The facility, funded by the State of Tennessee, will be constructed on the site of the former Clay Hall. It is scheduled for occupancy by the start of the 2027/2028 academic year. This project represents the second major campus expansion under TSU President Dwayne Tucker since taking office a little over a year ago. Last June, the university broke ground for a $90 million agriculture facility that is currently under construction.

“Today represents a transformative moment in the history of Tennessee State University,” Tucker told the assembled crowd. “TSU has long been committed to expanding access, driving innovation, and preparing leaders who shape the future. The promise of a new engineering building stands as a bold reflection of our mission. This facility will unify our engineering and applied technology programs into one interdisciplinary hub, designed to foster collaboration, creativity, and discovery across all levels of learning.”

Inside the facility, students will engage in hands-on experiences that mirror the industries they will soon lead, Tucker added. He expressed deep gratitude to the State of Tennessee, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), and the Tennessee Legislature for their investment, while also acknowledging the vital presence of alumni and faculty.

Dr. Julie A. Roberts, chief academic officer at THEC and a former TSU staff member, emphasized the regional impact. “Engineering has long been a cornerstone of excellence at TSU, and today’s groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter in that legacy. This state-of-the-art facility will expand opportunities for students, strengthen workforce readiness, and support the kind of innovation that will shape Tennessee’s future,” Roberts said.

For current and former students, the ceremony was a moment of immense pride. Mark Gray, a civil engineering student and member of the inaugural cohort of a mining engineering program, said, “What we’re experiencing right now at TSU feels like a true revolution. This moment reflects the vision, innovation, and commitment of our faculty and leadership. I’m proud to be part of something historic.”

Tarik Williams, a mechanical engineering and computer science major, called the building a “declaration.” He noted, “This will be more than classrooms and labs. It will be a space where ideas are tested, where collaboration thrives, and where future engineers discover what’s possible.”

Dr. Lin Li, dean of the College of Engineering, detailed the academic impact of the facility, which will replace Torrence Hall, the program’s home for decades. Dr. Li offered a deep appreciation to the partners who moved the project forward, specifically the State Building Commission, THEC, and the Tennessee General Assembly.

“The facility will serve as a hub for innovation and cutting-edge research, while reflecting TSU’s commitment to sustainability and leadership,” Li said. “While the building will serve the entire college, it will provide a particular emphasis on ‘The Engineering Experience,’ with the intent to recruit and retain future engineers. This is not just an investment in a building; it’s an investment in people, in ideas, and in the belief that engineering can change the world.” He noted the building includes adaptive learning labs, a welcome center, 7 classrooms, 19 teaching labs, and 6 research labs, covering fields from Robotics and Drone Flight to Mechatronics and Transportation Simulation.

Will Radford, assistant vice president of Campus Operations and Planning, Design and Construction, provided an overview of the technical and strategic vision. He described a facility intentionally designed to inspire, strategically positioned to foster academic engagement across and beyond the campus.

“Every element of this facility has been thoughtfully designed to support what we call ‘The Engineering Experience,’ an immersive, hands-on approach that prepares students to lead in a rapidly evolving technological world. But just as important as what this building will contain is how it will come to life.”

Radford said the facility will feature more than 30 teaching and research laboratories, dedicated maker and prototyping spaces, modern computer labs, and a centralized hub for academic leadership. He explained that the architecture promotes an open, collaborative atmosphere, anchored by an open atrium that serves as the heart of student interaction. By integrating high-tech simulation environments with traditional academic spaces, Radford noted that TSU is setting a new standard for campus infrastructure that directly translates to industry readiness.

For more information on the College of Engineering at TSU, visit www.tnstate.edu/engineering/.

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.

Charles Whitman Dabbs, 85, will walk across the stage at the Gentry Center Complex to receive his Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership, proving that the pursuit of knowledge has no expiration date.

Dabbs is one of nearly 1,400 graduates, the university’s largest class in several years that will be honored during the two-day ceremony on May 1 and 2. While the class includes 1,200 undergraduates, it is the 200 graduate students like Dabbs who underscore TSU’s commitment to lifelong excellence.

“I’m not the kind of person who can just sit at home and do nothing,” says Dabbs. “I’ve always wanted to earn a doctorate, but the time was never right. When the pandemic slowed everything down, I finally had the time, and I took it.”

A Los Angeles native, Dabbs’ journey began at age 17 when he joined the U.S. Navy. Serving as a hospital corpsman, he found the discipline that would fuel a 50-year career in federal service, including roles with the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense. Along the way, he earned a bachelor’s degree in sociology and two master’s degrees from UCLA, all while working full-time.

For Dabbs, education is a “family DNA” forged by his father, who grew up in the Jim Crow South without access to formal schooling. Today, Dabbs celebrates 63 years of marriage, two highly educated children, and five grandchildren. His bond with TSU is a legacy of its own; his son earned an MBA from the university, and Dabbs was inspired by a neighbor who attended TSU in the 1950s.

Despite the age gap between him and his classmates, Dabbs found a home at TSU.

“I thought I might be overlooked, but it was just the opposite,” Dabbs recalled. “The students embraced me. They helped me with technology, and in return, I shared perspectives from living through history they had only read about in textbooks. There was a beautiful intergenerational connection.”

With his Ed.D. in hand, Dabbs has no intention of slowing down. He plans to transition into leadership at an HBCU, focusing on mentorship.

“Many students just need someone in their corner,” he said. “I want to help them see that with focus and resilience, they can succeed. It’s never too late to do something meaningful.”

Note: The ceremony for the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, including Charles Whitman Dabbs, will be on May 1, beginning at 6 p.m. For more information, visit www.tnstate.edu/records/commencement/.

Featured Photo: Dr. Charles Whitman Dabbs says next on his agenda is to transition into leadership with a focus on mentorship at a historically Black college or university. (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.

TSU President Dwayne Tucker, a 1980 graduate of the institution, kicked off the event by sharing his own journey as proof of the university’s impact. “I came to TSU with confidence, but it was the faculty who helped me recognize my true potential. They challenged me to stay focused, earn my degree, and prepare for something greater,” Tucker said. “When you choose Tennessee State University, you’re choosing more than a college, you’re choosing a place that will challenge you, support you, and prepare you to lead.”

Among the eager visitors were Mariah Bell, a senior at Atlanta’s Langston Hughes High School with a 4.0 GPA, and Marshal Jenkins II, a pre-med chemistry major prospect. Both have committed to attending TSU this fall. Bell, a first-generation college student who plans to major in dental hygiene, noted that TSU’s reputation in health sciences confirmed it was the right fit. 

“I’ve always wanted to attend an HBCU. When I came on my visit and met my tour guide, I just really felt at home here,” Bell said. Many parents shared this enthusiasm while reflecting on the bittersweet milestone of college enrollment. “I’m excited, but also a little sad,” said Diana Castillo, mother of Mariah Bell. “She’s ready, and I believe she’ll do great things. We’ll really find out when we drop her off and see her settle into this new chapter.”

Jenkins, who has a keen interest in the Dr. Levi Watkins Institute, an accelerated pathway for medicine and dentistry, spent the day speaking with staff and students at the program’s display. “I’ve heard incredible things about the Levi Watkins program, but actually speaking to the current cohort today made it real,” Jenkins said. “They explained how the program supports you every step of the way. Seeing that community firsthand confirmed that TSU is the best place for me to start my medical career.” Chase Brown, a member of the Levi Watkins Program, encouraged prospects like Jenkins to take full advantage of the support system, noting that the cohort feels like a family and genuinely prepares students for success in medicine.

Dr. Eric Stokes, vice president of Enrollment Management, emphasized that the record turnout was the result of strategic, sustained efforts, including national travel and alumni partnerships. “By intentionally combining our junior preview and admitted student weekend into one comprehensive experience, we achieved a more robust and engaging visit,” Stokes said. “The Blueprint is about showing them what their future can look like, and this weekend, that vision came to life.”

Dr. Portia Johnson, director of recruitment and the mastermind behind The Blueprint Preview Day, urged the visitors to fully immerse themselves in the opportunities available. “Our goal is simple: that every visitor leaves campus with no doubts and no unanswered questions about their future here,” Johnson said. 

With participants hailing from about 20 states, including California, Michigan, and Illinois, the day concluded at Hale Stadium, where families watched the TSU Tigers in action during the Blue and White football game.

For more information on admission at TSU, visit www.tnstate.edu/admissions/

Featured Photo: Participants in the 2026 Spring Preview Day came from about 20 states, making it one of the largest turnouts in recent memory. (Photo by Jordan Johnson)

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.

Delilah Rhodes and her two children, Eric Lee and Gabrielle Lee, will all receive their graduate degrees during the same ceremony, marking an emotional milestone for the Nashville family.

For Delilah Rhodes, a professional with the Nashville Metro Planning Commission, the path to her Master of Professional Studies (MPS) in Human Resource Management was a journey of resilience. “Earning a bachelor’s degree was always a dream of mine, but life happened,” Rhodes said. “When I had my son in 1998 and my daughter in 2000, my focus shifted to providing for them and making sure they had every opportunity to succeed.”

After earning an associate degree from Nashville State and her bachelor’s from Trevecca University, Rhodes realized she wanted to set a new standard for her family. “I wanted to break a generational mindset that a high school diploma was enough and show my children what was truly possible,” she said.

That determination wasn’t lost on her children. Both Eric and Gabrielle are TSU alumni who chose to return to their alma mater for their graduate studies. Eric Lee, who works for Aegis in human resources, will receive his MBA in Finance, while Gabrielle Lee, a logistics professional at Amazon, will receive her MBA in Information Systems.

For Eric, the journey was about finding his own rhythm by watching his mother’s work ethic. “School wasn’t always something I was passionate about, but witnessing that determination inspired me to keep going, even when it wasn’t easy,” Eric said. “Being able to graduate alongside my mom and my sister feels like the perfect culmination of a journey we’ve all shared.”

The significance of the moment is not lost on Gabrielle, who notes the rarity of a triple-family graduation. “It doesn’t happen every day that you get to graduate alongside your mom,” Gabrielle said. “Realizing I’ll be stepping into the classroom to teach, just like my mom, makes it even more meaningful. It feels like everything has come full circle.”

While the family didn’t originally set out to graduate in the same semester, Rhodes believes it was a product of “determination, faith, and a shared commitment.” As they prepare to walk the stage at TSU, she hopes their story serves as a beacon for other families in the Nashville community.

“This experience has shown my children, and now the next generation, that higher education isn’t a burden, it’s a privilege,” Rhodes said. “No matter when you start, you can finish. And when you do, it’s something no one can ever take away from you.”

NOTE:
Tennessee State University’s Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies will take place over two days, May 1-2, in the Gentry Center Complex. This year, the university will honor nearly 1,400 graduates, its largest class in several years, comprising around 200 graduate students and approximately 1,200 undergraduates across diverse disciplines.

For more information in TSU Spring Commencement, visit www.tnstate.edu/records/commencement/

Featured Photo: Delilah Rhodes, center, says that earning graduate degrees alongside her children, Eric Lee, left, and Gabrielle Lee, has been the best achievement for her family. (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.

In line with the university’s commitment to promote student engagement and empowerment, this year’s ceremonies will highlight selected student speakers from each college, providing them with a platform to share their unique stories and experiences. The initiative continues President Dwayne Tucker’s vision of a reimagined TSU that prioritizes student voices and leadership.

“Our Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies celebrate not only the academic accomplishments of our graduates but also embody our steadfast commitment to engaging and empowering our students,” President Tucker said. “By allowing our graduates to share their stories, we are investing in their futures and enhancing the vibrant TSU community. This initiative reflects a pivotal shift in our approach, moving away from past traditions where student voices were seldom heard.”

The commencement schedule is as follows:

– Friday, May 1  

   – 8 a.m. – Colleges of Business and Public Service  

   – 1 p.m. – Colleges of Agriculture and Engineering  

   – 6 p.m. – College of Education and the School of Graduate and Professional Studies 

– Saturday, May 2  

   – 8 a.m. – College of Health Sciences

   – 1 p.m. – Colleges of Liberal Arts, and Life and Physical Sciences   

Additionally, the TSU Honors College will host a special ceremony on Thursday, April 30, at 3 p.m. in the Gentry Center Complex to celebrate all students in the honors program, previously known as the Honors Convocation. 

“We are immensely proud of our graduates and their achievements. This moment marks the culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and dedication,” said Dr. Erik Schmeller, interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs. “The selected student speakers exemplify the spirit of TSU, and we are eager to hear their inspiring words, which will undoubtedly resonate with their classmates and the entire university community.”

Families and friends of graduates are encouraged to partake in these momentous ceremonies, honoring the hard work and perseverance of TSU’s students as they embark on their future endeavors.

For additional information about the Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies, please visit www.tnstate.edu/records/commencement/.

NASHVILLE, TN — Tennessee State University and head men’s basketball Coach Nolan Smith have agreed to a contract extension that will keep him leading the Tigers through the 2031 season, Director of Athletics Dr. Mikki Allen announced today. The extension reflects the university’s commitment to sustained excellence and the continued growth of its athletics program.

“My staff and I are incredibly blessed to continue leading this program,” said Smith. “Last season, we laid the foundation and established a clear standard for a winning culture. We’re excited, motivated, and ready to keep building something that makes the Tennessee State University community proud.”

“Nolan Smith has made an immediate and transformative impact on our program, leading with purpose, energy, and a commitment to excellence,” said Allen. “He is a winner whose passion for this university has energized our community and strengthened TSU basketball’s national profile. This well-deserved extension provides stability and momentum for the future, and we look forward to continued success under his leadership.”

In his first season, Smith guided the Tigers to a 23–10 overall record and a 15–5 mark in conference play, culminating in Tennessee State’s first OVC Tournament title in more than three decades and the program’s first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1994.

“This is about building something sustainable and positioning Tennessee State for long-term success,” said TSU President Dwayne Tucker. “Coach Smith has elevated our program in just one year, and this extension reflects our confidence in his leadership and our vision for the future of TSU athletics.”

Smith’s achievements earned him OVC Co-Coach of the Year honors, the first in Tennessee State history, along with finalist recognition for the Joe B. Hall, Ben Jobe, and Hugh Durham Awards, which recognize the nation’s top mid-major coaches. His leadership helped produce a high-scoring offense averaging 80.5 points per game, a relentless defensive presence, and several all-conference players, including OVC Player of the Year Aaron Nkrumah.

“As we continue to move the university forward, strategic investments like this strengthen our ability to compete at a high level, attract top talent, and bring greater national visibility to Tennessee State University,” Tucker added. “This is about momentum, opportunity, and ensuring our student-athletes have the resources and leadership to succeed.”

Head Coach Nolan Smith said, “I’m honored to continue leading this program. Our players, staff, and community have worked tirelessly to build a culture of hard work, accountability, and pride. This extension reflects our shared commitment to elevating TSU basketball, and I’m excited for what lies ahead.”

With this extension, Tennessee State basketball looks ahead to continued success on and off the court. Under Smith’s leadership, the program is positioned to build on its historic momentum, attract top-tier talent, and further elevate TSU’s presence on the national stage.

Alexis Clark contributed to this report.

TSU is one of four HBCUs selected for this funding, to empower students with the skills essential for leadership in energy and environmental sectors. Over the next four years, the professorship will provide training and resources for at least 120 students.

“Today marks a powerful investment in the future of sustainability, innovation, and student success,” said Tiffany Callaway Farrell, vice president of operations at Atlanta Gas and Light and Chattanooga Gas, a Southern Company subsidiary. “Through the HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative, we are proud to support this endowed professorship at TSU, an investment that will expand access, reduce financial barriers, and prepare students to lead in the rapidly evolving energy landscape. This partnership reflects our deep commitment to HBCUs and our belief that institutions like TSU play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.”

TSU President Dwayne Tucker expressed his appreciation for the long-standing support. “This investment from Southern Company, through the HBCU SCI initiative, reflects a partnership that began at a critical time for Tennessee State University and has never wavered,” Tucker said. “Their commitment to establishing an endowed professorship in sustainability not only strengthens our academic mission but also positions our students and faculty to lead in solving the environmental challenges of the future.”

Ron Houston, president and CEO of INROADS, said the investment represents more than a check. “it’s a long-term commitment to the future of HBCU students and the vital role these institutions play in developing the next generation of leaders,” he said. “Through our partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and UNCF, and with the support of the Southern Company Foundation, the HBCU Sustainable Community Initiative is creating meaningful pathways for students.”

TSU Students are enthusiastic about the announcement. Tarik Williams, a senior mechanical engineering major, said, “This isn’t just an investment in sustainability, it’s an investment in students. It gives us the access, the resources, and the confidence to lead in a future we’re helping to build right here at TSU.”

Dr. Lin Li, dean of the College of Engineering, announced that the sustainability program will launch within a year as an interdisciplinary minor. “We are deeply grateful to Southern Company, through the HBCU CI nitiative, for this transformative $500,000 investment,” said Li. “This funding will enable us to build a program that prepares students across the university to lead in energy and sustainability. By launching this program as an accessible minor, we will equip a diverse cohort of students with the knowledge and skills needed to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”

Dr. Erik Schmeller, interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, noted the academic significance of the gift. “This investment marks a major advancement in Tennessee State University’s commitment to academic excellence in high-impact fields. With support from Southern Company through the HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative, this endowed professorship will strengthen faculty leadership, drive interdisciplinary innovation, and prepare our students to lead in addressing critical environmental challenges.”

Representing her company as a TSU alumna, Tondra Fields, talent and program manager at Southern Company, added, “It’s a privilege to return home and represent my alma mater, but it’s equally meaningful to bring my company back in a way that reflects our continued commitment. Leading the re-engagement of this partnership is something I’m especially proud of. It speaks to the strength of the relationship and the opportunities ahead.”

Featured Photo: President Dwayne Tucker and TSU officials receive the check for $500,000 from Southern Company and HBCU CI representatives. L-r, Dr. Lin Li, Dean of the College of Engineering; Tiffany Callaway Farrell, Vice President of Operations at Southern; President Tucker; and Ron Houston, President and CEO of INROADS. (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.

Matthew A. Harris and many others are leading the way. The senior computer science major has accepted an offer from Vanguard, one of the world’s largest investment firms, as an Artificial Intelligence and Automation Engineer. The role comes with a six-figure signing package. “Before graduating in May 2026, I had already secured a full-time offer, and that journey really started with my drive to seek out opportunities and mentorship early on,” Harris said.

For Amaru Hume, a business administration major, he turned a chance encounter into a definitive career path in a single afternoon at the Spring Career Fair. Hume was recruited as a Texas topper for the Texas Department of Public Safety. “TSU gave me the confidence, discipline, and opportunities to step forward when it mattered most, and that preparation turned a simple conversation into a career path,” Hume said. 

Sgt. Wendell Griffin, of the Texas DPS, noted that his team arrived on campus specifically to find top-tier talent: “Within hours of arriving and engaging the student through our testing process, it was clear he had everything we’re looking for.”

TSU officials say outcomes like the abundance of on-the-spot interviews is a direct result of a deliberate, campus-wide strategy to bridge the gap between education and employment. Dr. Kimkinyona Dale, executive director of Career and Counseling Services, noted that the presence of nearly 90 employers highlights the university’s reputation. “When a student can be hired on the spot, it shows our students are prepared, competitive, and ready to step directly into the workforce,” Dale said.

Dr. Bridgett Golman, vice president of Student Affairs, added, “Our students are showing up prepared, professional, and confident. That readiness is no accident; it’s the result of intentional preparation across campus.” She cited resources like the “Career Closet” and professional coaching.

This culture of preparation is frequently reinforced by TSU’s own alumni, who return as recruiters to hire the next generation of “Big Blue” leaders. Katrina Jones, assistant chief engineer for the Nashville Department of Transportation and a TSU engineering alumna, views her recruitment efforts as a “labor of love.” “It’s an opportunity to give back and to help prepare the next generation of engineers for meaningful careers in public service,” Jones said.

By combining intentional mentorship, alumni networking, and rigorous professional coaching, TSU is doing more than just awarding degrees; it is building a sustainable pipeline of career-ready graduates equipped to lead the moment they leave campus.

For more information on the TSU Career Development Center, visit www.tnstate.edu/careers/

Featured Photo: Nearly 90 companies, state and federal agencies, and organizations attended the Spring Career Fair, reviewing resumes, and conducting interviews. Some even hired on the spot, while some others offered internships. (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.

Held March 23–25, the summit focused on equipping faculty, administrators, and institutional leaders with the tools to implement AI strategies across their campuses. Designed to expand innovation and access, the initiative reflects a growing movement to ensure HBCUs remain at the forefront of emerging technology.

Hosted by TSU’s SMART Technology Center in partnership with the National Center for Digital Education, the summit builds on the university’s continued investment in research, workforce development, and digital transformation. Through hands-on sessions and collaborative discussions, participants explored practical applications of artificial intelligence in teaching, learning, and institutional leadership.

“At TSU’s SMART Center, we are proud to lead an ‘AI for All’ research model where innovation meets real-world impact,” said Dr. Robbie Melton, vice president for SMART AI initiatives and a global leader in the field.  “We are training the trainers. With partnerships like Dell Technologies and Microsoft, we are advancing AI with a focus on ethics and security. Every leader here will leave equipped to bring AI literacy and policy development back to their campuses, scaling impact across institutions and communities.”

Beyond faculty and administrators, the summit also created opportunities for TSU students to engage directly with leaders in the field and explore how AI is shaping future careers.

“This experience showed me that AI isn’t just the future, it’s something we can use right now,” said Bernard Nichols Jr., a graduate student in educational technology at TSU. “Coming from Tennessee State University, it’s powerful to see an HBCU leading in AI. It shifts perception, not just how others see TSU, but how we see ourselves as students at the forefront of innovation. Learning from national leaders right here is a game changer.”

The summit featured national and international experts who demonstrated how AI can support both instruction and strategy. Industry experts, including Sendsteps.ai CEO Mike Coumans, showcased practical applications of AI in the classroom. He demonstrated how real-time feedback tools can enhance engagement and support faculty instruction. 

Sessions also explored how emerging technologies can create more adaptive learning environments, improve student engagement, and assist faculty in research and content development.

Dr. Kris Alexander, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University and internationally recognized speaker, emphasized the role of AI as a tool to enhance, not replace the human element in education. “AI isn’t about replacing teachers; it’s about empowering them to connect, adapt, and inspire like never before,” Alexander said.

Bringing the conversation closer to research and academic work, Dr. William Johnson, a TSU professor and author of four AI books, highlighted how AI can support scholars.

“AI didn’t write my books, it refined them,” Johnson said. “Its real power is in helping authors bring clarity, structure, and strength to what they already know.”

For many participants, the summit also underscored the importance of collaboration across institutions. Dr. Arletha McSwain, associate provost of Global Online Programs at Virginia Union University, said the experience provided valuable strategies that can be implemented immediately.

“Working with Robbie is always inspiring. She’s consistently ahead of the curve,” McSwain said, referring to Dr. Melton. “We value opportunities like this to bring back fresh, forward-thinking strategies to our faculty, staff, and administration.”

As the summit concluded, participants returned to their institutions equipped with new knowledge, tools, and strategies to implement AI on their campuses. Through initiatives like this, TSU continues to expand its role as a leader in innovation, helping position HBCUs to compete and lead in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

For more information, visit the TSU SMART Immersive Technology Center.

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.

LaFortune’s path is now supported through the newly launched Tiger Track Transfer Program, a strategic partnership between TSU and NSCC designed to create a seamless pathway from an associate degree to a bachelor’s degree.

“I’ve always wanted to attend an HBCU, and after hearing great things about TSU, I’m excited to give it a shot,” said LaFortune, a Nashville native studying psychology with a minor in Spanish. “I’m in my second year at Nashville State, and I plan to transfer to TSU to complete my bachelor’s degree and eventually pursue my master’s.”

LaFortune was among the students who attended TSU Day at Nashville State, held as part of the program’s launch, where all TSU academic colleges were on site to connect with prospective transfer students, answer questions, and provide a firsthand preview at programs and campus life.

“I’m excited to join you all this fall,” she added. “One of my cousins told me how great TSU’s psychology program is, and that really sparked my interest.”

LaFortune’s confidence underscores the purpose behind the new partnership between TSU and NSCC. On March 24, the two institutions formalized their collaboration with a Memorandum of Understanding, launching the Tiger Track Transfer Program.

Following the signing, the event transitioned into TSU Day at Nashville State, giving students direct access to the university faculty, staff, and admissions representatives, while reinforcing the message that their next step is within reach.

“This partnership ensures that students are supported, empowering them with clear pathways and confidence to reach their academic and career goals,” said Dr. Shanna Jackson, president of Nashville State and a TSU alumna. “Education is the strongest ladder to economic mobility. I am excited to take our partnership with TSU to the next level. This is a win for students, employers, and our shared community.”

 TSU President Dwayne Tucker said the program reflects the university’s commitment to removing barriers and creating opportunities for student success.

“Through this partnership, we are ensuring that Nashville State students have the support, resources, and opportunities they need to seamlessly transition to TSU,” Tucker said. “We are proud to provide a high caliber academic environment where students can complete their degrees and prepare to lead in a global workforce.”

University leaders emphasized that the Tiger Track program is part of a broader effort to strengthen Nashville’s higher education pipeline and expand access to TSU, the city’s only public land-grant institution.

Dr. Eric Stokes, vice president of enrollment management at TSU, said the collaboration strengthens the connection between the two public institutions and helps students visualize their academic journey beyond community college.

“It’s important for us to have a strong partnership as students move throughout the higher education pipeline,” Stokes said. “This gives students the opportunity to stay connected to TSU while they’re at Nashville State, so they can clearly see that next step.”

Through the Tiger Track Transfer Program, students who may not be ready to begin at a four-year university, whether for academic, financial, or personal reasons, can start at Nashville State while receiving ongoing advising, counseling, and support from both institutions.

Participants benefit from guaranteed admission to TSU, an application fee waiver, enrollment counseling, and access to scholarships, including a $3,000 annual award for students who meet academic requirements.

Students are encouraged to complete their associate degree before transferring, but the program is designed to support them at any stage, ensuring flexibility while maintaining a clear pathway forward.

For students like LaFortune, that pathway represents more than just a transfer. It represents a future already taking shape.

“For me, the process feels seamless,” she said. “I’m excited to learn and further my education.”

To learn more about applying and or transferring to TSU, visit www.tnstate.edu/admissions/transfer.aspx.