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…
Author: Alexis Clark
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…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – When most students move into a dorm, they bring posters, rugs, essentials, and maybe even a mini fridge to make it feel like home. But for David Nyenwe, a musician and rising junior at Tennessee State University, Boyd Hall wasn’t just a place to sleep—it was a stage waiting for a musician. Inspired by NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts, Nyenwe reimagined his dorm room as a “Tiny Dorm,” featuring TSU backup singers, a live band, and his original R&B music. Millions of social media views later, the small space sparked a big commotion, cementing his…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has been named a Fulbright HBCU Institutional Leader, marking the fourth time in five years. The prestigious recognition, awarded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA), highlights TSU’s contributions to global academic exchange for students, faculty, and staff. Dr. Jewell Winn, Senior International Officer and Executive Director for TSU’s Office of International Affairs, expressed pride in this achievement, emphasizing the university’s commitment to its international community since the office’s inception in 2012. “The Fulbright Program exposes our students, faculty, and staff to the world,” Dr.…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s College of Agriculture hosted its 20th Annual Small Farm Expo, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony for facilities rebuilt after the 2020 tornadoes. The event celebrated the reopening of the Controlled Environment Agriculture Research and Education Greenhouse, the Agriculture Education Center, and the Pavilion, which are key parts of TSU’s agricultural programs. TSU Interim President Ronald A. Johnson had remarks at the ceremony, emphasizing the resilience and determination of the university in overcoming past challenges. “The devastation caused by the 2020 tornado was a formidable setback, but it did not deter us,” Johnson…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – For TSU’s incoming freshman, Kennedi Hines, her passion for engineering started at age 7. Now, Hines, a Nashville native, will begin her collegiate journey at Tennessee State University to fulfill her dream of becoming an architectural engineer. “She has been building, constructing things, and drawing blueprints to scale since she was a little girl,” said Hines’ mother, Brittney Hazley. “So, I knew she had a passion and talent for this.” Hines, a third-generation legacy student, said she’s excited about the next four years at her new home. She is one of hundreds of first-time freshmen who…