Denmark, S.C. — October 30, 2025 — Voorhees University mourns the passing of Dr. Leonard E. Dawson, the institution’s seventh president, who transitioned on October 28, 2025, at the age of 91 in his home in Augusta, Georgia. Dr. Dawson served with distinction as president of Voorhees from 1985 to 2001, leading the institution through a period of growth, strengthened academic programming, and expansion of student support services. His commitment to student achievement, community partnership, and institutional excellence helped guide Voorhees into a new era of development and national recognition. During his tenure, Dr. Dawson championed innovation and strategic advancement,…
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By DeAnn Hays MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — As the new chair of the Department of Media Arts at Middle Tennessee State University, Bob Gordon brings nearly 20 years of teaching experience and almost five decades of television news and broadcast experience to the role — along with a passion to provide students with real-world, hands-on learning opportunities. Gordon, who began teaching at MTSU in 2007, officially stepped into the role in September after serving as the department’s interim chair, all the while continuing in his well-known role to students, faculty and staff overseeing the university’s beloved $2 million mobile production lab,…
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Agriculture Division of Forestry (TDF) is once again calling on citizens across the state to lend a hand in restoring one of Tennessee’s most highly valued native trees — the white oak. The Tennessee White Oak Initiative, an acorn collection project, is a cooperative effort among TDF, TDF’s East Tennessee Nursery, the University of Tennessee Extension, and the Tennessee Forestry Association. “This initiative is part of a large-scale effort to address the dropping rates of white oak regrowth in Tennessee’s forests,” State Forester Heather Slayton said. “White oaks are a critical part of Tennessee’s…
FRANKLIN, Tenn. – The Franklin Police Department has launched Home Safe Franklin, a new voluntary registry designed to help officers quickly and safely reunite vulnerable individuals with their loved ones in the event they wander or become disoriented. Home Safe Franklin allows families and caregivers to provide essential information about loved ones who live with conditions such as Alzheimer’s, dementia, autism, Down syndrome, or other cognitive or developmental challenges. That information is securely stored in a confidential database accessible only to law enforcement, ensuring officers have the tools they need to respond swiftly and compassionately during a crisis. “The goal…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Following a nationwide search led by Isaacson, Miller search firm, Fisk University is pleased to announce that Dr. Brian L. Nelms – former Dean of Fisk’s School of Natural Sciences, Mathematics and Business – has been named as the university’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs. Dr. Nelms brings extensive experience in academic service and leadership to the position of Provost. In addition to serving as the lead coordinator of Fisk’s undergraduate biochemistry and molecular biology degree program, he also serves as the director of graduate studies for biology at Fisk, where he instructs and mentors students…
Nashville, TN –The Nashville Farmers’ Market Fresh Bucks program will match spending up to $100 for all customers using their EBT card to purchase fresh food. When a shopper spends $100 on fresh food at the market using their nutrition assistance benefits, the market will offer an additional $100 in tokens to improve affordability to fresh, nutritional food. The matching funds are made possible through a grant with the TN Department of Health, and the funds will be available for the next three years. “As the federal government prepares to abandon its responsibility to Americans just trying to put food…
Franklin, TN — Pastor Boyce E. Wilkins, Jr. and the members of Shorter Chapel AME Church are excited to announce the Grand Opening of the Shorter Chapel Food Pantry on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The opening celebration will take place at the Shorter Chapel Community Life Center, located at 263 Natchez Street, Franklin, Tennessee. During this special event, Shorter Chapel warmly invites individuals and families in need to visit and receive food assistance. Rooted in a mission of service, Shorter Chapel AME Church remains dedicated to meeting the needs of the Franklin community. Recognizing the growing challenges…
Dr. Alvin Singh M.D., a decorated U.S. Army veteran, distinguished obstetrician-gynecologist, and global humanitarian, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by family on October 24, 2025, at the age of 80. Born September 5, 1945, in New York City, Dr. Singh dedicated his life to healing, teaching, and service. A proud alumnus of Central State University and Meharry Medical College, he went on to build a remarkable medical career spanning more than three decades across the United States and abroad. Dr. Singh served as a Captain and Special Forces Medic in the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division during the…
NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Democratic Party has hired two new senior staffers to roles in communications and finance. Luis Mata will serve as the Tennessee Democratic Party’s new Communications & Deputy Executive Director, and Christina Keith will step into the role of Finance Director. “We’re bringing on two powerhouses who know what it takes to win in Tennessee,” said Tennessee Democratic Party Chair Rachel Campbell. “Luis and Christina bring the kind of energy, vision, and experience we need to meet this moment — and build something real from the ground up.” Luis Mata has spent more than a decade organizing on the frontlines of…
The Tennessee Titans have parted ways with head coach Brian Callahan after a disappointing 1–5 start to the season. Callahan’s overall record in Nashville ends at 4–19, capping off a turbulent tenure that never gained momentum. Tuesday, Mike McCoy was named head coach on an interim basis. Meanwhile, tension within the locker room became clear earlier this season when rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the team’s first overall draft pick, made a blunt remark following Tennessee’s fourth consecutive loss: “If we keeping it a buck right now, we ass.” That statement seemed to crystallize the disconnect between Callahan and his players,…