NASHVILLE (TSU News Service) – The new academic year at Tennessee State University began with renewed enthusiasm at the TSU Faculty and Staff Institute for 2024-25. The event marked Interim President Dr. Ronald A. Johnson’s first formal appearance before faculty and staff. Johnson was warmly welcomed by more than 300 employees as he introduced key leadership additions and launched his 100-Day Action Plan, the Trajectory Change Initiative (TCI). This initiative is designed to address current challenges and ensure TSU remains a future-ready institution, poised for success and ready to meet thechallenges of the next decade and beyond. “I am here, I…
Author: Alexis Clark
By Alexis Clark NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — COVID-19 cases are spiking in several states across the country, including Tennessee, as projections from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate the spread of new COVID-19 variants. Recent data shows over 255,000 new cases reported in Davidson County alone within the last 180 days. According to the Tennessee Department of Health, there were nearly 370 new COVID-19 cases in the county for the week ending July 14. Tennessee State University’s Interim Public Health Program Director, Dr. Wendelyn Iman, emphasizes the importance of immunization as a preventative measure. “Whatever…
By Alexis Clark NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Metro Nashville students are proving that staying close to home can be advantageous as they prepare to attend Tennessee State University this fall. Incoming freshman and Nashville native Eric Thomas joined hundreds of students for the first week of new student orientation (NSO) at TSU. Thomas, a Metro Nashville Public Schools (MNPS) graduate, is benefiting from a partnership between the school district and TSU that launched two years ago. This partnership provides 100 scholarships to top students from MNPS. When NSO concludes in August, Thomas is expected to be among nearly…
By Alexis Clark NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University School of Nursing and Nurses Middle College (MC) Nashville hope to inspire 32 middle school students to become the next generation of healthcare professionals. The group of rising 7th and 8th graders recently visited TSU as a part of a nursing summer camp, where they learned CPR and patient care simulations. They received instruction from the School of Nursing faculty and learned about the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, cardiac arrest, identifying life-threatening situations, and more. Khloe Garrison, a Rose Park Middle Magnet 8th grader said the camp experience…
By Alexis Clark NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Tennessee State University Interim President Ronald Johnson marked the beginning of his tenure with a significant community event on his first day in Nashville. President Johnson attended the July 8th Rotary Club of Nashville meeting, which featured Gov. Bill Lee. Rotary President and TSU alumnus Dr. Alfred Degrafinreid II recognized Johnson, who attended as guest of TSU Board Dr. Marquita Qualls. President Johnson described the Rotary meeting as eventful, as he had the opportunity to meet with the governor and dozens of business leaders and stakeholders to continue fostering access and…
By Alexis Clark and Chrishonda O’Quinn NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Tennessee State University continues to make strides as a global institution. In collaboration with the HBCU African Education Coalition (HAEC), TSU has launched the Ghana Experience program to promote cultural exchange, global awareness, and academic enrichment. The initiative brought together 60 TSU students and staff who embarked on a transformative journey from June 1-16 to various regions of Ghana, including Accra, Akosombo, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. Mark Brinkley, who serves as director of International Education in TSU’s Office of International Affairs, explained how the HAEC partnership and the…
By Alexis Clark NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) just announced their second cohort of talented interns selected nationwide, and one of their hand-picked interns is a familiar face in the Big Blue community. Briana Thomas, a mass communication student at Tennessee State University, was selected as one of 14 TPS Dreamers Intern Class of 2024 out of over 1,000 applicants. Thomas, of San Diego, California, is a rising senior with dreams of becoming an independent filmmaker. She just started the 6-week paid internship based in Atlanta, Georgia, working in deliverables, where she is responsible for…
By Alexis Clark NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Tennessee State University’s Commercial Music Program concluded its third annual course in partnership with the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) Music Accelerator Program, and student participants believe it’s only getting better. Those lucky enough to enroll in the coveted three-week music program spent time with representatives from Apple, Live Nation, Def Jam, Atlantic Records, BMI, Spotify, and other music industry personnel. In its third year, the accelerator program continues to inspire students like Adren Gilmore and Morgan Alford. Gilmore is a rising sophomore majoring in commercial music. The Texas native said…
By Alexis Clark NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) – When TSU alumna Tionn Fambro Carter interned at the Tennessee State Capitol in 2004, she noticed a glaring lack of diversity in the House of Representatives. There was no reflection of her identity or her community’s demographics. The experience ignited her passion for public service, particularly drafting public policies that would positively impact her community. It also impacted Carter’s plans following her graduation from TSU. “I loved seeing all of the decisions being made and the new laws being created,” Carter recalled. “But I didn’t see a lot of representation…
By Alexis Clark NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Tennessee State University is home away from home for hundreds of students from around the world. As a global institution, TSU offers international students a place to learn and thrive, helping them to navigate in their new surroundings, while providing a safe space for cultural acceptance. The university’s commitment to its international student population is paying off. TSU recently place sixth as Best Value HBCU Rankings for international students, according to Study Abroad Aide. “TSU is pleased to receive this top 10 ranking as it speaks to our commitment to…