TSU
New Miss TSU Plans to Keep Students Engaged Despite Coronavirus Pandemic
By Emmanuel Freeman NASHVILLE, TN
(TSU News Service)
— The coronavirus has disrupted much of the educational environment and greatly cut down on extracurricular activities for college students, but at Tennessee State University, the new Miss TSU Mariah Rhodes says not to worry.
“Although the university is cutting down on activities because of the pandemic, we plan to implement a number of events virtually to keep the students engaged,” says Rhodes, a senior political science major.
True to her words, Rhodes has already spearheaded a number of major activities on campus. She and the new Mister TSU Naton Smith and their Royal Court, have been heavily involved in galvanizing students to register to vote. Recently, they cut the ribbon to the new Dream Space in the Floyd Payne Campus Center, and played a key role in the unveiling of the new tiger statue on the main campus. For Homecoming, although virtually, Rhodes says, as expected, the Mr. and Miss TSU team will be featured prominently.
“This year is going to look different, but we are going to make sure students are part of everything. We will be more transparent with students, making sure they are included in all decisions we make.”
Rhodes’ says her penchant for leadership, transparency, inclusion and justice come from her drive to
be a “change agent” to fight the injustices she saw growing up in her hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. She says coming to TSU is giving her the opportunity to make a difference. “I witnessed many wrongful convictions and disparities in education while growing up as a child in Memphis,” says Rhodes. “I knew right then that I wanted to be a change agent because the injustices and disparities affected my family, friends and many others.”
Rhodes wants to become a lawyer and eventually enter politics as an elected official focusing on education and criminal justice reform. The former academic standout at Power Center Academy High
School graduated fourth in her class with a 3.93 grade point average and received more than $3.8 million in scholarship offers. At TSU, Rhodes is also the Student Court Chief Justice, and an HBCU White House Competitiveness Scholar. She is an honors intern with the U.S. Department of Justice. Although numerous, her extracurricular activities clearly exhibit her quest for knowledge and to be the best. With a 4.0 GPA, Rhodes is a member of the TSU Honors College, Golden Key International Honor Society, a graduate of the TSU Collegiate Police Academy, and president of Phi Alpha Delta Pre-Law Fraternity International, among others.
New Mr. TSU Believes in Uplifting Students and Those Around Him to Succeed
By Emmanuel Freeman NASHVILLE, TN
(TSU News Service) —
Call it a slogan, but for Naton Smith, Jr., the new Mister TSU’s “UNITED we ROCK” moniker is anything but.
“It’s a movement,” says Smith, a senior health sciences major from St. Louis, who won the coveted title in a fierce competition in September.
“It represents Unity, highlights Black Excellence, and serves as a beacon of hope for anyone in need; we’re a family.”
As a student leader, Smith says his goal as Mister TSU is to continue building community, giving a voice to the voiceless and building empathy one voice at a time.
“I want TSU to continue being excellent and continue to break barriers. During these tough times in our country and communities, it’s important for us to continue to stand together and be on one accord,” says Smith.
A member of the Honors College at TSU with a near 4.0 grade point average, Smith says his drive to help others achieve excellence comes from his personal determination to succeed. He grew up in a rough neighborhood in St. Louis, where he was not expected to succeed.
“I was determined not to let anything negative hold me back,” says Smith. “I wanted to go to college, although I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I kept pushing by making good grades and staying out of trouble.
I needed to get out and find that place that would make me realize my dream.”
He says TSU became “that place.”
“I wanted to attend TSU to be surrounded by ‘black excellence,’” says Smith, who graduated near the top of his senior class at North Technical High School. “I wanted to be around people who had something going for them, who could motivate me to achieve, and TSU has provided me that place.”
He is a member of the Men’s Initiative, which focuses on character development, social engagement and mentorship for male students. He also participates in intramural basketball when he is not promoting a new business venture –Supply “N” Sneakers,
that retails sneaker brands for all needs on Instagram @snd.snkrs!
As Mister TSU, Smith encourages his fellow students during “these tough times” to continue to stand together and be on one accord to be successful. Through “UNITED we ROCK,” he says he plans to be an easy access to resources for his fellow students, faculty, staff and administration.
“There’s strength in unity and we can get through anything if we’re truly united and that goes on the state, local and national level as well,” adds Smith.
His life’s mission, he says, is to continue to build relationships and make the lives of those around him easier and better.
TSU Students Get ‘Dream Space’
By Emmanuel Freeman
NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News
Service)
— Dream of an initiative that puts smart devices in students’ hands and gives them a space to learn, explore and play all at the same time. Through a partnership with Vulcan Materials Company and its visionary The Yard initiative, students at Tennessee State University now have that opportunity with an all-new Dream Space.
Uniquely located in the Floyd Payne Campus Center, and equipped with Apple TVs, iPads, multiple monitors with camera systems, ideation resource tools and eco-furniture, the set-up in the Dream Space allows students to achieve collaborative learning.
“I am just super excited about this Dream Space; it is awesome,” said Destiny Pennington, a junior public relations major from De-
troit, at the virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new innovation center.
Fellow student Jeffrey Reed, a freshman business administration major from St. Louis, Missouri, was equally elated.
“Just imagine a place where you can sit right on campus and interact with CEOs from anywhere and gain knowledge about the professional world. This a great opportunity for students at this university,” Reed said.
President Glenda Glover recently led a host of university administrators, Vulcan officials, and student leaders in a virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony, highlighting TSU’s commitment to support student ideas, scholarships and internships. The president described the Dream Space as “a major, positive investment in our students.”
“When you invest in TSU, you are in-
vesting in our best and brightest,” she told Vulcan Materials Company and its partner, The Yard.
“I would like to personally thank you for helping TSU to continue to empower tomor-
row’s generation today. The Dream Space Reveal today would not have been possible without your generous contribution. We recognize your commitment to equity, inclusion See DREAM SPACE, A7
TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY VIRTUAL HOMECOMING SCHEDULE
FRIDAY, OCT. 23
•Tiger Statue Unveiling Ceremony at 10 a.m. CDT
•Founders Day Program at 10:30 a.m.
•In the spirit of tradition, a Virtual Pep Rally, “Big Blue Spirit Day,” at noon. Senior football players will be saluted, and there will be a special social-distance performance by TSU’s world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands.
•First-ever virtually elected Royal Court for the Mister and Miss TSU Coronation at 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, OCT. 24
•Virtual scholarship gala titled, “An Evening of Jokes and Jazz!” Veteran comedian, Jonathan Slocumb, will host the event featuring TSU alumni trumpeter Melvin Miller and award-winning saxophonist Jazmin Ghent.
•TSU will recognize some of its alumni who are essential, front line workers and first responders. There will be special acknowledgement of dedicated TSU employees, who keep the University safe and operating effectively during the pandemic.
SUNDAY, OCT. 25
•The virtual celebration will conclude with a Gospel Brunch at 1 p.m., hosted by TSU alum Dr. Bobby Jones, known in many circles as the Ambassador of Gospel Entertainment.
•Noted alumni clergy, Rev. Dr. Judy Cummings and Rev. Dr. Tony Evans, will round out the program.
Miss TSU Mariah Rhodes
Mr. TSU Naton Smith, Jr.
Grad Student Receives Doctoral Degree After 17 Years, Credits Having ‘Grit’
By Lucas Johnson
NASHVILLE, TN (TSU
News Ser-
vice) — When Seliene Munroe Bignall decided to write her doctoral dissertation on the concept of “grit”, she probably didn’t realize how true to life her journey
would be. After nearly 20 years to get her degree, Bignall was among the hundreds of Tennessee State University graduates honored in a 2020 Virtual Commencement on Aug. 1. “I feel very, very blessed to be completing my doctoral studies,” said Bignall,
TSU Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences Receives $14M Grant
NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) — Tennessee State University’s Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences has received over $14 million in funding for the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance, or TECTA program.
This award for fiscal year 2020-2021 will support TECTA’s services to Tennessee’s child care providers and program administrators. The funding is 22 percent more than what was given last year by the Tennessee Department of Human Services. It will be used to strengthen the TECTA Family Child Care Network, providing additional professional development for leadership targeted toward administrators and directors of child care programs, and providing tuition and academic technical assistance for early childhood students in two-year and four-year colleges and universities statewide.
“Tennessee State University is grateful for the millions of dollars it has received from the Tennessee Department of Human Services,” says TSU President Glenda Glover. “This latest award will help individuals in child care leadership positions, as well as aspiring students in that field, get the tools they need to provide the best care during a child’s early years of life.”
Lin Venable is the TECTA statewide program director under the leadership of Dr. Kimberly Smith, director of the Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences.
“This is an exciting time to be in early childhood education, as science and re-
Dream
search is proving the importance of a child’s early years of life and the significance of those who provide the early learning experiences in laying the foundation for emotional wellness, success in school and lifelong achievements” says Mrs. Venable. “The funding provided to TECTA through the Tennessee Department of Human Services affords TECTA the means to ensure early childhood educator and caregiver preparation includes efficient pathways of professional development between training, credentials, advanced certification, and Early Childhood Education degrees to impact future generations.”
Smith says the increase in funding support from the Tennessee Department of Human Services is a testament to the great work and services that TECTA provides child care professionals and students.
“During this challenging time for child care, like much of the essential workforce, has continued to maintain its dedication to children and families,” says Dr. Smith. “I am grateful that these resources create opportunities of expansion and growth across Tennessee and I am especially appreciative to all of the TECTA staff for their commitment to excellence.”
Dr. Francis Williams, associate vice president for Research and Sponsored Programs, says the latest funding is the largest amount TECTA has received and, “demonstrates the valuable services it provides for early childhood professionals in Tennessee.”
“Further, TECTA con-
tinues to expand in terms of the training and resources it provides under the leadership of Dr. Kimberly Smith and Ms. Lin Venable, and the efforts of the entire TECTA staff,” says Williams.
Established in 1992, the Tennessee Early Childhood Training Alliance is a statewide system established to provide affordable professional development with academic degree credit possibilities for Tennessee’s early childhood education personnel. The project is funded through a contract with the Tennessee Department of Human Services and Tennessee State University, Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences.
The Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences is one of the first Centers of Excellence established by action of the Tennessee General Assembly and the Governor of Tennessee in 1984 to expand research in public higher education and contribute to the overall economic and community development base of the state. Funded in part by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, each year the Center has received millions in funding from federal and state agencies and organizations to conduct research, provide academic support and professional development, administer training and technical assistance, and manage service programs that improve the care of young children and impact the well-being of their families.
To learn more about the Center of Excellence for Learning Sciences, visit http://www.tnstate.edu/ learningsciences/.
Space, continued from page A6
and diversity. We welcome your commitment to our students.
Last year, Vulcan Materials Company announced plans to support academic excellence programs at historically black colleges and universities. The company partnered with The Yard and built “a unique relationship” with HBCUs in the Southeast, including TSU. The company said Dream Space connects tech, talent and culture to advance innovation, infrastructure and inclusion, as well as a way for students to achieve academic success through technology and virtual learning to become entrepreneurs and successful employees.
As part of the initiative, Vulcan and The Yard also launched the “Pitch Competition, as a pipeline for HBCU “students to go from classroom to boardroom.” The competition allows students to submit and defend innovative ideas. The winning idea is pitched to companies and industry leaders.
Erskine ” Chuck” Faush, Cofounder and Chair of The Yard, interacts with a Pitch Competition participant in the Dream Space.
(TSU Media Relations)
Darren Hicks, vice president of human relations for Vulcan materials Company, who led a team to TSU last year, said through the
who received her doctorate in education administration. “It has really been a long journey.”
Bignall worked as a campus crime prevention counselor at TSU for almost 10 years. She started her doctoral program in TSU’s Department of Educational Leadership in 2003, taking night classes at TSU and a couple of classes during the summer. But she decided to take a break in 2010 because she felt she was neglecting her family, particularly her daughter, who was about to be a junior in high school.
Nashville elementary school, is living justification of her dissertation topic.
“One night I came home and she stayed up for me,” recalled Bignall. “She said, ‘mom, I don’t get to see you at all anymore.’ It broke my heart. The next day I went in to see my advisor and I told her I am going to take a break. I will always need my child, way more than I will need an advanced degree.”
After a few years, Bignall returned to TSU and continued to pursue her degree. She says she decided to make “grit” the topic of her dissertation after watching her husband, Dr. Orville Bignall, a physics professor at TSU, encourage his students to complete their degrees – to not give up.
“I saw how my husband nurtured students, and encouraged them to finish,” said Seliene Bignall, adding that her husband was a motivating factor in her doctoral completion. “Many of them don’t.”
So, she decided to focus on what it takes for African American students in particular to qualify and complete programs, like Engineering, and she chose the concept of grit, or perseverance.
Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis is chair of TSU’s Department of Languages, Literature and Philosophy. She said Seliene Bignall, who is currently a counselor at a
“Seliene didn’t need the textbook definition because she defines grit every day,” said Morgan-Curtis. “I firmly believe that it took her so long to finish this degree because she puts herself last. Every day she gives to others: to her students, to her family, to the students who become her family. And it was only when she decided that the degree would allow her to do and be more and show the students that it could be done, that she took and made the time to complete the degree.”
Whether in college or aspiring to be, Bignall said she wants all students to know that they can be successful. And if they are doubtful, she will share her journey.
“And I will tell that person one word –grit. Never give up,” said Bignall.
TSU is a leader in helping educators pursue degrees in educational leadership. In June, the University received the other half of a $600,000 grant to train educators to become assistant principals in Middle Tennessee school districts.
Officials said the effort is part of a longstanding collaborative partnership between the university, the Department of Education and K-12 systems aimed at attracting more qualified applicants for positions in school leadership.
“Tennessee State University is taking the lead in the state’s assistant principal training program, as a further recognition of the quality of our programs,” said Dr. Jerri Haynes, dean of the College of Education. “Through this program we are helping to fill the void or shortage of assistant principals, especially minorities.”
To learn more about TSU’s Educational Leadership program, visit https:// bit.ly/2DfCiNq.
New Health Sciences Building to Open Soon, Other Construction Ongoing
partnership with The Yard, Vulcan made a commitment to create opportunities for students through scholarships and internships.
“When we visited Tennessee State University last year, we all confirmed that the talent that exists at TSU must also become part of our Vulcan family,” Hicks said. “So, we are all excited to be a part of launching our second season with students here in our Pitch Competition. We are excited to be here as part of the unveiling of the Dream Space, and we look forward to strengthening the relationship with TSU.”
Erskine “Chuck” Faush, cofounder and chair of The Yard, said the goal of the Dream Space is to create and invest in students with physical spaces to encourage and empower global learning. He said the $1 million commitment from Vulcan Materials to fund student ideas and collaboration, scholarships, internships, career placements and Dream Spaces are supporting local communities and global economies.
“Thanks so much for allowing us to be a part of the TSU family. This is the place where excellence lives,” Faush said. “We are really happy and moved to be a part of the next generation of leadership. Our goal is classroom to boardroom.”
By Lucas Johnson
NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Ser-
vice) —Tennessee State University students will soon be able to enjoy a state-of-the-art Health Sciences Building that’s among new construction projects on campus.
“The new projects are part of a longterm plan to improve academic programs and increase our residence hall inventory, while enhancing the overall status of the university,” said TSU President Glenda Glover.
“We are extremely excited about the future and the new look our campus will take on with the construction. It’s been a long time coming for our students, faculty, staff and alumni.”
The Health Sciences Building, estimated at $38.3 million with classrooms and spaces for clinical simulations, is scheduled to open in late November. A 700-bed
residence hall estimated at $75.2 million, and expected to be completed in about 18 months, is under construction in the open space between Watson Hall and the Performing Arts Center. Other projects soon to be started are the Gateway Arch, Alumni House and Welcome Center, and a Field Research Organic Laboratory.
Dr. Curtis Johnson, TSU’s chief of staff and associate vice president for administration, said the construction projects are intended to enhance students’ living and improve their learning environment. He said although campus may look different with all of the projects going on, students are generally excited to see positive changes around them, especially in infrastructure and the future of the university.
“It is always good when the student can say, ‘I remember what it used to be but it is better now.’ That is what we are trying to make – a better TSU,” said Johnson.
Seliene Bignall