TSU welcomes freshmen, expects record enrollment for first-year students

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Class of 2026 could be the largest freshman class in school history. Over 2,000 first-year students have registered, with plans to attend TSU this fall. That’s in addition to nearly 300 transfer students who have also registered for the 2022-2033 academic year.

President Glenda Glover welcomes the Lowery family from Las Vegas, Nevada, as they drop off their daughter, Layke-Michal, during Freshman Move-In Day at TSU. (Phopto by Aaron Grayson)

During the first day of TSU’s traditional Freshmen Move-in Day, the new students received keys to their residence halls, picked up IDs, meal passes and gained access to other amenities. Over 200 TSU administrators, student leaders, athletes and alumni helped students and their families with the move in.

TSU President Glenda Glover was on hand to greet students and speak with families.

“We are excited that this is the largest first-year class in the history of TSU,” said President Glenda Glover. “This growth is very positive for TSU as more and more students seek to attend our university.”

Layke-Michal Lowery, a nursing major, checks into her room as father Michael and mom Stephanie look on. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

Most of the new Tigers are from Tennessee but also come from the neighboring states of Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, and Mississippi. However, many have travelled from as far as California, Nevada, Texas, Michigan, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Top majors for past incoming freshmen have included agricultural sciences, business, education engineering and health sciences. University officials said that is not expected to change.

The record freshman class also arrives at TSU with top academic credentials.

Bailey Scott and J’Ronte Stephens, two best friends from Atlanta, are among scholarship recipients that moved in this week. Both said they are looking forward to starting their college careers as TSU Tigers.

Bailey Scott, left, and J’Ronte Stephens, best friends from sixth grade, say TSU has long been their choice of university. (Photo by TSU Media Relations)

“I am happy to be a TSU Tiger,” said Scott, who received her keys to a room in the new 700-bed, ultra-modern residence hall. “Everything has just fallen in place for us since the first day. From registration to housing and the freshman orientation, everybody we met was welcoming, and that’s a major motivation.” Scott will major in nursing.

Stephens, who will major in education, will stay in Hale Hall. He said he’s glad that the two of them will have housing close to each other. The two have been friends since the sixth grade and plan to maintain their friendship, continue to excel academically, and have fun.

A TSU upperclassman helps families move their children in Wilson Hall on Freshman Move-In Day. Alumni, faculty, staff joined in to help new students move in. (Photo by Aaron Grayson, TSU Media Relations)

“TSU was always on the radar for me, and when I was offered a scholarship, and Bailey too, that sealed the deal for me,” Stephens said. “When I visited campus, the vibe was so genuine, and I love everything about TSU. I feel very fortunate for all the opportunities.”

Frank Stevenson, associate vice president for student affairs and dean of students, said the university is happy to welcome the new students, also assuring them of a safe and exciting learning environment.

“This is a really exciting time to have this level of uptick of students who are ready to be back on campus. We have a lot of things planned for the campus and I think our first-time freshmen are going to see the energy and excitement of the TSU.”

Terrence Izzard, associate vice president for enrollment management, added, “The TSU journey begins for one of the largest classes in the history of the university. We know they will leave a legacy here at TSU.”

The University has delayed the beginning of classes to accommodate the large freshmen move-in. TSU is now accepting applications for fall 2023. For more information, visit https://www.tnstate.edu/apply/

Department of Media Relations

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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.