Founded in 1912 as Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal School, Tennessee State University has grown from its historic beginnings into one of the nation’s distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Located in the heart of Nashville, TSU has spent more than a century opening doors to opportunity, advancing knowledge, breaking barriers, and preparing generations of students to lead and make a difference in the world.
Guided by our enduring motto, “Think. Work. Serve.”, TSU brings together a proud history and a forward-looking commitment to academic excellence, innovation, research, and student success. From the legendary Tigerbelles and the Aristocrat of Bands to generations of accomplished scholars, educators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders, our legacy reflects the power of education to transform lives and shape the future.
Today, TSU continues to build on that legacy, offering students a vibrant campus experience, meaningful connections, and opportunities to discover their potential. Here, tradition inspires progress, learning extends beyond the classroom, and every student has the opportunity to become part of something greater.
At TSU, history is more than something we remember. It is the foundation from which we innovate, discover and lead. Our students join a nationally recognized research community and a tradition of excellence that reaches from laboratories and classrooms to the Olympic podium and Grammy stage.
Tennessee State University proudly ranks #6 among the nation’s top public HBCUs in Forbes’ 2026 rankings. This national honor recognizes TSU for its academic opportunities, student outcomes and graduate success, and celebrates its enduring legacy of excellence, opportunity and preparing generations of Tigers to lead and succeed.
Tennessee State University is classified as a Carnegie R2 Research university (doctoral) with high research activity. Faculty and students conduct work in agriculture, engineering, biotechnology, health sciences, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, astrophysics, business and the social sciences.
The Aristocrat of Bands made history as the first collegiate marching band to win a Grammy Award, earning Best Roots Gospel Album for The Urban Hymnal and carrying TSU’s tradition of musical excellence onto the world stage.
The Smart & Applied A.I. Research Center gives students and faculty opportunities to explore artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, virtual reality and other emerging technologies through hands-on education, research and workforce development.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University Honors College students earned top national honors and placements at the 35th Annual National Association of African American Honors Programs (NAAAHP) conference,…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Senior United States District Judge Curtis L. Collier, a 1971 graduate of Tennessee State University, has been named the 2026 recipient of the Edward J….
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Eleven-time Olympic medalist Allyson Felix visited Tennessee State University Oct. 28, connecting with student-athletes, reflecting on the university’s legendary track and field tradition, and offering…
By Charles Morrison NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – For more than a century, the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) and the Tennessee State University College of Agriculture (TSUAg) have…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University has named Nathan Burton as its new Chief Information Officer, bringing decades of leadership experience in enterprise technology, operational strategy, and state…
Academic Offerings
From agriculture and business to engineering, health sciences, education, liberal arts and public service, TSU offers academic pathways designed to connect knowledge with professional preparation and meaningful service.
From agriculture and business to engineering, health sciences, education, liberal arts and public service, TSU offers academic pathways designed to connect knowledge with professional preparation and meaningful service.
TSU is more than a campus. It is a community with its own rhythm, traditions and unmistakable spirit. Join student organizations, Greek-letter organizations, leadership groups, music ensembles, athletics, service projects and creative experiences that bring Tigers together.
In the heart of Nashville, every semester offers new opportunities to connect, create, compete, celebrate and serve.
TSU promotes participation in music ensembles, theatre, Greek life, student government, honor societies, service organizations, cultural groups and numerous other student activities.
