POTUS Fellowship Program
Graduate Fellows
Strengthening Graduate Studies Through Excellence In Education and Research
The POTUS Fellowship Program emphasizes preparation, matriculation, and completion of graduate-level Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programs at Tennessee State University (TSU). The program attempts to address the global need to increase African American representation in the STEM disciplines. We use best practices that have been effective in supporting the success of African American graduate students in STEM. The program supports the following disciplines: Biological Sciences, Biology, Engineering, Physical Therapy, Chemistry, Occupational Therapy, and Agricultural Sciences.
STEM Fellows (Doctoral) serve as research and teaching assistants, produce scholarly works, and engage in professional development opportunities. The Fellowship benefits include:
- Full Tuition (Fall, Spring, Summer)*
- A monthly stipend ($3,000.00/month) *
- Travel to professional conferences*
- Increased academic enrichment
- Faculty and peer engagement
- Professional development
- Financial assistance for textbooks*
- Research supplies*
- Faculty mentoring
*Total estimated value is $50,000.00/year
Monthly stipends are paid directly to Fellows; however, all other funds are applied to their university accounts.
This support provides opportunities that will empower the Fellows and scholars to excel in their academic programs at TSU. Ultimately, the program seeks to challenge them to take on leadership roles in their academics and chosen careers.
Fellows are held to a high level of expectation. They are expected to perform beyond the minimum to ensure their place among the leaders of tomorrow.
Interested in an opprotunity for Master's students? Go to APEXx webstie https://www.tnstate.edu/graduate/apexx.aspx
Testimonies
Ulani Robinson, SPT - Physcial Therapy Fellow
Thanks to the POTUS fellowship, I've had the privilege of attending national conferences, presenting my research, and building a strong professional network. This experience, coupled with the significant financial relief it has provided, has opened doors I never thought possible! I'm deeply indebted to Dr. Tyler and the POTUS fellowship program for this incredible opportunity.
Princess Hawkins - Pysical Therapy Fellow
I am Princesse Hawkins, a second-year Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) student at Tennessee State University and a proud recipient of the POTUS Fellowship. This transformative program has not only shaped my educational journey but has also left a profound and lasting impact on the DPT department and the community over the years.
Through the POTUS Fellowship, I have been afforded incredible opportunities, including full tuition coverage, funding for textbooks, and financial support for travel to professional conferences. These resources have empowered me to fully immerse myself in research that aligns with my passion for advancing the field of physical therapy. Additionally, attending conferences has opened doors to invaluable networking opportunities with professionals and fellow students, which has broadened my understanding of the field and inspired me to contribute meaningfully to its future.
Moreover, the program’s focus on professional development has encouraged me to engage in community service, creating opportunities to connect with others and make a tangible impact through hands-on initiatives. These experiences have not only strengthened my sense of responsibility but also deepened my understanding of how community outreach complements the broader goals of physical therapy.
Similarly, participating in professional seminars has been instrumental in fostering both personal growth and leadership development. These opportunities have enriched my perspective on patient care, enhanced my clinical knowledge, and equipped me with the skills needed to excel in collaborative, multidisciplinary environments.
Over the years, the POTUS Fellowship has had a remarkable impact on our department by fostering an environment of inclusion and supporting talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. This inclusive approach has enriched the academic and social fabric of our program, ensuring that the next generation of physical therapists is well-prepared to reflect the communities we serve. Furthermore, the program’s emphasis on research and professional engagement has elevated the department’s reputation, equipping students like me with the tools and experiences necessary to thrive in a competitive and evolving field.
I am deeply grateful for the opportunities this fellowship has provided me. It has not only supported my educational journey but also inspired me to strive for excellence in my career. As an aspiring physical therapist, I am committed to carrying forward the values of the POTUS Fellowship and contributing to a more inclusive and impactful future for our profession.
Issac Mina PT, DPT - Graduate 2024
My time as a POTUS fellow was nothing short of life altering. Not only did being a POTUS fellow mean that I could let go of many of my financial worries as a graduate student, but it also meant that I was part of a fellowship. I was part of a group of people with similar, yet different, backgrounds, all with the same goal.
POTUS did 2 things that were invaluable in my experience.
First: POTUS took away the financial stress that often comes with being a graduate student, which is exacerbated by my being a first-generation immigrant, as well as first generation graduate student in my family. By lifting this burden, it allowed me to better focus my time and effort into being the best student that I can. I was lucky enough to be able to get involved in many aspects that enriched my experience as a student, most of which that I would have been unable to be part of, without POTUS.
Second: POTUS created a community of students with the same goal. We often leaned on one another, and uplifted one another when needed, during difficult times throughout our studies. Now, having graduated and entered the workforce, I look back at that community and I appreciate it even more.
POTUS allowed me and many others to devote all our energy towards our studies, and I believe that made the difference, at least for myself. By being fully entrenched in my prospective field, I was able to be a very strong candidate once I entered the workforce, with experiences and qualities that would have been impossible without POTUS.