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Celebrating 61 Years of Excellence at the 2025 Spring Honors Convocation

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University on March 28 celebrated its best and brightest at the 12th Annual Spring Honors Convocation. More than 2,800 students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and overall success.

Themed “Achieving Academic Excellence Against the Odds,” the event celebrated 61 years of honors excellence and showcased the remarkable accomplishments of TSU students across all disciplines. The convocation spotlighted distinguished undergraduates from every college, including top graduating Honors seniors, outstanding honor society members, Dean’s List students, and President’s List honorees.

More than 2,800 students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements during the 2025 Honors Convocation in Kean Hall, March 28. (Photo courtesy of Aaron Grayson)

Dr. Coreen Jackson, Dean of the Honors College, emphasized the importance of celebrating more than six decades of excellence.

“Through dedication and perseverance, these students have remained committed and focused on their path toward academic success,” Jackson said. “They have distinguished themselves through scholarship, research, service, and high achievement. The world has been the grateful beneficiary of the seeds of academic excellence planted right here at Tennessee State University.”

Among the honorees, more than 50 students achieved President’s List status, maintaining a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA throughout their time at TSU.

President Dwayne Tucker, left, and Dr. Coreen Jackson, right, with TSU junior Courtney Caldwell, who received the Dr. McDonald Williams Highest rising Senior Award.

TSU junior Courtney Caldwell, of Locust Grove, Georgia, received the Dr. McDonald Williams Highest rising Senior Award, named after the first Honors Program director. A psychology major with a minor in communication, Caldwell has maintained a 4.0 GPA since her sophomore year of high school.

“It feels great being honored,” Caldwell said, expressing gratitude to the Honors College for the recognition. She credited her success to maintaining a healthy academic and social balance.
“If you can balance your time with family, friends, rest, and eating well, it all aligns with becoming a scholar.”

Mulbah Guilavogui

Mulbah Guilavogui, a first-year sophomore studying biology with a pre-med concentration, also has a 4.0 GPA and aspires to become a dermatologist. Guilavogui appreciated the ceremony’s acknowledgment of academic excellence across campus. “As a scholar and a member of the Aristocrat of Bands, I’m proud of myself,” he said. He added that witnessing so many students achieve their goals was inspiring. “That’s the biggest reason why I love my HBCU. They continue to honor those who are putting in the work.”

Dakasha Winton, Chair of the TSU Board of Trustees and Senior Vice President and Chief Government Relations Officer for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, served as the distinguished guest speaker. A TSU alumna who graduated cum laude, Winton went on to earn her law degree from the University of Memphis.

“The most important relationship you should have is the relationship with yourself,” Winton told the students during the event. “When you have a healthy, positive relationship with yourself, you’re better equipped to build and maintain beautiful relationships with others.”

Chair of the TSU Board of Trustees Dakasha Winton

She encouraged students to balance dreams with reality and emphasized self-awareness, financial literacy, and building a solid foundation beyond academics.

“Don’t ever underestimate the power of consistency,” she said. “You are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the world. May your achievements inspire others as you continue to shine bright.”

TSU President Dwayne Tucker, along with administrators, college deans, and other university leaders, joined in celebrating the students’ academic success.


Among this year’s honorees were 822 current members of the Honors College, representing majors from all eight colleges within the university. This group included Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute Scholars; Miss TSU Chandler Holt; Mister and Miss Honors College, Calvin Pickett Jr. and My’ria Wilbert; and SGA President Chrishonda O’Quinn, who received an Outstanding Leadership Award.

Mister and Miss Honors College, Calvin Pickett Jr. and My’ria Wilbert

To qualify for admission to Honors College students must have a minimum ACT score of 25 or SAT score of 1220, along with a high school GPA of 3.4 or higher. Current TSU students must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or above to apply.

This year, 115 Honors seniors will graduate and be recognized with a gold Honors stole during the commencement ceremony.

The convocation also celebrated academic excellence through musical performances by TSU’s Saxophone Quartet and the University Meistersingers.

For more information on the TSU Honors College, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/honors/.

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Dwayne Tucker Launches Student-First Initiative as Interim President of Tennessee State University

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – In his inaugural State-of-the-University address on Jan. 6, Tennessee State University’s Interim President Dwayne Tucker unveiled a bold “Students First” initiative aimed at enhancing student experience, fostering transparency, and ensuring accountability amid financial challenges and low enrollment. 

Dr. Robbie Melton, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs, left, along with Dr. Venkataswarup Tiriveedhi, and Reginald Cannon, Chairs of the Faculty, and Staff Senates, respectively, look on as President Tucker delivers his State-of-the-University address. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Addressing faculty and staff during the Annual Faculty Staff Institute in Kean Hall, Tucker emphasized the importance of treating students as valued customers. “As a business, our students are our customers,” Tucker said. “Our products for TSU should ensure our students receive a great education. This requires timely implementation of solutions and holding ourselves accountable.”

Tucker, a TSU alumnus and former member of the university’s Board of Trustees, stepped into the role following the abrupt resignation of Interim President Ronald A. Johnson. He accepted the role with no compensation. Tucker outlined an ambitious agenda to tackle the university’s financial situation, enhance enrollment, and prioritize sustainability.

Dr. Trina Jordan, Director of Technology in the Graduate School, commended President Tucker on his open-door policy. (Photo by Alexis Clark)

He laid out specific challenges that TSU has faced, citing inefficiencies in customer service, and processes that hinder progress. “We have cars and buses that are sitting idle due to bureaucracy. We need to ensure our operations are efficient and responsive to the needs of our students and staff,” he noted, calling for immediate actions and creative solutions to enhance revenue and operational capacity.

Among the notable achievements Tucker highlighted were some of the university’s successes, including the TSU Football Tigers being crowned 2024 Co-Big South-OVC Champions, receiving a $1 million grant from HUD for housing challenges in Nashville, and being selected to lead advancements in artificial intelligence by USAID. He also announced the state’s recent approval of the construction of two agricultural sciences buildings at a total cost of $63 million.

Dr. Kirmanj Gundi, Professor of Educational Leadership, hailed President Tucker’s emphases on transparency.

Reactions from faculty members present at the gathering were overwhelmingly positive, particularly appreciating Tucker’s commitment to transparency and accountability. Dr. Trina Jordan, director of technology in the Graduate School, said, “President Tucker was transparent at the Faculty and Staff Institute. His open-door policy is a step toward fostering collaboration and accessibility across the university.”

Dr. Kirmanj Gundi, professor in the College of Education, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing, “Without transparency and accountability, there is no organizational success. We must ensure our efforts are focused on serving our students.”

Dr. Courtney Nyange, Executive Director of the School of Nursing, wants transportation options for commuting faculty and staff. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

Meanwhile, Dr. Courtney Nyange, executive director of the School of Nursing, expressed hope that Tucker’s approach would build trust and improve operations. During a Q&A session, Nyange voiced concerns about transportation options for staff commuting to work, suggesting the possibility of a dedicated bus line to enhance work-life balance. “Many of us spend a lot of time in traffic. Improving access could significantly improve our mental health and productivity,” she proposed.

As the university gears up for the spring semester, Tucker reiterated his focus on collaboration among faculty and staff to drive positive change. “Everything is on the table,” he stated. “We need everyone working together to identify revenue streams, streamline processes, and ultimately, serve our students better. Transparency builds trust, and accountability drives results—this is the culture we will cultivate at TSU.”

In the weeks ahead, Tucker plans to engage in continual dialogue with faculty, staff, and stakeholders to solidify TSU’s path toward excellence and sustainability.

Note: Alexis Clark contributed to this story.

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TSU Alumnus and Trustee Dwayne Tucker named Interim President

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is pleased to announce that alumnus Dwayne Tucker is the institutions new interim president. The TSU Board of Trustees made the appointment on Friday, December 13, during a special called meeting.  Tucker, who was a member of the Board of Trustees, relinquished his seat to assume the position until a permanent president is named. He takes over the role without accepting a salary. 

“I am both honored and humbled by this appointment,” Tucker said. “As a proud TSU alum, I care deeply about securing the strongest possible future for my alma mater and for the students who entrust us with their education. This is why I have served all along. We have serious and important work to do, and I look forward to joining the board in doing that work transparently and with integrity. It’s the TSU way.”

The appointment comes while TSU students and faculty are on winter break for the holidays. However, Student Government Association President Chrishonda O’Quinn was quick to respond and shared that she is eager to work with the new interim president.  

“I am confident that Interim President Tucker’s deep understanding of the university’s culture and history will enable him to make a meaningful impact during his six-month tenure,” O’Quinn stated.  

“The leadership and administrative transitions that our students have navigated this semester alone have been incredibly challenging for them. With Interim President Tucker officially being seated in the role, I am hopeful that we can strengthen student morale and overall experience, advocate more effectively for state support and accountability, and enhance the university’s reputation and brand.”

“As faculty we are glad to see a proud TSU alum take over the role as interim president,” added Dr. Venkataswarup Tiriveedhi, chair of the TSU faculty senate.  “Mr. Tucker has a distinguished career in academia and the corporate sector. He is a man of honor and accepted this role gratis. I am sure with his outstanding experience and leadership TSU can overcome the current challenges.”

Prior to Tucker’s selection as interim president, he served as the CEO of LEAD Public Schools, a network of six public charter schools in the Metro Nashville area.

Tucker’s diverse business background and turnaround work with underperforming business units has resulted in a broad understanding of core corporate functions, including sales, operations, marketing, public relations, information technology, legal, human resources, and finance/accounting.

Serving as both a leader of human capital and an operations executive in the financial services and transportation industries, he has held the titles of CEO, chief human resource officer, chief administrative officer and president with companies including First Data, Northwest Airlines and Alliance Data.

The Board will continue its search for a permanent president during Tucker’s interim tenure. This leadership transition is part of ongoing efforts to stabilize the university and address its financial issues, which have been a significant concern for state lawmakers and the TSU community.