NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News) – Tennessee State University marked a historic milestone April 21 as university officials, state legislators, and community stakeholders gathered in the heart of campus for the groundbreaking of a state-of-the-art $60 million engineering facility. Designed to elevate the student experience through immersive, hands-on learning, the nearly 70,000-square-foot building is intended to be an interdisciplinary hub for innovation and workforce readiness. President Dwayne Tucker says the new facility will give students hands-on experiences that mirror what industries offer. (Photo by Aaron Grayson) The facility, funded by the State of Tennessee, will be constructed on the site of the…
Author: Emmanuel Freeman
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – When the processional music begins at Tennessee State University’s Spring 2026 Commencement on May 1, one graduate will embody the university’s motto of “Think. Work. Serve.” In a way, that spans nearly nine decades. Dr. Charles Whitman Dabbs Charles Whitman Dabbs, 85, will walk across the stage at the Gentry Center Complex to receive his Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership, proving that the pursuit of knowledge has no expiration date. Dabbs is one of nearly 1,400 graduates, the university’s largest class in several years that will be honored during the two-day ceremony on…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – For the first time in more than three decades, Tennessee State University men’s basketball is headed to the NCAA Tournament. President Dwayne Tucker, middle, and Athletics Director Mikki Allen, left, congratulate Coach Nolan Smith on winning the OVC championship. (TSU Athletics) The Tigers (23-9) captured the 2026 Ohio Valley Conference Tournament Championship on March 7 with a commanding 93–67 victory over Morehead State at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana, securing the league’s automatic bid to March Madness and ending a 32-year drought for the program. The TSU community will have an opportunity to celebrate…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has received a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of War to establish a Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Visualization, and Simulation (RAIVS) Laboratory. The initiative aims to fulfill an urgent national need by enhancing educational programs that train students in Human-Machine Teaming (HMT) skills, preparing them for key roles in a technology-driven workforce. Dr. Charles D. McCurry The RAIVS Laboratory will integrate advanced robotics and artificial intelligence into existing curricula, with the goal of equipping students with hands-on experience and essential skills necessary to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. Engineering…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is deeply saddened by the passing of distinguished alumna Brenda Wills Otis, whose impactful legacy in media and education will be cherished by many. Brenda’s unwavering dedication to student success and her pioneering efforts in advocating for equality have left an indelible mark on TSU and the broader community. Brenda’s passing on Feb. 22 follows closely after that of her husband, Amos Otis, on Nov. 14, marking a profound moment for a family that has significantly contributed to the university and the community. Brenda and Amos Otis made history as the first…
Tennessee State University continued its rich Homecoming tradition on Wednesday night with the coronation of Jeremiah Clemmons as the 35th Mister TSU and Kennedy Chambers as the 96th Miss TSU, in a jubilant event that filled Kean Hall with hundreds of supporters including parents, relatives, friends, and fellow students. TSU President Dwayne Tucker welcomed the new royal duo, as he administered the oath of office, emphasizing the importance of their roles. “Congratulations to both of you! Your leadership and dedication are vital to our vibrant student community,” Tucker said. Dr. Bridgett Golman, vice president for Student Affairs, followed with a…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – In a historic step forward for health education, Tennessee State University announces the official launch of its Ph.D. program in Public Health in the College of Health Sciences. At a ceremony on the Avon Williams campus, university officials and faculty members welcomed the inaugural cohort of eight students, nearly all of whom are graduates of TSU’s Master of Public Health (MPH) program. Dr. Mohamed Kanu, Interim Dean of the College of Health Sciences, congratulates members of the inaugural class of the Ph.D. program in Public Health. (Photo by Aaron Grayson/TSU) “This is not just an…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Tennessee State University President Dwayne Tucker today announced the hiring of three senior leaders who will play pivotal roles in advancing the university’s multi-year transformation strategy. Eloise Abernathy Alexis “I am pleased that the three outstanding leaders we are announcing today will bring their experience, vision, and deep commitment to help advance our great university,” said TSU President Dwayne Tucker. “TSU is entering a new era, one that calls for bold leadership and a transformative approach. Each of these leaders will be instrumental in moving us into a new era of student-centered excellence.” Eloise Abernathy Alexis, who will…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – (TSU News Service)– In a celebration steeped in legacy and hope, Tennessee State University held its spring commencement ceremonies on May 2 and 3, honoring more than 800 graduate and undergraduate students at the Gentry Center Complex on the main campus. The ceremonies commenced Friday evening for graduate students with a heartfelt address from Interim President Dwayne Tucker, a proud TSU alumnus from the Class of 1980. In his keynote speech, Tucker urged the students to embrace their roles as future leaders. “You are the next generation of creators, builders, doctors, and scholars,” Tucker said. “Today represents…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – This year’s spring commencement ceremonies at Tennessee State University will showcase keynote speakers from both the administration and student body. Interim President Dwayne Tucker will address graduates during the ceremony on Friday, May 2, at 5 p.m. On Saturday, May 3, at 8 a.m., Chrishonda O’Quinn, president of the Student Government Association, and Tyler Vazquez, student trustee on the TSU Board of Trustees, will co-deliver the keynote address for undergraduate students. Both ceremonies will take place in the Gentry Center Complex, with over 800 students set to receive degrees across various disciplines. Tucker, a…