NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – As the music industry turns its attention to the GRAMMY Awards this weekend, Tennessee State University is celebrating a historic moment of its own.
“This is more than music.”
Those words, spoken by Jasmine Fripp, reflect the purpose behind her work and the national recognition now spotlighting both her journey and Tennessee State University. Fripp, TSU’s Director of Choral Activities, is a top 10 finalist for the 2026 GRAMMY Music Educator Award. She is the only finalist representing a Historically Black College or University.
The nomination marks a milestone not only for Fripp, but for TSU’s growing reputation for producing faculty and students who operate at the highest levels of excellence.
“This award isn’t just about me,” Fripp said. “It’s a testament to the hard work of the students that stepped up and really put the choral program on the map. They are building community and culture, and they want to see this program be nationally recognized.”
Fripp joined TSU in fall 2024 and currently leads the University Choir, the Meistersingers, and the newly reinstated TSU Showstoppers Show Choir. In less than a year, her leadership has revitalized the choral program, drawing national attention for its sound, discipline, and cultural relevance.
Before joining TSU, Fripp spent nearly 11 years in music education, developing award-winning choral programs in public and charter schools, where students earned all-state and mid-state honors. During that time, her choirs performed at Bridgestone Arena, the Country Music Hall of Fame, and the Schermerhorn Symphony Center, and shared stages with The Clark Sisters, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, and Tiera Kennedy.
In 2023, she was named a top 10 finalist for the Music Educator Award while directing choir at KIPP Nashville Collegiate High School. The nomination this year, however, is her first as a collegiate and HBCU educator.
“I prayed about applying again when I received this role at TSU,” she said. “I’m happy that I can be named as somebody who gives students a quality education. It’s a testament to the hard work of the students and to excellence.”
That impact is felt most clearly by her students. Morgan Craver, a senior psychology major with a music minor from Alabama, performs in the University Choir, Meistersingers, and Showstoppers.
“It’s not shocking at all to me that she’s been nominated,” Craver said. “She came in and turned our program around.”
Craver, who entered TSU without a choral background, said Fripp’s teaching style created space for growth, confidence, and belonging.
“As a Black woman, seeing her reach this level while remaining humble is inspiring,” she said. “TSU has professors who alter the way you think and shape your life. Professor Fripp is one of those professors.”
Under Fripp’s leadership, TSU choirs have been invited to perform at galas and events across the country, earning recognition for their excellence and commitment to community.
“It’s not my choir … it’s our choir,” Fripp said. “Our students’ voices matter. Their thoughts matter. We create together. This is more than music.”
As the GRAMMYs air Sunday, Fripp hopes the moment brings visibility not just to her work, but to the power of HBCU faculty, programs, and students.
“This recognition shines a light on what’s possible when students are truly supported,” she said.
The GRAMMY Awards air Sunday, February 1, on CBS and Paramount+. To learn more about TSUs music department and choral programs, visit www.tnstate.edu/music/.