By Emmanuel Freeman NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — College campuses across the country are using creative ways to battle the latest surge of the coronavirus. At Tennessee State University – with one of the lowest number of cases among Tennessee colleges – officials are using technology and offering incentives to students to help curb the spread of the virus among the campus population. The university has stepped up its rapid testing, encourages students to do more contact tracing using a new software, and has set up electronic temperature checks around campus. Tigers Mask Up, an initiative that offers…
Author: Emmanuel Freeman
By Emmanuel Freeman NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Calling it a symbol of strength and a representation of its Big Blue pride, Tennessee State University has unveiled a tiger statue on the main campus to coincide with this year’s virtual Homecoming ceremonies. The specially commissioned bronze 6-foot long sculpture, weighing in at 500 pounds, was unveiled Oct. 23 in a virtual ceremony. Observing appropriate social distancing, TSU President Glenda Glover led student representatives, administrators, staff, alumni and community officials in an elaborate ceremony to showcase the new campus attraction. TSU’s renowned Aristocrat of Bands was on hand to provide…
Miss TSU Plans to Keep Students Engaged Despite Coronavirus Pandemic By Emmanuel Freeman NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — The coronavirus has disrupted much of the educational environment and greatly cut down on extracurricular activities for college students, but at Tennessee State University, the new Miss TSU Mariah Rhodes says not to worry. “Although the university is cutting down on activities because of the pandemic, we plan to implement a number of events virtually to keep the students engaged,” says Rhodes, a senior political science major. True to her words, Rhodes has already spearheaded a number of major activities…
By Emmanuel Freeman NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett recently spoke to Tennessee State University students about the importance of voting and how to make sure their ballots are counted in one of the most anticipated presidential elections in decades. Hargett, along with AJ Starling, of the Davidson County Election Commission, participated in a student-led voter education and registration rally on Sept. 18. The presidential election is Nov. 3. “(The) Election is just 46 days away from Today,” Hargett reminded the group of students gathered at Hale Stadium. “I am really excited that members…
By Emmanuel Freeman NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — In a historic move, Tennessee State University held its first-ever virtual Student Government Association campaign and elections for 2020/2021. Usually conducted in the spring after weeks of in-person campaigning on campus, the elections this year were held recently solely online as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Undergraduate and graduate students showed up in record numbers to vote for their favorite candidates. The new student leadership, including a Mister TSU and a Miss TSU, was announced by the Student Election Commission on Saturday, August 29. TSU President Glenda Glover, along with…
By Emmanuel Freeman NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Classes have officially resumed at Tennessee State University with enhanced COVID-19 safety measures to ensure the safety of students and the campus community. For the first two weeks – August 17–31 – all classes will be online. Following that, students will have a choice of taking classes on ground or continuing online. In March, amid the coronavirus pandemic, TSU sent students home, closed the residence halls, and asked employees to work remotely. On August 11, the university began its reopening process by welcoming nearly 2,300 first-time freshmen, who moved into their…
By Emmanuel Freeman NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Tennessee State University President Glenda Glover has announced several new administrative changes, including the appointment of Dr. Michael Harris as the Interim Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. Harris, who previously served as dean of the College of Public Affairs, replaces Dr. Alisa Mosley, who has accepted a position at another university. Also appointed are Dr. Elizabeth Williams, associate professor of public health, who takes over as interim dean of the College of Public Affairs; Dr. Nolan McMurray, chair of the Department of Physics and Mathematics, assumes the position of…
By Emmanuel Freeman NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Tennessee State University celebrated its Class of 2020 with a historic virtual commencement Saturday. More than 700 graduates and undergraduates were honored during the program. TSU President Glenda Glover greeted the graduates and welcomed alumni, staff and guests watching the program livestreamed on all the major social media platforms. “It is my distinct honor and privilege to extend heartfelt congratulations to you,” Glover said. “I applaud you for having reached this extraordinary milestone in your academic career. It does not matter how long it took you, you are being honored today…
By Emmanuel Freeman NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Amid the coronavirus pandemic, the job outlook for college graduates might seem a bit disheartening because of the financial hardship businesses are enduring, but many Tennessee State University students say they are optimistic about their future because of how TSU has prepared them. Lawrence Tommy Evans graduated in May with a degree in criminal justice. He has completed required background checks and physicals with the FBI and another with the Davidson County Police Academy, where he is seeking employment. “My chances look good and I am keeping my hopes up,” says…
By Emmanuel Freeman NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Keisha Coleman is finally home for a well-deserved rest. For three months straight and working 13-hour shifts, the traveling nurse and Tennessee State University graduate was on the front line caring for COVID-19 patients in New York. “I love my patients and I miss them but I was excited to come home,” says Coleman, a critical care nurse who worked in the intensive care units at several hospitals in New York. “I didn’t want to leave them, but I was ready to come home just to see my family because they…