Tag Archives: TSU interim president Ronald Johnson

Big Blue Experience reflects future ready mission at 2024 homecoming

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The Big Blue Experience was on full display as Tennessee State University celebrated Homecoming from October 6-12, 2024. Over 20,000 alumni returned to their beloved alma mater, joining current students, faculty, and staff for the weeklong celebration. With successful new events, nearly $200,000 raised in funds, and a TSU Tiger home game win, the Big Blue Experience showcased what Homecoming is like in the Land of Golden Sunshine.

Homecoming Chair Dr. Andre Bean, at this year’s Gala that brought out hundreds of TSU alumni and supporters at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in Nashville.

For Dr. Andre Bean, this year was his first as Homecoming chair, and he noted that the week was an overall success.

“We got a lot of positive feedback about the structure and how well put together the events were, with positive turnouts at every event,” Bean said.

He highlighted that one of his personal favorite moments was the recognition of this year’s grand marshals, trailblazing alumni who have made a global impact: technology expert Jesse E. Russell and scientist Clarice Phelps.

2024 Grand Marshals Jesse E. Russell and Clarice Phelps during the homecoming football game.

“Just being able to talk about the skill set they brought to the table … it was really good to see a young alum and a seasoned alum, and that was the highlight.”

Bean also mentioned the alumni’s strong support for current students regarding overall fundraising efforts.

At the Alumni Black Out event, the goal was to raise $50,000 for university scholarships. According to Debbi Howard the Director of Alumni Relations, thanks to generous donations, the event surpassed expectations, raising over $74,000 in just a few hours.

American Idol winner, singer Ruben Studdard performs at TSU’s homecoming gala event.

The following day, the Homecoming Gala brought together hundreds of TSU alumni and supporters at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, with a performance by American Idol winner Ruben Studdard. Chaired by Dr. LoLita Toney, the event raised more than $100,000, with many contributions supporting the new ‘Close The Gap’ fund for students. Altogether, the Homecoming fundraising efforts raised nearly $200,000 throughout the week. The university will continue these efforts throughout the year, starting off strong.

“When we challenge our alumni to raise funds, they always show up and show out for the university,” Bean said. SGA Vice President Anyah Sanders, a Miami native studying biology, said that as a senior, this Homecoming was especially meaningful.

SGA Vice President Anyah Sanders, SGA President Chrishonda O’Quinn and the 2024 Royal Court at this year’s pep rally.

“This is bittersweet. It was a great way for the alums to connect with the student body,” Sanders said. “The alumni really understood how important their presence is to the current student body, so seeing them engage and listen to our needs and desires was really amazing.”

She added that the pep rally was her personal highlight, along with connecting with Interim President Ronald Johnson during his first TSU Homecoming. “It’s an opportunity for current students to connect with the past but also influence the future.”

ESPN’s First Take featuring Christine Williamson, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Cam Newton, broadcast live at TSU.

Another major highlight of TSU’s Homecoming was ESPN’s First Take visiting campus as part of their HBCU tour. The show, featuring Christine Williamson, Stephen A. Smith, Shannon Sharpe, and Cam Newton, broadcast live, continuing the national spotlight on the university.

TSU kicked off the weeklong celebration with the Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest and Gospel Explosion, followed by other traditional events like the coronation of Mister and Miss TSU and the Homecoming parade down historic Jefferson Street.

Dr. Edwina Temple, daughter of the late legendary coach Ed Temple, stands alongside U.S. Track and Field Gold Medalist Chandra Cheeseborough, TSU’s President Ronald Johnson, and others in front of the newly unveiled historical marker honoring Coach Temple.

TSU also honored Coach Ed Temple with the unveiling of a historical marker at the intersection of John Merritt Blvd and Ed Temple Blvd during the 2024 homecoming week long celebration. Temple, who led the TSU Tigerbelles for over 40 years and coached the U.S. Women’s Track and Field teams in the 1960 and 1964 Olympics, saw 41 athletes win 23 medals under his guidance. Beyond the track, Temple became a symbol of excellence during the civil rights era.

A warm welcome was also extended to the fourth cohort of the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Medical/Dental Accelerated Pathway Program during a white coat ceremony to honor students on their journey toward becoming medical doctors, dentists, and healthcare professionals.

Grammy Award winning AOB kicks off Homecoming parade down historic Jefferson Street.

Homecoming culminated with the TSU football Tigers improving to 5-2 this season with a win over Eastern Illinois University. Of course, the Aristocrat of Bands stole the halftime show, with nearly 8,000 in attendance.

Tennessee State University’s 2024 Homecoming highlighted that its alumni continue to come together to uphold the legacy of their institution, a future-ready university. Next year’s Homecoming is slated for October 12-18, 2025, with a major matchup against fellow HBCU Howard University.

TSU Interim president marks first day with Gov. Lee, Rotary Club meeting

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University Interim President Ronald Johnson marked the beginning of his tenure with a significant community event on his first day in Nashville. President Johnson attended the July 8th Rotary Club of Nashville meeting, which featured Gov. Bill Lee. Rotary President and TSU alumnus Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid II recognized Johnson, who attended as guest of TSU Board Dr. Marquita Qualls.

Dr. Marquita Qualls, left, Interim President Ronald Johnson, center, and Rotary President Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid II attends the Rotary Club of Nashville meeting July 8. Photo courtesy of Tennessee State University.

President Johnson described the Rotary meeting as eventful, as he had the opportunity to meet with the governor and dozens of business leaders and stakeholders to continue fostering access and information for the university’s portfolio.

“What we’re working on is sustaining a future-ready Tennessee State University,” Johnson said. “We want to elevate our impact and elevate our competitive edge.”

Johnson emphasized the importance of building relationships with community leaders and counterparts with an effort to maintain “leverage.”

“That’s what we need as an HBCU, as a land-grant institution, even as an institution that’s looking to go from R2 to R1,” Johnson added. “If you make that connection, then we will be writing a new history for Tennessee State, a history that is a renaissance, not a recovery.”

Gov. Bill Lee, a longtime Rotary member, was the featured guest speaker for the July 8 meeting.

Gov. Lee, a longtime Rotary member, noted that the state of Tennessee must continue to create pathways for student success across the state.

“At the end of the day, we need to elevate our entire educational system, so we can continue to create workers that are going to be needed by the companies that are coming,” Gov. Lee said.

This week’s meeting was a TSU affair as it marked both President Johnson’s first day in Nashville and Dr. Degrafinreid’s first day as Rotary president.

TSU President Dr. Ronald Johnson, left, poses with TSU alumna Dr. Phyllis Qualls at a Rotary Club meeting attended by several TSU alumni.

“Dr. Johnson was exposed to 215 leaders from across the region and he got a chance to really make sure that Tennessee State University was recognized in a positive light in terms of him coming here on his first day to learn about our region,” Degrafinreid said.

Another major milestone was the record attendance. Hundreds of participants, many of which were TSU alumni, came together to discuss service-related issues and how the organization can create better opportunities for citizens in the region and for HBCUs. “Dr. Johnson’s visit allowed him to meet many Tennessee State University alumni who are members of this club, and they could reaffirm that we’re here to support him and we’re here to support Tennessee State University.”

Over 200 leaders from across the region were in attendance for the Rotary Club of Nashville meeting.

Rotary is a global enterprise that partners with institutions to gain access beyond local boundaries. In the near future, the organization looks forward to establishing a Rotaract Club at Tennessee State University to help train students for leadership roles, service, and community engagement, Degrafinreid said.

President Johnson said, with the support of TSU alumni and community leaders, he looks forward to leading TSU toward a future of growth and innovation.