and Miss TSU and their royal court, Miller congratulated TSU, the AOB and band director, Dr. Reginald McDonald, for their hard work in submitting a successful application.

Miller, who was accompanied by his wife, Barbara,  also pinned TSU officials present with the official lapel pin of the Tournament of Roses, including Dr. Alisa Mosley, interim vice president for Academic Affairs, who represented TSU President Glenda Glover. Dr. McDonald was also honored in recognition of his leadership.

In acknowledgment, the AOB, known worldwide for their melodious musical renditions and marching prowess, performed such favorites as “I am so glad I go to TSU,” and “Best Band.”

Dr. Reginald McDonald, TSU’s Director of Bands, says participating in the Rose Bowl is a longtime dream. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)


“This is huge and I am just excited beyond measure,” said band member Julien Dooley, after hearing his first trip ever to California will be to perform in the Rose Bowl Parade. “The Tournament of Roses is very huge, and I am excited because I actually have never been to the west coast, and the thought of my first trip being to perform before such a huge audience has got me very emotional.”

Dooley, an Atlanta native and a drum major with the AOB, is a senior commercial music major.

 Fellow student Cailyn Sparks, a member of the AOB Sophisticated Ladies Dance Line, is equally excited. Her parents will be there to see their daughter perform.

“This is an opportunity of a life time and I am glad my mom and dad and maybe some other family members will be there,” said Sparks, a junior elementary education major from Phenix City, Alabama, who will also be going to California for the first time. “I am extremely excited about going to the Rose Bowl and excited to be there with my family.”

McDonald, TSU’s director of Bands, who could not hide his excitement about the announcement from the Tournament of Roses president and the reaction of the crowd in the Gentry Complex, called the invitation and the selection to the Rose Bowl Parade a “longtime dream.”

“If you know anything about parades in this country, the Tournament of Roses Parade and the Macy’s Parade are numbers one and two,” he said. “To have either one of those parades on your performance as a portfolio, says a lot about your band program.”

Four college bands are selected each year to participate in the Tournament of Roses –two that apply and two with football teams that play in the Rose Bowl.

“This year it will be Tennessee State University and Georgia State University. That is huge,” McDonald said. “It says a lot about our university, it says a lot about the things we are trying to teach on a year-to-year basis. We selected to apply to the Tournament of Roses because to be recognized as the best, you have to participate in those things that are challenging and hard and are also part of being the best. “

For more information on the TSU Aristocrat of bands, go to http://www.tnstate.edu/aristocratofbands/

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.