Student Profiles

Hear What They Have to Say about TSU...

Malcolm, Maurice and Myron Kimes credit a college tour that led them on visits to a number of southern-based Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) to opening their eyes to Tennessee State University. With an older brother and sister who had already chosen HBCUs, the Kimes triplets were encouraged by their mother to follow in their footsteps. “Our mother basically said she didn’t really care where we went as long as it was an HBCU,” said Maurice, born the middle child.

The trio graduated from New Covenant Christian Academy, a small private school in Phoenix, Ill. Their class included six, with the Kimes triplets making up half of the graduating class. Along with the Kimes, their high school friend and classmate, Howard McCrary, also decided to attend Tennessee State. “Tennessee State University has been a welcoming environment,” said Myron, born the youngest of the three. “The staff and faculty have been very supportive.” Since making their way to big blue, the three have received quite a few triple takes from their fellow classmates, and are often mistaken for one another. It’s not until all of them show up together is it realized that three different people exist. “Because we are triplets we get a lot of attention anyway,” Myron said. “So we expected that would happen.”

The triplets have quickly become involved on campus joining organization such as the New Directions Gospel Choir, the Academics Success Program and the Honors Program, and look forward to participating in the Pre-Alumni Council and Leadership TSU in the coming academic year. They also maintain a brotherly competition, particularly when it comes to academic achievement. “So far, I haven’t had any C’s. It is my goal to keep C’s off the transcript and to maintain a 3.5 GPA,” Malcolm said, the oldest. In addition to working to ensure academic success, the trio have also chosen complimentary majors to prepare them for their goal of using the knowledge and training gained to start their own business, possibly as restaurateurs.

Malcolm is a marketing major, Maurice is an economics and finance major, and Myron is majoring in business administration. As out-of-state students, the three explain that alumni giving is important and they encourage others to continue to do their part. “It helps us (students) when alumni give,” Malcolm said. “It takes a load of stress off of you and you can move on with your life and concentrate on other things, like your studies.” Myron added, “Increased alumni giving would help knock off the cost of a lot of out-of-state tuition for students like us.”

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