The new contribution brings the family’s total investment in the institute to $1 million, securing an enduring academic pipeline for underrepresented students pursuing careers in medicine, dentistry, and other healthcare professions.

The announcement was made Friday during a ceremony at TSU’s Avon Williams campus, where university leaders, faculty, students and family members gathered to celebrate the program’s growth. The presentation was led by Dr. Annie Marie Watkins Garraway, sister of the late surgeon, alongside Dr. George Pruitt, former president of Thomas Edison State University and cousin of Dr. Watkins.

TSU President Dwayne Tucker expressed appreciation to the family for anchoring the late surgeon’s legacy at his alma mater.

“Thank you for your generosity, your trust, and for continuing to choose TSU when a legacy like Dr. Watkins’ could be honored anywhere,” Tucker said. “His legacy belongs here. It is about placing possibility in front of students, who then get to see themselves as physicians, scientists, and healthcare innovators.”

Now in its sixth year, the Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Institute operates an Accelerated Pathway Program designed to prepare high-achieving undergraduate students for professional medical education. Qualified students complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at TSU in three years instead of four. Admission requires a minimum cumulative 3.50 GPA and strong standardized test scores, with incoming cohorts having a 28 ACT and 1310 SAT.

Upon graduation, scholars matriculate into partner institutions to earn M.D. or D.D.S. degrees, including Meharry Medical College, Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Jefferson University, and the Thomas F. Frist, Jr. College of Medicine at Belmont University. Twenty-five of the graduates of the program have also advanced to professional training at Howard University College of Medicine, Morehouse School of Medicine, Georgetown University School of Medicine, and the University of Pennsylvania.

The institute also supports an upperclassman division preparing students for graduate entrance examinations, which is expected to enroll approximately 100 students following its White Coat Ceremony on Oct. 15.

Dr. Watkins, a TSU alumnus, achieved national prominence as the first surgeon to successfully implant an automatic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator in a human patient. During his undergraduate years as Student Government Association president, he advocated for greater recognition of TSU’s academic programs, an effort that helped launch the university’s honors program.

Dr. Garraway said the family decided to expand their financial support after observing the program’s tangible outcomes.

“We just thought that maybe this was the best place for another contribution,” Garraway said. “That’s how that happened, just seeing the results and just wanting to do anything that we can. His connection to Tennessee State was enduring. It was constant.”

Barbara Murrell, founding chair of the institute and long-time colleague of Dr. Watkins, established the program following his passing in 2015.

“Out of that vision came a major program at Tennessee State University designed to prepare students for careers in medicine, dentistry and other areas of health care,” Murrell said. “These students come to us with a yearning for knowledge and the opportunity to be successful.” She presented a five-year report documenting the success of the program.

Student leaders also reflected on the legacy behind their scholarships. Kagan Word, a member of Cohort 4, noted that Dr. Watkins carried a torch from TSU to Vanderbilt and Johns Hopkins.

“Today, that torch is in our hands,” Word said. “Every time a Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. Scholar enters a laboratory, serves a community, receives a medical school acceptance, or puts on a white coat, the torch moves forward.”

Lalita Hodge, program coordinator for the institute, detailed the program’s long-term vision and ongoing expansion during the event.

The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Dr. Levi Watkins Jr. AI Healthcare Innovation Lab inside TSU’s SMART Innovation Technology Center. Dr. Robbie Melton, vice president of SMART AI and Applied Technology, led the presentation on the facility, which provides scholars access to advanced artificial intelligence tools for medical research.

About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Ten Tennessee State University students in the Next Generation Consortium Biotech Summer Experience recently completed an intensive biotechnology, bioinformatics, and agricultural immersion in Hawaii. Led by Project Director and Principal Investigator Dr. John C. Ricketts, the program provided scholars with advanced scientific training, real-world field research, and career development.

The experience bridged virtual coursework and field application. Before traveling, scholars completed intensive bioinformatics training in R programming, biological data analysis, and genomic visualization. In Hawaii, students applied these skills during a “Genome on the Go” workshop at the University of Hawaii at Mānoa. Scholars mastered portable sequencing technology, including the BentoLab mobile laboratory and Oxford Nanopore Technologies MinION sequencer, performing DNA extraction, PCR amplification, gel electrophoresis, and species identification using NCBI BLAST.

“This experience represents exactly what NextGen was designed to accomplish, connecting classroom learning, cutting-edge science, faculty mentoring, career development, and authentic agricultural experiences,” said Ricketts, who is professor and Extension specialist in the College of Agriculture. “Our students arrived prepared to work alongside scientists, use technologies changing agricultural and biological research, and begin developing research questions they will continue investigating at TSU.”

Students emphasized how bridging technical skills with field applications expanded their academic and professional horizons.

“This experience showed me how we can take biotech out of traditional laboratories and put it directly into the hands of students,” said Katrina Seaman, a master’s student in agricultural business and leadership. “Learning to use the Bento Lab and Oxford Nanopore MinION gave me a clear vision for engaging high school and community college STEM students. We can make biotechnology truly accessible through hands-on learning, from DNA extraction all the way to sequencing.”

Fellow NextGen Scholar Christian White, a senior biotechnology major, agreed. “Connecting traditional agricultural practices with modern biotechnology gave me a whole new perspective on food systems,” White said. “Seeing how data science directly impacts crop sustainability in a place like Hawaii opened my eyes to career paths in agriculture I had never previously considered.”

TSU faculty mentors played a crucial role throughout the initiative by nominating scholars, guiding summer preparatory coursework, traveling alongside students, and mentoring them in research. Faculty members are collaborating with students throughout the fall semester to apply these newly acquired bioinformatics skills toward ongoing undergraduate research projects, ensuring sustained academic continuity.

Spanning Hawaii Island, Oʻahu, and Maui, the agricultural curriculum explored how climate, geography, culture, and market demand shape modern food systems. At Greenwell Farms on Hawaiʻi Island, students examined Kona coffee production from “seed to cup.” On Oʻahu, visits to Hawaii’s Plantation Village and Waimea Valley detailed agricultural history, Native Hawaiian ahupuaʻa resource management systems, and ethnobotanical collections.

At Bayer Hawaii, scholars observed modern agricultural technology, including drones, irrigation sensors, and seed processing, alongside TSU alumni working at the facility. On Maui, visits to dragon fruit, pineapple, and chocolate estates highlighted tropical fruit production and value-added supply chains.

The initiative is part of a strategic partnership between TSU and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa through its Pacific-Continental Network of Biosecurity Professionals (PaCoN) project. The other participating TSU scholars were Joshua Realya, Lyra Jones, Makenzie Jones, Rochelle Hunt, Nylah Spivey, Carrie Caudle, Sarah Tyler, and Jeffrey Jackson.

This work is supported by the From Learning to Leading: Cultivating the Next Generation of Diverse Food and Agriculture Professionals (NextGen) Program, project award no. 2023-70508-40532, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Featured Photo: On their recent trip to Hawaii, 10 students, along with faculty mentors from the College of Agriculture, explored how climate, geography, culture, and market demand shape modern food systems. (Submitted photo)

About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.

A Memphis, Tennessee, native who began his teaching career in 1999, Russell joined Tennessee State University in 2007. Over the nearly two decades since, the tenured assistant professor of political science has dedicated himself to helping students navigate government, constitutional law, and civic responsibility. That long-standing commitment was recently recognized when he was named the 2026 Teacher of the Year in the College of Liberal Arts.

The award underscores Russell’s dedication to student success and the vital importance of preparing students to understand their role in society.

“I think civics education is very important,” he said. “My focus is the Constitution, and it’s ceritical that students understand our constitutional system and their role in a democratic society. That’s what drives my work in the classroom every day, engaging young people in how our political system functions.”

While the award celebrates Russell’s classroom impact, he said it also reflects the broader academic environment at TSU, where quality instruction remains a core priority alongside research. 

Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, dean of the College of Liberal Arts, praised Russell’s holistic approach to student mentorship and experiential learning. 

 “The selection process for Teacher of the Year involves rigorous evaluation of faculty nominations across departments, weighing classroom instruction, student engagement, and professional mentorship,” Morgan-Curtis said.  “What sets Dr. Russell apart is his vibrant teaching combined with his stewardship over the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program. He provides students across TSU with direct opportunities to translate learning into professional practice.” 

Under Russell’s leadership, TSU consistently places a full cohort of legislative interns each year, offering a proven pipeline into public policy, government, and legal careers.

“This is the true spirit of a liberal arts education,” Morgan-Curtis added. “Preparing students to be active citizens and lifelong learners, with the confidence and skills to apply what they learn in the classroom to the broader world, is what makes Dr. Russell stand out.”

That mentorship left a lasting impression on former students like Mariah Rhodes, now a healthcare corporate attorney. Rhodes credits Russell’s rigorous analytical approach with shaping her professional career. 

“You always want a professor who challenges how you think and encourages you to consider different perspectives before reaching a conclusion,” Rhodes said. “That is exactly who professor Dr. Russell is. He constantly challenged our assumptions, teaching us how to think critically, analyze complex issues, and listen to opposing viewpoints.”

Rhodes noted that Dr. Russell’s classes fostered open debate while respecting diverse viewpoints. “As an attorney, I realize how much that experience shaped me, not only in my practice, but in how I navigate conversations every day.”

Featured Photo: Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, left, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts, congratulates Dr. Brian Russell as she presents him with the Teacher of the Year plaque, in recognition of his holistic approach to student mentorship and experiential learning. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.

Now an associate professor of Education Practice and Leadership at Tennessee State University, Bryan-Jordan has spent over two decades following that singular vision. Her journey has taken her from middle school classrooms to guiding future educators in higher education, and now, across oceans. Following her selection by the Fulbright Foreign Scholarship Board, Bryan-Jordan is set to embark on a prestigious Fulbright Specialist assignment at Hong Duc University in Vietnam.

Also serving as co-director of TSU’s Global Faculty Fellows Program and coordinator of the doctoral program in Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education, Bryan-Jordan sees this international appointment as the natural next step in her journey.

“I have always been a teacher. I’ve always been a learner. I’ve always been focused on global and international education,” she says, reflecting on a career path that has stayed remarkably close to its origins. “I’m one of very few people who haven’t made a whole lot of changes in terms of their conditions and career path. This is something that I wanted to be, a teacher, since I was very, very young. And so, for me, I’m just fulfilling my goals, my dreams, and my aspirations.”

Throughout her career, that early love for teaching merged with a deep fascination for diverse cultures and languages. At TSU, her scholarship centers on language education, teacher preparation, culturally responsive pedagogy, and educational equity. Her expertise has already earned her national and international recognition, including service as a U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist and a three-year term on the TESOL International Association Board of Directors. 

In Vietnam, Bryan-Jordan will collaborate directly with faculty and students at Hong Duc University. Her work will focus on professional development for English-as-a-foreign-language educators, weaving American culture into language pedagogy while fostering mutual exchange. 

“I just believe that, as educators, our most powerful learning occurs when we cross borders and when we’re interested in engaging with people whose experiences are different from our own,” says Bryan-Jordan.

The assignment underscores TSU’s broader push toward curriculum internationalization and global engagement. Beyond her direct work in Vietnamese classrooms, Jordan views the Fulbright as an investment in her students back home in Nashville. 

“Hopefully, at some point, I can take students to that part of the world as well,” she says.

Established in 1946 to build mutual understanding between the United States and nations worldwide, the Fulbright Program offers scholars the chance to exchange knowledge and establish sustained international networks. For Bryan-Jordan, it represents a full-circle moment: the childhood dreams of a classroom teacher expanding to encompass the globe.

Featured photo: Dr. Kisha Bryan-Jordan, Associate Professor of Education Practice and Leadership at TSU, is a U.S. Department of State English Language Specialist. (Photo by Aaron Grayson)

About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.

BRENTWOOD, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Eighty-six Tennessee State University student-athletes were named to the Ohio Valley Conference Commissioner’s Honor Roll for the 2025-26 academic year, the league announced August 17. The Commissioner’s Honor Roll recognizes student-athletes who achieved at least a 3.25 grade-point average while meeting conference eligibility requirements during the academic year. 

Across the league, the OVC recognized a total of 1,766 student-athletes.

Among TSU’s honorees were six Tigers who earned the OVC Academic Medal of Honor for achieving a perfect 4.0 grade-point average during the academic year: Aroa Arrieta Castillo (women’s tennis), Breon Brown (football), John Davis (men’s track and field), Erin Martin (women’s basketball), Lucia Pantigozo (women’s golf), and Sampo Stahl (men’s golf).

Honorees in football included Breon Brown, Jayden Cook-Morgan, Ethan Cunningham, Epoki Fakaosi, Bryce Gray, Brendan Hale, Robert Howell, Jalen Labranche, Byron McNair, Trevor Pearson, Jaylon Price, Anthony Taylor, and Joel Vanderpuijetagoe. Men’s basketball recipients were Damon Howard, Jayden Jones, Jabrion Spikes, and Carlous Williams. Men’s cross country was represented by Robert Hooper and Landon Thrasher, while men’s golf saw Luke Greig, Aden Napier, Isaac Napier, Jackson Pieratt, Quincy Robert, Sampo Stahl, and Seojin Yoon recognized. 

Men’s track and field placed eleven student-athletes on the list, including Oladipo Akomolafe, John Davis, Gabriel Deng, Robert Hooper, Kolby Jones, Caleb Joshway, Collin McCall, Joshua McClendon, Kami Muvunyi, Bryce Sparks, and Landon Thrasher.

In women’s athletics, basketball honorees were Amiyah Ferguson, Laila Lancaster, Erin Martin, Shalance Montoya, Icesis Thomas, and XaiOnna Whitfield. Women’s cross country recipients included Serenity Harry, Quinn Hudson, Sydney McGee, and Madison Smith. Women’s golf saw Lucia Pantigozo, Anessa Riglos, Trixie Sabulao, Lorien Sweet, and TaLese Vaughn recognized. Women’s tennis honorees were Aroa Arrieta Castillo, Victoria Cooksey, Taylor Ellis, Claudia Murdasanu, Jovana Nikolic, Julie Tungamirai, and Natalie Walsh. 

Softball placed nine on the honor roll, including Jasmine Blackburn, Miriam Gordon, Kristian Holder, Jace Jackson, Dani James, Jakeyla McDaniel, Tianna Salcido, Kyra Taylor, and Alexis Woods. 

Finally, women’s track and field honorees included Jada Harris, Serenity Harry, Quinn Hudson, A’Marie Khan, Sydney McGee, Pearl Onwumbiko, Madison Smith, Kara Stewart, and Giah Thomas.

About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.

For the incoming students arriving on campus, settling into their residence halls was the realization of long-held dreams, academic ambitions and the allure of HBCU culture. Twin siblings Troy and Troynesha Akins, graduates of Nashville’s McGavock High School, were among the early arrivals alongside their mother, father, and grandmother. They will resided in Wilson Hall.

“I chose Tennessee State University because of the strong sense of community and the opportunity to be part of an HBCU,” Troynesha said. “I’m excited to study education, become a teacher, and one day make a positive difference in the lives of children.”

Her brother Troy, who will major in business marketing, added, “Coming to Tennessee State University is about being part of a community where I can meet new people, grow, and enjoy the HBCU experience. Starting college alongside my twin sister makes this journey even more meaningful because we’ve been together our whole lives, and now we get to take this next step together.”

Also taking up residence in Wilson Hall was cybersecurity major Benjamin Bass, accompanied by his mother and aunt. “I’ve loved TSU since I toured here in elementary school,” said Benjamin. “My uncle is an alumnus, and my brother graduated from TSU, so there’s already a strong family connection. Now I’m coming here to study cybersecurity, and I’m ready to do big things.”

The entire campus community rallied in full force to make the transition smooth for the newcomers. TSU President Dwayne Tucker was seen all day motoring across campus behind the wheel of a golf cart, personally shuttling nervous freshmen, proud parents, and piles of luggage directly to residence hall doors.

“Our goal today and every day is to make sure our students, and their families feel supported the moment they set foot on campus,” Tucker said. “Seeing the energy, the enthusiasm, and the massive turn-out shows that Tennessee State University is moving forward in a powerful way.”

He was joined by an army of volunteers, including alumni, faculty, staff, and upperclassmen, who jumped in to carry luggage and personal belongings. Corporate partners like Coca-Cola, Tennessee Titans, Bank of America and Regions Bank were on hand with food items, cold beverages, and giveaways.

From receiving room keys, student IDs, and parking permits to activating meal plans, the onboarding process was streamlined for maximum ease. The weeklong activities kicked off August 11 with first-time freshmen, followed by continuing, transfer, and readmitted students. The activities close out with Freshman Convocation on August 14, when new students are officially welcomed during a ceremony in Kean Hall.

The extraordinary turnaround in enrollment is notable. Initial recruitment efforts projected an influx of between 1,600 and 1,800 incoming freshmen and transfer students, a huge jump from last year’s 500. By the start of move-in, officials reported slightly over 2,000 had registered for the Fall.

Dr. Eric Stokes, vice president of Enrollment Management, credited support from the president, alumni, and staff for the recruitment success: “It truly is a blessing to be where we are today. The president always says, ‘What a difference a year makes,’ and I think it starts with his leadership. That leadership trickled down across campus, and everybody was really focused on one mission and one goal: new student enrollment and customer service. All those things combined, along with God’s grace, have brought us to where we are today, with nearly 2,000 new students registered.”

Ensuring the complex logistics ran smoothly on the ground was Dr. Bridgett Golman, vice President of Student Affairs. Dr. Golman, along with the housing and student activities teams, spent the week moving between check-in centers and registration stations, ensuring that all processing areas were adequately supported. 

On subsequent move-in days across Boyd, Epps, and Hale Halls, excitement remained high. At Epps Hall, grandparents Herman and Laverne Perry from Memphis dropped off their granddaughter LanDin Boyce, whom they have cared for since childhood. “Coming to college, especially at TSU is a major break for her, and we are glad to see her have this experience,” said Herman.

At Boyd Hall, twin brothers Xavier and Cameron Jackson picked up their welcome packages to reside together. Xavier is going into health sciences, while Cameron will major in dental hygiene. “TSU is kind of in the blood. I have family members who went here, so it was like I had to come here. I’m ready to try something new, experience college life and make it further in life,” Cameron said.

Classes officially begin August 18, with late registration and schedule adjustments running August 18–22.

About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.

The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) has named TSU an inaugural recipient of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) Project of Excellence recognition. Selected as one of only 17 higher education institutions across the region, TSU stood out following a rigorous peer-review evaluation of QEP Impact Reports submitted during the Fifth-Year Interim Review process.

At the heart of CADENCE’s success is its data-driven framework. Rather than treating advising as a simple transactional process of picking classes, CADENCE built a cohesive, multi-layered support network. The program integrates structured academic advising, targeted retention interventions, and comprehensive career development early in a student’s academic journey. Evaluators selected TSU based on the initiative’s measurable outcomes in student learning, retention, and degree completion.

“Being recognized by SACSCOC for our Quality Enhancement Plan is a testament to Tennessee State University’s unwavering commitment to student success and academic rigor,” said TSU President Dwayne Tucker. “CADENCE has fundamentally transformed how we support, engage, and guide our students from enrollment to graduation. As we continue executing our vision for a modernized, student-first university, this honor confirms that our collective campus efforts are producing meaningful, peer-recognized outcomes for our Tigers.”

The inaugural QEP Project of Excellence designation was created by SACSCOC to highlight institutions whose quality initiatives demonstrate exceptional, sustained impact on student achievement. 

“I am pleased to share that your institution has been identified as one of 17 institutions for the inaugural Quality Enhancement Plan Project of Excellence recognition,” said Dr. Stephen L. Pruitt, president of SACSCOC. “This is based on a peer review process of the QEP Impact Reports submitted as part of the Fifth-Year Interim Review during the past year. Because the QEP has had an important impact at your institution on student learning and/or student success, SACSCOC wants to provide opportunities to recognize your efforts and to share your story. Congratulations on a job well done! Thank you for your continued support of accreditation.”

The realization of CADENCE required synchronization across faculty, academic support, student affairs, and institutional research. Guided by strategic priorities aimed at closing retention gaps and increasing degree completion, CADENCE served as a unified framework that brought every corner of the university together.

Dr. Charlise Anderson, TSU’s managing executive director of Institutional Effectiveness, Research Planning and Assessment & Accreditation Liaison, reflected on the years of dedication that built CADENCE.

“This recognition is a tremendous honor for Tennessee State University and reflects the collective commitment of our campus to student success,” said Anderson, who retires from TSU at the end of August after more than 23 years in higher education. “The development of the Quality Enhancement Plan was guided by institutional research and strategic planning, which consistently identified the improvement of student retention, progression, and degree completion as vital priorities. The campus-wide QEP topic proposal, review, selection, and culminating implementation of the QEP were informed by these priorities. CADENCE was truly a campus-wide effort focused on helping students connect, engage, plan, and ultimately succeed. To have this work recognized by our peers through SACSCOC’s inaugural QEP Project of Excellence recognition is an extraordinary accomplishment for Tennessee State University.”

The SACSCOC recognition adds to a growing list of national distinctions for TSU. Recently, Forbes named the university a Top 10 Public HBCU as part of its inaugural ranking of the nation’s Top 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities. As an inaugural QEP Project of Excellence awardee, TSU will now serve as a regional benchmark, presenting its CADENCE best practices and strategies at the upcoming SACSCOC annual meeting to guide peer institutions across the South.

About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.

For incoming international scholars, the center’s supportive, immersive environment yields immediate transformations.

“I feel much more comfortable speaking English now,” said Camila Balza, an IEP student from Colombia. “In the short time, I have learned many good things, made great friends, and now I hope to continue my degree at TSU.”

Fellow student Mushrikkhon Buzurukov, from Uzbekistan, reflected on how the program helped him overcome initial language anxiety. “When I first came, I was afraid to make mistakes. The teachers taught us that it’s okay to make mistakes and helped us believe in ourselves. Now I’m much more confident speaking.”

By enhancing language proficiency through immersive academic curricula, structured conditional admissions, and comprehensive cultural orientation, the IEP simplifies the transition into university-level coursework. Pathway agreements that bypass traditional standardized test barriers, such as the TOEFL or IELTS, allow students to move directly into TSU degree programs without losing momentum.

Housed within the Division of Academic Affairs under the Intensive English Center (IEC), the daytime IEP focuses strictly on full-time academic preparation for degree-seeking scholars. A secondary track, the General English Program (GEP), meets in the evening to accommodate local working adults and community members.

“The Intensive English Center houses multiple tracks tailored to different needs,” said Dr. Jewell Winn, executive director of International Programs. “Our daytime Intensive English Program provides rigorous academic preparation for full-time degree candidates, while the evening General English Program offers flexible scheduling for working adults and local community members.”

A cornerstone of TSU’s global outreach strategy is the flagship three-week summer immersion program. Operating for nine years, the initiative recruits international university faculty, professionals, and students to Music City for accelerated language instruction paired with deep cultural immersion. Participants live in TSU residence halls, experience American campus life firsthand, explore Middle Tennessee, and synthesize their growth through a final multimedia presentation.

“It’s amazing to see what three weeks of intensive English training can accomplish,” Winn added. “Students create a final video that showcases how much they’ve learned and how their confidence has grown. We always keep international recruitment at the forefront when we build these unique programs. Many participants return home with stronger English skills, and some decide they want to come back to TSU to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees.”

While changing global visa dynamics have prompted the center to expand locally, including a recent partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools to support multilingual families and community members, the IEP’s primary identity remains rooted in empowering learners from around the globe. Having served students representing over 40 countries, the program welcomes beginners from anywhere in the world and guides them toward full academic fluency.

“We’re the only accredited program in Middle Tennessee that accepts true beginners,” said IEC Director Vladimir Bedoya. “Students can arrive from their home countries with little to no English, start at the foundation level, and progress all the way to full university readiness.”

For Bedoya and the TSU faculty, watching international students step into their potential defines the institution’s global mission.

“We’re not just teaching English,” Bedoya said. “We’re opening doors to global opportunities and helping people believe that higher education in the U.S. is possible. Seeing students transform into confident, degree-seeking scholars makes us very proud.”

Featured Photo: Intensive English Program instructor Beyza Aypa, right, reviews a class exercise with students prior to the start of a lesson at the Avon Williams Campus. (Photo by PR & Communications)

About Tennessee State University
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University is Nashville’s only public land-grant university offering 41 bachelor’s degrees, 15 graduate certificates, 27 master’s degrees, and nine doctoral degrees. TSU’s campus spans 500 acres. The university is committed to academic excellence, providing students with a quality education in a nurturing and innovative environment that prepares them as alumni to be global leaders. Visit tnstate.edu for more details.

Whether welcoming students to campus, leading conversations, receiving national recognition, or building connections with future leaders, TSU’s presence was felt throughout the six-day conference. Hosted at the Music City Center, the national event focused on economic opportunity, education, and community empowerment, bringing together thousands of business executives, elected officials, educators, entrepreneurs, and advocates from across the country. As Nashville’s only public HBCU, Tennessee State University played a significant role throughout the week, highlighting its commitment to preparing leaders who continue making an impact in their communities and professions.

That commitment was on full display as TSU welcomed more than 300 middle and high school students to campus for the National Urban League Youth Leadership Summit. The students explored academic programs, experienced campus life, and participated in leadership development activities designed to prepare them for future success.

“Opening our campus to the National Urban League Youth Leadership Summit reflects who we are as an institution,” said TSU President Dwayne Tucker. “We want every student who visits TSU to see that higher education is within reach and that this University is a place where leadership is cultivated and futures are transformed.”

While TSU welcomed future leaders to campus through the Youth Leadership Summit, the conference also celebrated members of the University’s own community whose leadership continues to make an impact. During the National Urban League Women of Power Awards Luncheon, TSU Director of Alumni Relations Debbie Howard was recognized as one of seven awardees for her leadership and service. “It’s such a privilege to be recognized for the work that you absolutely love to do,” Howard said on the stage in front of hundreds.

She dedicated the honor to TSU and her colleagues.

“Working at an HBCU, your work is never complete at the end of the day,” Howard said. “TSU, I dedicate this award to you as well. Thank you, National Urban League, for seeing me and valuing the work that I do in this space.”

Many TSU alumni said the University’s visibility throughout the conference reflected a legacy they experienced firsthand and now work to pass on to others. Among them was LaKeisha Pickett, chief financial officer of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee and a 2003 TSU mathematics graduate. Seeing her alma mater represented throughout the conference was a reminder of the University’s lasting impact.

“Seeing TSU alumni here at this national conference is exciting because it shows that TSU poured into us the desire to give back to our communities, to think, work and serve just like our motto,” Pickett said. She said hosting the Youth Leadership Summit reflected TSU’s commitment to investing in the next generation. “We’re constantly pouring into our kids because we want them to come right behind us,” she said. “We’re building the next generation while building legacy.” Pickett credited TSU with preparing her to succeed professionally through opportunities like the Honors College. “Everything was learned from TSU,” she said. “I praise my alma mater for preparing me to be in these spaces.”

That same legacy is already taking shape among TSU’s newest graduates, many of whom are beginning careers centered on service and community impact. Jalen Edwards, a 2024 graduate who now serves as a program manager with the Urban League after beginning as an intern, said TSU equipped him with skills that translated directly into his career. “All the things TSU teaches us, take that in, hold on to it, and go out there and be the best version of yourself that you can,” Edwards said.

He said one of the most meaningful aspects of the conference was connecting with executives and leaders who looked like him while gaining valuable professional experience.

Edwards was among many TSU alumni whose leadership and professional accomplishments were on display throughout the conference. Among them were Tennessee State Representative Harold Love Jr.; Wells Fargo Executive Vice President Georgette “Gigi” Dixon; Nissan executive and Urban League of Middle Tennessee Board Chair Chandra Vassar; AARP Tennessee State Director Mia McNeil; and Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry. Throughout the week, TSU alumni contributed as speakers, panelists, and community leaders, reflecting the University’s broad impact across business, government, and civic leadership.

TSU’s presence extended beyond the conference’s leadership programming. The Chairman’s Reception also featured a performance by the Grammy Award-winning Aristocrat of Bands, showcasing one of the University’s most celebrated traditions before a national audience. From students experiencing a college campus for the first time to recent graduates launching careers in service and accomplished alumni leading corporations, nonprofits, and government agencies, Tennessee State University’s influence was evident throughout the National Urban League Conference.

Featured Photo: The Tennessee State University Grammy-winning Aristocrat of Bands perform at the Chairman’s Reception during the weeklong 2026 National Urban League Conference in Nashville.

The recognition comes as part of Forbes’ inaugural ranking of the nation’s Top 20 Historically Black Colleges and Universities, which features 10 public and 10 private institutions that are helping students thrive academically while positioning them for successful careers after graduation. According to Forbes, the rankings highlight institutions that combine academic quality, affordability, and strong graduate outcomes, recognizing colleges and universities that provide students with a meaningful return on their educational investment.

“Being recognized by Forbes as one of the nation’s top public HBCUs is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the outstanding work taking place across Tennessee State University every day,” said President Dwayne Tucker. “This distinction affirms our commitment to academic excellence, student success, and preparing graduates to lead in their careers and communities. As we continue reimagining Tennessee State University for the future, this national recognition reinforces the excellence that has long defined our institution, and that our students are receiving an education that equips them to compete and succeed at the highest levels.”

The distinction places the university among an elite group of public HBCUs recognized nationally for creating pathways to student success and delivering an education that prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.

Forbes highlighted the university’s distinguished alumni, including media mogul Oprah Winfrey and Olympic champion Wilma Rudolph, whose accomplishments reflect the enduring impact of a TSU education. The recognition also reflects the university’s continued commitment to expanding opportunities that foster student success, innovation, and academic excellence.

The latest recognition adds to a growing list of national accolades for TSU. In 2025, Forbes Advisor recognized TSU as one of the nation’s top HBCUs for online degree programs, highlighting the university’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality education through innovative and flexible learning opportunities.

As Tennessee’s only public land-grant HBCU and an R2 research institution, TSU continues to distinguish itself through academic excellence, impactful research, and transformative student experiences. Across eight colleges and schools, students benefit from faculty mentorship, undergraduate research, leadership development, internships, and experiential learning opportunities that prepare them for success after graduation. The Forbes recognition reflects TSU’s enduring legacy of excellence and its continued commitment to expanding opportunity, advancing innovation, and preparing the next generation of leaders. To read the Forbes list in full, visit Top HBCUs: 20 Historically Black Colleges That Set Grads Up For Success