NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – The atmosphere across the campus was nothing short of electric last week. Music echoed near residence halls, golf carts zoomed across campus lawns loaded with suitcases, and smiles as hundreds of incoming Big Blue Tigers officially made TSU their new home. The annual move-in tradition was special this year as the university celebrates a massive resurgence in enrollment.
For the incoming students arriving on campus, settling into their residence halls was the realization of long-held dreams, academic ambitions and the allure of HBCU culture. Twin siblings Troy and Troynesha Akins, graduates of Nashville’s McGavock High School, were among the early arrivals alongside their mother, father, and grandmother. They will resided in Wilson Hall.
“I chose Tennessee State University because of the strong sense of community and the opportunity to be part of an HBCU,” Troynesha said. “I’m excited to study education, become a teacher, and one day make a positive difference in the lives of children.”
Her brother Troy, who will major in business marketing, added, “Coming to Tennessee State University is about being part of a community where I can meet new people, grow, and enjoy the HBCU experience. Starting college alongside my twin sister makes this journey even more meaningful because we’ve been together our whole lives, and now we get to take this next step together.”
Also taking up residence in Wilson Hall was cybersecurity major Benjamin Bass, accompanied by his mother and aunt. “I’ve loved TSU since I toured here in elementary school,” said Benjamin. “My uncle is an alumnus, and my brother graduated from TSU, so there’s already a strong family connection. Now I’m coming here to study cybersecurity, and I’m ready to do big things.”
The entire campus community rallied in full force to make the transition smooth for the newcomers. TSU President Dwayne Tucker was seen all day motoring across campus behind the wheel of a golf cart, personally shuttling nervous freshmen, proud parents, and piles of luggage directly to residence hall doors.
“Our goal today and every day is to make sure our students, and their families feel supported the moment they set foot on campus,” Tucker said. “Seeing the energy, the enthusiasm, and the massive turn-out shows that Tennessee State University is moving forward in a powerful way.”
He was joined by an army of volunteers, including alumni, faculty, staff, and upperclassmen, who jumped in to carry luggage and personal belongings. Corporate partners like Coca-Cola, Tennessee Titans, Bank of America and Regions Bank were on hand with food items, cold beverages, and giveaways.
From receiving room keys, student IDs, and parking permits to activating meal plans, the onboarding process was streamlined for maximum ease. The weeklong activities kicked off August 11 with first-time freshmen, followed by continuing, transfer, and readmitted students. The activities close out with Freshman Convocation on August 14, when new students are officially welcomed during a ceremony in Kean Hall.
The extraordinary turnaround in enrollment is notable. Initial recruitment efforts projected an influx of between 1,600 and 1,800 incoming freshmen and transfer students, a huge jump from last year’s 500. By the start of move-in, officials reported slightly over 2,000 had registered for the Fall.
Dr. Eric Stokes, vice president of Enrollment Management, credited support from the president, alumni, and staff for the recruitment success: “It truly is a blessing to be where we are today. The president always says, ‘What a difference a year makes,’ and I think it starts with his leadership. That leadership trickled down across campus, and everybody was really focused on one mission and one goal: new student enrollment and customer service. All those things combined, along with God’s grace, have brought us to where we are today, with nearly 2,000 new students registered.”
Ensuring the complex logistics ran smoothly on the ground was Dr. Bridgett Golman, vice President of Student Affairs. Dr. Golman, along with the housing and student activities teams, spent the week moving between check-in centers and registration stations, ensuring that all processing areas were adequately supported.
On subsequent move-in days across Boyd, Epps, and Hale Halls, excitement remained high. At Epps Hall, grandparents Herman and Laverne Perry from Memphis dropped off their granddaughter LanDin Boyce, whom they have cared for since childhood. “Coming to college, especially at TSU is a major break for her, and we are glad to see her have this experience,” said Herman.
At Boyd Hall, twin brothers Xavier and Cameron Jackson picked up their welcome packages to reside together. Xavier is going into health sciences, while Cameron will major in dental hygiene. “TSU is kind of in the blood. I have family members who went here, so it was like I had to come here. I’m ready to try something new, experience college life and make it further in life,” Cameron said.
Classes officially begin August 18, with late registration and schedule adjustments running August 18–22.
