Tennessee State University hey ya'll has announced that Dr. Walter Kimbrough, president of Philander Smith College, will deliver the Fall 2011 commencement address during the commencement ceremony, Saturday, December 17... read more
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With nearly 40 undergraduate degree programs, two associate of applied science programs, 23 graduate and eight doctoral degree programs in dozens of areas, there is something for everyone at TSU...read more
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Tennessee State University was among the state's HBCUs represented at this week's Day at the Capitol. The annual event brings together students, faculty, and supporters from Tennessee’s HBCUs to engage with state legislators, highlighting the achievements and needs of these institutions. TSUs presents brought awareness about HBCU contributions, advocate for supportive funding and policies, and strengthen the relationship between HBCUs and state lawmakers.
TSU student Chandler Hollis, right, presents State Representative David Hawk with a TSU gift bag during HBCU Day at the Capitol.
Nearly 40 TSU representatives attended, including interim President Dwayne Tucker, students from the Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. program, the Student Government Association, Honors College, and more. Students delivered gift bags to all House representatives and senators, featuring TSU paraphernalia such as pens, lanyards, and mugs, as well as flower bulbs from the College of Agriculture.
Chandler Hollis, a junior biology major and a Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. program student in Cohort three, shared his thoughts on representing TSU at the Capitol. “I got the chance to sit down and speak with representatives,” Hollis said. “My HBCU... we're good enough, and I have been afforded the opportunity to be here at the Capitol for a reason. We're not here just because—we're here because we are a prestigious school, and I take pride in Tennessee State University.”
From left to right, TSU students Linzee Nelson, Chrishonda O'Quinn, and Erin Armstrong.
Hollis noted that presence, and represenation matters. “We deserve to be here, we deserve to meet our lawmakers, and the fact that we're doing this with a bunch of other Black students and schools, that makes it even more special.”
Chrishonda O’Quinn, TSU’s Student Government Association president, also emphasized the significance of the experience. “This was my first time participating in HBCU Day at the Capitol. I was super excited because this is an opportunity not only for students to represent their university, but also to bring awareness to the great things about their university and advocate for support from legislators,” O’Quinn said.
“It's an opportunity to network and sell ourselves because we are students here to earn degrees and launch successful careers. It can introduce new opportunities beyond what we do at the university."
Dr. Robert O’Keefe Hassell, center, joins fellow Smart Center faculty and staff to showcase TSU’s robot dog, 'Blue.'
In addition to networking opportunities, the event showcased TSU’s research and academic offerings. A major highlight was “Blue,” TSU’s robotic dog, which greeted lawmakers and drew attention to the TSU Smart Center table at the Capitol. The center promotes digital literacy, inspires smart connected innovations, and equips students with technology skills for the digital workforce.
Dr. Robert O’Keefe Hassell, executive director of TSU’s SMART Center, highlighted the center’s role in showcasing TSU’s innovative programs. “TSU is home to so many amazing things, and the SMART Center is one of those things,” he said. “We’re excited to be here to spread new innovations and technology, along with the amazing programs we offer at the TSU Smart Center.”
From left to right: Rodreick Reed, Director of Marketing and Communications in Agriculture; House Representative Harold Love Jr.; and Lobbyist Leah Dupree Love.
Leah Dupree Love, a 2005 TSU alumna and a lobbyist with the Ingram Group, also underscored the day’s impact. “When we are educating Tennesseans, we are educating them to go out and prosper in all 95 counties,” Love said. “I wanted to make sure that this day was a success because HBCUs matter. These efforts are so important to TSU students and I hope students go back to campus rejuvenated.”
Darryl Thompson, special advisor to the president for external relations, infrastructure, and major projects, emphasized the importance of building strong relationships with lawmakers. “We were not here to erase the past but to build off the past and create a much brighter future,” Thompson said. “This visit is to ensure that students remain at the center of all decisions and that those decisions are best for the future of Tennessee State.”
HBCU Day at the Capitol not only allowed TSU to advocate for its needs but also reinforced its role as a future-ready institution, dedicated to advancing educational equity and creating opportunities for students, faculty, and the broader community.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University, in partnership with Regions Bank, has announced the establishment of the Latrisha Stewart JemisonEndowment Scholarship, celebrating an influential alumna and advocate for educational advancement and community service.
Jemison, who earned her Master’s in Business Administration degree at TSU in 2018, devoted her career to uplifting communities through financial empowerment, mentorship and education until her passing in December 2023. As a senior vice president at Regions Bank, she spearheaded initiatives that expanded financial literacy, supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and provided economic opportunities for underserved communities. Her passion for giving back was evident in every aspect of her work, including her deep involvement with TSU.
“Help others. Reach back. Once you’ve been blessed, be a blessing to others,” Jemison often said—a philosophy she embodied throughout her career.
In 2023, the university’s inaugural Corporate Partners Breakfast recognized Jemison’s dedication and honored her commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships. Now, her legacy will continue through the Latrisha Stewart Jemison Endowment Scholarship, which will support students at TSU who share her drive to make a difference.
The $100,000 scholarship, funded by Regions Bank, ensures that Jemison’s impact will live on, empowering the next generation of TSU students to pursue their academic and professional goals.
For more information on the Latrisha Stewart Jemison Endowment Scholarship, visit www.giving.tnstate.edu.
Feature photo:
Late Latrisha Jemison, left, receiving an award from Lin Li, Dean of the College of Engineering, right, at the 2023 Corporate Partners Breakfast at TSU’s Avon Williams Campus
Tennessee State University (TSU) has announced the incredible success of its 2024 end-of-year giving campaign, which raised over $600,000 for TSU’s graduating seniors. This achievement was made possible by the dedication and generosity of alumni, friends and supporters who answered the call to invest in the next generation of leaders.
Throughout December, the TSU community united to build a #FutureReadyTSU and support the #CloseTheGap campaign, a movement dedicated to reducing the balances and debt of students approaching graduation. The cornerstone of the campaign was a matching gift challenge from TSU alumni Amos and Brenda Otis, who committed to doubling every dollar donated to the university on Giving Tuesday.
“As an alumnus myself, I am extremely proud of the fact that alumni giving has increased from previous years,” shared interim President Dwayne Tucker. “Tennessee State University is a great institution, and with continued alumni and community support, this university will continue to be a key part of the community and this city’s growth.”
These contributions will provide critical resources for TSU’s seniors, ensuring that they have the finances available to complete their degrees.
“Each dollar raised was a testament to the power of the TSU community. Every gift, no matter the size, reflects a shared belief in our students and their ability to change the world,” Dr. LoLita Toney, vice president of Institutional Advancement, expressed.
Throughout 2025, the university aims to build on this support, honoring its proud legacy while expanding opportunities for students.
To learn more about the Office of Institutional Advancement, visit giving.tnstate.edu.
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Since making their way to big blue, the three have received quite a few triple takes from their fellow classmates.
This trio has 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.
More than 40,000 alumni, friends, and supporters converge on Nashville with one purpose: Tennessee State University Homecoming. Thousands come from near and far to reconnect with old friends and celebrate the legacy of this great institution.
