NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is looking to enhance the student experience by establishing a new customer service department. Under the new unit, student concerns and inquiries will be addressed in a timely manner from a central area.
TSU President Glenda Glover explained that the Office of Customer Relations is in its early development stages, and each division will need to develop customer relations goals that ensure seamless communication with the students.
Shaun Wimberly, Jr.
“We are going to assist the divisions periodically to ensure that the goals are being met,” Glover said, referring to customer relations goals for the students.
“And proactively identify long-term resolutions to potential concerns.” Rather if the possible concerns are regarding housing, classes or financial aid, the upcoming office is set to provide resolutions in a timely manner.
The university will establish a Student Customer Service Advisory Committee to kick start the process for establishing the customer relations office.
Shaun Wimberly, Jr., the student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees, said this office will help bridge any gaps between the students and administration.
TSU freshman Autumn Parker who sang during the Fall 2022 Freshman Convocation, said she looks forward to the university utilizing a customer relations office.
“Including the students and having an interphase is the first step to how we can bridge the gap between our community,” Wimberly said. “This is the first step to get a more unified TSU family.” Wimberly says that himself, along with other fellow student leaders, will build support behind the project to, “actually interphase students into the structure.”
Autumn Parker, a freshman studying political science, believes forming a customer relations office for the students will be beneficial for everyone.
“I think this is a really good idea,” Parker said. “If you have the option to talk to customer relations and get an answer to your solution, I think that would be helpful. The fact that the university is trying to find solutions and answers for the students says a lot. I am looking forward to it.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands has been nominated for a Grammy for their album The Urban Hymnal in the Best Roots Gospel Album category!
AOB also received a second Grammy nod for their collaboration on Spoken Word Artist and Poet, J. Ivy’s album, The Poet Who Sat By The Door.
The groundbreaking album has 10 tracks filled with organic sounds that were created on TSU campus and features trailblazers within the gospel music industry. The AOB is the first collegiate band in history to earn a Grammy nomination.
Two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir The Baptist, left, and AOB assistant director professor Larry Jenkins records historic gospel album titled ‘Urban Hymnal,’ with AOB on campus. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“This is a tremendous day in the history of our beloved Tennessee State University,” Dr. Reginald McDonald, director of bands, said. “This is not just a band accolade, but a university-wide accomplishment. I personally appreciate our President, Dr. Glenda Glover’s vision for our university.”
Artists, albums, and songs competing for trophies at the 65th annual ceremony were announced on Tuesday by the Recording Academy. The Urban Hymnal is one of five nominees within the Best Roots Gospel Album category.
“The university is very proud of this accomplishment by the Aristocrat of Bands that is celebrated by the TSU family and all of Tennessee,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
AOB students recorded the Urban Hymnal gospel album at TSU for several months. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)
“The AOB’s historic Grammy nominations add to the legacy of excellence that is TSU and cements the band as a part of the mystique that is Music City.”
AOB assistant director Larry Jenkins described this moment as “surreal.”
“The Aristocrat of Bands receiving a Grammy nomination is a dream come true,” Jenkins said. “This serves as a truly historic and monumental moment for all of our students, staff and the university at large. Thank you to every band student, artist, producer and each person who contributed to our album. Thank you to the Recording Academy for making this moment a reality. Like our fellow HBCU, Fisk University, did in 2020, we hope to bring another Grammy Award down Jefferson Street soon.”
The Urban Hymnal is one of five nominees within the Best Roots Gospel Album category.
The Grammy’s will take place on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2023 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles.
Music moguls and acclaimed artist such as Jekalyn Carr, Fred Hammond, Kierra Sheard, J. Ivy, John P. Kee, Louis York, Dubba-AA, Sir the Baptist, Prof. Jenkins, Take 6, Mali Music, and more are on the album.
The executive producers for the album are AOB Director Dr. McDonald, Prof. Jenkins, two-time Grammy award-nominated songwriter and artist Sir the Baptist, Grammy award-winning songwriter and artist Dallas Austin, and TSU alum and platinum recording artist Dubba-AA.
Tennessee State University and HCA Healthcare are continuing their partnership in a major way. In a recent joint press conference, the Nashville-based health system gifted TSU $1.5 million to provide scholarships for aspiring students wanting to becoming medical doctors and technology leaders, and for education initiatives.
Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. healthcare scholar cohort class of 2025 receives their white coats, presented by alumni of TSU, MMC Physicians and dentist during the fourth annual lecture series and white coat ceremony. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
The HCA, TriStar Health donation will provide scholarship opportunities for 12 students enrolled in the Dr. Levi Watkins Jr., Institute and three students majoring in computer science. The goal is to help build the pipeline for African American healthcare professionals and technology experts. The breakdown of the gift includes $1.4 million for Levi Watkins scholars pursuing a degree in the TSU accelerated medical program, while $100,000 will go Computer Science’s HCA Healthcare ITG Scholars.
“We applaud and thank HCA Healthcare for this generous gift and continued support of TSU, and our talented students,” TSU President Glenda Glover said during the event. “This investment in our students helps them to become the future doctors and health technology leaders they aspire to be. HCA is making their dreams a reality.”
Mitch Edgeworth, division president for HCA Healthcare TriStar Division, said their cooperation is proud to be able to invest in the university.
The breakdown of the gift from HCA Healthcare and TriStar Health includes $1.4 million for Levi Watkins scholars pursuing a degree in the TSU accelerated medical program. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“Rooted in our mission to care for and improve human life, we are committed to providing resources and opportunities for future healthcare leaders to grow, learn and make a difference through this partnership,” Edgeworth said. “TriStar Health is proud to be part of HCA Healthcare and supports this incredible investment that will establish a strong and diverse pipeline of future physicians and healthcare ITG leaders in our community.”
Class of 2025 Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute cohort students said this opportunity will help them succeed in becoming future physicians, dentist, and healthcare professionals to bridge the healthcare gap and provide for underserved communities in need.
“I hope to reduce the racial inequalities in the medical field as well as fixing the patient and physician trust between the African American community and the physician,” said Sierra smith, a biology major whose goal is to become an anesthesiologist.
Donnell Shaw, an aspiring dermatologist majoring in biology, said he looks forward to creating a skin care line for African Americans.
“I hope to accomplish owning my own private practice and making my own Black skin care line. I’ve always loved helping people and giving back.”
While $100,000 of the donations will go Computer Science’s HCA Healthcare ITG Scholars, HCA will also provide seven ITG staff members to serve as adjunct faculty for the fall semester. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
The gift is part of the organization’s larger commitment to give $10 million over three years to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Hispanic Serving Institutions.
Currently, there are 117 new students in the computer science program. In addition to the scholarships for computer science students, HCA will also provide seven ITG staff members to serve as adjunct faculty for the fall semester.
Christopher Jeff, a junior majoring in computer science, said he felt elated to know that corporations like HCA want more students with a passion in Computer Science to achieve their long-term goals. Jeff aspires to become a software engineer.
“It means that there are places like HCA that want nothing but the best for people that attend HBCUs and to see them succeed,” Jeff said, noting that he is grateful for the scholarship opportunities and additional faculty members provided by HCA.
TSU scholars engaging with HCA, TriStar Health representatives before a check presentation of $1.5 million. Their goal is to help build the pipeline for African American healthcare professionals and technology experts. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
TSU and HCA Healthcare have a long-standing partnership. In 2015, the corporation donated $1 million to fund internship opportunities and support the growth of the Health Information Management program. Sherri Neal, chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer of HCA Healthcare, said gestures as such, are building a more diverse talent pipeline of healthcare.
“Increasing the diversity of our healthcare workforce is vital to providing more equitable, culturally competent care to our communities,” Neal stated.
HCA Healthcare Scholars and HCA Healthcare ITG Scholars will be provided with hands-on shadowing opportunities, mentors, seminars, leadership sessions, career guidance and internship opportunities.
Nashville, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – There’s no homecoming like a TSU homecoming as the University gears up for this year’s celebration. The 2022 theme is “Back in Stride Again,” as TSU prepares to welcome thousands of alumni back to the 500-arce campus. Homecoming is October 2-8 and kicked off the week-long celebration with the annual Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest and Gospel Explosion on Sunday.
The celebration will be highlighted with a scholarship gala, the legendary TSU parade, and of course the homecoming football game between the Tigers and Bethune-Cookman University out of Florida.
From the legendary Homecoming Parade to the Annual Scholarship Gala, students, staff and faculty look forward to getting Back in Stride Again for the 2022 homecoming celebration.
“TSU homecoming is always a special and exciting time of year for the University as we welcome alumni and friends to our campus,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
“This marks the second year we’ve held in-person activities to highlight student achievement and showcase our accomplishments as an institution. It is also a time to celebrate alumni and supporters who have left an indelible mark on TSU.”
This year’s honorees are: Grand Marshals Entrepreneur, Ms. Andrella Kenner, Global Warming Ambassador and Rev. Dr. Gerald Durley. Honorees are Communications and Public Relations Executive, Dr. Harold Jackson and Former TSU first lady, Mrs. Edwina Hefner.
Grant Winrow
In addition to the big game against Bethune-Cookman at Nissan Stadium on Oct. 8 and the parade that morning, another major highlight of TSU’s homecoming is the Annual Scholarship Gala, TSU’s signature fundraising event. It will take place on Oct. 7 at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Nashville.
TSU Homecoming Chairman Grant Winrow added that this year promises to be even more exciting, but safety will remain a priority even as the pandemic has tapered off.
“Homecoming week officially begun with an array of events, to kick off the annual celebration,” said Winrow.
“Last year certainly lived up to the hype and was indeed a homecoming for the record books. So, get ready and come prepared this year, as we are “Back in Stride Again,” picking up where we left off. The health and safety of everyone is our number one priority. We will adhere to all safety protocols that are still in place and ask that you practice social distancing throughout the weekend. Although wearing a mask is no longer mandatory, it is encouraged when inside among large groups.”
Kenneth Rolle II., said TSU students are looking forward to getting Back in Stride for homecoming this week.
Student Government Association President Kenneth Rolle II., said for students, TSU’s homecoming can be summed up in two words, ‘get geeked.’
“That is all that needs to be said. TSU alumni and friends from near and far will know it’s homecoming week by those two simple words.”
Other homecoming activities this year include the Ralph Boston and Dr. Catana Starks golf tournament in the morning on Oct. 6; followed by the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute White Coat Ceremony that afternoon at 2 p.m. and the homecoming concert featuring upcoming rappers Glorilla, Nardo Wick, Est Gee, Babyface Ray and the Ying Yang Twins later that day; the Breakfast of Champions, the homecoming pep rally, the Charles Campbell Fish Fry, and the National Pan-Hellenic Step Show all on Oct. 7; and the legendary Homecoming Parade on Oct. 8. The parade will be from 14th and Jefferson Street to 33rd and John Merritt Boulevard.
NASHVILLE, Tenn.(TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University kicked off this year’s Homecoming with the 34th annual Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest on Sunday. Cash prizes of $700, $500, and $300 were awarded respectively for first, second, and third place winners in the freshman and upperclassman divisions. There were 28 participants in total this year – 10 freshman and 18 upperclassman.
The freshman winners are Lauren Porter, 1st place; Aaron Anderson, 2nd place; and Tyler Vazquez, 3rd place.
Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest organizers and President Glenda Glover congratulates winners of the annual event.
The upperclassman division winners are: Aliyah Holmes, who also serves as SGA Vice President, claimed 1st place; Maya McClary, 2nd; and Akyra McDougal, 3rd place.
Students were required to use the homecoming theme, Back in Stride Again, for their presentation. Dr. Jacqueline Mitchell, Professor of Communications and presiding chairperson for the annual contest, said she was excited about the event turnout and chosen theme.
“Doing something like this is very motivational and encouraging to students,” Mitchell said. “They (contestants) spoke about the effects of the pandemic and how it stopped us in our tracks. Now that we are recovering, we are back in stride again.”
Mitchell said the contestants aligned this year’s theme to the pandemic, education, and the point of view of minorities and African Americans. She noted how the freshmen who haven’t even completed their public speaking courses yet, are talents in the making. “The skills that they are going to have as executives, business people, lawyers … it (the event) is motivational to them to have an audience appreciate them and test their skills to get better every year,” she said.
“They are gifted, well trained and have a bright future.”
(L to R) President Glenda Glover, SGA Vice President Aliyah Holmes, Dr. Jacqueline Mitchell and Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis after Holmes receives first place cash prize for the upperclassman division of the 34th annual Robert N. Murrell Oratorical Contest.
The contest, established in 1988, is named in honor of the late Robert N. Murrell, a longtime administrator and dean of men at TSU. It encourages students to develop skills in research, writing and oratory. The funds afforded to the winners are sponsored by the Nashville chapter of the alumni association, the Robert N. Murrell scholarship fund, and the Department of Communications.
Following the oratorical contest, TSU’s Homecoming events continued with the Gospel Explosion in the Gentry Center Sunday evening. The free concert featured TSU New Direction Choir, award winner artist Earnest Pugh, Pastor Mike McClure Jr., and gospel artist Detrick Haddon.
Other homecoming highlights throughout the week include the Ralph Boston Golf Tournament, Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. White Coat Ceremony and Symposium. The Homecoming Concert featuring artist Glorilla, Nardo Wick, Est Gee and Babyface Ray, the Greek Step Show, and the Charles Campbell Fish Fry.
On Friday evening, TSU has also planned a stellar Scholarship Gala at the Renaissance Hotel.
Homecoming will conclude Oct. 8 with the Homecoming Parade from 14th and Jefferson Street to 33rd and John Merritt Boulevard, and the big football matchup between the Tigers and Bethune-Cookman University at Nissan Stadium.
Tennessee State University faculty and administrators at the 100,000 Strong in Africa Conference.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – For the third consecutive year, Tennessee State University has been selected as a Fulbright Historically Black College and University (HBCU) Institutional Leader. TSU receives the honor from the U.S. Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) and is recognized for demonstrating exemplary work with its foreign exchange program for students, faculty and staff.
The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s flagship international academic exchange program. TSU earned the honor for the 2020-2021 and 2021-2022 academic school years for promoting exchange opportunities on campus. The University is one of 19 HBCUs to receive the designation by the State Department.
Tennessee State University Students were in Ghana for two weeks participating in a conference that focused on Pan-Africanism. They were joined by students from Clark Atlanta, Morgan State, and Howard University.
“Tennessee State University strives to maintain our status as a global institution and receiving the Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader award from the U.S. Department of State helps us do just that,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
“TSU has operated an exemplary international exchange program for three consecutive years and has been recognized each of those years as a global academic leader for providing opportunities to all students.”
TSU President, Glenda Glover
Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs Lee Satterfield, commended the selected HBCUs receiving the Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader designation this year, noting that “HBCUs are an important part of the American and global higher education communities, providing life-changing exchange opportunities for American and international students, faculty, and administrators alike.”
Dr. Jewell Winn, executive director for International Programs and senior international officer for TSU, said it was an honor to be acknowledged for the prestigious awards.
Dr. Winn also serves as the Fulbright Liaison for the University.
Dr. Jewell Winn
“Our students and faculty participated in Fulbright workshops this Spring and were excited about the many opportunities available,” Winn said. “As a result, we are seeing more interest in Fulbright initiatives and are very grateful to be part of a university community committed to comprehensive internationalization through important partnerships such as this.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Over 1,000 TSU students will be better prepared for internships and the job market following the university’s Fall Career Fair. The students took advantage of meeting over 240 potential employers at the fair that included representatives from government agencies, aerospace, banking, engineering, healthcare, and several other industries. The employers set up tables and displays in the Gentry Center Complex to network with students about career and employment opportunities.
Companies representing the automotive, engineering, aerospace, banking and healthcare industries attend the 2022 Fall Career fair. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“This is amazing,” Antoinette Duke, Director of the Career Development Center said during the event. “This is the largest career fair that we’ve had.” In preparation of the fair, the university held career readiness sessions at each housing location, on and off campus. The hands-on training sessions were led by executives and representatives of major companies such as Atria, PepsiCo, and Procter and Gamble.
President Glenda Glover made an announcement mid-event stating how proud she was to see students seeking employment and thanked all the company representatives for coming. “We appreciate the support … thank you to our sponsors for being here,” Glover said.
Whitney Hawkins, a freshman health science major from Chicago, Illinois speaks with represnentives for Overhead Door Company. (Photo by: Aaron Grayson)
“And to the students, I look forward to you all being employees for the companies present, in the near future.”
Whitney Hawkins, a freshman health science major from Chicago, Illinois, said she was excited to see how many companies poured into her HBCU with internship and employment opportunities.
“I am open to learn about all these amazing companies,” Hawkins said during the event. “I am grateful that the school had this opportunity for us. They (employers) were really open and conversational.” While Hawkins was searching for internship opportunities to one day become a physician assistant, Reginald Cooper Jr., a rising senior from Memphis, was on a job hunt for opportunities related to health sciences.
Reginald Cooper Jr., a rising senior from Memphis, spoke with several employers as he seeks interest in a career related to health sciences. (Photo by: Aaron Grayson)
“It was very informative speaking with Fifth Third Bank, as it has been at all the booths,” Cooper said.
“It’s great to see how many booths have come back from the previous years to show that they have an interest in TSU students.” Cooper appreciated how all the employees at each booth was approachable, greeting him with a smile. “I found a lot of opportunities and I’m excited that I see a lot of TSU students here.”
Xenea Ford, a TSU graduate who attended the fair to represent her company, said it was a full circle moment to see how impactful the event was for her and current students. Ford is a 2017 graduate who is an Internal Account Manager for Jackson National Life Insurance Company.
TSU alum Xenea Ford, an Internal Account Manager for Jackson National Life Insurance Company, said her company is offering job and internship opportunities. (Photo by: Aaron Grayson)
“I actually found out about my company at a career fair at TSU in Kean (Hall),” Ford said.
“It feels really nostalgic and amazing to be able to be here. We are looking for diverse talent and I love that we are looking here at TSU. Harold Guy, another TSU alum who is an Account Executive for Enterprise fleet management, couldn’t agree more.
“I have been smiling from ear to ear since I have been here,” Guy laughed during the event. “I am excited to see the students dressing the part and coming in with their resumes.”
Employers said they were impressed about the students’ level of preparation and career readiness.(Photo by: Aaron Grayson)
Like many students, one of those rising seniors who had their resume on hand was Adrien Calvert who is studying Mass Communications.
“This is something to appreciate,” Calvert said noting that many companies told him there is a seat at the table for a communications major.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Turner Construction Company awarded three $15,000 scholarships for engineering students and will fund $65,000 to the department in Tuition Assistance Program grants to qualified students. TSU and Turner have partnered in efforts to support STEM students, and specifically those majoring in engineering. A check presentation and roundtable discussion were held to highlight the partnership.
More than 50 students attended along with TSU President Glenda Glover, executives from the company, and alumni in engineering. In addition to the scholarships, roundtable discussion focused on internships, career opportunities in the field of engineering and HBCU impact.
The three scholarship winners of Turner award are: Gregory Hobbs, Havilah Akachukwu and Ethiopine Choping.
Gregory Hobbs, left, Havilah Akachukwu, center, and Ethiopine Choping, right, were awarded $15,000 scholarships from Turner Construction Company. (Photo by Alexis Clark)
Akachukwu, a junior from Nigeria majoring in Mechanical Engineering, said she is thankful for the awarded funds and thought the overall event was amazing.
“To be able to see people in the industry take out time from their busy schedules to be there, just to talk about ways in which we, the students in engineering could help ourselves was wonderful,” Akachukwu said. She looks forward to one day becoming a design engineer and thanked Turner for believing in the university as majority of the panelists were either HBCU or TSU graduates.
“For the efforts they have put into our school and the students, I am grateful. They were all lovely and tried their best to communicate and interact with every student present.” Choping, a civil engineering major from Alaska, was shocked when she was notified about the scholarship and mentioned how informative the event was.
“I learned that there are different paths to take to be successful and each path is unique,” Choping said. “As long as you’re putting in effort, you will get the results you want.”
Hobbs, an Architectural Engineering major from Alabama, said that he prayed about receiving the scholarship to help cut cost of his tuition.
“The Turner Company event was wonderful,” Hobbs said. “The speakers provided a lot of insight on making it through school and choosing the correct career path. They spoke on managing school, personal life, and mental health.” Hobbs said the panelist assured him how much TSU alumni take care of one another and appreciated the insight.
Students, TSU President Glenda Glover, and engineering department staff listens during roundtable discussion from Turner panelists about career goals in the field and HBCU impact. (Photo by Alexis Clark)
“I learned that TSU is a family,” Hobbs said. Everyone wants you to succeed and are willing to help you.”
Charles Stewart, Vice President, Diverse Recruiting and Outreach, said the program is about, “the development of the student, helping the university enhance their pipeline and develop their students to be prepared to step out in the communities where we work every day, and be able to work with companies like ours.”
TSU graduate Jimmie Jones, told the students that the foundation of being able to be his true self at the university is one of the reasons he is a superintendent at Turner now. “The biggest things I received from here (TSU) is the support from my peers.”
Charles Stewart speaks about his company experience and program efforts. (Photo by Bethany Legg)
Dr. Catherine Armwood-Gordon, Interim Chair and Associate Professor for the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering, said having TSU and HBCU alumni as part of the panel was a great way to show representation.
“It allows students to relate and form relationships with people in the industry and company who at one point were exactly where they are now,” Armwood-Gordon said. “Allowing them to see the possibilities of their future with their degrees and understand that the time, commitment, and rigorousness of the degree will pay off in the end. The College of Engineering is grateful for Turner Construction Company investing in our students by providing scholarships and support to student activities and engagement.”
Along with Jones, panelist Don Hardin Jr., and the event moderator Susan Vanderbilt, are all TSU alumni. Vanderbilt is the executive director and owner of Entrée Savvy, LLC, while Hardin is the owner of Don Hardin Group, the firm that designed and constructed the National Museum of African American Music located downtown.
The panel also included Stewart, Valarie Franklin, a Senior Associate/Client Relationship Manager for Moody Nolan, and the companies Lead Estimator, Cerise Inganji.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 13, 2022) – Tennessee State University officially welcomed its largest class ever of first-year students during the Fall 2022 Freshman Convocation held on Sept. 16. More than 3,500 new students poured into the Gentry Center complex in all-white attire and were formally introduced by TSU faculty and staff as official TSU tigers.
The annual assembly for freshmen marks the beginning of their academic journey at the University and their transformation as college students.
TSU President Glenda Glover welcomes class of 2026 at the university’s largest class ever of first-year students during the Fall 2022 Freshman Convocation. (Photo by: Aaron Grayson)
TSU President Glenda Glover welcomed the students to the university with words of encouragement.
“As young college students, you are heading in the right direction,” Glover said. “Keep on being excellent. Keep shinning and be strong … strong enough to know your purpose of why you are here.”
A very talented freshman, Autumn Parker, blew everyone away with her rendition of Hero by Mariah Carey. The political science major from Michigan says the experience was one to remember because she had never performed in front of such a large crowd. Parker adds she has been singing her entire life but sharing her vocals to thousands was a first.
“I was very excited to be able to share my God-given gift with my class,” Parker said. “It also brought me a sense of comfort to be surrounded by people who look like me. I was able to see Black excellence personified, which was incredible.”
More than 3,500 new students poured into the Gentry Center complex in all-white attire and were formally introduced by TSU faculty and staff as official TSU tigers. (Phot by: Aaron Grayson)
During the convocation the students pledged to commit themselves “to serious intellectual and cultural efforts,” and to conduct themselves “with honor and dignity to become better prepared to live a full and useful life in society.”
TSU freshman Tyler Cole, a mass communications major whose parents are TSU alumni, said during the event he reflected on his parents undergraduate journey at TSU, which made his experience at the convocation even more special.
“It made me think about what my parents went through here and how successful they turned out,” Cole said. “And seeing all my classmates together gave me hope … it felt natural to be there.”
TSU freshman Autumn Parker blew everyone away with her rendition of Hero by Mariah Carey during the Fall 2022 Freshman Convocation. (Photo by: Aaron Grayson)
Terrence Izzard, Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success said the convocation is an annual opening assembly that marks the beginning of the academic journey of the record-breaking, first-time freshmen. It is the official start of the transformation and growth that will transpire within the lives of our newest TSU Tigers.
“The University is pleased to welcome over 3,500 new first-year students,” Izzard said. “It remains committed to providing holistic care and support to ensure that each student has access to resources and services that will help them succeed both academically and personally.”
TSU’s history making class of first-year college students outnumbers the total African-American population at some institutions. The freshmen class average GPA is 3.38. While the largest population of incoming students are from Tennessee, and neighboring states like Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky and Ohio, there is huge a surge of students from as far as California, Texas, Michigan, and Wisconsin.
STEAM majors in agricultural sciences, engineering and health sciences, along with business, and education continue to be the most popular among the new freshman class.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Linda Parrish has been coming to the Southern Heritage Classic since it started 33 years ago. Each year, she looks forward to the second weekend in September for the replay of tradition, camaraderie, homecoming, and most of all, the rivalry on the football field.
President Glenda Glover gives an update on the university at the annual President’s Reception and Alumni Mixer at the Renasant Center in Memphis. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“I remember when the classic first started with TSU playing Grambling State University, and how it has evolved into one of the premier Black college football showcases in the nation,” says Parrish, a 1976 TSU graduate, and a retired registered nurse from Miami.
The classic is more than the action on the field for TSU. West Tennessee, north Mississippi, and specifically Memphis are fertile grounds to recruit top high school students.
Brenda Gale Joiner, a graduating senior at Hamilton High School with a 3.9 GPA, is coming to TSU next fall to major in civil engineering. She was among several students recruited at the annual college fair as part of the classic week events.
The TSU Aristocrat of Bands participates in the 33rd Southern Heritage Classic Parade. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
“TSU is the home of the Tigers, and I love it,” she said. “I know it is a great institution. I have heard great things about the programs, and my father went to TSU.”
Another fair goer, Kiereney Cole, a graduating senior from Booker T. Washington High School, has TSU in her sight. She wants to major in business, marketing and entrepreneurship. She has heard a lot about TSU’s business program.
“I choose TSU because it looks a very good school and I like the HBCU atmosphere,” says Cole. “I know few graduates from my school who go there and and I like what they say about the university.”
Kiereney Cole, right, a graduating senior from Booker T. Washington High School, talks to a TSU admissions official at the annual college fair in Memphis. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
At the President’s Reception and Alumni Mixer – part of the classic weekend event – to update alumni and supporters on the state of affairs at the university, TSU President Glenda Glover touted the high quality of students attending the university. She announced the university’s historic freshman enrollment, the highest among all HBCUs in the nation, record research funding, also the highest among HBCUs, as well as a $250 million from the state for infrastructural improvement.
“I greet you in the name of excellence. We began this semester with excitement and enthusiasm about the great things that are happening at TSU,” President Glover said. “We have the largest enrollment in our first-year class in the history of our university. I am told it is the largest enrollment of all HBCUs. Our research funding was also the highest last year, and we came close to tying that record this year, with $67 million in research funding. TSU received $250 million from the state for infrastructural development. We are in the process of identifying the structures we want to improve and upgrade and present our plan to the state.”
Debbi Howard, Director of Alumni Relations, welcomes guests at the President’s Reception and Alumni Mixer. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
On TSU’s recent housing situation, Glover said demand had exceeded supply due primarily due to high enrollment, and the high cost of living in Nashville, which had more upperclassmen seeking on-campus because they can no longer afford housing in the city. She said TSU’s situation was not unique.
“Many universities across the country and even here in Tennessee are experiencing the same demand for campus housing. Some sent students homes without any options. We provided our students with options because we know many of them will not come without a place to stay. TSU students could attend online for free if they paid a deposit or live in off-campus housing.”
The President thanked alumni, officials, and friends for their continued support of TSU and most importantly students. Before the night ended, the gathering had raised more than $40,000 for student support, including $25,000 from TSU alum Lt. Col. James W. Williams, a Vietnam veteran and former prisoner of war. The check was a contribution to an endowment in his name at the university. Also, during halftime of the football game, alumnus Sedric Turner presented a check for $110,000 as the first installment on a $1 million pledge to support student scholarships and the Aristocrat of Bands.
Diehard TSU Tigers fans cheer on their beloved team at the Southern Heritage Classic football game. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)
Besides the college fair and big game on Saturday, another highlight of the SHC was the annual parade in the Orange Mound community of Memphis. Hundreds of people lined the route to see the floats and participants, including TSU’s world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands. While the score wasn’t in TSU’s favor, the University still came away as winner with peaked interest from high school students and alumni support.
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.
