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Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University
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Tennessee State University (Tennessee State, Tenn State, or TSU) is a public historically black land-grant university in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. Founded in 1912, it is the only state-funded historically black university in Tennessee. It is a member-school of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.[5] Tennessee State University offers 41 bachelor's degrees, 23 master's degrees, and eight doctoral degrees.[6][7] It is classified as "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".[8]

Key Information

History

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The university was established as the Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal School for Negroes in 1912.[9][10] Its dedication was held on January 16, 1913.[9] It changed its name to Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal College in 1925.[9] Two years later, in 1927, it became known as Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State College.[9]

In 1941, the Tennessee General Assembly directed the Board of Education to upgrade the educational program of the college. Three years later the first master's degrees were awarded and by 1946 the college was fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.[11]

Significant expansion occurred during the presidency of Walter S. Davis between 1943 and 1968. The postwar period resulted in the construction of "70 percent of the school's facilities" and the establishment of the graduate school and four other schools.[12]

In 1968, the college officially changed its name to Tennessee State University. In 1979, the University of Tennessee at Nashville merged into Tennessee State due to a court mandate.[11]

In 2022, Tennessee State University was awarded $250 million from the state legislature. The funds were intended to upgrade facilities and academic programs on campus.[13] At the time of the award, the $250 million investment was the largest single investment into a historically black institution in the history of the country.[14]

In 2023, Tennessee State's most well known graduate, Oprah Winfrey, served as the official commencement speaker for the first time.[15]

On March 28, 2024, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee signed legislation that removed all of the school's board of trustees and replaced them with new members, subject to legislative confirmation. Characterizing the school as a “remarkable institution” he said, “I’m pleased to appoint these highly qualified individuals who will work alongside administrators and students to further secure TSU’s place as a leading institution.”

State legislation authorizing the governor to vacate the board of trustees was prompted by the numerous instances of financial and procedural mismanagement uncovered in recent school audits. Representative Ryan Williams specifically noted that the $250 million appropriation made by the legislature in 2022 was “completely blown through” and not used for infrastructure improvements as intended.[16][17]

Tennessee State University is divided into 10 schools and colleges and has seen steady growth since its inception. It remains the only public university in Nashville. Its health science program is the largest in the state and one of the largest in the nation.[18]

Campus

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The 500 acres (2.0 km2) main campus has more than 65 buildings, and is located in a residential setting at 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd in Nashville, Tennessee. Tennessee State's main campus has the most acres of any college campus in Nashville. The Avon Williams campus is located downtown, near the center of the Nashville business and government district. Tennessee State offers on-campus housing to students. There are on-campus dorms and two apartment complexes for upperclassmen. On-campus facilities include dormitories Wilson Hall, Watson Hall, Eppse Hall, Boyd Hall, Rudolph Hall, Hale Hall, as well as the Ford Complex and New Residence Complex, TSU's two on-campus apartment complexes.

Academics

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Academic rankings
National
U.S. News & World Report[20]29 in Historically Black Colleges and Universities; 392-434 in National Universities [19]
Washington Monthly[22]100 [21]

The university is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award associate degrees, baccalaureate degrees, master's degrees, and doctoral degree.[23] It is classified among "R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity".[24]

The university is organized into the following schools and colleges:

  • College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Sciences[25]
  • College of Business[26]
  • College of Education[27]
  • College of Engineering[28]
  • College of Health Sciences[29]
  • College of Liberal Arts[30]
  • College of Life and Physical Sciences[31]
  • College of Public Service[32]
  • University Honors College[33]
  • School of Graduate and Professional Studies[34]

The College of Business is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). It was the first institution in Nashville to earn the accreditation of both its undergraduate and graduate business programs in 1994. The psychology program is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Programs in the College of Engineering are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) or the National Association of Industrial Technology (NAIT). The Master of Public Health program was accredited in 2015 by the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).[35]

Student life

[edit]
Undergraduate demographics as of Fall 2023[36]
Race and ethnicity Total
Black 85%
 
White 5%
 
Hispanic 3%
 
Two or more races 3%
 
International student 2%
 
Unknown 2%
 
Asian 1%
 
Economic diversity
Low-income[a] 53%
 
Affluent[b] 47%
 
Tennessee State University Tigers wordmark

Athletics

[edit]
Main article: Tennessee State Tigers and Lady Tigers

Tennessee State University sponsors seven men's and eight women's teams in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) sanctioned sports.[37] The school competes in the NCAA's Division I Football Championship Subdivision and is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference (OVC). As a member of the OVC, Tennessee State is one of three Division I HBCU athletic programs that are not members of either the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) or Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), whose members are primarily HBCU institutions. TSU has a rivalry with Tennessee Tech and Kentucky State University.

Student organizations

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There are over 60 registered student organizations on campus including the Student Government Association, Aristocrat of Bands (AOB), and many Greek-lettered organizations.[38]

Notable faculty

[edit]

Notable alumni

[edit]
This is a dynamic list and may never be able to satisfy particular standards for completeness. You can help by editing the page to add missing items, with references to reliable sources.

Aviation

[edit]
Name Class year Notability References
U. L. "Rip" Gooch Commercial pilot (20,000+ hours); certified flight instructor; owner/president, Aero Services, Inc.; 1993 Kansas Governor's Aviation Honor Award; inductee, Black Aviation Hall of Fame [39][40][41][42][43][44][45][46][47]

Civil rights

[edit]
Name Class year Notability References
Xernona Clayton 1952 Civil rights activist [48]
U. L. "Rip" Gooch Civil rights activist; Commissioner, Kansas Commission on Civil Rights (also see: "Politics" below) [39][41][42][49]

Education

[edit]
Name Class year Notability References
Walter S. Davis 1931 Second president of Tennessee State University [50]
Glenda Glover 1974 Eighth president of Tennessee State University [51]
Sylvia Lyons Render 1934 English professor at two HBCUs, manuscript curator at the Library of Congress
Andrew P. Torrence 1948 Third president of Tennessee State University [52]
Arthuryne J. Welch-Taylor 1953 education professor at several HBCUs, researcher with the National Education Association

Entertainment

[edit]
Name Class year Notability References
Jimmy Blanton Jazz musician [53]
Young Buck Hip hop star [citation needed]
Hank Crawford Jazz musician [54]
Moses Gunn Actor [55]
Lee Summers 1980 Broadway Original Dreamgirls, actor, writer [56]
Carla Thomas Singer [citation needed]
Leon Thomas Jazz singer (attended two years) [57]
Rufus Thomas Singer (attended one semester) [citation needed]
Key Wane 2012 Hip hop record producer [58]
Oprah Winfrey 1987 Talk show host, actress, entrepreneur [59]

Politics

[edit]
Name Class year Notability References
James Clayborne, Jr. 1985 Member of the Illinois Senate [60]
Vincent Dixie Representative in the Tennessee House of Representatives [61]
Harold Ford, Sr. Member of the U.S. Congress [62]
John Ford Member of the Tennessee Senate [citation needed]
Mark Funkhouser Former mayor of Kansas City, Missouri [63]
Howard Gentry, Jr. Politician [64]
U. L. "Rip" Gooch Member, Kansas Senate (oldest serving Kansas state senator at 2004 retirement); member, City Council of Wichita, Kansas (also see: "Civil Rights" above) [39][41][42][49][65][66][67]
Thelma Harper Member of the Tennessee Senate [68]
Harvey Johnson, Jr. Former mayor of Jackson, Mississippi [69]
Ronnie Lewis Former mayor of Dolton, Illinois [70]
Dr. C. O. Simpkins, Sr. Dentist in Shreveport, civil rights activist, and member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1992 to 1996 [71]
A C Wharton Former mayor of Memphis, Tennessee [72]

Science and technology

[edit]
Name Class year Notability References
Leonard Jordan Acting chief of the Natural Resources Conservation Service, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture responsible for cultivating public-private partnerships that result in good land and water management practices.
Dorothy McClendon 1948 American microbiologist who developed methods to protect stored goods, notably fuel, from degradation due to biological agents. [73]
Dorothy J. Phillips 1966 American chemist and Director-at-Large at the American Chemical Society
Jesse Russell Electrical engineer and wireless communications pioneer
Carla Walker-Miller Engineer and founder and CEO of Walker-Miller Energy Services
Angie Jones Software Engineer. Holds 26 patented inventions in the United States of America and Japan. [74]

Sports

[edit]
Name Class year Notability References
Joe Adams CFL football player [75]
Brent Alexander NFL football player [76]
Hubbard Alexander American football player
Bennie Anderson 1999 NFL football player [77]
Dick Barnett 1959 NBA basketball player [78]
Ralph Boston Olympic athlete; three time medal winning long jumper [79]
Sam Bowers Gridiron football player [80]
Waymond Bryant NFL football player [81]
Chandra Cheeseborough Olympic runner; gold and silver medalist
Robert Covington 2013 NBA basketball player
Dave Davis NFL football player [82]
Richard Dent NFL football player and member of Pro Football Hall of Fame [83]
Keron DeShields Basketball player in the Israeli National League
Lamar Divens NFL football player [84]
Cleveland Elam NFL football player [85]
J.J. Eubanks American basketball player; top scorer in the 1994-95 Israel Basketball Premier League
Charley Ferguson AFL football player [86]
Ryan Fann Paralympic runner [87]
Sean Foley Golf instructor to PGA Tour players [88]
Randy Fuller NFL football player [89]
Rogers Gaines NFL football player [90]
Joe Gilliam NFL football player [91]
W. C. Gorden 1952 Head football coach at Jackson State University, 1976–1991; member of College Football Hall of Fame [92][93]
Mike Hegman NFL football player [94]
Jarrick Hillery American football player [95]
Claude Humphrey NFL football player and member of Pro Football Hall of Fame [96]
Daniel Johnson NFL football player [citation needed]
Ed "Too Tall" Jones NFL football player [97]
Joe "Turkey" Jones NFL football player [98]
Larry Kinnebrew NFL football player [99]
Anthony Levine NFL football player [100]
Madeline Manning Olympic runner; gold medalist [101]
Anthony Mason NBA basketball player [102]
Edith McGuire Olympic runner; gold and two silver medals [103]
Patrick Miller American basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League
Melvin Mitchell 1976 NFL football player
Steve Moore NFL football player [104]
Lloyd Neal NBA basketball player [105]
Robert Porcher NFL football player [106]
Brian Ransom NFL football player [107]
Leonard "Truck" Robinson NBA basketball player [108]
Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie NFL football player [109]
Carlos Rogers 1994 Former NBA basketball player [110]
Wilma Rudolph Olympic runner; first woman of color to win three gold medals in a single Olympics [111]
Simon Shanks NFL football player [112]
Nate Simpson NFL football player [113]
Ahmaad Smith American football player [114]
Ollie Smith NFL football player [115]
Larry Tharpe NFL football player [116]
Wyomia Tyus Olympic runner; first person to retain the Olympic title in the 100 m [117]
Charlie Wade NFL football player [118]
Carl Wafer NFL football player [119]
Willye White 1950s Olympic track and field athlete; two silver medals [120]
Javarris Williams NFL football player [121]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]

Further reading

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Tennessee State University

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia

Tennessee State University (TSU) is a public historically black land-grant research university in Nashville, Tennessee.
Organized in 1909 and founded in 1912 as the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School to educate African Americans, it is Tennessee's only state-funded historically black university and has grown into a comprehensive coeducational institution offering associate, baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees across multiple disciplines.
The university operates a 500-acre main campus near the Cumberland River and a downtown campus in the Avon Williams Building, with a student-faculty ratio of 12:1 supported by over 400 full-time faculty.
Classified as a "high research" institution by the Carnegie Classification, TSU emphasizes land-grant priorities in agriculture, engineering, education, and public service, and counts Olympic champion Wilma Rudolph among its alumni.
In recent years, TSU has grappled with financial mismanagement, including a 2022 scholarship initiative that exceeded projections and triggered deficits exceeding $100 million, leading to accreditation warnings, leadership transitions, and a 2025 state agreement reallocating $96 million for operations under new President Dwayne Tucker.

History

Founding and Early Years (1909-1941)

The Tennessee General Assembly established the Agricultural and Industrial Normal School in 1909 through legislative act, providing for the state's first public institution of higher education dedicated to training African American teachers in agricultural, industrial, and normal school subjects, in compliance with the segregated application of federal land-grant funds under the Morrill Acts. The institution opened on June 19, 1912, in Nashville with an initial enrollment of 247 students under the leadership of William Jasper Hale, its first principal, who emphasized practical vocational education alongside basic academics to meet the demands of Jim Crow-era labor needs in the South. Early operations focused on a two-year normal curriculum, with the first graduating class in 1914 comprising summer school completers; enrollment grew modestly amid resource constraints typical of underfunded segregated institutions, reflecting Tennessee's deliberate separation of educational opportunities by race. Hale's administration prioritized infrastructure development, including dormitories and farm lands for hands-on training, while navigating state oversight that allocated inferior funding compared to white institutions like the . By the early 1920s, advocacy from black educators and legislators led to expansion, granting the school authority in to offer four-year bachelor's degrees in , marking its transition from a to a degree-granting . In 1924, the institution was renamed the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal College, with its inaugural bachelor's degrees awarded that year to a small cohort, signifying elevated status despite persistent fiscal disparities. The "Normal" designation was dropped by 1927, formalizing it as the Agricultural and Industrial State College and broadening its scope to include more liberal arts alongside vocational programs, though and remained core emphases to align with land-grant mandates. Under Hale's continued tenure through 1941, the college saw incremental growth in faculty and facilities, including the establishment of demonstration farms and workshops, but operated within the confines of racial segregation, serving exclusively African American students as Tennessee's designated black public higher education provider until the 1940s. By 1941, enrollment had expanded to several hundred, and the authorized the introduction of graduate-level master's programs in , a pivotal step toward advanced amid ongoing debates over equitable state funding for institutions. Hale's long-serving leadership, spanning nearly three decades, was instrumental in stabilizing the college's operations and fostering a service-oriented , encapsulated in its "Enter to learn; go forth to serve," though systemic underinvestment limited its scale relative to contemporaneous white state colleges.

Expansion as a State College (1941-1968)

In 1941, the authorized the State to substantially upgrade the educational programs at Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State Normal College, renaming it Tennessee A&I State College and authorizing graduate studies in , with the first master's degrees awarded in June 1944. This expansion aligned with post-Depression efforts to strengthen public higher education for in the segregated , where the institution served primarily students as Tennessee's designated land-grant college for non-white citizens. Enrollment stood at 1,513 students by the early , reflecting steady growth from earlier decades amid increasing demand for professional training. Walter S. Davis assumed the presidency in September 1943 following W.J. Hale's retirement, guiding the college through 25 years of significant development until his retirement in 1968. Under Davis, who held a Ph.D. in philosophy from , the institution received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools in 1946, enhancing its academic credibility. A $6 million capital improvements program from 1943 to 1949 funded new facilities, including the Graduate Building, Clay Hall, Lawson Hall, the Building, and additional dormitories, addressing overcrowding and supporting expanded offerings in agriculture, engineering, and liberal arts. Enrollment surged to over 6,000 students by the late 1960s, driven by post-World War II veteran benefits and migration patterns increasing access to higher education for . Academic advancements continued with the establishment of structured schools in 1951, including the Graduate School, School of Arts and Sciences, , and School of Engineering, alongside the nation's first Air Force ROTC unit for African American cadets. In 1958, the college achieved full status as Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State University, broadening research and extension services in agriculture and mechanical arts per the Second Morrill Act. These developments positioned the institution as a key engine for Black professional advancement in , though persistent segregation limited broader integration until federal pressures in the late 1960s.

Transition to University Status and Desegregation (1969-1990s)

In 1968, the Tennessee General Assembly renamed the institution Tennessee State University, eliminating the "Agricultural and Industrial" designation to reflect its evolving academic scope beyond vocational origins. This change, effective ahead of the 1969 academic year, aligned with post-1951 university status approvals and supported expanded graduate programs, including the first doctoral offerings in fields like agricultural education by the early 1970s. Enrollment grew steadily, reaching over 6,000 students by the mid-1970s, predominantly African American, as the university maintained its role as Nashville's primary public HBCU amid limited integration in Tennessee's higher education system. Desegregation efforts intensified following the 1968 federal lawsuit Geier v. Dunn, initiated by TSU faculty member Robert Bunton and others, which challenged the establishment of the at Nashville (UTN) as perpetuating a racially dual system of public higher education in violation of the 1954 ruling. Federal courts determined that Tennessee's funding and program duplications between predominantly Black TSU and predominantly white institutions like UTN hindered integration, prompting a 1977 judicial mandate for structural remedies. On July 1, 1979, UTN merged into TSU under the Tennessee Board of Regents, transferring approximately 4,000 students, faculty, and programs in liberal arts, business, and , which diversified TSU's student body to include a growing non-Black enrollment of about 20% by the early 1980s. The merger expanded TSU's infrastructure and academics, adding the Avon Williams Campus downtown for urban-focused programs and establishing new schools such as and in 1974, followed by in 1979. Under President James A. Hefner (1986–1997), enrollment peaked at 9,100 by 1991, with students from 44 states and 38 countries, though Black students remained over 80% of the total, reflecting ongoing challenges in attracting white Tennesseans despite recruitment incentives. State investments, including $112 million in 1988 for facilities like the Floyd-Payne Campus Center, supported this growth, but the Geier litigation persisted into the 1990s, culminating in a 2001 consent decree mandating further diversity measures and funding to address vestiges of segregation. These developments positioned TSU as a comprehensive urban university while highlighting systemic barriers to full desegregation in state-supported institutions.

21st-Century Developments and Reforms (2000s-Present)

Under presidents James A. Hefner (until 2005) and Melvin N. Johnson (2005–2010), Tennessee State University experienced enrollment growth to a record 9,100 students and implemented a $112 million capital improvement plan that included new facilities such as a campus center, administration building, and . Johnson secured $8 million in federal funding and obtained the Carnegie Foundation's Community Engagement Classification. Enrollment stood at over 8,600 students around 2000, reflecting the institution's status as an urban . Glenda Baskin Glover, president from 2013 to 2024, oversaw expansions in academic programs to 45 bachelor's, 24 master's, and 7 doctoral degrees, alongside record levels of alumni giving and research funding. The university's endowment doubled to $100 million, new buildings including a residence hall were constructed, and state appropriations reached $250 million during her tenure. Consecutive years of record enrollment occurred, though overall trends showed undergraduate numbers averaging around 6,600 in recent years amid a cap on new freshmen. Glover pursued establishment of new colleges in physical and life sciences and honors programs. By the mid-2020s, TSU faced acute financial distress, with a $46 million deficit attributed to enrollment shortfalls, expenditure exceeding revenues, and decades of state underfunding estimated by federal assessments at $2.1 billion from 1987 to 2020 for failing to match land-grant federal funds—though state estimates were lower at about $500 million. Reforms included cutting 114 positions, reducing scholarships and contracts, implementing an enrollment cap, and raising tuition by 6% in 2025. The state approved $96 million in reallocations and a $155 million capital fund release for stabilization, culminating in a June 2025 operating agreement to enforce fiscal oversight. Dwayne Tucker assumed the presidency amid these efforts.

Governance and Administration

Presidential Leadership

The presidency of Tennessee State University (TSU) is held by the , who oversees academic programs, fiscal management, faculty and staff, and institutional advancement, while reporting to the Board of Trustees and adhering to directives from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Presidents have historically navigated challenges including state funding constraints, desegregation mandates, needs, and requirements, often prioritizing expansion of degree offerings and capacity at this historically Black university.
PresidentTermKey Contributions and Notes
William J. Hale1912–1943Founded the institution as Tennessee A&I State Normal School with 247 students; expanded curriculum despite limited funding.
Walter S. Davis1943–1968Achieved university status in 1951 and land-grant designation in 1957; oversaw construction of 24 buildings and growth in enrollment and athletics.
Andrew P. Torrence1968–1974Facilitated renaming to Tennessee State University; focused on academic strengthening amid desegregation litigation like Geier v. Tennessee.
Charles B. Fancher (interim)1974–1975Provided transitional leadership following Torrence's tenure.
Frederick S. Humphries1975–1985Expanded graduate programs; advocated for HBCU resources and managed merger discussions with University of Tennessee at Nashville.
Roy P. Peterson (interim)1985–1986Emphasized community engagement in urban Nashville.
Otis L. Floyd (interim, then full)1986–1990Secured $112 million in state funding for renovations and eight new facilities.
George W. Cox (interim)1990–1991Drew on long internal experience for stability.
James A. Hefner1991–2005Executed major improvement plan; peak enrollment reached 9,100 students.
Melvin N. Johnson2005–2010Obtained $8 million in federal grants; honored civil rights figures like Freedom Riders.
Portia H. Shields (interim)2011–2012First female interim leader; leveraged extensive administrative background.
Glenda Baskin Glover2013–2023Grew degree programs to 45 bachelor's, 24 master's, and 7 doctorates; boosted research funding but faced scrutiny over financial management and accreditation risks.
Following Glover's retirement announcement in March 2024, TSU experienced rapid leadership turnover amid reported financial shortfalls, audit concerns, and state oversight interventions, including the removal of several trustees in September 2024. Ronald A. Johnson served as interim president from July to December 2024, focusing on stabilizing operations before resigning. Dwayne Tucker, a TSU alumnus and CEO of DT Consulting, assumed the interim role on December 13, 2024, and was appointed permanent president on August 5, 2025, as the ninth leader, with priorities including fiscal recovery and program enhancements.

Board of Trustees and State Oversight

The Board of Trustees of Tennessee State University governs the institution independently from the Tennessee Board of Regents, which oversees community colleges and other state universities. The board comprises ten members, nine with voting rights: eight voting members appointed by the (with at least three required to be university alumni), one voting member selected by the Faculty Senate, and one non-voting student representative. Appointments serve staggered six-year terms, ensuring continuity while allowing gubernatorial influence over composition. In March 2024, Governor Bill Lee appointed Trevia Chatman, Jeffery Norfleet, and others to vacancies, reflecting ongoing state executive involvement in board renewal. The board holds ultimate authority over university policy, including approval of budgets, strategic plans, presidential appointments, and major decisions, while delegating day-to-day to the president subject to retained oversight powers. It fulfills these duties through standing committees, such as the (which directs investigations into compliance and financial controls) and the Academic Affairs/Student Affairs Committee (overseeing , , and ). Board policies emphasize responsibility, including monitoring campus safety, services, and performance metrics, distinct from operational execution by university administration. State-level oversight supplements the board's role, primarily through the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), which coordinates public postsecondary institutions, develops statewide master plans, and provides policy guidance without direct operational control over TSU. THEC ensures alignment with state priorities like the 2025 higher education master plan, focusing on access, affordability, and outcomes across institutions including those with independent boards like TSU. Additionally, the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury conducts independent audits; a May 2025 report documented persistent financial mismanagement at TSU, including breakdowns in internal controls, unaddressed prior audit findings, and improper use of taxpayer funds totaling millions, attributing these to inadequate management oversight rather than board-level failures. Such audits underscore the state's accountability mechanisms, prompting board responses like enhanced compliance monitoring.

Campus and Facilities

Main Campus Layout and Features

The main campus of Tennessee State University is located at 3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard in Nashville, Tennessee, situated in a residential neighborhood approximately 10 minutes northwest of downtown along the Cumberland River. It spans nearly 500 wooded acres, incorporating over 65 buildings, extensive parking lots, outdoor recreational areas, and pasture and farm lands consistent with its land-grant designation. The site's topography and river proximity contribute to a serene, green environment amid urban surroundings, with facilities organized to support academic, residential, and athletic functions. The campus layout adheres to a grid framework, featuring large institutional buildings that frame grass lawns and open quads, fostering a structured pedestrian-oriented centered on key academic and administrative zones. Major thoroughfares like John A. Merritt Boulevard bisect the site, connecting clustered building groups for , , sciences, and , while peripheral areas include agricultural fields and sports venues. Accessibility is enhanced by on-campus pathways, though vehicle-dependent navigation predominates given the acreage and dispersed farm elements. Prominent academic facilities include the four-story Health Sciences Building on the central academic quad, which houses consolidated allied health programs including and labs as of its completion in the 2010s. Engineering operations center in E.T. Torrence Hall, while the College of Business occupies S.B. Holland Hall, both integral to the core instructional cluster. The Floyd-Payne Campus Center functions as the primary student hub, offering dining, event spaces, and administrative services to integrate daily campus life. Residential features comprise traditional halls like for female students and newer pod-style apartments with community kitchens, fitness areas, and lounges, accommodating over 2,000 undergraduates in proximity to academic buildings. Athletic infrastructure highlights the Gentry Complex for indoor sports and Hale Stadium for football, positioned at the campus periphery to support Tennessee State Tigers competitions. These elements, bolstered by ongoing master planning for upgrades, underscore the campus's evolution from its early 20th-century origins into a multifaceted urban land-grant hub.

Avon Williams Downtown Campus

The Avon Williams Campus of Tennessee State University is situated at 330 10th Avenue North in , adjacent to the state's business and government districts, including proximity to the state capitol. This urban satellite facility supports extended education initiatives, offering daytime and evening classes tailored to working professionals and non-traditional students. It emphasizes accessibility for and hosts specialized administrative units, distinguishing it from the main in North Nashville. Originally established as the University of Tennessee at Nashville (UTN), a predominantly white branch of the , the campus underwent a significant transition in 1979 when it merged with Tennessee State University under a federal aimed at addressing desegregation mandates from ongoing litigation. This merger integrated UTN's urban-focused programs into TSU's framework, expanding the latter's reach into downtown Nashville while consolidating resources amid state higher education reforms. The facility, constructed in 1966, initially served as a commuter-oriented site before the integration. On April 16, 1986, it was officially renamed the Avon Williams Campus in tribute to Avon Nyanza Williams Jr., a pioneering African American attorney, civil rights litigator, and Tennessee state senator who advocated for educational equity and desegregation efforts, including support for TSU's legal battles. Key facilities include the Center for Extended Education and Distance Education offices, which coordinate online and hybrid learning modalities, as well as the Research and Sponsored Programs unit featuring technical laboratories and seminar rooms for grant-funded projects. The campus also maintains an on-site library branch and the Atrium Café on the second floor, providing dining options such as grilled items for students and staff. In July 2025, TSU announced plans to relocate its College of Education from the main campus to this site, aiming to leverage the downtown location for enhanced partnerships with urban schools and professional networks. Enrollment data specific to the campus is not separately reported, but it contributes to TSU's overall graduate and continuing education figures, focusing on fields like public administration, business, and education rather than undergraduate residential programs.

Infrastructure Investments and Expansions

In June 2025, State University (TSU) secured a financial operating agreement with the state of , reallocating $96 million previously designated for capital projects toward operational needs, while retaining $55 million for ongoing infrastructure initiatives. This followed a 2022 legislative appropriation of $250 million specifically for facility improvements at the historically Black university, addressing long-deferred maintenance and expansion needs. A major component of these investments is the construction of a new $58 million facility, approved by the Tennessee State Building Commission in August 2025. The 70,000-square-foot building will consolidate six undergraduate programs, three master's programs, and related research spaces to foster interdisciplinary collaboration, with completion targeted for 2027. Site preparation includes the demolition of Clay Hall, vacated through the "One Move Big Impact" initiative to repurpose the area for this and a future computing building. In , TSU broke ground in June 2025 on two $90 million state-of-the-art facilities at its main campus, approved by the state in 2023. Each multi-level structure will house research laboratories, classrooms, and offices to support expanded programs in agricultural sciences, with completion expected by fall 2026. Additional capital maintenance funding includes $2.3 million awarded in 2025 for upgrades to building systems and equipment at the Avon Williams Campus in downtown Nashville. These efforts align with TSU's broader campus master plan, which anticipates clustered expansions around existing athletic and recreational areas while prioritizing energy-efficient modernizations to control utility costs.

Academics

Academic Colleges and Departments

Tennessee State University structures its academic programs across multiple colleges, each housing specialized departments that deliver undergraduate, master's, and doctoral degrees in diverse fields. As detailed in the university's academic catalog, these include the ; ; ; ; College of Health Sciences; College of Liberal Arts; and College of Public Service and Urban Affairs, supporting a total of 45 bachelor's, 24 master's, and seven doctoral programs. The College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences focuses on applied sciences and human development, with departments including Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Chemistry, and Family and Consumer Sciences; it offers programs in areas such as crop and soil sciences, biochemistry, and apparel merchandising. The College of Business provides training in commerce and management through departments of Accounting, Business Administration, Business Information Systems, and Economics and Finance, emphasizing practical skills like financial analysis and information technology integration in business operations. In the College of Education, departments such as the Center for Career and Technical Education, , and Teaching and Learning deliver teacher preparation and counseling programs, including certifications for and school psychology, with a focus on urban educational challenges. The College of Engineering supports technical innovation via departments like Aeronautical and Industrial Technology, Civil and , Computer Science, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, offering ABET-accredited degrees in fields such as and . The College of Health Sciences addresses healthcare needs through departments including Dental Hygiene, , and Human Performance and Sport Sciences, providing programs like and master of public health, with emphasis on clinical training and health disparities research. The College of Liberal Arts covers and social sciences with departments in Art, Communications, , , Music, , and , fostering interdisciplinary studies in areas like mass communications and criminal justice administration. The College of Public Service and Urban Affairs concentrates on policy and community issues, integrating and programs to prepare students for governmental and nonprofit roles. Additional academic units, such as the School of Graduate and Extended Studies, oversee advanced and non-traditional programs, including online offerings and .

Signature Programs and Research Focus Areas

Tennessee State University emphasizes programs in , , and professions, reflecting its designation as Tennessee's only focused on practical, applied education for underserved populations. The College of Agriculture, Human and Natural Sciences provides undergraduate degrees in , , and animal science, with hands-on through operations and extension services established under the Morrill Acts. The College of Engineering offers accredited bachelor's programs in , , and , producing graduates who address infrastructure and technological needs in the Southeast. In health sciences, the university maintains a signature dental hygiene program, offering an Associate of degree with clinical that has sustained accreditation and application cycles since its inception. Other prominent offerings include aeronautical technology and within the College of , , and , where students engage in and aligned with industry demands. The College of Business administers a program emphasizing and , drawing on regional partnerships for practical curricula. These programs collectively enroll a significant portion of the university's approximately 9,000 students, prioritizing STEM fields that yield measurable outcomes in technical and agricultural sectors. Research at Tennessee State University centers on applied sciences addressing societal challenges, particularly in , , and , supported by federal land-grant funding and institutional centers. The Institute of Agricultural and Environmental Research employs over 70 PhD-level scientists investigating , , , , and environmental , with projects funded through USDA grants exceeding millions annually. In , the university advances work in , , and computer information systems, focusing on practical innovations like technologies and data systems. Key initiatives include and development, aimed at and materials applications, alongside disparities through centers like the Center for Aging: and Services (CARES). Recent expansions feature the SMART AI for ALL Applied Center, launched in 2025 to integrate into teaching, , and community applications, positioning the university as a hub for AI partnerships in underrepresented contexts. These efforts generated over $20 million in external funding as of 2023, emphasizing translational outcomes over theoretical pursuits.

Enrollment Statistics and Student Outcomes

As of fall 2024, Tennessee State University reported a total enrollment of 6,310 students, marking a significant decline from 8,198 in fall 2023. Undergraduate enrollment stood at 5,057, comprising the majority, while graduate enrollment was approximately 1,253. The incoming class numbered 1,168 undergraduates, representing a roughly 50% drop from the prior year, contributing to the overall enrollment contraction amid broader challenges at the institution.
Fall SemesterTotal EnrollmentUndergraduate Enrollment
20207,6156,000
20218,0776,375
20229,2187,678
20238,1986,765
20246,3105,057
This table illustrates the enrollment trajectory, with a peak in 2022 followed by successive declines, potentially linked to financial and administrative issues. Student retention stands at 62% for first-time freshmen returning for their year, per recent federal data. Graduation rates remain modest: the four-year rate is 22%, while the six-year rate reaches 39% for the most recent cohorts tracked by the U.S. Department of Education. Six years post-graduation, median earnings for bachelor's recipients average $34,160, reflecting outcomes in fields like , , and where TSU has concentrations. The university conducts a First Destination Survey to track and within six months of graduation, aligning with national standards, though public results emphasize program-specific successes such as 100% in for recent cohorts rather than aggregate figures.

Rankings and Performance Metrics

Tennessee State University is classified as an R2 institution in the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, denoting "Doctoral Universities – High research activity," based on criteria including research expenditures, doctorates awarded, and research staff. In the 2026 rankings, it places #395-434 among National Universities and #166 for Top Performers on , reflecting access for economically disadvantaged students. ranks it #658 overall among American colleges, emphasizing alumni earnings and return on investment. Graduate programs show varied performance: U.S. News ranks its engineering school #181-198 out of 198, biological sciences #281 (tie), and computer science #198 (tie). Among Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tennessee State appears in mid-tier lists, such as tied for #21 in one aggregation of 50 top HBCUs by metrics including academics and outcomes. Forbes highlighted its online programs as among the top 10 for HBCUs in 2025, citing accessibility and quality in distance education. Student outcomes lag national averages: the six-year graduation rate stands at 39-40%, with a four-year rate of 10%. First-year retention is 60-62% for full-time undergraduates, below the 76% national benchmark for similar doctoral institutions. These metrics align with 's outcomes-based funding model, where institutions like Tennessee State have faced scrutiny for not meeting benchmarks in areas such as degree completion and job placement, influencing state appropriations.
MetricValueSource
6-Year Graduation Rate39%College Scorecard (2023 cohort)
4-Year Graduation Rate10%Forbes (2022-2023 IPEDS)
First-Year Retention Rate62%U.S. News (fall 2024 cohort)
Carnegie Research ClassificationR2 (High research activity)Carnegie 2025

Student Life

Residential and Campus Traditions

Tennessee State University maintains several residence halls that emphasize and development through organized social and educational programs. These initiatives, coordinated by the Department of Residence Life and Housing, include activities designed to foster connections among residents and enhance the overall college experience, such as hall-based events that promote interaction in traditional halls like Eppse Hall, known for its close-knit atmosphere, and Wilson Hall, designated as the First-Year Experience residence hall to support incoming s' transition. Apartment-style options, such as those on Heiman Street, blend independence with campus proximity, while policies like structured visitation in halls contribute to a secure living environment that indirectly shapes communal norms. Campus traditions at TSU center on events that reinforce institutional pride and HBCU heritage. , an annual highlight since the university's early years, features a along historic Jefferson Street, pep rallies, reunions, tailgates, and a football game against conference rivals, drawing thousands to celebrate "" spirit; the 98th iteration in October 2025 included student-centered activities and honors for distinguished graduates. The Aristocrat of Bands, the university's Grammy Award-winning formed in 1946, performs at these and other events, upholding a legacy of precision and spectacle that includes being the first to march in a U.S. presidential inaugural in 1961 under President . Additional customs include the opening to kick off the academic year and freshmen rushing the field during orientation, symbolizing entry into Tiger Nation. The university seal, affixed to diplomas and displayed prominently, represents enduring institutional values.

Athletics Programs

The athletics programs at Tennessee State University, known as the Tigers for men and Lady Tigers for women, compete primarily in the (OVC) as part of , with football in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS). The department oversees varsity competition across multiple disciplines, emphasizing both competitive performance and academic success among student-athletes. Tennessee State sponsors 16 varsity sports: men's teams in , cross country, football, , , and ; women's teams in , cross country, , softball, , , and . Football games are hosted at Hale Stadium, a 10,000-seat venue built in 1953, though select contests occur at Nissan Stadium. is played at the Center, while other facilities include the Edward S. Temple Track, TSU Tennis Complex, and a recently constructed 50,000-square-foot Student Athlete Performance Center for training and conditioning. The track and field program holds particular historical prominence, with the women's Tigerbelles squad under coach Edward S. Temple from 1950 to 1994 producing 23 Olympic medals, including three golds by at the 1960 Games. Over 40 Olympians have trained at the Edward S. Temple Track, contributing to multiple national championships and induction of alumni like and into halls of fame. Football has notable alumni such as , the first African American quarterback drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft in 1968. Recent efforts include academic honors, with 14 student-athletes earning OVC Academic Medals of Honor in the 2022-23 year.

Extracurricular Organizations and Activities

Tennessee State University maintains over 200 registered student organizations, encompassing professional, cultural, service, and recreational groups, coordinated through the University Association of Student Organizations (U.A.S.O.). These entities provide opportunities for , , and skill-building, with oversight from the Office of . The Student Government Association (SGA) functions as the primary representative body for undergraduates, advocating for student interests in university policy and resource allocation. Elected annually, the SGA executive includes a president, vice president, and senators, who organize events such as leadership workshops and collaborate with administration on campus improvements. Greek-letter organizations, governed by the (NPHC) chartered at TSU in 1975, include nine chapters: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Sorority, Fraternity, Fraternity, Sorority, Fraternity, Sorority, Sorority, and Fraternity. These groups emphasize scholarship, service, and brotherhood/sisterhood, hosting events like probates and community outreach while adhering to university policies. Additional fraternal councils cover honor societies, independent, and professional groups. Performing arts organizations feature prominently, led by the Grammy Award-winning Aristocrat of Bands, the university's established in the mid-20th century and recognized as the first collegiate ensemble to win two Grammys, including Best Roots Gospel Album in 2022 for its album The Urban Hymnal. The band performs at athletic events, parades, and national competitions, with auxiliary units like the dance team. Other ensembles include the University Choir, Gospel Choir, TSU Meistersingers, and theatrical groups, alongside clubs such as the Allure Modeling Troupe, Hip'NOTYZE Dance Troupe, and Deep Blue Tiger Chess Club. Professional and academic organizations support career preparation, including the American Marketing Association chapter, and Health Sciences Organization, and Gamma Iota professional sorority. Service-oriented groups like cheerleaders, spirit cheerleaders, and the Tiger Gems promote and volunteerism. Multicultural and special interest clubs, such as debate teams and cultural ensembles, foster diversity and intellectual engagement.

Controversies and Challenges

Financial Mismanagement and Audits

A forensic of Tennessee State University (TSU), released on March 28, 2024, identified 57 observations and 60 recommendations across core operational areas, including , grant management, and administration, while finding no evidence of or malfeasance. The , costing $2 million and conducted by an independent firm, highlighted disregarded basic internal controls over financial transactions, a pattern consistent with five prior state audits. It also deemed a recent funding increase unsustainable, projecting potential exhaustion of reserves without adjustments. The Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury's Single Audit for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023, documented six specific findings at TSU, encompassing failures in federal program compliance, such as inadequate monitoring of subrecipients and improper drawdowns of grant funds. A subsequent 160-page performance audit for fiscal year 2023, released in May 2025, uncovered 15 findings of financial mismanagement, including an overstatement of cash balances by $5.7 million due to unrecorded liabilities and mishandling of funds tied to student housing charges, debt service, and auxiliary fees. These errors mirrored issues from previous years, such as inaccurate revenue recognition and failure to bill students for required fees, resulting in underreported deficits that affected operational stability. Persistent overspending exacerbated the crisis, with TSU's expenditures surpassing revenues for several years and accelerating in fiscal years 2023 and 2024, driven by unchecked growth in scholarships, staffing, and administrative costs without corresponding revenue controls. Inefficient processes in financial aid processing, enrollment management, and advising contributed to revenue shortfalls, projecting cash depletion by spring 2025 absent intervention. Consequently, state officials authorized $43 million in emergency funds on November 15, 2024, to sustain and core operations, amid failures to honor committed scholarships and broader liquidity strains. By June 17, 2025, TSU entered a financial operating agreement with state authorities, mandating enhanced budgeting, reporting, and oversight to rectify deficits and prevent recurrence.

State Interventions and Underfunding Debates

Tennessee State University (TSU), 's only public land-grant historically Black college and university (HBCU), has faced longstanding debates over chronic underfunding by the state relative to predominantly white institutions (PWIs). A analysis by the Hunt Institute determined that TSU was underfunded by $1,917,395,299 between 1987 and 2020, attributing the shortfall to disparities in state appropriations that failed to account for the university's role in serving underrepresented students and fulfilling land-grant mandates. Similarly, a Tennessee legislative committee report released on April 5, 2021, estimated that the state owes TSU between $150 million and $544 million in unmatched federal research funds dating back to 1957, stemming from the state's obligation under the Second Morrill Act to provide equivalent state support for HBCU agricultural and mechanical programs. In September 2023, the U.S. Departments of and notified Tennessee Bill Lee of funding inequities at TSU, urging the state to address historical disparities in land-grant distributions as part of a broader federal push to rectify underfunding at HBCUs nationwide. Advocates for TSU, including civil rights attorney Ben Crump, have argued that this underfunding constitutes a systemic deprivation, with Crump threatening legal action in October 2023 to recover an estimated $2.1 billion in withheld funds, framing it as a violation of equal protection principles. In April 2024, TSU students and supporters rallied at the to demand a against the state for recouping these funds, highlighting how underinvestment has exacerbated operational deficits and limited program development. Critics of the underfunding narrative, including state officials, counter that TSU's financial woes primarily result from internal mismanagement rather than solely inadequate appropriations, pointing to repeated audit findings of poor controls as evidence that additional funds without reforms would yield . These debates intensified amid TSU's fiscal crisis, where historical shortfalls were cited in a February 2025 financial stability plan proposing to leverage underfunding repayments to offset budget shortfalls through staff cuts and reduced scholarships. In response to TSU's deteriorating finances—marked by delays and operational instability—the state implemented direct interventions beginning in late 2024. The Tennessee State Building Commission approved a $43 million infusion into TSU's operating budget on November 18, 2024, to cover immediate and sustain core functions amid revelations of mismanagement from state . A March 2024 audit by the Tennessee of the Treasury documented ongoing management shortcomings, including inadequate oversight of financial reporting, bank reconciliations, and capital assets, with 15 financial findings for the 2022–2023 indicating persistent errors in handling taxpayer dollars. A 2023 special report further highlighted uncorrected prior findings rooted in weak internal controls, prompting heightened state scrutiny. By June 2025, TSU and the state finalized a financial operating agreement reallocating $96 million—originally designated from a $250 million 2022 capital improvements pool—to operational needs over three years, including $33 million for electrical grid upgrades and $22 million for facilities like food and animal sciences buildings. This intervention followed prolonged disputes, with the funds aimed at stabilizing operations rather than solely addressing infrastructure, though university leaders emphasized it as a step toward recovery without resolving broader underfunding claims. State oversight extended to , including concerns over a 2024 board overhaul perceived by advocates as intrusive meddling amid underfunding, while a May 2025 audit reiterated breakdowns in controls fostering error-prone environments. These measures, coupled with TSU's 6% tuition increase approved in June 2025, underscore ongoing tensions between state accountability enforcement and calls for compensatory funding to rectify historical inequities.

Leadership Turnover and Governance Issues

Tennessee State University has experienced significant leadership instability in recent years, exacerbated by persistent financial scrutiny. Glenda Glover retired as president on June 30, 2024, following multiple state audits that documented mismanagement under her administration, including failures in financial reporting, bank reconciliations, and capital asset oversight. Glover subsequently entered a consulting contract with the university valued at approximately $1.7 million, which the Board of Trustees sought to terminate in late 2024 amid ongoing fiscal shortfalls, anticipating potential litigation from her. Ronald A. Johnson was appointed interim president on July 1, 2024, tasked with addressing these challenges, but he resigned abruptly on December 11, 2024, after five months, citing irreconcilable differences with the Board of Trustees over strategic planning and the university's future direction. Dwayne Tucker assumed the presidency in August 2025, introducing a five-year financial action plan to combat a $39 million deficit through staff reductions, scholarship caps, and repurposing state capital funds. Governance challenges have compounded turnover, with the vacating the entire TSU Board of Trustees in March 2024 via legislation signed by Governor Bill Lee, prompted by a series of comptroller audits revealing repeated financial errors such as overstating cash holdings by over $5 million and mishandling housing charges and debt service. This overhaul followed a 2020 performance audit and subsequent reports highlighting the board's and management's inability to correct deficiencies, leading to recommendations for enhanced state oversight and potential replacements. Glover attributed these interventions to state underfunding rather than internal failures, claiming efforts to "destroy" the , though state officials emphasized for taxpayer funds amid chronic operational deficits. By June 2025, TSU signed a financial operating agreement with the state to enforce budgeting discipline, reflecting ongoing governance tensions between university and legislative intervention. Alumni and advocates have criticized the board replacement as disruptive, arguing it overlooks historical underfunding, yet audits substantiate patterns of inadequate internal controls predating recent administrations.

Notable People

Notable Faculty

Dr. Tamara Rogers serves as an in the Department of at Tennessee State University, where she has been on the faculty since 2003, and holds the Amazon Endowed Professorship Chair. Her research focuses on cybersecurity, networking, cloud auditing, mobile device security, and , including mobile robot platforms, recognition in dynamic environments, and human-robot interaction models derived from her Ph.D. dissertation at . Rogers earned her B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in from and teaches courses such as data communications, , , and a specialized Amazon-developed course on for junior and senior students. Dr. Achintya Ray is a tenured full of at Tennessee State University, holding the Endowed Chair of Excellence in Banking & and serving as director of the Center for and Economic Development. He specializes in , business strategy, , , intellectual property valuation, , and cybersecurity, with a Ph.D. in from and post-doctoral training in accounting and finance from the . Ray has been featured in a front-page Wall Street Journal article, served as a distinguished keynote speaker at international conferences, and acted as a doctoral examiner for leading universities; he previously led the Faculty Senate and chaired committees on curriculum and promotion. Dr. Michael Harris is a professor of at Tennessee State University, with prior roles as interim provost and for academic affairs, as well as dean of the College of Public Service. Holding a Ph.D. in from and an M.A. in from the same institution, Harris has secured nearly $3.5 million in grants and contributed to nationally accredited programs, including the . His work emphasizes , , , and learner-centered curricula, and he has consulted for the .

Notable Alumni

Tennessee State University alumni have achieved prominence in athletics, entertainment, business, politics, and medicine, often recognized through the university's Distinguished Tigers program. In athletics, earned three gold medals in at the 1960 Olympics, becoming the first American woman to win three golds in a single Games; she graduated from TSU with a B.S. in elementary education in 1963. , a , was drafted by the in 1983 after recording 39.5 sacks at TSU, later earning MVP honors and induction into the in 2011; he graduated from TSU in 1983. Chandra Cheeseborough secured two gold medals and two silvers at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics as part of TSU's Tigerbelles track program, later serving as the women's track coach at the university. In entertainment and media, built a media empire including , which aired from 1986 to 2011 and earned multiple Emmys; she completed her B.A. in speech and drama at TSU in 1986 after beginning studies in 1971. , an actor nominated for an Emmy for his role in (1977), co-founded the and appeared in over 100 films and TV shows; he graduated from TSU in 1959. In business, politics, and public service, Senator has represented Tennessee's 19th district since 1991, focusing on and health policy; she earned a B.S. from TSU in 1978. Howard Gentry Jr. served as Nashville's first African American vice mayor from 2002 to 2015 and currently holds the position of Davidson County Criminal Court Clerk; he obtained B.S. and M.S. degrees in from TSU in 1974 and 1998, respectively. In medicine, Dr. Jr. pioneered the use of the Automatic and became ' first tenured African American faculty surgeon; he graduated from TSU in 1966. General Lloyd W. "Fig" Newton rose to four-star rank in the U.S. , logging 269 combat missions; he received a B.S. in from TSU in 1966.

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  94. https://www.tnstate.edu/housing/Residence%20Life%201.aspx
  95. https://www.tnstate.edu/housing/eppse.aspx
  96. https://www.tnstate.edu/housing/wilson.aspx
  97. https://www.tnstate.edu/housing/apartments.aspx
  98. https://www.tnstate.edu/homecoming/
  99. https://tnstatenewsroom.com/tsu-homecoming-2025-tigers-shine-on-and-off-the-field-in-unforgettable-celebration/
  100. https://www.tnstate.edu/music/aristocrats.aspx
  101. https://www.aristocratofbands.com/
  102. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ne767FpjU6E
  103. https://www.facebook.com/Tennessee.State.University/videos/the-tsu-tradition-continues-as-the-class-of-2029-rushed-the-field-at-the-annual-/1069205165197973/
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  105. https://tsutigers.com/sports/2020/10/7/_132465584610467684.aspx?id=41
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  108. https://www.hastingsarchitecture.com/project/tennessee-state-university-football-training-facility
  109. https://www.tnstate.edu/edtemple/
  110. https://tsuathleticfund.com/giving-opportunities/capital-projects/ed-temple-track/index.html
  111. https://tnstatenewsroom.com/tag/track-and-field/
  112. https://tsutigers.com/sports/2020/11/28/moments-in-tsu-history.aspx
  113. https://tsutigers.com/news/2023/8/9/athletics-tsu-celebrates-numerous-athletic-achievements.aspx
  114. https://www.tnstate.edu/activities/uaso.aspx
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  118. https://www.tnstate.edu/campus_life/greek_life.aspx
  119. https://www.tnstate.edu/activities/cfo.aspx
  120. https://www.tnstate.edu/campus_life/organizations-orig.aspx
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  123. https://comptroller.tn.gov/news/2024/3/28/multiple-audits-reveal-continued-management-shortcomings-at-tsu.html
  124. https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/04/02/2-million-audit-finds-accounting-problems-but-no-fraud-at-tennessee-state-university/
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  128. https://www.highereddive.com/news/tennessee-state-university-cash-financial-crisis/739605/
  129. https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/11/15/tennessee-officials-approved-43-million-in-emergency-funds-for-tsu/
  130. https://hunt-institute.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/2022.12.6_THI_HE_LuminaBrief3.pdf
  131. https://edtrusttn.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Separate-And-Unequal-FINAL.pdf
  132. https://tennesseelookout.com/2023/09/19/states-urged-by-biden-administration-to-rectify-underfunding-of-land-grant-hbcus/
  133. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/education/2023/10/04/tennessee-state-university-civil-rights-attorney-ben-crump-2-1b-underfunding-dispute-state/71050642007/
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  135. https://www.insidehighered.com/news/institutions/minority-serving-institutions/2024/04/09/tsu-advocates-upset-board-overhaul
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  138. https://comptroller.tn.gov/content/dam/cot/orea/advanced-search/2023/TSUExecutiveSummary.pdf
  139. https://wpln.org/post/tsu-reaches-agreement-to-reallocate-96-million-for-university-operations/
  140. https://tennesseelookout.com/2024/12/17/tennessee-state-expects-litigation-over-severing-consulting-contract-with-former-president/
  141. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/education/2024/12/11/tennessee-state-university-interim-president-ronald-johnson-resigns/76926745007/
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  144. https://www.tnstate.edu/president/news.aspx
  145. https://wpln.org/post/lawmakers-vote-to-vacate-the-entire-tsu-board/
  146. https://www.newschannel5.com/news/tennessee-house-votes-in-support-of-the-full-removal-of-the-tsu-board-of-trustees
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  148. https://www.newschannel5.com/news/newschannel-5-investigates/former-tsu-president-blames-state-for-antics-trying-to-destroy-school
  149. https://www.tnstate.edu/engineering/trogers.aspx
  150. https://www.tnstate.edu/ceed/executive-director.aspx
  151. https://www.tnstate.edu/library/documents/Harris_bio.pdf
  152. https://muckrack.com/michael-harris-phd/portfolio/list
  153. https://www.tnstate.edu/alumni/distinguishedtigers.aspx
  154. https://tsutigers.com/news/2020/3/30/IMPORTED_STORY_9937.aspx
  155. https://tsutigers.com/sports/2020/11/13/super-bowl-champions.aspx
  156. https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/staff/2023/05/06/what-did-oprah-winfrey-say-at-tennessee-state-universitys-graduation/70163963007/
  157. https://digitalscholarship.tnstate.edu/notable-alumni/7/
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