NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The title says it all: It Doesn’t Rain on the AOB. For 80 years, Tennessee State University’s Aristocrat of Bands has embodied resilience, discipline, and excellence, whether rehearsing before sunrise on campus, performing before thousands, or carrying forward traditions that have shaped generations of Tigers. Those qualities were celebrated June 19 at the National Museum of African American Music (NMAAM) during the unveiling of an exhibit honoring the Grammy Award-winning band. The panel discussion on the legacy of AOB, featured Dr. Gerald Davis II, left, as moderator, Dr. Derrick Greene, Assistant Director, and James Sexton, Interim…
Author: Alexis Clark
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – For Tennessee State University alumnus Jamal Henderson, landing the role of Jermaine Jackson in “Michael,” the biopic about the King of Pop, marks his biggest role yet in a career that won’t stop until he gets enough. The life-changing performance has been nothing short of a “Thriller.” Henderson earned his bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from TSU in 2011 and later completed his master’s in civil engineering in 2013. Jamal Henderson attends the U.S. premiere of the Michael biopic at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, marking a milestone moment in his acting journey. (Photo submitted) Opening on April…
NASHVILLE, TN — (TSU News Service) – Alumna April Robinson has been named Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Tennessee State University, where she will lead the university’s financial strategy, accounting and audit. As part of President Dwayne Tucker’s efforts to strengthen TSU’s fiscal foundation and advance its multi-year transformation strategy, Robinson will oversee accounting, budgeting, financial planning, financial reporting and compliance audit. She will also provide strategic guidance to support the university’s long-term goals. Robinson, a certified public accountant, joined TSU on Jan. 2. A proven financial leader with nearly two decades of consulting and leadership experience, Robinson earned a…
Tennessee State University announces Amoré Dixie as the new Miss Tennessee State University, continuing the institution’s longstanding tradition of student leadership and service. Dixie, who becomes the 96th Miss TSU, is a senior mass communications major from Birmingham, Alabama. She will serve alongside Mister TSU, Jeremiah Clemmons. Amoré Dixie, left, and Jeremiah Clemmons attend this semester’s ’Tis the Big Blue Season Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. Known on campus for her academic excellence and active involvement in student government and leadership, Dixie said, “I feel incredibly blessed and grateful to serve as the 96th Miss Tennessee State University. What matters most to me is building deeper, more meaningful connections with the student body and being present…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) — Tennessee State University is deeply saddened to announce the passing of one of its most distinguished alumni and dedicated supporters, Amos- Leon’ Otis, who passed away on Nov 14 at age 85. Otis was a proud TSU alumnus, a respected business leader, a champion for student success, and an advocate for his alma mater for more than five decades. A 1965 graduate of TSU, Otis went on to build an extraordinary career as founder, president, and CEO of SoBran Inc., a leading technical and professional services company that provides expertise on biomedical research, engineering and…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Tennessee State University President Dwayne Tucker has appointed a new financial leader in his effort to strengthen the university’s fiscal operations and advance the institution’s multi-year transformation strategy. Julie R. James has been named University Controller, responsible for overseeing all accounting operations, including financial reporting and internal controls to ensure accuracy and compliance. James, a Certified Public Accountant, joined TSU on Nov. 10. An accomplished accounting and audit professional, James brings more than two decades of experience leading risk management, financial operations, and organizational improvement across corporate, nonprofit, and public accounting sectors. “I am honored to join the…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is taking a step toward a future-ready campus with a new, nearly 70,000-square-foot engineering building. Approved by the Tennessee State Building Commission on August 15, the $50 million facility will serve as a hub for innovation, collaboration, and cutting-edge research, while reflecting TSU’s commitment to sustainability, workforce development, and leadership among university engineering programs. Rendering of the rear view of Tennessee State University’s new College of Engineering building, scheduled for completion in Summer 2027. (Photo courtesy of Melvin Gill & Associates and Bauer Askew Architecture.) The project will consolidate engineering programs and the Applied…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – A Tennessee State University student is spending the summer at one of the most prestigious institutions, Harvard Medical School, applying what she’s learned at TSU to cutting-edge biomedical research. Kyla Hughes, a senior and Dallas native, already has a Massachusetts Institute of Technology internship under her belt as the accolades are continuing to build. The agriculture biotechnology major is undergoing her current paid 10-week internship at Boston Children’s Hospital in the Department of Cardiology, as part of the Summer Honors Undergraduate Research Program at Harvard. “My reaction to getting the internship was very positive,” Hughes…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Room 164 of the Tennessee State University band hall was filled with pure, organic harmonies and an energy that couldn’t be replicated. More than 230 members of the Grammy-winning Aristocrat of Bands (AOB) fed off the vibe of R&B star and actress Coco Jones. Together, they created a historic and unforgettable moment. Grammy-winning Aristocrat of Bands smile and play their instruments mid-performance in the band room for R&B star and actress Coco Jones. (Photo courtesy of Faith Miniard) As a surprise, the AOB delivered a soulful rendition of Jones’ Grammy-winning hit ICU, moving her to tears.…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – As one of the few Black female directors at ESPN, Tennessee State University alumna Brandy Tate brings her vision, creativity, and leadership from behind the camera to the forefront. A key figure in directing what ESPN audiences see on air every day, the 2002 TSU graduate has made her mark in the male-dominated world of sports media. In celebration of Women’s History Month, Tate stands out as a trailblazer. She is one of the few women directing content at ESPN, having led major programs such as NFL Live, Tom Brady: Inside the Arena, the College Football Championship, and First…