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

Oates, professor in the Department of Human Sciences at Tennessee State University, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics National Education Practice Award. The award is one of the profession’s highest honors, recognizing her outstanding service, leadership, and contributions to nutrition and dietetics. She will formally be presented the award later this year at the academy’s 2026 Food and Nutrition Conference and Exposition in San Antonio, Texas.

For Oates, the national accolade represents decades of steadfast dedication to improving community health outcomes and expanding educational pathways for future nutrition professionals, especially students from underrepresented communities.

“I was always interested in nutrition,” Oates said. “Looking back now, I know this is what God ordained for me.”

Her journey into academia and public health was anything but standard. Growing up in Washington, D.C., she initially gravitated toward veterinary medicine and underwater welding due to a love of swimming. The turning point came at Cardozo High School, where science teacher Lucy McCorkle required every student to submit a science fair project.

Oates chose to analyze the saccharin content in consumer products. Her study earned runner-up honors at the D.C. Science Fair before winning top place the following year, earning her a spot at an international science competition in Puerto Rico.

“I really believe that was the catalyst,” she recalled.

She earned a full scholarship to North Carolina Central University to study biology. However, taking an elective nutrition course reignited a lifelong interest inspired by her grandfather, who frequently reminded her that “we’re supposed to eat to live and not live to eat.” Following her undergraduate work and immunology research, Oates realized that dietetics perfectly combined her scientific curiosity with a desire to combat health disparities.

Since joining TSU in 2008, Oates has made student success and institutional growth her primary focus. A cornerstone of her work at TSU has been developing academic pathways that allow students to earn both undergraduate and graduate degrees in nutrition while preparing to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) without having to leave the university.

Her mission remains focused on increasing diversity within the field, ensuring that underserved communities are served by culturally competent dietitians.

“My goal was never to win awards,” Oates said. “It was to expose people to nutrition and reliable health information.”

That mission, she noted, is more critical today than ever before amid a flood of social media diet trends and automated AI health advice. “There are so many misconceptions,” she said. “Everybody is different. What works for one person may not work for another. That’s why we need credible health professionals in nutrition.”

While honored to receive recognition from her national peers, Oates insists her greatest fulfillment comes from watching her students thrive.

“We have some really good students at this university,” she said. “They just need the opportunity.”

Featured Photo: Dr. Veronica Oates, a professor at TSU since 2008, has made student success and institutional growth the focus of her academic career. (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.

“Olivia Blauser embodies the leadership, intellectual curiosity, and commitment to service that define Tennessee State University,” said President Tucker. “Her extensive background in policy, paired with her deep connections to campus life, makes her an exceptional choice to represent our student body. I am confident she will bring thoughtful perspective and dedicated leadership to the Board.”

Blauser, a senior double major in political science and urban studies, with extensive experience in student government and public service, considers serving on the Board an honor and the fulfillment of a longtime goal. She is a native of Oil City, Pennsylvania.

“I was honestly shocked,” Blauser said. “It’s always been kind of a dream of mine to serve in this position.”

Having served on the Student Trustee Committee during her first year at TSU, Blauser gained firsthand insight into board governance while learning from previous student trustees. Outside the classroom, she has cultivated an impressive track record in public policy. A 2026 Harry S. Truman Scholarship Finalist, her experience includes serving as a Public Policy & International Affairs Fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Junior Summer Institute, a Fellow with the Niskanen Center Summer Institute, and an intern in the office of Metro Nashville Mayor Freddie O’Connell.

Additionally, she served as a Congressional Black Caucus Foundation Intern for U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, II, a Her Bold Move Future Leaders Fellow, and an African American Mayors Association Kevin Johnson Presidential Scholar. On campus, Blauser serves as 1st Vice-President of the Alpha Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Secretary of the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, and a member of the TSU Honors College and Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society.

Board Chairman Dakasha Winton praised the appointment, noting the vital role student governance plays in shaping university decision-making.

“We are thrilled to welcome Trustee Blauser to the Board,” said Chairman Winton. “Student leadership is critical to our governance structure, ensuring that the student perspective remains at the heart of our mission. Olivia’s proven dedication to policy advocacy and her passion for community engagement will make her a strong, impactful voice for her peers.”

As student trustee, Blauser views her role as a vital bridge between the student body and university leadership.

“I want to help translate what happens in the boardroom into language that’s accessible and meaningful for students,” she said. “Sometimes the language and processes of governance can feel disconnected from the campus community. I want students to understand what’s happening and know their voices are being represented.”

She emphasizes that her core responsibility is being a trusted advocate for all TSU students.

“You can’t always make everyone happy,” Blauser said. “But my goal is to listen, understand different perspectives, and advocate for what’s in the best interest of both our students and the university. We all want Tennessee State University to continue thriving for generations to come.”

To strengthen engagement, Blauser plans to expand communication through social media updates, student-friendly meeting summaries, and face-to-face forums. She also intends to revive the Student Trustee Committee.

Featured Photo: As Student Trustee, Olivia Blauser plans to strengthen engagement by expanding communications through social media, student-friendly meeting summaries, face-to-face forums, as well as revive the Student Trustee Committee. (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.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer Bell as Interim Director of Athletics, effective immediately.

A dedicated leader with more than three decades of service to Tennessee State University Athletics, Bell will provide executive leadership and oversight for all aspects of the University’s intercollegiate athletics program.

Bell currently serves as Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services and Senior Woman Administrator, where she directs compliance, student-athlete services, and academic support programs.

Jennifer Bell joined Tennessee State University Athletics in 1991 as an assistant women’s basketball coach under former Head Coach Teresa Phillips. After 11 years of coaching, she transitioned into athletics administration, where she served in leadership roles in compliance, student services, and student-athlete development.

Throughout her career, Bell has helped secure and oversee more than $1 million in grant funding supporting student-athlete academic services, leadership development, and compliance initiatives. She has served on numerous NCAA and Ohio Valley Conference committees and guided TSU Athletics through two successful NCAA Division I Academic Performance Program Data Reviews. Under her leadership, the department has maintained an exemplary record with no NCAA Level I or Level II violations.

Her accomplishments have earned her numerous honors, including the 2023 Ohio Valley Conference Thurston Banks Award and recognition as a 2023 Women of Legend and Merit.

A native of Clarksville, Tennessee, Bell earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Fisk University and a Master of Science in Sport Administration from Tennessee State University.

As Interim Director of Athletics, Bell will oversee all athletic programs and serve as the chief administrator for the University’s athletics department. She will provide leadership for departmental operations, budgets, personnel, coaching hires, NCAA and conference compliance, facility management, and initiatives that enhance the academic, athletic, and personal success of TSU student-athletes.

Featured Photo: Jennifer Bell’s accomplishments have earned her numerous honors, including the 2023 Ohio Valley Conference Thurston Banks Award and recognition as a 2023 Women of Legend and Merit. (Photo by TSU Athletics)

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) – Through hands-on research, faculty mentorship, and immersive learning, the Tennessee State University College of Agriculture’s RANGE program is helping high school students discover that agriculture is far more than farming: it’s science, technology, and innovation.

The energy in the room was electric as students stepped up to the podium to explain weeks of scientific research. Just four weeks earlier, some of these rising high school juniors and seniors had never set foot inside a research laboratory. Standing before university leaders, faculty mentors, family, and friends at the RANGE Research Symposium, 24 scholars from seven states, including New York, Michigan, Georgia, Florida, Ohio, North Carolina, and Tennessee, presented findings on soil health, water quality, animal science, and emerging agricultural technologies. Seven of those scholars will enroll at Tennessee State this fall.

Hosted by TSU’s 1890 Center of Excellence for Land, Water, and Resource Management and supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA NIFA), the RANGE or Research and Applied Natural Resource Growth Experience is a four-week residential summer program. Scholars worked alongside TSU faculty and graduate student mentors on authentic research projects, gaining hands-on experience in genetic transformation, plant breeding, aerial drone phenotyping, molecular genetics, and DNA extraction. Learning extended beyond the lab with site visits to GenHunter for DNA sequencing, Mammoth Cave National Park, and local agricultural markets.

“When we developed RANGE, the vision was to create more than a summer program,” said Dr. De’Etra Young, associate dean for Academics and Land-Grant Programs. “We wanted to build an experience that allows students to see themselves in agriculture, research and STEM-related careers before they ever step foot on a college campus as freshmen. Many students have a very limited view of agriculture, and RANGE gives them a broader picture of the science, technology, innovation and problem-solving that are shaping the future of this field. My hope is that students leave with confidence, exposure and a clearer sense of what is possible for them.”

For incoming freshman Haile Agyemang, who will enroll at TSU this fall, the hands-on exposure delivered immediate impact. “It was such a valuable experience, and I learned so much from everyone. I can’t wait to see everyone in the fall,” Agyemang said.

Mentorship served as a central pillar throughout the experience, with graduate assistants and faculty guiding scholars through complex data collection and real-world problem-solving. Ultimately, RANGE aims to transform early summer research into long-term professional pipelines across the agricultural industry.

“Five or ten years from now, I would love to see RANGE alumni enrolled at Tennessee State University, pursuing graduate degrees, working in USDA agencies, leading in industry, conducting research, serving communities and coming back to mentor the next group of students,” Young added. “That is the real goal – building a pipeline of talented, prepared, and purpose-driven students who are ready to lead in agriculture and related fields.”

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.

As the first Black woman to launch and register a commercial drone academy in Texas, Rivers has built a trailblazing career at the intersection of emerging technology, journalism, and workforce development. Now, she is turning her attention back toward her roots, launching a major initiative aimed at empowering the next generation of leaders at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), including her beloved alma mater.

Reported recently by the Journal of Blacks in Higher Education, Rivers has officially established the National HBCU Aviation and Drone Leadership Initiative. The program is structured to introduce HBCU students and alumni to viable, high-paying career pathways in commercial aviation, drone technology, entrepreneurship, and technical innovation.

Rivers says the journey to this milestone was a steady, purposeful evolution. After leaving TSU, she built an extensive media portfolio, working as a newspaper reporter and as an on-air television journalist in North Carolina. She later climbed the ranks to a role at Fox News in Washington, D.C., while earning a master’s degree in journalism and public affairs from American University. She even spent time as a college professor at Morgan State University.

However, it was a move to Texas and a fascination with a new medium that altered her professional trajectory.

“Initially, I was attracted to drones because they allow for an entirely different perspective in storytelling,” Rivers says. “My goal has always been to merge my background in journalism, video, and audio production with this emerging technology to create stories that truly captivate people. Drones are so much more than remote-controlled toys; they are revolutionary tools for data collection that are transforming industries.”

Recognizing a massive gap in minority representation within this booming sector, she founded TCB Drones Academy. The milestone of becoming the state’s first Black woman to register a drone academy struck a powerful chord. Through her academy, Rivers and her team have helped hundreds of aspiring commercial pilots prepare for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 107 exam, creating tangible workforce pipelines and providing vital technical training. Now, she wants to bring those exact economic and educational opportunities back home to TSU.

“Returning to my alma mater is a true full-circle moment,” Rivers says. “When you graduate, you always want to find meaningful ways to give back, not just financially, but through service and by being an example of what is possible. I want to leave an impact on the students at TSU that is just as profound and meaningful. Starting this conversation and partnership is incredibly near and dear to my heart.”

The new leadership initiative focuses on breaking down the traditional barriers of flight training by using unmanned systems as an accessible entry point. Rivers notes that while commercial airliners and drones seem worlds apart, they operate under the same federal scrutiny.

“Even though unmanned aircraft and commercial airlines seem distinct, they share the same skies,” says Rivers. “The safety training and foundational knowledge required by the FAA are incredibly similar. It is critical that anyone involved with drones possesses a high level of aviation knowledge. Through this initiative, we want to help TSU students bridge that gap, pass their certification exams, and understand the vast opportunities bridging commercial aviation and unmanned systems.”

TSU has an established aviation and industrial technologies department, featuring concentration options in aviation flight training and aviation management. This existing academic architecture offers a seamless infrastructure and pathway for integrating Rivers’ advanced drone training framework directly into the university’s curriculum.

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.

Headlining this year’s class are former Athletics Director Teresa Phillips and legendary football coach Bill Thomas. Phillips, a foundational pillar of TSU Athletics, spent decades elevating the university’s sports programs as both a championship-winning women’s basketball coach and a visionary administrator who championed student-athlete success. Joining her is Thomas, the winningest football coach in TSU history, who guided the Tigers to multiple historic conference championships and mentored dozens of athletes into the professional ranks.

“This hall of fame class embodies the true spirit of TSU,” Tennessee State Director of Athletics Mikki Allen said. “They didn’t just set records; they laid the very foundation of our winning tradition. We are proud to honor this legacy and pay tribute to the program’s greats who paved the way.”

The Class of 2026 features an elite roster of 23 additional inductees across multiple eras and sports. Among the football icons being enshrined are standout defensive back Brent Alexander, alongside gridiron legends Oliver Davis, Larry Dorsey, Sylvester Hicks, Granville “Sonny” Lyons, and Robert Woods. 

The basketball programs are well-represented by former men’s basketball head coach Frankie Allen, who returns to Nashville to claim his place among the university’s coaching elite. He is joined by standout hardwood stars, Kimberly Graves, and Tim Horton, all of whom electrified crowds and earned all-conference honors during their respective careers.

On the diamond, the class celebrates baseball greats Gregory Goodwin, Terry Blocker, Curtis Burke, and Greg Robinson, current Chief of Police at his alma mater. The track and field programs add firepower to the class with All-American performances from Clairwin Dameus, Eric Lindsey, and Dominique Ward-Johnson. Volleyball standouts Catherine Armwood and Candance Saleaumua are also being recognized for fueling the program’s championship standard.

The historic class further honors individuals who broke barriers and achieved unprecedented success in specialized programs. This includes the posthumous induction of Dr. Catana Starks, the historic men’s golf coach who became the first woman to coach a men’s NCAA Division I golf team, as well as star golfer Samuel Puryear Jr. Swimming standout Jeffery McMillan, men’s tennis ace Lawrence Washington, and long-time Sports Information Director Johnny Franks round out the extraordinary 2026 lineup.

Collectively, the achievements of this year’s class span decades of conference titles, historic NCAA tournament appearances, and national honors. Their dedication to the university extended far beyond the field of play, transforming them into campus leaders and lifelong ambassadors for the institution. The 2026 induction serves as a timeless reminder of the standard of excellence required to wear the blue and white.The evening of the Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Aug. 27 at Nissan Stadium will begin with a reception, followed by the formal banquet and induction presentations. For ticket and sponsorship information, contact Julius McNair, Assistant Athletic Director for Championship Resources and Strategic Initiatives, at JMcNair6@tnstate.edu or 615-963-1545.

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) – Tennessee State University has achieved a historic milestone in campus innovation, executing its first faculty research licensing agreement. The deal transitions a novel food-processing technology from the lab to the marketplace through FloUV Technologies, a startup co-founded by Dr. Ankit Patras, professor of food and biosystems engineering.  The agreement allows FloUV to commercialize Patras’ UV-based platform, which disinfects milk, juice, and other opaque liquids without heat, preserving natural flavor, color, and nutritional value.

The breakthrough was accelerated by TSU’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs and the Tennessee Technology Advancement Consortium (TTAC), a Launch Tennessee initiative that provides tech transfer and commercialization support to state universities. A $25,000 TTAC proof-of-concept grant in 2024 enabled Patras to build a larger prototype, while a subsequent Launch Tennessee event connected the venture with global investor SOSV, securing $200,000 in funding. Today, FloUV has commenced field testing.

“TTAC and Launch Tennessee accelerated everything,” said Patras. “They helped us scale the system, understand the market, and get in front of investors.”

As an 1890 land-grant Historically Black University, TSU boasts robust agricultural and engineering research sectors, which accounted for $30.2 million and $7.1 million, respectively, of the university’s $78.5 million in total FY2025 grants and contracts. 

“Our technology transfer office is still new, and partnerships with TTAC, Launch Tennessee, and the Tennessee Department are helping us build that capacity,” said Dr. Quincy Quick, associate vice president for research and sponsored programs and TSU’s chief research officer. “The overall goal of research is supposed to be for the benefit of society. One of the primary ways we can do that is by way of commercialization.”

TSU’s momentum extends further into the state ecosystem. Two other TSU-affiliated companies, Pangea and PnTBiologicals, were recently selected for Launch Tennessee’s SBIR/STTR Matching Fund. State-supported companies have generated over $1.1 billion in economic impact since 2017. Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter noted that when the state invests in university research, the goal is to deliver tangible benefits for Tennesseans, whether through a new product, company, or employment opportunity. TSU’s first license underscores the importance of creating these pathways statewide, McWhorter added.

To sustain this momentum, TSU is utilizing the Tennessee Innovation Exchange (TNIX), an online catalog that connects university research directly with investors and industry partners.  TSU already has nine proposals and six active sponsors on the platform. 

Alancia Wicks, TSU’s director of technology transfer and innovation, leads the foundational push on campus, helping faculty navigate intellectual property and rebranding rigorous programs like NSF I-Corps into accessible innovation “boot camps” to show researchers that they belong in the commercial sphere.

This infrastructure is already fueling a diverse research pipeline across TSU. In targeted cancer therapeutics, Dr. Bashiyar Almarwani, an adjunct biological sciences professor, is developing penetratin peptide mechanisms to deliver existing cancer drugs more precisely to target cells while sparing healthy tissue. Supported by TTAC, she recently presented her findings at the BIO International Convention. Meanwhile, in chemistry, Dr. Koen Vercruysse accidentally discovered a repeatable, sticky residue in his lab that creates melanin-like materials. Now listed on TNIX, the technology holds commercial potential for cosmetics and industrial coatings. Also, Dr. Joshua O’Hair, assistant professor of microbiology, is using a $500,000 NSF grant to study how heat-tolerant Yellowstone bacteria can ferment local school food waste into commercial lactic acid and ethanol, mitigating landfill accumulation.

By blazing this new trail, the success of FloUV Technologies is already shifting the culture of research on campus. “Dr. Patras shows what’s possible here, Quick added. “This first licensing agreement gives other researchers something concrete to point to.”

Charlie Reed is a freelance journalist.

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.