Spring 2023 Commencement Booklet

SERVE

THINK WORK

SPRING

2023 COMMENCEMENT

graduate ceremony

undergraduate ceremony

two thousand twenty-three

two thousand twenty-three

at

at

gentry center complex

william jasper hale stadium

friday, may fifth

five o’clock in the evening

saturday, may sixth

eight o’clock in the morning

t e n n e s s e e s tat e u n i v e r s i t y nashville , tennessee

Table of Contents President’s Letter

4

History of Tennessee State University

16

Undergraduate Commencement Order of Ceremony Undergraduate Commencement Speaker

22–23 24

Academic Honors

25–28

Spring 2023 Undergraduate Degree Candidates

29-36

Graduate Commencement Order of Ceremony

40–41

Graduate Commencement Speaker

42

Spring 2023 Doctoral Degree Candidates

43–45

Spring 2023 Graduate Degree Candidates

46–50

Board of Trustees

51

Executive Officers and Academic Deans

52

Notable Alumni of Tennessee State University

53–54

University Colleges

55–64

The Symbols of Office

65–66

History of Academic Regalia

66

Commencement Committee and University Marshals

68

Alma Mater

70

STATEMENT OF AFFIRMATIVE ACTION TSU-21-196(B)-8b-30010 – Tennessee State University does not discriminate against students, employees, or applicants for admission or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, or any other legally protected class with respect to all employment, programs and activities sponsored by Tennessee State University. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies: Office of Equity and Inclusion, 3500 John Merritt Blvd., General Services Building, Second Floor, Nashville, TN 37209, 615-963-7435. The Tennessee State University policy on nondiscrimination can be found at www.tnstate.edu/nondiscrimination.

3 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

SERVE

THINK WORK

Office of the President May 5, 2023 To the Graduating Class of 2023: It is with tremendous pride that I join the Tennessee State University community, your fellow classmates, faculty, administrators and alumni in congratulating you on this outstanding achievement. I applaud you for this milestone in your academic career. Today we also celebrate this momentous occasion for the many family members and friends who have supported you throughout this journey.

Tennessee State University prepared me for my career in higher education, as I know it has prepared you for whatever path your journey leads.

As a graduate of Tennessee State University, I am proud of the leadership development that was imparted to me as a student, as well as the impact that TSU has had on lives of students for over a century. We honor your achievements and ask that you allow the University’s motto of think, work, serve to be your foundation in all that you pursue. As you move your tassel or be hooded today, you will join a historic lineage of TSU alumni.

It is my hope that you will forever cherish your years at Tennessee State University. Please accept my best wishes for a bright and successful future and may God’s blessings follow you throughout all your personal and professional endeavors.

Sincerely,

Dr. Glenda Glover President

4 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

SERVE

THINK WORK

Board of Trustees May 5, 2023 I join the entire Tennessee State University Board of Trustees in congratulating you, the Class of 2023 on this insurmountable accomplishment in your life. The commitment and dedication that you have demonstrated to your academic career has led you to this day.

The tenacity and perseverance you have demonstrated throughout your matriculation, will serve you exceptionally well in your life’s journey.

You are to be commended on finishing what you started.

As you celebrate this moment, make certain you allow it to become a catalyst that propels you to greater heights. Your degree from Tennessee State University has prepared you to compete globally at any level.

Whether you are entering the workforce, graduate school or the military, know that you deserve to be there. Remember the shoulders on which you stand, and remember to lift up those coming behind you as you support your beloved Tennessee State University. I encourage you to become and remain active as an alumnus of Tennessee State University.

We have been honored to have you as a student of TSU and now we are excited to welcome you as part of the Alumni. Keep striving and remember wherever you go in life, you will represent the best of Tennessee State University.

Sincerely,

Dr. Deborah Cole Chair, TSU Board of Trustees

5 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County May 5, 2023 Greetings TSU Graduates!

As Nashville’s Mayor, I am truly honored to have the opportunity to extend congratulations to the 2023 Commencement Class of Tennessee State University. I applaud your dedication and your discipline which paved the way to this important and significant milestone.

I know how hard you have worked to get to this point in your academic career, and I am proud of you for this achievement. I have no doubt that you will continue to serve as worthy ambassadors for our great city by building upon Tennessee State University’s reputation for excellence.

You have so much potential, and I know great things are ahead for each of you. Best wishes, and may the wisdom you have gained lead you along a prosperous and rewarding career path.

Sincerely,

Mayor John Cooper

6 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

May 6, 2022 Dear Graduates,

Bill Lee

Governor State of Tennessee

On behalf of the great State of Tennessee, I would like to offer my congratulations to the May 5, 2023 Spring 2022 graduates of Tennessee State Dear Graduates, University.

On behalf of the Igreat State Tennessee, I would like to offer my know thatofthe path leading up to this congratulations tomoment the Spring 2023 graduates of Tennessee for the Class of 2022 has been State University.

particularly challenging in light of the COVIDpandemic. for all thethat ways As you begin the19 next chapter inI commend your life, I you am confident the knowledge you have gained throughout your college in which you demonstrated tenacity andcareer will lead you on perseverance a prosperous and rewarding as you workedpath. eachYou dayhave to had the opportunity toachieve develop your unique talents over the past four this milestone.

years and I encourage you to utilize these lessons to improve your community and the lives of those around you.

As you continue your life’s journey, I am and experience Your family and confident loved onesthat mustthe beknowledge extremely proud of your accomplishmentsyou andhave I joingained them in wishing you well you embark here at Tennessee StateasUniversity on your next exciting adventure. will continue to propel you onto a prosperous and rewarding path. I encourage you Maria to utilize Again, congratulations on reaching this milestone. and I wish you success in all your future these lessons learned over the past four years endeavors. at TSU, to improve your community and the Sincerely, lives of those around you.

Your family and loved ones must be extremely proud of your accomplishments and I join them in wishing you well as you embark on your next exciting adventure.

Bill Lee Governor

Again, congratulations to each of you. Maria and I wish you success in all your future endeavors.

Sincerely,

Bill Lee Governor 7 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

United States Senate May 5, 2023 Dear Class of 2023, Congratulations on graduating from Tennessee State University. I am delighted to recognize your achievement, along with your family, friends, and professors.

You should be proud of this accomplishment. It took a lot of hard work and perseverance to get here. There may have been times when you thought this day would never come, but you pressed forward and are now college graduates. Continue to work hard and persevere through trials as you begin your careers or pursue further education. You have much to offer Tennessee and this nation, and I look forward to seeing how you use your education.

It is an honor to serve you in the United States Senate. Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can assist you in any way.

Congratulations and best wishes for your continued success.

Sincerely,

Marsha Blackburn United States Senator

8 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

May 5, 2023 Dear Graduates of the Triumphant Class of 2023, Congratulations on a job well done!

On behalf of the 26th Administration of the Tennessee State University National Alumni Association, and thousands of TSU alumni across the global spectrum, I am overjoyed to share with you how proud we are of you for all that you have accomplished.

You possess the spirit of many generations of exceptional tigers.

The legendary Oprah Winfrey once stated, “Doing the best at this moment puts you in the best place for the next moment.”

You, like Ms. Winfrey, must do the best with every moment that you are blessed with. Ms. Winfrey serves as a mighty example of the impact that a Tennessee State University Tiger can have on our world.

Your next moments will be mighty. You are not defined by the uncertainty of the world’s difficulties; however, you are defined by the certainty of your great strength. We admire how you have resiliently earned the pomp and circumstance of this day, your graduation day.

As you celebrate, dance in gratitude. Take the time to reflect upon those encouraging people who have taken this amazing journey with you. Your support circle includes family, friends, teachers, mentors, and memories. You are ready for your next destination. Stand firm in the University’s motto, “Think, Work, Serve.” Use this motto as inspiration to help you make this world a better place. Take TSU with you in your community. Take TSU with you in your profession. Take TSU with you in your family. And, forever take TSU with you in your heart.

Of course we have something for you, to receive your graduation gift from TSUNAA, visit www.TSUALUMNIONLINE.org. A complimentary one (1) year membership in the Tennessee State University National Alumni Association awaits activation by you. We look forward to connecting with you, linking you with tigers all over the world, and supporting you as you explore life beyond 3500 John A. Merritt Blvd.

Welcome to the Tennessee State University Alumni Association.

Serve incredibly,

Charles H. Galbreath, Jr., 26th National President, TSUNAA

9 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Eighth President

GLENDA BASKIN GLOVER, PH.D., JD, CPA Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover serves as President of Tennessee State University in Nashville, Tennessee, a position she has held since January 2013. Under her leadership as the university’s first female president, TSU has experienced a significant increase in enrollment, alumni fundraising, research dollars and academic offerings.

Dr. Glover is a certified public accountant, an attorney, and is one of two African American women to hold the Ph.D-CPA-JD combination in the country. Her past employment also includes high level positions in the corporate sector as she is among few women to rise to the heights to serve on corporate boards of publicly traded corporations. Currently, she serves as Lead Director of Pinnacle Financial Partners. In 2022, President Joe Biden appointed Dr. Glover to serve as Vice Chair of the President’s Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

Dr. Glover’s prior board experience includes The Student Loan Corporation- a publicly traded subsidiary of Citigroup, First Guaranty Bankshares, and The Lenox Group, Inc. On these boards, she served either as Financial Expert, Chair of the Audit Committee, or Chair of the compensation Committee. Dr. Glover is a frequently sought keynote speaker on business and economics topics to audiences around the country at national conventions, professional associations, and community groups.

Her educational development began as a student at Tennessee State University, where she majored in mathematics. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree, she pursued the Master of Business Administration from Clark Atlanta University. She then completed her doctorate in business from George Washington University, and later completed her law degree from Georgetown University.

Dr. Glover is a member of several professional, civic, and non-profit organizations. She is also the recipient of numerous awards and honors, and recently received the prestigious Thurgood Marshall College Fund Education Leadership Award as the 2018 HBCU President of the Year. Glover was also named to Essence Magazine’s 2019 “Woke 100” List of influential African American women change agents and power players that also included First Lady Michelle Obama, and Gayle King of CBS This Morning News. In 2013, she was named to Diverse Issues in Higher Education’s prestigious list as one of the “Top 25 Women in Higher Education.” Dr. Glover also serves as the immediate past International President of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Dr. Glover and her husband, Charles, are the parents of two adult children, Attorney Candace GloverDatcher, and Dr. Charles Glover II. They are also the proud grandparents of Langston Emmanuel Datcher, Lincoln Mathis Glover, Everett Miles Glover and the twins, Logan and Lena Datcher.

10 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

11 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

12 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

13 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

14 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

15 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

History of Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University is a comprehensive, urban coeducational, land-grant university founded in 1912 in Nashville, Tennessee. The university has two locations – the 500-acre main campus, with more than 65 buildings, located in a residential setting along the Cumberland River; and the Avon Williams Campus, located downtown, near the center of Nashville’s business and government district.

Through successive stages, TSU has developed from a normal school for Negroes to its current status as an international university with students from 45 states and more than 50 countries. By virtue of a 1909 Act of the General Assembly, the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School was created, along with two other normal schools in the State of Tennessee, and began serving students on June 19, 1912. Dr. William Jasper Hale was appointed president with an original 247 students.

In 1922, the institution was elevated to the status of a four-year teachers’ college and was empowered to grant the bachelor’s degree. The first degrees were granted in June 1924. During the same year, the institution became known as the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal College. In 1927, “Normal” was dropped from the name of the College.

As the college grew in scope and stature throughout the 1920s and 1930s, so too did its impressive roster of alumni who embodied the school’s charge: “Enter to learn, go forth to serve.” In 1943, an alumnus, Dr. Walter S. Davis, was selected to succeed Dr. Hale. Dr. Davis led the institution through an era of tremendous growth in academics, facilities and athletics leading to worldwide recognition. The Tennessee General Assembly of 1941 authorized the State Board of Education to upgrade substantially the educational program of the college, which included the establishment of graduate studies leading to the master’s degree. The first master’s degree was awarded by the college in June 1944.

16 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Accreditation of the institution by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools was first obtained in 1946. In August 1951, the institution was granted university status by approval of the State Board of Education. The reorganization of the institution’s educational programs included the establishment of the Graduate School, the School of Arts & Sciences, the School of Education and the School of Engineering. Provisions were also made for the addition of other schools, including agriculture, business, allied health and home economics.

After Dr. Walter S. Davis retired as president, another TSU alumnus, Dr. Andrew Torrence, was named the university’s third president. During his tenure, the state legislature dropped “Agriculture & Industrial” and officially changed the name to Tennessee State University in 1968. Also during that same year, TSU faculty member Rita Sanders filed a lawsuit, which became known as Geier v. Tennessee, alleging a dual system of higher education in Tennessee based on race.

Following the service of Dr. Charles B. Fancher as interim president, Dr. Frederick Humphries became TSU’s fourth president in 1975. He was the first president to face the challenge of maintaining the balance between TSU’s role as one of America’s preeminent historically black universities and its emerging status as a comprehensive national university. During his tenure, on July 1, 1979, the Geier case was settled by a court order merging the former University of Tennessee at Nashville with TSU as a result of a court order.

Following the service of Dr. Roy Peterson as interim president, Dr. Otis Floyd became TSU’s fifth chief executive in 1987 and continued moving the university forward. In 1988, the university received an unprecedented $112 million from the state general assembly for capital improvements. Under this plan, nearly all buildings on campus were renovated, and eight new buildings were constructed, including the Floyd-Payne Campus Center, the Ned McWherter Administration Building, the Wilma Rudolph Residence Center and the Performing Arts Center.

In 1990, the Tennessee Board of Regents appointed Dr. Floyd as its chancellor, opening the way for Dr. George Cox to serve in an interim capacity until Dr. James Hefner was selected as the University’s sixth president in 1991. Dr. Hefner supervised additional improvements to campus facilities and fostered enrollment growth to an all-time high. The Otis Floyd Nursery Crops Research Station in McMinnville was dedicated in 1996 and, in 1999 researchers at the TSU Center for Automated Space Science were the first to discover a planet outside the solar system.

Dr. Melvin N. Johnson became the university’s seventh president in June 2005, and was instrumental in continuing to bring national attention to the university by recognizing the Freedom Riders, engaging the university in the Tennessee Campus Compact and was awarded $8 million for Race to the Top Funds by President Barack Obama. After Dr. Johnson’s retirement, Dr. Portia Shields served as interim president from 2011-2012.

17 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

In the university’s second century of academic excellence and service, Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover became the eighth president and first woman to lead the 100-plus year institution in January 2013. She continues to make changes to further emphasize the excellence for which Tennessee State University is internationally known.

Through its eight colleges and schools, TSU offers 39 undergraduate degrees, 25 master’s degrees, 1 specialist degree program and 7 doctoral degrees: biological sciences, computer information systems engineering, psychology, public administration, curriculum and instruction, administration and supervision, and physical therapy.

In summary, during its 100-plus year history, eight presidents and five interim presidents have served the institution.

William Jasper Hale

1912-1943

Otis L. Floyd

1987-1990,1986-1987 (Interim)

Walter S. Davis

1943-1968

George W. Cox

1990-1991 (Interim)

Andrew P. Torrence

1968-1974

James A. Hefner

1991-2005

Charles B. Fancher

1974-1975 (Interim)

Melvin N. Johnson

2005-2011

Frederick S. Humphries 1975-1985

Portia Shields

2011-2012 (Interim)

Roy Peterson

Glenda Baskin Glover 2013-Present

1985-1986 (Interim)

18 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Vision, Mission and Core Values VISION STATEMENT Tennessee State University aspires to be the premier public urban, comprehensive institution achieving prominence through innovation and instruction, research, creativity, and service with the dissemination of knowledge and information.

MISSION STATEMENT Tennessee State University, through its legacy as an HBCU and land grant institution, transforms lives, prepares a diverse population of leaders, and contributes to economic and community development by providing affordable and accessible educational programs at various degree levels promoting academic excellence through scholarly inquiry, teaching, research, lifelong learning, and public service.

CORE VALUES Tennessee State University maintains the following core values: • • •

Learning everyday • Making excellence a habit • Thinking beyond the obvious

Working relentlessly Serving everyone, we encounter

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Tennessee State University, an HBCU and 1890 land grant institution, is a major state-supported urban and comprehensive university. This unique combination of characteristics differentiates the university from others and shapes its instructional, research, and service programs designed to serve Metropolitan Nashville, Middle Tennessee, the State of Tennessee, the nation, and the global community. The university is committed to maintaining its diverse student body, faculty, and staff.

Tennessee State University provides quality instruction through academic programs which are broadly comprehensive at the baccalaureate and master’s levels. Doctoral programs are offered in select areas where the University exhibits strength in instruction and research and consistent with the University’s unique mission. The University’s educational programs are intended to increase the student’s level of knowledge, enhance the student’s skills, and expand the student’s awareness.

Tennessee State University is committed to engaging in pure and applied research which contributes to the body of knowledge and which broadens the application of knowledge. Whenever possible, the university strives to provide its students with the opportunity to be involved in the research activities of the faculty and academic staff.

Tennessee State University serves its constituents through an array of programs and services which apply the knowledge, skills and discoveries of the instructional and research units at the institution. These services are intended to broaden the perspectives and enhance the quality of life of the University’s service constituents.

Tennessee State University expresses its commitment to students’ overall development by promoting lifelong learning, scholarly inquiry, and a commitment of service to others. Programs and services are geared toward promoting and nurturing students’ growth and development as persons who are liberally educated, appreciate cultural diversity and embody a sense of civic and social responsibility.

Tennessee State University projects itself to its students, faculty, and alumni and to the citizens of the State through the motto, “Think. Work. Serve.” Tennessee State University remains committed to the education of a non-racially identifiable student body and promotes diversity and access without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

19 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPRING 2023 UNDERGRADUATE CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES

20 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

21 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Undergraduate Commencement Order of Ceremony Saturday, May 6, 2023 Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, Eighth President Tennessee State University Presiding Officer

Prelude........................................................................................................................ University Wind Ensemble Dr. Reginald McDonald, Conductor Mace Bearer......................................................................................................................... Dr. Nicole K. Arrighi Chief Marshal Professor, Department of Teaching and Learning College of Education Academic Processional (Audience remains seated) “Pomp and Circumstance”–Sir Edward Elgar.................................................... University Wind Ensemble Dr. Reginald McDonald, Conductor College/School Banner Carriers ....................................................Students with Highest Academic Honors Presentation of Colors...................................................... Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Lt. Colonel Stephen Cash The Star-Spangled Banner (Audience stands)...........................................................................Francis Scott Key University Wind Ensemble and University Choir Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing (Audience stands)....................................................................James Weldon Johnson The Balm In Gilead Video Greetings.........................................................................................................................President Glenda Glover Invocation ............................................................................................................Reverend Frank Stevenson, Sr. Associate Vice President Student Affairs, Dean of Students Music.......................................................................................................................... University Wind Ensemble Dr. Reginald McDonald, Conductor Announcements and Acknowledgements.................................................................................Dr. Curtis Johnson Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff Musical selection.........................................................................................................................University Choir Introduction of Speaker....................................................................................................... Miss Trinity Gourdin Agricultural Sciences & Biotechnology; College of Agriculture Commencement Address ....................................................................................................... Ms. Oprah Winfrey Global Media Leader, Philanthropist & Tennessee State University Alumna Presentation to Speaker & Conferring of Honorary Degree .........................................President Glenda Glover Presentation of Vintagers................................................................................................President Glenda Glover

22 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

The Student Academic Excellence Award (4.0 students) ....................................................... Dr. Robbie Melton Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Presentation of the Student Academic Excellence Award..............................................President Glenda Glover Presentation of Deans of Colleges and Candidates for Degrees............................................. Dr. Robbie Melton Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Academic Deans Dr. Chandra Reddy Dean of the College of Agriculture Dr. Stephen Shanklin Interim Dean of the College of Business Dr. Janet Finch Dean of the College of Education Dr. Lin Li Interim Dean of the College of Engineering Dr. Ronald Barredo Dean of the College of Health Sciences Dr. Samantha Morgan–Curtis Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Dr. Nolan B. McMurray, Jr. Dean of the College of Life and Physical Sciences Dr. Rodney Stanley Interim Dean of the College of Public Service Dr. John Robinson Interim Dean, School of Graduate and Professional Studies Conferring and Awarding of Degrees ............................................................................President Glenda Glover Alumni Induction Ceremony ...................................................................................... Mr. Charles Galbreath, Sr. National President, TSU National Alumni Association Alumni Pledge: I hereby fervently pledge my lifelong loyalty, service, and financial support to my alma mater in appreciation for the opportunities afforded me at Tennessee State University.

I pledge to maintain active membership in the national alumni association, to encourage others to attend Tennessee State University, and to become a part of a global society of notable alumni who promote excellence as a way of life.

I further pledge to exemplify the high ideals of my alma mater, and to continue to hold fast to the University’s motto - Think. Work. Serve.

The Alma Mater ................................................................University Wind Ensemble and the University Choir Benediction ....................................................................................................................Dr. Joseph W. Walker III Member, Tennessee State University Board of Trustees Recessional (Audience remains seated).....................................................................University Wind Ensemble

23 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Undergraduate Commencement Speaker

OPRAH WINFREY Oprah Winfrey is a global media leader, philanthropist, producer, actress and author.

Over the course of her esteemed career, she has created an unparalleled connection with people around the world, making her one of the most respected and admired figures today.

For 25 years, Winfrey was host and producer of the award-winning talk show “The Oprah Winfrey Show.” In her role as Chairman and CEO of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, she guided her cable network to success, is the founder of O, The Oprah Magazine and digital site OprahDaily.com, and oversees Harpo Productions. In 1996, Oprah’s Book Club launched, serving as a catalyst for the creation of book clubs around the world and millions of books sold across genres, with the 100th selection recently being named.

In 2017, the podcast debut of “Super Soul” launched as #1 on Apple Podcasts and has been downloaded over 600 million times by listeners in over 155 countries worldwide. Additionally, her “Wisdom of Sundays” debuted as #1 on the New York Times Bestsellers List under her personal book imprint “An Oprah Book.” In 2020, “What Happened to You” debuted on the New York Times best-seller list, which Winfrey coauthored with Dr. Bruce Perry and remained on the audio best-seller list for nearly two straight years.

Winfrey is an Academy Award-nominated actress for her role in “The Color Purple,” earned critical acclaim in “Lee Daniels’ The Butler” and produced and acted in the Academy Award-winning film “Selma.” Winfrey starred in the Emmy nominated HBO Films “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks.”

Through Harpo Productions, Winfrey oversees scripted and unscripted programming. Upcoming projects include the new musical feature, “The Color Purple,” for Warner Bros. Discovery; the feature adaptation of Ta-Nehisi Coates’s novel, “The Water Dancer,” for MGM; the Apple limited series adaptation of Tayari Jones’s novel, “An American Marriage;” and the Hulu drama series adaptation of Charmaine Wilkerson’s novel, “Black Cake.”

Winfrey is also a dedicated philanthropist. During a December 2002 visit with Nelson Mandela, she pledged to build a school in South Africa and has thus far contributed more than $200 million towards providing education for academically gifted girls from disadvantaged backgrounds. Graduates of the school have continued on to higher education both in South Africa and at colleges and universities around the world. Winfrey is a founding donor of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. Winfrey’s Morehouse Scholars Program has supported over 600 men graduate from college, with her additional pledge in 2019 bringing her total investment to $25 million, marking the largest endowment in the college’s history. In 2020, Winfrey donated over $20 million in vital COVID-19 relief support to cities around the country, including her hometowns of Nashville, Chicago, Baltimore, Milwaukee, Los Angeles and Kosciusko, MS. In 2013, Winfrey was awarded the Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. In 2018, Winfrey became the first African American woman to be honored with the Golden Globes’ Cecil B. DeMille Award.

In 2022, Winfrey was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

24 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Academic Honors *Highest GPA..................... A senior who has earned a grade point average of 4.0.

Summa Cum Laude.......... A senior who has earned a grade point average of 3.75 or above.

Magna Cum Laude........... A senior who has earned a grade point average of 3.50 to 3.74.

Cum Laude....................... A senior who has earned a grade point average of 3.25 to 3.49.

University Honors............. A senior who has earned a grade point average of 3.25 or above and has fulfilled other requirements of the University Honors College.

Candidates who have achieved honors in general scholarship are distinguished in procession by three-tassel gold braid cords. Those graduating with University Honors are distinguished by a gold satin stole with the Honors College lettering embroidered in blue. The gold is symbolic of the University Honors and general scholarshop.

The Honors stoles are provided by the Honors College which represent the Honors distinction earned.

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

SUMMA CUM LAUDE Trinity Alexandria Gourdin Joy Divine Lowe Tanya S. McNeal Tiffani D. Patterson Alondrah Nicole Santana Rodriguez Naomi Carola Jeanine Von Bose

SUMMA CUM LAUDE Meshaal Barki Albeladi Dijon D. Andrews Johnae Beckem Julia A. Blair Jones Carla Lou Boudal Kendall Elise Bullock Genevieve Charline Buntin Brandon A. Fontaine Sherief Gerges Jasmine Alexis Hill Sidney Leigh Holt LaQuan Garrard Jackson Trinity D. Jordan Ladonya N. Robinson Treniesha Sherman Taniya Taylor Lwam Tekie William Franklin Townsend

MAGNA CUM LAUDE Savannah Rae Lewis Jazmine Clarke Norwood Chelsea N. Randle Anarra Williams Cierra R. Woods CUM LAUDE Kirsten Denay Burney Kennedy Keane’ Cooper Felipe Daniel Izaguirre Tyrese D. Stanford Tiara M. Taylor UNIVERSITY HONORS Kirsten Denay Burney Kennedy Keane’ Cooper Trinity Alexandria Gourdin John A. King Tanya S. McNeal Jazmine Clarke Norwood Chelsea N. Randle Tiara M. Taylor Anarra Williams Cierra R. Woods

MAGNA CUM LAUDE Shakkira A. Bates Darius DeShun Boyd Nakayla U. Brakes Bria Denee Brewton Markell Devonta Cantrell Jada Marie Carter Nicholas Fugarazzo Amber N. Gray Thomas A. Holman Anijah L. Jones Nakia Angel Roberts 25 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Myron F. Salvador Catena M. Sykes Athisayaphone Thepkaysone Britteny J. Thomas Mylan C. Townsel Kendall E. Watkins Colton Woodroof Boula Hanna Yousef CUM LAUDE Abdulaziz Abdo Timmy Becton Widmark J. Cadet Christian A. Campbell Jordan I. Dowell Kayla M. Johnson Martin I. King Samuel S. King Lawrence Lacy Kennedy S. Malone Salinthone Nanthavong Cameche S. Patton Calin Peterson Madison Danielle Shaw Jaida Simmons Kendyl J. Smith Julian Walker Reham Youssif UNIVERSITY HONORS Shakkira A. Bates Nakayla U. Brakes Bria Denee Brewton Kendall Elise Bullock Widmark J. Cadet

Jada Marie Carter Brandon A. Fontaine Sidney Leigh Holt Madison Danielle Shaw Kendyl J. Smith Taniya Taylor Britteny J. Thomas Mylan C. Townsel

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION SUMMA CUM LAUDE Katrina Bess Kennedi B. Bridges Marshall M. Fletcher Mariah D. Frazier Anessa Renia Gordon Austin Hicks Trenton S. Pruitt Hannah A. Reaves Yoada Belaye Zeleke MAGNA CUM LAUDE Elliana Rae Hult Caitlyn Avery Manus Brianna R. Mitchell Christina L. Wade Camiel Williams Kashyra S. Williams CUM LAUDE Joya L. Burrell Elridge H. Cavitt Sanaa L. Douglas Zaria M. Tilmon Monye’ J. Wilson UNIVERSITY HONORS Kennedi B. Bridges Joya L. Burrell Sanaa L. Douglas Hannah A. Reaves Monye’ J. Wilson

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING SUMMA CUM LAUDE Christopher D. Clanton Jackson Tyler Houston Bryce Morales Guy Peck MAGNA CUM LAUDE Yousif A. Al Sabil Khalid Fahad Alajmi Jamal Terrell Cole Damion jamal Dollar Simone S. Ferguson Peyton Simone Fointno Ipek K. Ismael Amari J. Meddling Basel E. Melek Alexis Mendoza Alvarez Tupac S. Moseley Allen C. Stokes Ashleigh N. Thomas CUM LAUDE Mahad Mohamed Abdi Ismail Sadiq Alyami Amyra A. Black Justus C. Brown Nagee Nehemiah Clowney Reginald Cooper Jr Travion L. Crutcher Jamir Jackson Alina R. Johnson Paul Michael Johnson Dylan R. Mack Christian Micheal Mckinney Willie L. Meeks Ruba Nasif Waldy Felix Pichardo UNIVERSITY HONORS Jamal Terrell Cole Travion L. Crutcher Simone S. Ferguson Peyton Simone Fointno Paul Michael Johnson Christian Micheal Mckinney

26 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Amari J. Meddling Willie L. Meeks Tupac S. Moseley Ashleigh N. Thomas

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES SUMMA CUM LAUDE Atyana Adams Rajala B. Bean Robert Jayson Brown Iman N. Coffin Princesse A. Hawkins Kyndal L. Hutcherson Tiffany C. Johnson Doug Ray McCollum Lida M. Mccuaig Nil Manick Yann Moinet Millenie Nguyen Jesulayomi Sharon-Lilian Ojo Alaurea Nicole Paige Aleksandra Martyna Rojecka Amphai J. Sengbouttarath Julie Vanessa Sheldon Jermiah A. Temple Carissa Jane Wood MAGNA CUM LAUDE Corena Nicole Adams Abdulaziz Al Abbas Mohammad Al Salah Jumah Hamidi Alrowaily Latiffeney L. Burden Juaneshia L. Cowan Teyonna M. Davis Jasmine J. Dickerson Aminat Oluwatoyosi Fayemi Simya J. Felix Zainam A. Goodloe-Vintes Alicia Nicole Gray Taryn Griffin Taryn Faith Henry Vian H. Hussain Cessey Kamateh Yama kadiah Kanu Daniela Koleva Jeremiah V. Lewis

Anna L. Martin Bascal O. Melek Kameron M. Miller Reagan Elizabeth Miller Kiara Elizabeth Randall Estefania Resendiz Becerril Mia Francis Robertson Steven LaGrant Seroyer Courtney L. Smith Saydrainne S. Smith Jacob Elias Taylor Ashlen Simone Williams Kelise Lanette Wright Merna Boles Youhanna CUM LAUDE Sharmeen Mohammad Abdulah Mansour Mustafa Alghadeer Abdulaziz M. Alshehri Jaila T. Barnes Janice L. Blaine Caleb De’Leon Brown Cheyenne F. Clark Ayanna L. Davis Alexis R. Dixon Alexis Lyop Fom Karrington J. Green Reem Hamadi Marina Hana Sierra Nicole Hudson Frances Jackson Leslie Laine Jett Ayanna D. Johnson Gelanni D. Jones Jocelyn Taylor Keeler Rosezella Lisa Kindall Titanisha D. Lawless Antevia Darnae Leggett Kourtnee M. Lewis Nikera Toni Bre’na Maddox Marisa Claire Mauroschadt Norhan Megaly Mina Asham Mesallaa Rita M. Mikhail Sade R. Norman Tari Elizabeth Pearson Hongdavanh Phouthavong Shelby Olivia Robinson

Franka Antonia Sindicic Da’Miah Shawnyce Steele Tahj Trotter Tima Yamani UNIVERSITY HONORS Abdulaziz Al Abbas Mohammad Al Salah Mansour Mustafa Alghadeer Jumah Hamidi Alrowaily Janice L. Blaine Iman N. Coffin Teyonna M. Davis Aminat Oluwatoyosi Fayemi Simya J. Felix Zainam A. Goodloe-Vintes Princesse A. Hawkins Frances Jackson Gelanni D. Jones Cessey Kamateh Meseret T. Kibrte Antevia Darnae Leggett Nikera Toni Bre’na Maddox Doug Ray McCollum Kameron M. Miller Alaurea Nicole Paige Kiara Elizabeth Randall Shelby Olivia Robinson Courtney L. Smith Da’Miah Shawnyce Steele Jacob Elias Taylor Kamren D. Williams

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS SUMMA CUM LAUDE Garrison D. Baker Jessica Satterfield Bates Taylor Brightup Ajee’ La’Shawn Brown Morgan Carpenter Pierre Copin Jonathan Elijah Diggs Myles Aaron Arnold Dunson Alison England Micheal Fields Yakina S. Gamble Jordan Grover

27 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Nala Alyse Johnson Rebecca L. Mcmillian Clayton Oglesby Myrna Yvette Owen David Ozuna Faith N. Salomoni Aaliyah L. Townsend Timbrel P. Williams India S. Wolfe Tasha R. Wright MAGNA CUM LAUDE Erik Paul Alston De’Onte T. Bishop Angela Black Cierra A. Carter Mychal-Mychelle S. Elder Mack Guice Dyana N. Gupton Elliana Rae Hult Zool Kueth Briana Lawson Adong Makuoi Akyra Olivia Jaquay McDougal Dania Salar Mohammed Johanna Montero Alcantara Jamilah Aisha Muhammad Kamilah Muhammad Brianna Nicholle Nichols Sidney E. Nolan Azana Pope Noah Jamaar Ross Alexandra Freya Hague Sadler Jasmine A. Sears Jytireus Smith Autumn R. Stewart Maya Rochelle Weaver Camiel Williams Dylan D. Wilson Jada Alise Young Raquel Grace Ziebart CUM LAUDE Moorice Kevon Apprey Amari F. Cecil Carlyle N. Coppins Rosheka Lavashay Douglas Johnathan C. Glover Treveon Terrez Hayes

Acacia T. Hicks Mac Arthur Howard Fedrick Marquis Hubbard Victoria L. Johnson Thomas Ta’Shaun Nance Jamaea Zolee Nelson Natoriya S. Owens Daylon Pruitt Kimora Shaley Reaves Deanthony Reed Maliyah Keira Remice Taylor Robinson Cornell N. Trotter Alexxus Jewel Warren Antonio Watson Heath L. Williams UNIVERSITY HONORS Ajee’ La’Shawn Brown Cierra A. Carter Amari F. Cecil Jonathan Elijah Diggs Myles Aaron Arnold Dunson Nala Alyse Johnson Jamilah Aisha Muhammad Clayton Oglesby Natoriya S. Owens Kimora Shaley Reaves Autumn R. Stewart

COLLEGE OF LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES SUMMA CUM LAUDE Fatma Badr Abdulqawi Kalkidan Tesfaye Bekele Shiraz Somer Ibrahim Autumn Gabrielle Peterson Charity Jenae Robinson MAGNA CUM LAUDE Devyn Baker Lacara R. Bell William Joshua Biggs Brianna Michelle Boykin Kameron N. Brooks Walter Tristan Cannon

Aja Allana Jackson Autumn A. Lucas Perrez C. Wilson Jaila D. Winford CUM LAUDE Reyna A. Houser Jailyn Jamison Camryn M. Jarmon Cayla Jeff Aaleyah Nevaeh Kelso Morgan Taylor Ojemuyiwa Amber Elyse Paige Kalee Morgan Rhodes Destiny Whaley Gisel Williams UNIVERSITY HONORS Fatma Badr Abdulqawi Devyn Baker Kalkidan Tesfaye Bekele Lacara R. Bell William Joshua Biggs Brianna Michelle Boykin Kameron N. Brooks Walter Tristan Cannon Reyna A. Houser Shiraz Somer Ibrahim Aja Allana Jackson Camryn M. Jarmon Cayla Jeff Aaleyah Nevaeh Kelso Autumn A. Lucas Amber Elyse Paige Autumn Gabrielle Peterson Destiny Whaley Gisel Williams Perrez C. Wilson Jaila D. Winford

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE SUMMA CUM LAUDE Kelley Bell Ciarra D. Butler Deseree A. Hill Janice Lynn Littrell

28 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

MAGNA CUM LAUDE Lauren R. Graves Eric Lamont Holden Kenneth A. Rolle Aireyah J. Walker Destanei J. Williams CUM LAUDE Andrea M. Alvarez-Garcia Natalie Hall Shelonda Latrice Williams UNIVERSITY HONORS Lauren R. Graves Deseree A. Hill Kenneth A. Rolle Aireyah J. Walker Destanei J. Williams

Undergraduate Candidates for Degrees 2023 spring Commencement COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES Damien C. Antwine Memphis, TN Analia Symone Barnes Maple Heights, OH Kennedy Keane’ Cooper Memphis, TN Trinity Shanice Gibbs South Bend, IN Trinity Alexandria Gourdin Ft Washington, MD Skye A. Green Brownsville, TN Savannah Rae Lewis Goodlettsville, TN Joy Divine Lowe Hendersonville, TN Tanya S. McNeal Germantown, WI Emmanuel Nash Nashville, TN Satorie C. Neely Center Point, AL Jazmine Clarke Norwood Memphis, TN Carli E. Officer East Saint Louis, IL Tiffani D. Patterson Fayetteville, TN Chelsea N. Randle Memphis, TN Aspen K. Sanders Memphis, TN Alondrah Nicole Santana Rodriguez Murfreesboro, TN Tyrese D. Stanford San Jose, CA Irwin William Todd Memphis, TN Terrell Anthony Turner Maplewood, MN Naomi Carola Jeanine Von Bose Nashville, TN Deion O. Williams Gallatin, TN Ray’Shon Wilson Nashville, TN Cierra R. Woods Columbia, SC FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE Kirsten Denay Burney Chattanooga, TN Andreana J. Gross Harvest, AL Felipe Daniel Izaguirre Nashville, TN Dionee Mcfarland Gallatin, TN Tiara M. Taylor Cincinnati, OH Anarra Williams Trotwood, OH Craig L. Williams Memphis, TN

Dr. Stephen Shanklin, Interim Dean

ACCOUNTING Abdulaziz Abdo Nashville, TN Julia A. Blair Jones White House, TN Kendall Elise Bullock Madison, TN Jada Marie Carter Nashville, TN Armani Ja’Kiya Geter Atlanta, GA Jasmine Alexis Hill Gallatin, TN Sidney Leigh Holt Hendersonville, TN Allyse L. Hopkins Chicago, IL Darriona Lynae Jamison Dayton, OH Lawrence Lacy Madison, TN Tasseni S. Lynch Atlanta, GA Mariah A. Mennefield Hermitage, TN Eric S. Schiller Nashville, TN Catena M. Sykes Nashville, TN William Franklin Townsend Madison, TN Colton Woodroof Nashville, TN Boula Hanna Yousef Nashville, TN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Shon Abron Antioch, TN Meshaal Barki Albeladi Rabigh, Reem M. Alfareed Sadwacty, Dijon D. Andrews Knoxville, TN Kianna Lanae Arnold Halls, TN Shakkira A. Bates Memphis, TN Johnae Beckem Seattle, WA Michael Ray Black Milwaukee, WI Carla Lou Boudal Keller, TX Makayan S. Brewer Hopkinsville, KY Bria Denee Brewton Douglasville, GA Tavion N. Bridgefourth Dunwoody, GA Tyesha Brooks Lebanon, TN

29 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Justin Corey Buie Webster Groves, MO Genevieve Charline Buntin Nashville, TN Darrius Cade Birmingham, AL Widmark J. Cadet Chester, VA Christian A. Campbell Cape Girardeau, MO Markell Devonta Cantrell Murfreesboro, TN Tiffany Diane Ceaser Merrillville, IN Keith L. Christman Murfreesboro, TN Ciera C. Crutcher Goodlettsville, TN Anita Davis Merrillville, IN Tymeria E. Davis Nashville, TN Jordan I. Dowell Mason, TN Brandon A. Fontaine Memphis, TN Emanuel Frazier Mableton, GA Nicholas Fugarazzo Goodlettsville, TN Sherief Gerges Hermitage, TN Everett Andre Hall Nashville, TN Jalyn S. Harvey Lexington, KY Johnathan L. Hollis Cincinnati, OH Thomas A. Holman Hendersonville, TN LaQuan Garrard Jackson Madison, TN Kayla M. Johnson Madison, TN Nasir D. Johnson Chicago, IL Sarah B. Johnson Lewisburg, TN Anijah L. Jones Cartersville, GA Tony A. Jones Nashville, TN Martin I. King La Vergne, TN Ariel Rene’ Lewinson McDonough, GA Brandon E.F. Lewis Chicago, IL James W. Lowery Pembroke Pines, FL Kennedy S. Malone Rex, GA Marissa J. Marshall Nashville, TN Tania Matthews Chicago, IL Antonio D. Milan Nashville, TN Salinthone Nanthavong Vientiane, Sara M. Nashed Antioch, TN Lexus Perry Chicago, IL Calin Peterson Saint Louis, MO Nakia Angel Roberts Cincinnati, OH Ladonya N. Robinson Joelton, TN Myron F. Salvador Alvaton, KY Baylor A. Segree La Vergne, TN Madison Danielle Shaw Nashville, TN Treniesha Sherman Inglewood, CA Jaida Simmons Stone Mountain, GA Kendyl J. Smith Atlanta, GA Nasia D. Smith Dayton, OH Juston Reese Spencer Jonesboro, GA Taniya Taylor Milwaukee, WI

Athisayaphone Thepkaysone Antioch, TN Britteny J. Thomas Antioch, TN George L. Turner Indianapolis, IN Kendall E. Watkins Cordova, TN Ayrianna Amirah White Stone Mountain, GA Michelle P. Williams Urbana, IL Victoria M. Williams Memphis, TN Alexis M. Wood Gary, IN Asia Works Forest Park, GA Reham Youssif Antioch, TN BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS Meshaal Barki Albeladi Rabigh, Eric L. Baxter La Vergne, TN Timmy Becton Memphis, TN Darius DeShun Boyd Memphis, TN Nakayla U. Brakes Wheeling, IL Samuel S. King Memphis, TN Kaleb Leondre Mosley Montgomery, AL Cameche S. Patton Nashville, TN Lwam Tekie Nashville, TN ECONOMICS AND FINANCE Othman Almutairi Riyadh, Amber N. Gray Cordova, TN Jalen Anthony Hatton Bexley, OH Trinity D. Jordan Madison, TN Anaya McClain Nashville, TN Mylan C. Townsel Memphis, TN Julian Walker Nashville, TN Jarius Watt Spring Hill, TN Dominique Young Springfield, TN

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Dr. Janet Finch, Dean

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION Mariah D. Frazier Memphis, TN Zaria M. Tilmon Sterling Heights, MI Mikaila D. White Brentwood, TN Kashyra S. Williams Edwardsville, IL PSYCHOLOGY Laura Banks Atlanta, GA Katrina Bess Old Hickory, TN Kennedi B. Bridges Granger, IN Joya L. Burrell Nashville, TN Nia Monique Carter Clarksville, TN Elridge H. Cavitt Hendersonville, TN Kirsten R. Dillard Detroit, MI

30 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Sanaa L. Douglas Canton, MI Jazhania Kensha Fairley Killeen, TX Marshall M. Fletcher Nashville, TN Chayil A. Garnett Lake Wales, FL Anessa Renia Gordon Springfield, TN Sa’Mariah D. Harding Indianapolis, IN Austin Hicks Portland, TN Elliana Rae Hult Old Hickory, TN Morgan Diane Jackson Acworth, GA Si’mone Micole Ray Jones Columbia, SC Shawntay D. Laster Nashville, TN Caitlyn Avery Manus Murfreesboro, TN Kennydi Mildred Meeks Memphis, TN Brianna R. Mitchell University Park, IL Davion A. Nash East Saint Louis, IL Chanel Patton Antioch, TN Kaliaha N. Patton South Holland, IL Trenton S. Pruitt Saint Louis, MO Hannah A. Reaves Lithonia, GA Regina E. Robinson Memphis, TN Kori L. Sheckles Louisville, KY Tomiya L. Sherron Humboldt, TN C’Miah Brianna Mavis Stewart Decatur, GA Christina L. Wade Goodlettsvlle, TN Shontia D. Whitten Clarksville, TN Camiel Williams Brandon, MS Hannah D. Williams Fairfield Township, OH Monye’ J. Wilson Muskegon, MI Niya M. Wilson Granite City, IL Mya N. Yates Nashville, TN Yoada Belaye Zeleke Smyrna, TN

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Dr. Lin Li, Interim Dean

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE AERONAUTICAL AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY Terrell Cowan Horn Lake, MS Dylan R. Mack Oak Park, MI ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING Jada R. Branigan Saint Louis, MO Nagee Nehemiah Clowney Moreno Valley, CA Ahmed A. Elezeb Antioch, TN Brent Harris White Bluff, TN Jaedon E. Jones Richmond, VA Jawanza I. Rodgers Swansea, IL Dorren Jordon Searcy Florissant, MO

CIVIL ENGINEERING Mahad Mohamed Abdi Antioch, TN Akar Ahmed Nashville, TN Abdalah Alnmes Charlotte, NC Jamal Terrell Cole Markham, IL Ipek K. Ismael Nashville, TN Alexander Wilson Jones Warner Robins, GA Ruba Nasif Antioch, TN COMPUTER SCIENCE Christopher D. Clanton Joelton, TN Reginald Cooper Jr Memphis, TN Damion jamal Dollar Morrow, GA Peyton Simone Fointno Lawrenceville, GA Jalaya M. Harris Arlington, TN Jackson Tyler Houston Brentwood, TN Alina R. Johnson Rochester Hills, MI Jibril Robert Lee Country Club Hills, IL Briana Getsemani Martinez Dickson, TN Willie L. Meeks Memphis, TN Basel E. Melek Antioch, TN Bryce Morales Yucaipa, CA Aliyah Tye Muhammad Mount Juliet, TN Ashleigh N. Thomas Suwanee, GA ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING Omar Abdel Murfreesboro, TN Yousif A. Al Sabil Antioch, TN Justus C. Brown Nashville, TN Branden Currie Mount Morris, MI Simone S. Ferguson Antioch, TN Brian l. Jackson Nashville, TN Jamir Jackson Chicago, IL Alexis Mendoza Alvarez Antioch, TN Tupac S. Moseley Memphis, TN Emmanuel Safari Antioch, TN Gavin Walker Chicago, IL MECHANICAL ENGINEERING Khalid Fahad Alajmi Saginaw, MI Ismail Sadiq Alyami Laramie, WY Alexis Monique Bell Gurnee, IL Amyra A. Black Columbus, OH Darrius Lamont Byars Hermitage, TN Travion L. Crutcher Harvest, AL Amairanny Espinosa Antioch, TN Paul Michael Johnson Houston, TX Christian Micheal Mckinney College Park, GA Amari J. Meddling Nashville, TN Guy Peck Nashville, TN Waldy Felix Pichardo Cedar Hill, TN Morgan D. Quates Gardendale, AL

31 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES Dr. Ronald Barredo, Dean

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE DENTAL HYGIENE Michelot Desir Murfreesboro, TN Jessie Haynes Cedar Hill, TN Hartlee Jo Hill Livingston, TN Leslie Laine Jett Goodlettsville, TN Jada Janiece Johnson Florissant, MO Jocelyn Taylor Keeler Joelton, TN Sierra C. Kinder Lewisburg, TN Janiya L. Lavender Mount Juliet, TN Anna L. Martin Franklin, TN Ja’Len L. Mitchell Lauderdale Lakes, FL Jesulayomi Sharon-Lilian Ojo Cleveland, TN Hongdavanh Phouthavong Smyrna, TN Pajin N. Piro Antioch, TN Estefania Resendiz Becerril Cabot, AR Noor Haider Ridha Murfreesboro, TN Candice Elise Thomas Clarksville, TN Dejanece Danae Thomas Wichita, KS Natali R. Vandivier Goodlettsville, TN Ramcey Amani Watson Chattanooga, TN IYauna Ka’Mani Williams-Hodges Saint Louis, MO Carissa Jane Wood Manchester, TN Brieon Marquis TRUE Antioch, TN BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING NURSING Sharmeen Mohammad Abdulah Antioch, TN Patricia R. Bell Whites Creek, TN Alexis Brock Nashville, TN Shauna Hammonds Gallatin, TN Meyori Hillman Nashville, TN Cayse L. Perry Murfreesboro, TN BACHELOR OF SCIENCE CARDIORESPIRATORY CARE SCIENCE Abdulaziz Al Abbas Allendale, MI Mohammad Al Salah Nashville, TN Mansour Mustafa Alghadeer Tucson, AZ Jumah Hamidi Alrowaily Antioch, TN Abdulaziz M. Alshehri Saudi, Tyrus L. Banks Indianapolis, IN Aaliyah J. Bankston Griffin, GA Aminat Oluwatoyosi Fayemi Antioch, TN Alexis Lyop Fom Castalian Springs, TN Magalie Guerrier Antioch, TN

Yvette Renee Hale Nashville, TN Reem Hamadi Saudi, Taryn Faith Henry Tallahassee, FL Vian H. Hussain Antioch, TN Delan Y. Ibrahim Smyrna, TN Gelanni D. Jones Cincinnati, OH Girgis Kelini Smyrna, TN Norhan Megaly La Vergne, TN Bascal O. Melek Smyrna, TN Mina Asham Mesallaa Antioch, TN Reagan Elizabeth Miller Killen, AL Shelby Olivia Robinson Alabaster, AL Ceanah Marie Ross-Evans Grove City, OH Anderow M. Shafik Antioch, TN Shania Dy’Jahna Woods Knoxville, TN Tima Yamani dammam, Merna Boles Youhanna Mt Juliet, TN HEALTH CARE ADMIN AND PLANNING Aseel Ashkan Murfreesboro, TN Antonio Devon Brown Goodlettsville, TN Iman N. Coffin Louisville, TN Shanesha Lasha Duncan Smyrna, TN Cessey Kamateh Smyrna, TN John H. King Harvey, IL Kourtnee M. Lewis Atlanta, GA Alaurea Nicole Paige Palmetto, GA Kiara Elizabeth Randall South Holland, IL Zahyra Luzette Viel Lithonia, GA Ryan Matteo Walters Augusta, GA HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT Atyana Adams Cleveland, OH Corena Nicole Adams Peoria, IL Alicia Nicole Gray Ooltewah, TN Capria Donzeleigh Grimes Nashville, TN Alexis M. Harris Madison, TN Janice E. Hernandez Clarksville, TN Charity C. Johnson Huber Heights, OH Rosezella Lisa Kindall Murfreesboro, TN

32 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Rita M. Mikhail Antioch, TN Tari Elizabeth Pearson Nashville, TN Mia Francis Robertson Carbondale, IL Julie Vanessa Sheldon Thompsons Station, TN Arin F. Tovi Antioch, TN Carenthia Shantez Williams Nashville, TN HEALTH SCIENCES Taylor D. Atwater Antioch, TN Tyra LaRee Banks Indianapolis, IN Jaila T. Barnes Cordova, TN Quran Beacham Douglasville, GA Caleb De’Leon Brown Kansas City, KS Latiffeney L. Burden Hermitage, TN Carmen Mckenzie Carter Saint Louis, MO Cheyenne F. Clark Lathrup Village, MI Nailah A. Cleggett Birmingham, AL Teyonna M. Davis Gallatin, TN Karrington J. Green Saint Louis, MO Princesse A. Hawkins Hermitage, TN Sierra Nicole Hudson Stone Mountain, GA Kyndal L. Hutcherson Nashville, TN Terrian A. Jefferson Memphis, TN Kimari C. Jimmar Calumet Park, IL Daniela Koleva Kingsville, TX Titanisha D. Lawless Nashville, TN Nikera Toni Bre’na Maddox College Park, GA Siyanna D. Mahan Saint Louis, MO Amauri B. Mathis Acworth, GA AstarI Emi’el Ali McCallum Lynchburg, TN Lida M. Mccuaig Nashville, TN Valencia Denise McGuire Clarksville, TN Kameron M. Miller Birmingham, AL Antoinette Claretta Nelson Decatur, GA A’Shanti Na’Tya Zeigler Overstreet Galloway, OH Kellyn Elyssa Paige Jackson, MS Clara D. Peppers Nashville, TN KeAyria R. Powell Birmingham, AL Nevadah A. Rainer Memphis, TN Courtney L. Smith Memphis, TN Saydrainne S. Smith Memphis, TN Da’Miah Shawnyce Steele Louisville, KY Jacob Elias Taylor Memphis, TN Brooke Victoria Townsend Mableton, GA Tahj Trotter Cincinnati, OH Amberly E. Tucker Dayton, OH Summer Washington Memphis, TN Ashlen Simone Williams Memphis, TN Melya A. Woods Eads, TN Kelise Lanette Wright Milwaukee, WI

HUMAN PERFORMANCE AND SPORT SCIENCES Robert Jayson Brown Hendersonville, TN Tyler J. Buckner Cordova, TN Aliyah T. Caruthers Jackson, TN Juaneshia L. Cowan Knoxville, TN Jonathan Brian Daniels Glenwood, IL Jasmine J. Dickerson Richton Park, IL Simya J. Felix Indianapolis, IN Kenyon L. Garlington Antioch, TN Taryn Griffin Antioch, TN Devonte F. Harris Birmingham, AL Ayanna D. Johnson Flint, MI Yama kadiah Kanu Austell, GA Ke’Andre R. Kelly Germantown, TN Jeremiah V. Lewis Bessemer, AL Marisa Claire Mauroschadt Elk Grove, CA Nil Manick Yann Moinet Liberal, KS Michael Lee Moore Los Angeles, CA Sade R. Norman Cincinnati, OH Chandon Lamar Page Nashville, TN Aleksandra Martyna Rojecka Stanislawow Drugi, Steven LaGrant Seroyer Lawrenceville, GA Edward Alexander Simmons La Vergne, TN Franka Antonia Sindicic Zagreb, Jermiah A. Temple Nashville, TN Jayla Lolita Triggs Cincinnati, OH Miranda T. Villar Staten Island, NY PUBLIC HEALTH Rajala B. Bean Memphis, TN Janice L. Blaine Memphis, TN Dana Renee Cheairs Merrillville, IN Dontay L. Daniel Nashville, TN Ayanna L. Davis Clarksville, TN Alexis R. Dixon Nashville, TN Ayshia C. Faulkner Covington, GA Zainam A. Goodloe-Vintes College Park, GA Shimira Carrington Granger Saint Louis, MO Marina Hana Antioch, TN Ammaria S. Hunter Lawrenceville, GA Frances Jackson Gary, IN Celon N. Johnson Hoffman Estates, IL Jada Janiece Johnson Florissant, MO Tiffany C. Johnson Antioch, TN A’Maya C. Lee Atlanta, GA Antevia Darnae Leggett Miami Gardens, FL Doug Ray McCollum Memphis, TN Ja’Len L. Mitchell Lauderdale Lakes, FL Millenie Nguyen Nashville, TN

33 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Sedrick Poplar Grand Blanc, MI Ariel La’Mya Powell Cincinnati, OH Amari Scales Dayton, OH Amphai J. Sengbouttarath Nashville, TN

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS Dr. Samantha Morgan–Curtis, Dean BACHELOR OF ARTS COMMUNICATION Moorice Kevon Apprey Memphis, TN Carlyle N. Coppins Clarksville, TN Myles Aaron Arnold Dunson Marietta, GA Yakina S. Gamble Memphis, TN Megan K. Grisham Nashville, TN Kyrohbi Jones Memphis, TN Clayton Oglesby Nashville, TN Natoriya S. Owens Memphis, TN ENGLISH Fatemah Harvey Antioch, TN Jazmyne L. Miree Old Hickory, TN David Ozuna Nashville, TN Zaria Marlise Pass Covington, GA Deanthony Reed Nashville, TN Vicki D. Stennis Nashville, TN Autumn R. Stewart La Vergne, TN Tatiana A. Williams Indianapolis, IN Raquel Grace Ziebart Nashville, TN HISTORY Johnathan C. Glover College Park, GA BACHELOR OF SCIENCE ART Angela Black Jackson, TN Jonathan Elijah Diggs Whites Creek, TN Micheal Fields Nashville, TN Acacia T. Hicks Alpharetta, GA Kevin Lorenzo Lamberth Memphis, TN Kennedy Marie McCurry Gallatin, TN Daylon Pruitt Missouri City, TX Taiylor S. Turner Byram, MS Ke Zheng Nashville, TN ARTS AND SCIENCES Erik Paul Alston Center Line, MI Tajik Kevon Bartholomew Austin, TX Jessica Satterfield Bates Gallatin, TN Taylor Brightup Gallatin, TN Lisa Gale Brooks Clarksville, TN Christian Jalen Brown Irmo, SC

Morgan Carpenter Gallatin, TN Pierre Copin Liberal, KS Allen Daniels Dacula, GA Timothy Dickerson Nashville, TN Zackelyn Dobson Knoxville, TN Mario Eberhart Riverdale, GA Alison England Hendersonville, TN Jamey Marchia Gaiters Blacklick, OH Treveon Terrez Hayes Memphis, TN Kaylin Jackson Memphis, TN Micah J. Kimble Antioch, TN Adong Makuoi Edmonton, AB Coreyontez D. Martin Louisville, KY Sierra Mccullough Opelika, AL Rebecca L. Mcmillian Lafayette, TN Dania Salar Mohammed Nashville, TN Johanna Montero Alcantara Corsicana, TX Thomas Ta’Shaun Nance Winter Haven, FL Isabella R. Pizzo Lansing, MI Shonnyvelle A. Regalado Brooklyn, NY Regina Lashaye Rogers Nashville, TN Faith N. Salomoni Cottontown, TN Arianna M. Scott Lithonia, GA Jytireus Smith Gulfport, MS Kianni J. Westbrook Augusta, GA Avery Robert Williams Nashville, TN Tasha R. Wright Gallatin, TN COMMUNICATION Destiny Na’Cole Alston Marietta, GA Garrison D. Baker Murfreesboro, TN Zion A. Bonds Louisville, KY Ajee’ La’Shawn Brown Nashville, TN Cierra A. Carter Cincinnati, OH Christian Felker Nashville, TN Mack Guice Huntsville, AL Mac Arthur Howard Harvest, AL Nala Alyse Johnson Lithonia, GA Tyler J. Johnson Douglasville, GA Si’mone Micole Ray Jones Columbia, SC Briana Lawson Memphis, TN Maya Beryl McClary Orlando, FL Akyra Olivia Jaquay McDougal Fairburn, GA Brianna Nicholle Nichols Black Jack, MO Sidney E. Nolan Bessemer, AL Chandler Alexis Peete Memphis, TN Maliyah Keira Remice Douglasville, GA Tori R. Roberts Hamden, CT Cornell N. Trotter Memphis, TN Jaden Tyson Indianapolis, IN Alexxus Jewel Warren Plant City, FL Heath L. Williams Clarksville, TN Timbrel P. Williams Chattanooga, TN

34 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

CRIMINAL JUSTICE De’Onte T. Bishop Knoxville, TN Mi-Cayah BreAyn Antonia Burnett Rex, GA Amari F. Cecil Oak Park, IL Zavante J. Chichester Cincinnati, OH James L. Davidson Brentwood, TN Rosheka Lavashay Douglas Hendersonville, TN Jayda Virginia Drake-Howard Fairburn, GA Cedric Marquis Gatlin Chicago, IL Brisha Michelle Good Bartlett, TN Jordan Grover Hermitage, TN Kerolos Malek La Vergne, TN Jamilah Aisha Muhammad Memphis, TN Kamilah Muhammad Memphis, TN Alexia Lauren Palmer Hampton, GA Taylor Robinson Memphis, TN Soulin K. Sofi Antioch, TN Antania Swain Lithonia, GA Aaliyah L. Townsend Auburn, KY Taylor Walker Nashville, TN Camiel Williams Brandon, MS Lyric A. Williams Chicago, IL Mya N. Yates Nashville, TN Jada Alise Young Olive Branch, MS HISTORY Isis Nijia Goodwin Florissant, MO Noah Jamaar Ross Antioch, TN Jasmine A. Sears Jonesboro, GA INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES Dana Armstrong Memphis, TN Chelsea M. Byars Antioch, TN Satoria KeShonta Davis Tinley Park, IL Penda Diop Antioch, TN Dyana N. Gupton Waxahachie, TX Faith Amya-Mechelle Hayes Lithonia, GA Nathan Frank Hunt Clarksville, TN Ashanti Irvin Murfreesboro, TN Janae Nicole Jones Indianapolis, IN Tyri Jabari Jones Atlanta, GA Gerard Knoph Garden City, MI Zool Kueth Gallatin, TN Daloris Marshall Hazel Crest, IL Myrna Yvette Owen Memphis, TN Azana Pope DeSoto, TX Jordan Marie Turner Thousand Oaks, CA Renata S. Vasser Memphis, TN

MUSIC Mychal-Mychelle S. Elder Atlanta, GA Richard Geante Freeman Birmingham, AL Phillip J. Hill Cordova, TN Fedrick Marquis Hubbard Southfield, MI Elijah C. Jones Memphis, TN Tai Jamal Lomax Memphis, TN Curtis Devon Olawumi Atlanta, GA Antonio Watson Cordova, TN Dylan D. Wilson Brownsville, TN India S. Wolfe Jackson, TN POLITICAL SCIENCE Alexus Diamond Dockery Memphis, TN Dakennya Yvonne Goines Antioch, TN Victoria L. Johnson Cordova, TN Jamaea Zolee Nelson Memphis, TN Kimora Shaley Reaves Murfreesboro, TN Christin L. Robertson Belleville, IL Laniyyia Street Memphis, TN Shania Lynn Sutton Macomb, MI Maya Rochelle Weaver Knoxville, TN Catherine Woods Ashland City, TN PROFESSIONAL STUDIES Nakeicia Allison Nashville, TN Tammy Bailey Hermitage, TN Tiffane M. Jackson Matteson, IL Rachelle Monique Wimbley Alcoa, TN SOCIOLOGY Luisa J. Braden Shelbyville, TN Elliana Rae Hult Old Hickory, TN Alexandra Freya Hague Sadler Whittington, IL Marwa H. Sharif La Vergne, TN Shelonda Latrice Williams Grand Blanc, MI

COLLEGE OF LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES Dr. Nolan McMurray, Dean

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE BIOLOGY Fatma Badr Abdulqawi Brentwood, TN Jordan Avant Memphis, TN Devyn Baker Olive Branch, MS Kalkidan Tesfaye Bekele Nashville, TN Jayla Bell Memphis, TN Lacara R. Bell Chattanooga, TN Lauryn D. Boyd Medina, TN

35 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Naya A. Gossett Jonesboro, GA Aja Allana Jackson Broken Arrow, OK Jailyn Jamison Memphis, TN Cayla Jeff Cleveland, OH Kaiya Janiece Jenkins Swedesboro, NJ Tationa I. Jones Nashville, TN Aaleyah Nevaeh Kelso McDonough, GA Vanicia Marie Kendall Houston, TX Leah A. Neely Memphis, TN Morgan Taylor Ojemuyiwa Powder Springs, GA Amber Elyse Paige Jackson, MS Kennedy Parson Indianapolis, IN Autumn Gabrielle Peterson Jackson, TN Kalee Morgan Rhodes Springfield, IL Charity Jenae Robinson Jonesboro, AR Destiny Whaley Madison, TN Gisel Williams Fredericksburg, VA Perrez C. Wilson Birmingham, AL CHEMISTRY Megan C. Barrett Clarksville, TN William Joshua Biggs Hendersonville, TN Brianna Michelle Boykin Stow, OH Kameron N. Brooks Stone Mountain, GA Walter Tristan Cannon Nashville, TN Tahmadiyya Dawson Alexander, AR Reyna A. Houser Cincinnati, OH Shiraz Somer Ibrahim Clarksville, TN Camryn M. Jarmon Atoka, TN Autumn A. Lucas Antioch, TN Marwa H. Sharif La Vergne, TN Christian A. Washington Memphis, TN Jaila D. Winford Gretna, LA Mara Janae’ Woods Athens, GA

MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES Theotis Evans Memphis, TN Alexis De’Ja Graves Snellville, GA Ying Jiang Chattanooga, TN Allen C. Stokes Dickson, TN

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Dr. Rodney Stanley, Interim Dean BACHELOR OF SCIENCE SOCIAL WORK Andrea M. Alvarez-Garcia Antioch, TN Ciarra D. Butler Goodlettsville, TN Lauren R. Graves Clarksville, TN Natalie Hall Hermitage, TN Deseree A. Hill Argo, AL Eric Lamont Holden Madison, TN Janelle Monae Holmes Memphis, TN Tatiannah J. Isaac Cincinnati, OH Kearrah J. Luster Clarksville, TN Alike’ Lonzo Turner Goodlettsville, TN Aireyah J. Walker Chattanooga, TN Destanei J. Williams Montgomery, IL URBAN STUDIES Kelley Bell Nashville, TN Luisa J. Braden Shelbyville, TN Janice Lynn Littrell Cookeville, TN Kendall R. Richmond Cordova, TN Kenneth A. Rolle Orlando, FL

36 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Tiger Statue on TSU Campus On the main Tennessee State University campus stands a giant tiger statue representing a symbol of strength and TSU’s Big Blue pride. The specially commissioned bronze 6-foot-long sculpture, weighing in at 500 pounds, was unveiled Oct. 23, 2020, as part of Homecoming activities.

Mounted on a custom- made marble base standing at nearly 7-feet, the student-led tiger project is located in front of the Floyd-Payne Campus Center across from the McWherter Circle.

President Glenda Glover led student representatives, administrators, staff, alumni and community officials in an elaborate ceremony to showcase the new campus attraction.

“Today is a special day as we unveil a monument that will represent the spirit of TSU for the next 100 years,” stated President Glover. “Generations will mark their presence on this campus in front of this great tiger statue. Tigers are resilient, strong and powerful, as we are.

Tigers are determined and confident as we are. We are the Tennessee State University Tigers!”

37 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY SPRING 2023 DOCTORAL & GRADUATE CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES

38 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

39 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Graduate Commencement Order of Ceremony Friday, May 5, 2023 Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, Eighth President Tennessee State University Presiding Officer Prelude........................................................................................................................ University Wind Ensemble Dr. Reginald McDonald, Conductor Mace Bearer......................................................................................................................... Dr. Nicole K. Arrighi Chief Marshal Professor, Department of Teaching and Learning College of Education Academic Processional (Audience remains seated) “Pomp and Circumstance”–Sir Edward Elgar.................................................... University Wind Ensemble Dr. Reginald McDonald, Conductor Presentation of Colors...................................................... Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Lt. Colonel Stephen Cash The Star-Spangled Banner (Audience stands)...........................................................................Francis Scott Key University Wind Ensemble Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing (Audience stands).................................................................... James Weldon Johnson University Choir Director, Dr. Angelica Dunsavage Greetings.........................................................................................................................President Glenda Glover Invocation ............................................................................................................Reverend Frank Stevenson, Sr. Associate Vice President Student Affairs, Dean of Students Music.......................................................................................................................... University Wind Ensemble Dr. Reginald McDonald, Conductor Announcements and Acknowledgements.................................................................................Dr. Curtis Johnson Associate Vice President and Chief of Staff Musical selection.........................................................................................................................University Choir Introduction of Speaker.................................................................................................. Miss Ravan D. Sumerall Master’s of Public Administration, College of Public Service Commencement Address ...........................................................................The Honorable Bennie G. Thompson United States Congressman MS-2nd District

40 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Presentation to Speaker & Conferring of Honorary Degree..........................................President Glenda Glover Presentation of Deans of Colleges and Candidates for Degrees............................................. Dr. Robbie Melton Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs

Academic Deans Dr. Chandra Reddy Dean of the College of Agriculture Dr. Stephen Shanklin Interim Dean of the College of Business Dr. Janet Finch Dean of the College of Education Dr. Lin Li Interim Dean of the College of Engineering Dr. Ronald Barredo Dean of the College of Health Sciences Dr. Samantha Morgan–Curtis Dean of the College of Liberal Arts Dr. Nolan B. McMurray, Jr. Dean of the College of Life and Physical Sciences Dr. Rodney Stanley Interim Dean of the College of Public Service Dr. John Robinson Interim Dean, School of Graduate and Professional Studies Musical selection.........................................................................................................................University Choir Alumni Induction Ceremony ...................................................................................... Mr. Charles Galbreath, Sr. National President, Tennessee State University National Alumni Association Alumni Pledge: I hereby fervently pledge my lifelong loyalty, service, and financial support to my alma mater in appreciation for the opportunities afforded me at Tennessee State University.

I pledge to maintain active membership in the national alumni association, to encourage others to attend Tennessee State University, and to become a part of a global society of notable alumni who promote excellence as a way of life.

I further pledge to exemplify the high ideals of my alma mater, and to continue to hold fast to the University’s motto - Think. Work. Serve.

The Alma Mater ......................................................................University Wind Ensemble and University Choir Benediction ............................................................................................................. Reverend Nicholas Patterson Senior Pastor, Saint Luke Church Recessional (Audience remains seated).....................................................................University Wind Ensemble

41 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Graduate Commencement Speaker U.S. CONGRESSMAN BENNIE G. THOMPSON Born in a state with a unique history of racial inequality, Congressman Bennie G. Thompson draws inspiration from the legacies of Medgar Evers, Fannie Lou Hamer, Aaron Henry, and Henry Kirksey. The Bolton, Mississippi native considers it an honor to walk the path Mississippi civil rights icons paved decades ago.

Serving his 15th term in the United States House of Representatives, Thompson represents Mississippi’s Second Congressional District where he has spent his entire life fighting to improve the lives of all people.

Congressman Bennie G. Thompson is the longest-serving African American elected official in the State of Mississippi and the longest Democrat in the Mississippi Congressional Delegation. He began his grassroots political activism being a civil rights champion through the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) while a student at Tougaloo College – a private historically black college in Jackson, Mississippi. He organized voter registration drives for African Americans throughout the Mississippi Delta on behalf of the organization before graduating and following in the footsteps of his mother by becoming a schoolteacher. During his tenure educating the youth of Mississippi, a fire inside Thompson was ignited pushing him to be a voice for the voiceless through elected office.

His reputation as a no-nonsense problem solver has earned him the trust of his constituents and the respect of his colleagues in Washington. In 1975, he was a plaintiff in a lawsuit that resulted in a $503 million increase in funding for Mississippi’s historically black universities. In 2000, Congressman Thompson’s legislation creating the National Center for Minority Health and Health Care Disparities became law.

Congressman Thompson served on the Agriculture, Budget, and Small Business Committees before assuming the top Democratic position on Homeland Security in 2005. Soon after, his colleagues promoted Congressman Thompson to serve as the first-ever Democratic Chairman of the Homeland Security Committee.

On July 1, 2021, Speaker Nancy Pelosi named Rep. Thompson Chairman of the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. Under Ranking Member Thompson’s leadership, the bipartisan committee conducted a thorough investigation of the facts, circumstances, and causes of the January 6th attack and worked to ensure nothing like that attack ever occurs again. The Select Committee presented its findings about a multi-part effort to overturn the 2020 election, reflecting the body of evidence the committee has built through more than 1,000 interviews and the hundreds of thousands of records the committee has obtained.

Congressman Thompson is a lifelong member of the Asbury United Methodist Church in Bolton, Mississippi.

He has been married to his college sweetheart, London Johnson of Mound Bayou, Mississippi, for 42 years.

The couple has one daughter Bendalonne, one granddaughter, Jeanna, and one grandson, Thomas Gordon.

42 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Doctoral Candidates for Degrees 2023 spring Commencement COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Dr. Janet Finch, Dean

DOCTOR OF EDUCATION CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION Abdulrahman Saeed Alshahrani Murfreesboro, TN M.Ed., Middle Tennessee State University, 2013

Walid Ali Mohamed Benghazi, Libya B.S., University of Benghazi, 2001

Libyan University Students’ Perceptions of Learning Academic English in a U.S. Institution Chair: Dr. Kisha C Bryan

Hanan S. Kuzat Antioch, TN M.S., Tennessee State University, 1997 Ed.S., Tennessee State University, 2008

Blended Learning Implementation among Mathematics Students: A comparison to Traditional Learning Platform Chair: Dr. Kirmanj Gundi

Darlene Davis Martin Birmingham, AL M.A., University of Alabama, 1995

Student Perspectives of Engagement in an Online Developmental Mathematics Class Chair: Dr. Trinetia Respress

Dwight D. Martin Nashville, TN B.S., Southern Ilinois University, Carbondale, 1974

Munirah Abdulaziz Alyousef Rydiah, Saudi Arabia

HBCU Student Characteristics and Experiences Influencing and Predicting Socially Responsible Leadership Behavior Chair: Dr. Eleni Elder

Saudi Arabian Elementary Teachers’ Perceptions of ELearn Technology During COVID-19 Pandemic Chair: Dr. Gundi Kirmanj

B.Ed., Hardin-Simmons University, 2002 M.Ed., Middle Tennessee State University, 2007 Ed.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2007

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2018

Andrew Lawrence Schmeltzer Murfreesboro, TN

Debra Elizebeth Dixon-Tillery Nashville, TN

A Study of the Effects of Punitive Discipline and Restorative Justice on Black Male Student-athletes in Two Selected School Districts

B.S., Fisk University, 1979 M.Ed., Fisk University, 1982

Advocating Elementary ELL Teachers’ Perceptions of Implementing Sheltered Instructional Strategies Chair: Dr. Eleni Elder

Elizabeth Nichole Fields Greenbrier, TN B.S., Austin Peay State University, 1997 M.S., Austin Peay State University, 2002 Ed.S., Miles College, 2008

Parent Perceptions of the Tennessee Promise Scholarship Program Chair: Dr. Carole de Casal

Andrea Dawnyell Fletcher Nashville, TN B.S., Arkansas State University, 2004 M.S., University of Memphis, 2008

A Mixed Methods Investigation of the Impact of the NCAA Presidential Pledge Chair: Dr. Terrence McNeil

43 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY PSYCHOLOGY Henry L. Benton Trotwood, OH B.S., Ashland University, 2015

ade To Black: A Social Constructivism Theory Perspective on the Experiences of Retired Black Male College Athletes Transition out of College Athletics Chair: Dr. Tiffany R. Williams

Tiyana Kia Chaney-Taylor Forsyth, GA

B.A., University of North Carolina, Wilmington, 2013 M.S.W., Georgia State University, 2017 Black Women’s Experiences of Stress and Perceptions of Wellness Activities Chair: Dr. Robin Oatis-Ballew

Megan Derisse Roselle, NJ B.A., Seton Hall University, South Orange, 2014 M.A., Seton Hall University, South Orange, 2016

Dating Experiences of Black Women With Advanced Degrees Chair: Dr. Tiffany R. Williams

Adrienne Erby Jackson, MS

Whitney Wyatt Antioch, TN

B.S., University of Tennessee, 2009 M.S., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 2012

A Phenomenological Study on Navigating Oppressive Intersecting Identities of Black Women Chair: Dr. Tiffany R. Williams

Aisha M. Yapp Omaha, NE B.S., Loyola University, New Orleans, 2017 M.A., Fisk University, 2019

The Exploration of Factors that Promote Posttraumatic Growth in BIPOC Chair: Dr. Esther Lynch

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES Dr. Ronald Barredo, Dean

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY PHYSICAL THERAPY Emily Anderson Murfreesboro, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2017

B.S., Tougaloo College, 2015

Attachment Mediates Effects of Childhood Emotional Abuse and Trust among African Americans Chair: Dr. Esther Lynch

Abi Welch Arnette Tullahoma, TN B.S., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 2019

Marque Griggs Fort Valley, GA

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2019

B.A., Valdosta State University, 2009 M.S., Fort Valley State University, 2012

Matthew E. Black Nashville, TN

Jessica Lee Carlson Nashville, TN

Understanding Partner Selection in Black Queer Men Chair: Dr. James Campbell

Dana Jennings Atlanta, GA

B.S., Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, 2004 M.Ed., University of Georgia, 2007 Ed.S., University of Georgia, 2009 A Tale of Two Pandemics: Narratives of Black Emerging Adults Social Media Experiences of Racism & Oppression Chair: Dr. Tiffany R. Williams

Priya S. Patel - Shah Nashville, TN

B.S., University of Oklahoma, Norman, 2012 M.S., Oklahoma State University, Still Water, 2016

B.S., SUNY-Cortland, 2016

Kyndal Carter Bellville, TX

B.S., Texas Agricultural & Mechanical University, 2016

Stephanie Deines Colorado Springs, CO B.S., University of Denver, 2018

Greice Dos Santos De Sa Goodlettsville, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2017

Dillon Jermaine Douglass Jackson, TN B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2019 Mia Isabella Faragalli Franklin, TN B.S., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 2019 Jordan M. Greer Murfreesboro, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2019

Being a Stranger in a Stranger’s Land with Strangeness: The Impact of Acculturative Stress on Asian Indian American’s Cognition Chair: Dr. Robin Oatis-Ballew

Ann Marie Hajec Carleton, MI

Gianna White Nashville, TN

B.S., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 2019

B.S., Western Carolina University, 2017 M.A., Eastern Illinois University, 2019

B.S., Michigan State University, East Lansing, 2017

Sean Timothy Harper Lascassas, TN Clarke William Hyde Arrington, TN

Men’s Gender Socialization and Masculinity Effect on Men’s Expressed Fear of Crime Chair: Dr. James Campbell

B.S., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 2020

Beshoy F. Ibrahim Antioch, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2017

44 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Micayla G. Keen Dayton, TN

Katlyn Rebecca Stout Cowan, TN

B.S., Bryan College, 2019 Bryan College, 2020

B.S., Lipscomb University, 2020

Kara Danielle Taylor Newbern, TN

Casey Kennedy Murfreesboro, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2018

Cathleen Kirkland Nashville, TN

B.S., Sewanee-University of the South, 2018

B.S., Middle Tennessee University, 2017

Taylor Tolleson Pelham, AL B.S., Auburn University, 2013 Ana Laura Santanna Villalva Lebanon, TN

Nick Lauren Forest Hills, NY

B.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2018

B.S., Pennsylvania State University, 2017

Lukus Wallace Dover, TN

Hillary N. Leftrick Knoxville, TN

B.S., Austin Peay University, 2020

B.S., Union College, 2012

Joshua Wolfe Nashville, TN

Sarah Lotshaw Brentwood, TN

B.S., University of North Georgia, 2018

B.S., Belmont University, 2019

Seth McGinnis Hendersonville, TN B.A., Lipscomb University, 2014

Aya Jamil Melhem Rockvale, TN B.S., University of Virginia’s College at Wise, 2020 Gerald Patrick Oravetz Murfreesboro, TN

COLLEGE OF LIFE & PHYSICAL SCIENCE Dr. Nolan McMurray, Dean

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2019

Carlo Fidel Quintanilla Fairview, TN

B.S., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 2020

Jeffrey Scott Reaves Montgomery, AL

B.S., University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, 2017 M.S., Auburn University, Montgomery, 2019

Thomas Bush Richard Nashville, TN

B.S., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 2018

Andrew Wade Sanderson Clinton, LA B.S., University of Southern Mississippi, 2015 Derek Logan Smith Russell Springs, KY B.A., Lindsey Wilson College, 2018

Shikheldin B. Mohamed Antioch, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2000 M.S., Tennessee State University, 2009

Preparation and Characterization of Hydroxyapatite Nanopowder Using Sol-Gel Technique for Biomedical Applications Chair: Dr. Michael T. Ivy and Dr. Joshua T. Moore

Aniska Tana Marie Ramsay Wellington, FL

B.S., Oakwood College, 2013 Tennessee State University, 2017

Synthesis and Characterization of U3O8 and Ag2O/SiO2 Nanocomposites and Sol-gel Chair: Dr. Joshua T Moore and Dr. Xiaofei Wang

Amanda E. Ruff Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2013

Effects of Environmental Contaminant Exposures on Translational Regulatory Proteins in Human Immune Cells Chair: Dr. Margaret Whalen

45 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Graduate Candidates for Degrees 2023 spring Commencement COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean

MASTER OF SCIENCE AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES Manasarobar Bhattarai Falls Church, VA

B.S., Tribhuvan University, 2010 M.S., Tribhuvan University, 2016 Anthony Bowden Suffolk, VA B.A., Virginia Wesleyan College, 2019 Nicholas R. Davies Greenbrier, TN B.B.A., Rasmussen College, Green Bay Campus, 2018 Divya Jain Faridabad, India B.S., Delhi University, 2015

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE Maia Payne Nashville, TN

B.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2020 Anju Poudel Nawalparasi, Nepal B.S., Tribhuvan University, 2019 Sharla Breanna Scantling Clarksville, TN B.S., Austin Peay State University, 2021

FOOD AND ANIMAL SCIENCES Tobenna Celestine Aniume Onitsha, Nigeria

B.S., University of Benin, 2012 M.S., University of Benin, 2016 Christian Landskroener Morrisville, PA B.S., New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, 2011 Jiuyi Li Xuchang, China B.S., Henan University of Animal Husbandry and Economy, 2019

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS Dr. Stephen Shanklin, Interim Dean

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION Omar Adel Aldosari Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

B.S., Imam Muhammad Ibn Saud Islamic University, 2015 Bradford M. Beard Mount Juliet, TN B.B.A., Tennessee State University, 2021 Daniel Carrillo Nashville, TN B.S., University of California-San Diego, 2021 Dominique R. Davis Nashville, TN B.B.A., Tennessee State University, 2021 Dabreonna Shavette Douglas Nashville, TN B.B.A., Tennessee State University, 2021 Asia Armani Gladney Nashville, TN B.S., Belmont University, 2019 Adrianna T. Gonzales Wayne, MI B.B.A., Tennessee State University, 2021 Joshua A. Horn Birmingham, AL B.B.A., Tennessee State University, 2021 Hanan Tawfik Matta Nolensville, TN B.F.A., Ain Sham University, 2002 Patricia Annes Morris Nashville, TN B.B.A., Tennessee State University, 2021 Taylor D. Nickerson Lancaster, TX B.B.A., Tennessee State University, 2021

46 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Mabel Uzoamaka Ogonna Egbeda, Nigeria B.S., University of Nigeria-Nsukka, 2015 Jerod Glen Peters Aurora, NE B.S., Concordia University, NE, 2020 Ashley L. Sharpley Murfreesboro, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2020 Nahtali Sinclair Simpson West Orange, NJ B.A., University of New Haven, 2022 Toree DeNeal Sims Jr. Louisville, KY B.E., Tennessee State University, 2021 Jockey Watkins Bartlett, TN B.S., Park University, 2018

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION Dr. Janet Finch, Dean

MASTER OF EDUCATION CURRICULIM AND INSTRUCTION Candace Y. Buchanan Murfreesboro, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2013 M.A.T., Belmont University, 2018 Madeline Eaton Franklin, TN B.S., Ohio University, Athens, 2019 M.Ed., Ohio University Athens, 2022 Brandon Q. Lloyd Nashville, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2007 Adriana Alicia Rodriguez Brentwood, TN B.S., Texas Agricutural & Mechanical University, 2020 Bryson Mario Scott Sugar Land, TX B.D.O., Jarvis Christian College, 2021 Alanta Marie Story Blue Island, IL B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021 Jordan L. Thomas North Lauderdale, FL B.S., University of Arkansas, Pine Bluff, 2014 Ariel K. Wells Nashville, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2000 Sandra F. Wilson Smyrna, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2015

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION Makieda Mathews Goodlettsville, TN B.S.,Tennessee State University, 2009

INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP Vanna Marchelle Albright Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2010 Clint Arendall Savannah, TN B.A., Lambuth University, 2010 Todd Ballard Dandridge, TN B.S.Ed., Bemidji State University, 2014

Shawn Micheal Blackwell Nashville, TN B.S., Purdue University, West Lafayette, 2010 M.Ed., Grand Canyon University, 2016 Japho M. Hardin Chattanooga, TN B.A., Tuskegee University, 2007 Jonathan Peoples Gordonsville, TN B.Ed., Tennessee Technological University, 2012 Adam Brent Shaw Carthage, TN B.S.Ed., Tennessee Technological University, 2010 Brendia Smith Mobile, AL B.S., University South Alabama, 2019 Alexandria D. Wilson Smyrna, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2005 M.Ed., Tennessee State University 2010 SPECIAL EDUCATION Derek Logan Beach Mosheim, TN

M.A., East Tennessee State University, 2019 Jill Deleon Cordova, TN B.S., University of Memphis, 2013 Denitza Martinez Smyrna, TN B.S.Ed., Inter-American University Puerto Rico-San German, 2009 Femia Lashea Tucker Memphis, TN B.D.O., Christian Brothers University, 2006 Hannah Nicole Tull Jackson, TN B.S., Trevecca Nazarene University, 2017 Mary Leeann Webb Ripley, TN B.A.S., University of Tennessee, Martin, 2012

MASTER OF SCIENCE PSYCHOLOGY August C. Dunphy Roscoe, IL B.S., University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, 2021 Sydney J. Greer Paducah, KY B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021 Kiela L. Hinson Bowling Green, KY B.A., Western Kentucky University, 2012 Raniqua S. Johnson Madison, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2016 Amanda Mercier Antioch, TN B.A., Waldorf College, 2019 Diandra Leann Lavenia Montague La Vergne, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021 Samantha N. Pratts Stroudsburg, PA B.S., East Stroudsburg University, Pennsylbania, 2020

47 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING Dr. Lin Li, Interim Dean

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

MASTER OF ENGINEERING

Dr. Ronald Barredo, Dean

ENGINEERING

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

Abigail Enriquez Smyrna, TN

FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER Chito Caballeo Lobregas Jackson, TN

B.S.M.E., Oklahoma State University, 2018 Harman Garmavi Nashville, TN B.E., Tennessee State University, 2011 Sanaz Karshenas Brentwood, TN B.S., Islamic Azad University, 2012 M.S., Islamic Azad University, 2016 Sylvia Chebet Kirwa Eldoret, Kenya B.S., Moi University, 2016 Mercy Sammy Antioch, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021 Madinah J. Shamsu Antioch, TN B.E., Tennessee State University, 2021

B.S., Miami University, 2003

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING NURSING

MASTER OF SCIENCE COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS ENGINEERING Samer Al Musawi Antioch, TN

B.S., University of Basrah, 2006

COMPUTER SCIENCE Sakib Abrar Lakshmipur, Bangladesh B.S., Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology, 2017 Sundeep Chekuri Hyderabad, India B.S., Jawaharial Nehru Technological University, Hyderabad, 2018 Maksims Kazijevs Riga, Latvia B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021 Sevim Kilic Brentwood, TN B.S., Akedeniz University, 2013 Amit Kumar Mount Juliet, TN B.S., Bhim Rao Ambedkar University, 2003 Mark Chukwuemeka Okafor Port-Harcourt, Nigeria M.S., Tennessee State University, 2017 Victor Kiprotich Sawe Eldoret, Kenya B.S., Nairobi University, 2019 Travis J. Young Stone Mountain, GA B.S. Tennessee State University, 2021

Morgan Bazyk Nashville, TN B.S., Castleton State College, 2019 Summer Glen Golder Nashville, TN B.S.N., Texas Tech University Health Science Center, 2016 Fakhriya Nazi Brentwood, TN B.S.N., Belmont University, 2018 Laura Sharpe Madison, TN B.S., Western Governors University, 2019 Marisa Wheatley Decatur, GA B.S.N., University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, 2001 MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION HUMAN PERFORMANCE AND SPORT SCIENCES Bryce D. Daniel Crowley, TX

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021 Jerrod Capri Grace Houston, TX B.S., University of Tennessee, Martin, 2009 Marterrio Johnson Antioch, TN B.D.O., Middle Tennessee State University, 2019 Julia S. Koogler Morristown, TN B.S., Lincoln Memorial University, 2019 Abrar Mohammed Nooh Nashville, TN B.Ed., Lipscomb University, 2019 Alexis Celine Pierce Savannah, GA B.B.A., Jacksonville University, 2021 Gina Lee Rivera Guanica, Puerto Rico B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021

MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH PUBLIC HEALTH Gwendolyn Berry Spring, TX

B.S., Southern Ilinois University, Carbondale, 2011 Landria K. Burkley Nashville, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2019 Taylor Flournoy Nashville, TN B.S., Eastern Illinois State University, 2018 48 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Lauren J. Franklin Clarksville, TN

B.S., University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, 2018 Bege Jacob Mallam Nigeria B.S., Kaduna State University, 2016 Mariagorathy Nonyelum Okonkwo Sokoto, Nigeria B.S., University of Jos, 2017

MASTER OF SCIENCE SPEECH AND HEARING SCIENCE Hannah Belle Amonette Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021 Rena H. Bamerni Nashville, TN B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2021 Kayce M. Clifton Jackson, TN B.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2020 Ellender Gwendolyn Condra Brentwood, TN B.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2020 Delaney S. Freeze Bradyville, TN B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2021 Reagan Olivia Hall Smyrna, TN B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2021 Anastasia Grider Keener Nashville, TN B.S., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 2017 M.Ed., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 2018 Brittany Nicole Kennedy Portland, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2020 Lindsay Jo Leonard Nashville, TN B.S., East Carolina University, 2020 Jessica Wynne Loso Normandy, TN B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2021 Daisy Munoz Manchester, TN B.S., Middle Tennessee University, 2021 Cassidy Parrish Murfreesboro, TN B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2021 Abby Katherine Sickel Clarksville, TN B.S., King University, 2018 Courtney A. Smith Murfreesboro, TN B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2020 Leigh Ann Truemper Nashville, TN B.S., University of Missouri, Columbia, 2014 Carly Truex Spring Hill, TN B.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2020 Jessica Carlena VanAusdall Athens, GA B.S., University of Georgia, 2020 Maya B. Young Simpsonville, SC B.S., South Carolina State University, 2021

MASTERS OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY Kelly Patricia Givens Nashville, TN

B.S., Belmont University, 2019 Kayla Michelle Pendleton Smyrna, TN B.S., Belmont University, 2020

COLLEGE OF LIFE & PHYSICAL SCIENCE Dr. Nolan McMurray, Dean MASTER OF SCIENCE BIOLOGY Alicia Monay Caldwell Hermitage, TN

B.S., Grambling State University, 2020 Sammatha Stiff Newburgh, IN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2020 M.S., Tennessee State University, 2022

CHEMISTRY Grady Patrick Clopton Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE Dr. Rodney Stanley, Interim Dean GRADUATE CERTIFICATE HEALTH ADMINISTRATION AND PLANNING Prabhjot Kaur Clarksville, TN B.S., East Tennessee State University, 2019

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT Airrion Coleman Beard Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2020 Deandre lynn Dockery Memphis, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021 Brandon Marshall Nashville, TN B.J., Elon University 2012

NON PROFIT MANAGEMENT James Todd Montgomery Hohenwald, TN

B.S., University of Arkansas, 2003 Timothy James Walker Suffolk, VA B.A., Fisk University, 2012

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP Jonathan M. Swift Lawrenceburg, TN

B.A., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 1998

49 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

PUBLIC POLICY Savannah Gilman Nashville, TN

B.A., University of Tennessee Knoxville, 2015 Phillip Justin Murphy Lebanon, TN B.A., Cumberland University, 2014

MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES PROFESSIONAL STUDIES Pamela D. Bell Murfreesboro, TN

Eleanor W. Sadik Antioch, TN B.A., Tennessee State University, 2020 Ravan Deondra Sumerall Nashville, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2019 Timothy James Walker Suffolk, VA B.A., Fisk University, 2012 Samantha Yaroschuk Nashville, TN B.F.A., Florida Atlantic University, 2017 MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

B.S., Murray State University, 2010

Shanavika Deches Davis Jackson Clarksville, TN

B.E., Austin Peay University, 2011 Alysia M. Jordan Nashville, TN B.B.A., Tennessee State University, 2019 M.S., Tennessee State University, 2020 Cris Pollard Mount Juliet, TN B.A., University of Mobile, 1997 Jacob Allen Silverthorn Lewisburg, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2020 Jimmy Turner Birmingham, AL B.B.A., Cumberland University, 2021

MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION Airrion Coleman Beard Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2020 Deandre lynn Dockery Memphis, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021 Nicholas Ryan Edwards Nashville, TN B.B.A., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2011 Chris Michael Fears Nashville, TN B.S., University of Memphis, 2017 Savannah Gilman Nashville, TN B.A., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2015 Lashondra Hill Memphis, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2002 Ashley Karen Hollon Harriman, TN B.A., Auburn University, 2011 Amy Howell Cookeville, TN B.S., Tennessee Technological University, 1999 M.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2015 Prabhjot Kaur Clarksville, TN B.S., East Tennessee State University, 2019 Brandon Marshall Nashville, TN B.J., Elon University 2012 Matthew William Matlock Nashville, TN B.S., Middle Tennessee University, 2015 James Todd Montgomery Hohenwald, TN B.S. University of Arkansas, 2003 Phillip Justin Murphy Lebanon, TN B.A., Cumberland University, 2014

SOCIAL WORK Margaret Lee Canby Nashville, TN

B.A., Washington and Lee University, 2008 Jacob Ryan Diddens Nashville, TN B.S.W., Colorado State University, Fort Collins, 2021 Tichina D. Garner Nashville, TN B.A., Lane College, 2017 Antasia Hinkley Memphis, TN B.A., University of Texas, Arlington, 2021 Jasmine Antreal Jones Hermitage, TN B.S., Auburn University, Montgomery, 2016 James Brian Ker Nashville, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2022 Whitney Gail Lute Gallatin, TN B.S., Welch College, 2018 Sebrina Nicole McClinton Nashville, TN B.A., Lemoyne-Owen College, 2005 Passion Ariginel Ray Antioch, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2020 Imani T. Raybon Springfield, TN B.S., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 2019 Cynthia Denise Raymond Nashville, TN B.S.W., Tennessee State University, 2021 Lydia Clark Reed Nashville, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2019 April M. Reynolds Gallatin, TN B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2016 Amanda Jean Salvatore Patchogue, NY B.A., University of New Haven, 2019 Jessica Renee Shaler Ewing, NJ B.S.W., James Madison University, 2022 Robyn Marie Travis Shelbyville, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2019 Daijah Shaon Washington Nashville, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021 Anthony M. Williams Baltimore, MD B.S., Morris College, 2021 Jeffrey Todd Wilson Nashville, TN B.S., Tennessee State University, 2019

50 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Tennessee State University Board of Trustees DR. DEBORAH A. COLE Chairman

MRS. PAM MARTIN Vice Chairman

MR. STEPHEN CORBEIL MR. ANDRE JOHNSON, J.D. DR. RICHARD LEWIS, SR. DR. OBIE MCKENZIE MR. VAN PINNOCK DR. JOSEPH WALKER, III DR. BILL JOHNSON Faculty Trustee

MR. SHAUN A. WIMBERLY, JR. Student Trustee

51 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Executive Officers Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover President Dr. Robbie Melton Interim Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs Dr. Douglas Allen Vice President, Business and Finance Mr. Frank Stevenson Chief Student Affairs Officer Associate Vice President, Student Affairs Dr. Quincy Quick Associate Vice President, and Chief Research Officer for Research and Sponsored Programs Mr. Terrence Izzard Associate Vice President of Enrollment Management and Student Success Dr. Curtis Johnson Associate Vice President for Administration and Chief of Staff Ms. Kelli Sharpe Associate Vice President, Public Relations & Communication Chief Gregory Robinson Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police Attorney Laurence Pendleton General Counsel & Secretary, Board of Trustees Dr. Michael Allen Director, University Athletics

University Deans Dr. Chandra Reddy Dr. Stephen Shanklin Dr. Janet Finch Dr. Lin Li Dr. Ronald Barredo Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis Dr. Nolan McMurray Dr. Rodney Stanley Dr. John Robinson Ms. Glenda Alvin Dr. Coreen Jackson

Dean, College of Agriculture Interim Dean, College of Business Dean, College of Education Interim Dean, College of Engineering Dean, College of Health Sciences Dean, College of Liberal Arts Dean, College of Life and Physical Sciences Interim Dean, College of Public Service Interim Dean, School of Graduate and Professional Studies Dean, Libraries & Media Center Dean, University Honors College

52 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Notable Alumni of Tennessee State University Tennessee State University graduates become local, regional, national, and international leaders: Ralph Boston, Chandra Cheeseborough, Barbara Jones-Slater, Edith McGuire-Duvall, Wilma Rudolph, and Wyomia Tyus, Olympic gold medalists.

Dr. T. B. Boyd III, former president and chief executive officer, R. H. Boyd Publishing Corporation.

Xernona Clayton, retired vice president for urban affairs with Turner Broadcasting/CNN and founder/CEO of the Trumpet Awards.

Dr. Deborah A. Cole, former president and chief executive officer of Citizens Savings Bank & Trust Co. S. Allen Counter, explorer and Harvard neurophysiologist.

Robert Covington An American professional basketball player for the Los Angeles Clippers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) who was also named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team.

Honorable Judge Angela M. Cox, At the age of 32 years old she was the youngest Judge appointed by Governor Jeb Bush. Currently she serves as a Circuit Judge for the Clay County Clerk of Court in Florida.

Dr. Alvin H. Crawford an Orthopaedic surgeon and retired Captain in the U. S. Navy, Dr. Crawford was the first African American to graduate from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine and the first African American member of the Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America.

Richard Dent, the first TSU alumnus to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The Honorable Myra Hudson Dixon, Chief Judge of the Fulton County State Court (Atlanta, GA) Congressman Harold E. Ford, Sr., the first AfricanAmerican to represent Tennessee in the U.S. Congress.

Howard Gentry, Jr., an American politician who currently serves as the Criminal Court Clerk of Davidson County Metropolitan Government of Nashville. He was the first African American Constitutional Officer and former Director of Athletics for Tennessee State University.

Joe Gilliam, Jr. Was a professional football player, a quarterback with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the National Football League (NFL) and was the first African American quarterback to start a season opener after the American Football League (AFL)-NFL merger in 1970.

State Senator Brenda Gilmore, Senator for the 19th District in the Tennessee General Assembly since 2019; former member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, 54th District; Served on the Nashville Metro Council from the 1st District from 1993-2003.

Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, first female president of Tennessee State University, and one of only two AfricanAmerican women to hold the Ph.D.-CPA-JD combination in the nation.

Moses Gunn, renowned actor who in 1977 received an Emmy nomination for his appearance as tribal chieftain Kintango in the ground-breaking miniseries, Roots; Founder of the Negro Ensemble and received several Obie Awards for his off-Broadway work.

State Senator Thelma Harper, Retired Senator for the 19th District in the Tennessee General Assembly since 1991-2018. Her political career has led to the position of delegate for the 1980, 1984, 1988 and 1992 Democratic National Conventions.

Claude B. Humphrey, a former American football defensive lineman in the National Football League for the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles. He is a 2014 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Dr. Bobby Jones, executive producer of the Bobby Jones Gospel Show and Ambassador-at-large of the Commonwealth of Dominica.

Ed “Too Tall” Jones, retired American NFL Football Player spent 15 years with the Dallas Cowboys from 19741978 and again from 1980-1989.

Harvey Johnson, the first African-American mayor of Jackson, Mississippi.

Dr. Richard Lewis, an entrepreneur and president of Lewis & Wright Funeral Home in Nashville, as well as chief financial officer of the AME Church.

53 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Notable Alumni of Tennessee State University Tennessee State University graduates become local, regional, national, and international leaders: Valerie Love, Senior Vice President, Human Resources, North America for the Coca-Cola Company she also serves as the Chair of the TSU Foundation Board, a Board Trustee at Clark Atlanta University, a member of the Board of Directors at Kimball International and on the NASCAR Diversity Council.

Dr. Catana Starks, former faculty member and department chair, was the first female head coach of an NCAA Division I men’s golf team, and coached the team to the National Minority Golf Championship in 2005. Starks story has been captured and shared with the world in the feature film, From the Rough.

State Representative Harold M. Love, Jr., Member of the Tennessee House of Representatives, 58th District; Pastor of Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church.

Coach Ed Temple was the Head Women’s Track and Field Coach from 1950 to 1994 at Tennessee State University.

Under his coaching the legendary Tigerbelles won 23 Olympic medals. In all he led more than 40 athletes to the Olympics and his athletes also accumulated more than 30 national titles.

Obie L. McKenzie, retired managing director at BlackRock in the Account Management Group, one of the largest publicly traded investment firms in the United States. He ranks among the Top 10 African-Americans on Wall Street.

Dr. Edith Peterson Mitchell, former President of the National Medical Association and Clinical Professor of Medicine and Medical Oncology at Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University.

Lloyd W. “Fig” Newton, 4-star general, retired as highest ranking African-American in the Air Force.

Amos Otis, Retired U.S. Air Force Officer, Founder, President and Chairman of the Board for SoBran, Incorporated and Former TSU Foundation Board Chairman.

Clarice Phelps, an American nuclear chemist who was the first Black woman to help discover a new element in the periodic table-Tennessine (Ts).

Dominique Rogers-Cromartie An American professional football cornerback who was the first round draft pick for the Arizona Cardinals, played in the National Football League (NFL) for 11 years and selected twice to play in the Pro Bowl in the years 2009 and 2015.

Jesse Russell, an American inventor, a pioneer in the field of cellular and wireless communications. In 1988, he led the first team from Bell Laboratories to introduce digital cellular technology in the United States.

Carla Venita Thomas, an American singer, who is often referred to as the ‘Queen of Memphis Soul.’

Dr. Maria Thompson, former president, Coppin State University, Baltimore, Maryland.

Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr., M.D., obtained worldwide recognition for implanting the first defibrillator for the heart; former associate dean and cardiac surgeon at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

A.C. Wharton, former mayor of Memphis, Tennessee, and former mayor of Shelby County (TN) – first AfricanAmerican to serve.

Kevin Williams, immediate past president and managing director of General Motors Canadian operations; a TSU Foundation Board of Trustees member.

Oprah Winfrey, owner of Oprah Winfrey Network, Talk Show Host, Television Producer, Philanthropist, and Actress.

Brenda Wynn, Davidson County Clerk, first AfricanAmerican female to win an election to a constitutional office in the county.

54 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Accreditation and Affiliations Tennessee State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award Associate, Baccalaureate, Master’s, Specialist in Education, and Doctoral degrees. Questions about the accreditation of Tennessee State University may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.

In addition, the following list of programs with programmatic accreditation support the high quality education available on the TSU campuses.

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

Family and Consumer Sciences (B.S). American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences (AAFCS), Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetic (ACEND).

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Business (B.B.A., M.B.A.). Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Education (B.S., M.S., M.A.Ed., Ed.S. Ed.D). Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Psychology (Ph.D.). American Psychological Association (APA).

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Applied and Industrial Technologies (B.S.). Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE).

Architectural, Civil, Electrical, and Mechanical Engineering (BS). Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology (ABET).

Computer Science (B.S.). Accreditation Board for Engineering & Technology/Computing Accreditation Commission (ABET/CAC).

Aeronautical & Industrial Technology, Architectural & Mechanical Engineering, Civil & Environmental.

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Cardio-Respiratory Care Sciences (B.S). Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

Dental Hygiene (A.A.S.). Commission on Dental Accreditation (COD).

Health Care Administration and Planning (B.S.). Association of University Programs in Health Administration) Health Information Management (B.S.). Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics & Information Management) Human Performance and Sport Sciences (B.S., MA.Ed.). Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Nursing ( B.S. M.S.). Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

Occupational Therapy (M.O.T.). Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE).

Physical Therapy (D.P.T.). Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Public Health (B.S., M.P.H.). Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH).

Speech and Hearing Sciences (M.S.). Council of Academic Accreditation of the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association.

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

Art (B.S.). National Association of Schools of Art & Design. (NASAD).

Arts and Sciences (B.S.). Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

Music (B.A.: National Association of Schools of Music)

COLLEGE OF LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Chemistry (B.S.). American Chemical Society (ACS).

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Public Administration (M.P.A.). Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration.

Social Work (B.S.W., M.S.W.). Council on Social Work Education (CSWE).

Social Work (B.S.: The Council on Social Work Education).

55 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

College of Agriculture The College of Agriculture houses two academic departments, the Institute for Agricultural and Environmental Research and a Cooperative Extension Program. Through these significant entities, the College fulfills the tripartite mission of the land-grant system – teaching, research, and extension. Teaching programs are conducted through the two academic departments with the help of research and extension-funded faculty scientists who have tenure/tenure track status in the academic departments. The Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (DAES) provides exemplary traditional classroom instruction and cutting-edge experiential and service-learning opportunities to its undergraduate and graduate students. The department offers a B.S. degree in Agricultural Sciences, three M.S. degrees: Agricultural Sciences, Food and Animal Sciences, and Environmental Science, and one Ph.D. program in Agricultural Sciences. The Department of Human Sciences offers a B.S. degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with concentrations in Child Development and Family Studies, Fashion Merchandising and Product Development, Consumer Sciences Leadership, Education, and Communication, Food Service Management, and Food and Nutritional Sciences Research is conducted in the 34 state-of-the-art research laboratories on Main Campus and the three outlying Agricultural Research and Education Centers. Our research caliber is well recognized nationally as our faculty continues to excel in winning competitive research grants from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the National Science Foundation. According to a recent NIFA publication, TSU Agriculture is the most competitive institution among the 19 HBCU land-grant institutions continuously for ten years, from 2008-2018.

Extension programs are conducted in 60 of the 95 counties with Extension agents jointly funded by county, state, and federal governments. We also have Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in seven counties. Our Extension program is one of the largest county operations among 1890 institutions. Our Extension programs are conducted jointly with the University of Tennessee’s Extension programs.

This partnership between the state’s two land-grant institutions is a model for the country.

Recent highlights of College accomplishments include: • Agricultural enrollment has more than doubled, while graduate student enrollment has increased eight-fold.

• In 2022, the College of Agriculture published 114 articles in peer-reviewed journals. Of these publications, 53 had students as senior authors, and 61 were faculty publications. The College made 248 presentations at professional meetings, of which 122 were made by student presenters and 114 by faculty presenters.

Faculty Published 73 Extension, outreach, popular press articles, or other items.

• During the 2021-2022 Academic Year, the College obtained 71 competitive grants totaling $14,187,607.

In the last few months, the College received $25 million new grant funding.

• The Dean’s Scholars Program and pre-college summer apprenticeship programs continue to attract highly qualified students. The College’s educational programs help educate minorities in STEM fields and offer pre-professional medical, dental, and veterinary medicine programs.

56 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

College of Business Tennessee State University’s College of Business was the first business school in Nashville to earn dual accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), the most prestigious accrediting body for business schools. The College of Business earned its initial accreditation from AACSB in 1994. Such achievement resulted in Tennessee State University becoming the first university in Nashville and the first public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) in the country to gain dual accreditation at both the undergraduate and graduate levels.

• The College of Business has approximately 900 students and is also home to nationally recognized outreach programs including its Nashville Business Incubation Center, Tennessee Small Business Development Center, Office of Business and Economic Research, and Office of International Business Programs.

• The university’s new Executive MBA program is helping to make Nashville even more competitive when it comes to business leadership. The 12-month program, which starts in the fall, is delivered in a hybrid format consisting of both in-person and online course offerings. Program participants also have the opportunity to spend 10 days studying outside the United States to broaden their understanding of global leadership.

• The College of Business offers Bachelor of Business Administration programs to undergraduates in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Information Systems, and Economics and Finance.

Concentrations are available in Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management, Hospitality, Real Estate and Urban Development, Business Information Systems—Industry, and e-Business Technology. Additionally, the College offers minors in General Business, Entrepreneurship, and International Business. At the graduate level, the Master of Business Administration is offered with concentrations in Accounting, Management of Information Systems, Healthcare Economics and Management, and Supply Chain Management.

• Recently, 24 students participated in study abroad programs that included China, Italy, and the great European capitals. Additional efforts in international education include a memorandum of understanding with Tianjin University in China and Meliksah University in Turkey; both initiatives are aimed at increasing enrollment in the College’s MBA program.

• Accreditation and assurance of learning remain a top priority as the College continues with strategies and processes to gain separate accreditation in Accounting from AACSB International.

• The College successfully recruited two distinguished scholars to hold the Frist Chair of Excellence in Business with a focus in Accounting and the newly endowed Chair of Excellence in Banking and Financial Services. The College is continuing its efforts to raise funds for a third Chair of Excellence in Supply Chain Management.

• The College of Business has established alliances with a long list of community organizations that provide resources earmarked for internships and scholarships, business industry needs assessments, and recommendations for continuous curriculum improvements. The COB community partners include: Corning, Dell, Boeing, HCA, Lemark, Ernst & Young, Asurion, Regions Bank, KraftCPAs, Nissan, PricewaterhouseCoopers, just to name a few.

• The Financial Trading Room is a state of the art facility designed to give students hands-on training and knowledge regarding the stock market and trading.

57 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

College of Education The College of Education prepares students to be professionals in schools and communities by fostering the development of critical thinking, technological skills, diversity competency, scholarly research, and a life-long commitment to service. Reflecting the historical purpose of the Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School—now Tennessee State University—the College is dedicated to producing competent and caring teachers, leaders, and other community servants through its programs in the departments of Educational Leadership, Psychology, and Teaching and Learning. All three departments exemplify the excellence for which TSU stands by demonstrating best practices in teaching, conducting first-class research, and selflessly serving the community.

• 11 Grow-Your-Own grants by the Tennessee Department of Education to partner with 25 school districts across the state to prepare teachers with dual certifications.

• Teacher Residencies programs for both undergraduate and graduate levels • TSU’s EPP continues to be one of the most prolific producers of teachers for the Metro-Nashville Public Schools (MNPS).

• Ranked #1 educators’ producers amongst 106 HBCUs • Registered Apprenticeship Program with the Department of Labor • TSU’s undergraduate and graduate elementary education programs were recognized by the National Council on Teacher Quality for contributing to racial diversity in teaching, demonstrating effective classroom management, and promoting early reading standards.

• Aspiring Assistant Principals Network grant to prepare teachers to become assistant principals • The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).

• The Ph.D. Program in Counseling Psychology is one of only two HBCUs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

• The program’s excellence in the recruitment, retention, and graduation of minority students earned the department the prestigious Suinn Minority Achievement Award.

• NASA Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) grant. Entitled the MUREP Aerospace Academy, this is a collaborative effort between Tennessee State University, NASA, and MNPS.

58 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

College of Engineering The College of Engineering is challenged and committed to providing the highest quality industrydriven curricula in Engineering, Technology, Mathematical Sciences and Computer Science to meet the growing demand for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) professionals in industry, government and entrepreneurship.

• The College currently provides bachelor’s degrees in Architectural, Civil, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering with several concentrations such as manufacturing, environmental, facilities and computer engineering. The college also awards degrees in Aeronautical & Industrial Technology, Computer Science, Mathematical Sciences and graduate degrees for the Master of Engineering and M.S. and Ph.D. in Computer and Information Systems Engineering.

• The College of Engineering’s students and faculty continue to receive national recognition for their topnotch research. Students from the College recently received praise for their design of a special transport vehicle for the U.S. Air Force Special Operations Force. Studies by several graduate and undergraduate students have also been used by local city officials to determine the safety of bridges around Nashville.

• Recognizing the need for developing graduates with an appreciation for global awareness, solid engineering fundamentals and professionalism, the college strives to develop and promote an educational experience that produces the “global engineer” through life or language learning, a FEbased (Fundamentals of Engineering) curriculum for outcome assessment and critical skills in research, design, problem solving and communication. A dedicated faculty and staff seek to integrate innovative approaches to instruction, laboratory experience and internships to address the contemporary challenges of the profession and engage the community through service and outreach.

• The College of Engineering’s programs complement the student learning experience with aggressive research initiatives in areas such as intelligent sensors, robotics, manufacturing, environmental issues, data fusion, cyber-security, renewable energy, nano-materials and signal/image processing.

The Engineering Research Institute (ERI) serves as the primary entity to collaborate and partner with industry and government, complemented by several research centers in specific areas of scientific investigation.

• As the leading producer of African-American engineers in the state, the college continues to strengthen its partnerships with local, regional and national corporations and government. Producing a diverse population of graduates has prepared quality students for employment with companies such as IBM, GM, Corps of Engineers, TDOT, Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, P&G, and Boeing and the U.S. Navy and Air Force.

59 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

College of Health Sciences The College of Health Sciences at Tennessee State University offers programs ranging from Associate to Doctoral degrees. Some unique aspects of the College are: • The College offers 3 in-house clinics that serve the public at low or no cost: the Dental Hygiene, the Speech & Language, and the Tiger Community Rehab Clinic.

• The Department of Speech Pathology & Audiology offers a Master of Science (MS) degree in both traditional and distance education formats. The online graduate program in Speech & Hearing holds the distinction of being the first distance education program at TSU, as well as the first distance education program in the area of Speech-Language Pathology in the State of Tennessee.

• The School of Nursing offers both undergraduate (BSN) and undergraduate (MSN) degrees in both traditional and online formats to promote entry into initial and advanced practice nursing professions.

The BSN class of 2022 has a 100 percent NCLEX pass rate.

• The Physical Therapy Program has a partnership with LEND (Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities) program with Vanderbilt University. The two-year aggregate pass rate of DPT graduates for the classes of 2020 and 2021 is 96.6 %.

• The Occupational Therapy program received ten-year accreditation through ACOTE (Accreditation Council for Occupation Therapy Education).

• The Department of Public Health, Health Administration, and Health Sciences offers three undergraduate degrees (Public Health, Health Care Administration and Planning, Health Sciences), one graduate degree (Master of Public Health), and a graduate certificate (Public Health).

• The Cardiorespiratory Care program has an overall employer satisfaction of 100%.

• The Health Information Management program has an overall 95% retention rate of students accepted junior/professional level class and over 90% job placement. The program also offers a minor in HIM. • HPSS was awarded a transformational 5-year Title III grant to renovate/develop state-of-the-art classrooms and two applied physiology labs.

• All accreditable programs are fully accredited.

Associate Degree Dental Hygiene Baccalaureate Degrees Cardiorespiratory Care • Health Sciences Health Care Administration and Planning Health Information Management • Public Health Human Performance Sport Sciences • Nursing

Masters Degrees Occupational Therapy • Speech Pathology Human Performance Sport Sciences • Nursing Doctoral Degree Physical Therapy Certificate Programs Holistic Nursing • Nursing Education Nursing Administration • Public Health Family Nurse Practitioner

60 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

College of Liberal Arts The College of Liberal Arts offers courses and programs in the arts, humanities, and social sciences, preparing students for a wide range of graduate and professional opportunities.

From the traditional academic disciplines at the heart of a university education to new interdisciplinary fields, major and minor programs in the College promote a vision of liberal learning that recognizes the unique gifts, interests and goals of each student.

By engaging with the rich intellectual traditions, promoting knowledge of global cultures, and developing vital career skills, Liberal Arts courses and programs prepare their graduates for resilience and adaptability, lifelong learning, and leadership in a changing world.

The faculty of the College of Liberal Arts is committed to helping students make the most of their college education. Whether majoring in a Liberal Arts program, enriching a degree with a Liberal Arts minor or simply taking a class, the College supports each student on their intellectual journey.

The College boasts one of the top Forensics teams in the nation. It’s so well respected, that TSU was selected in 2018 to host the Pi Kappa Delta National Forensics Tournament. It was the first time in nearly two decades that a historically black college or university hosted the tournament.

The Liberal Arts vision of education is about exploration. From English, art, theater, and music to history, political science, criminal justice, and mass communications, Liberal Arts disciplines put the intellectual growth of the student at the center of the university experience.

All of the majors in the College of Liberal Arts are guided by common core values: • Integrative Learning

• Creativity

• Responsibility

• Critical Thinking and Reasoned Judgment

• Professional Competency

• Student Service and Support

Bachelor’s Degree Programs • Art

• History

• Communications

• Interdisciplinary Studies

• Criminal Justice

• Music

• English

• Political Science

Master’s Degree Program • Criminal Justice

61 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

College of Life and Physical Sciences The College of Life and Physical Sciences offers research opportunities and instruction in biological sciences, chemistry, and mathematical sciences. A specific goal of the college is to increase the proportion of underrepresented minorities in life and physical sciences and mathematics fields.

Department of Biological Sciences The Department of Biological Sciences offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees: • Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–General Biology • Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Cell and Molecular Biology • Bachelor of Sciences (B.S.)–Teacher Certification/ Licensure (Grades 7-12) • Master of Science (M.S.)– Biology • Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Biological Sciences A variety of courses in the botanical, microbiological, molecular biological and zoological life science areas are offered at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Department also has a cooperative program with Meharry Medical College, the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Meharry Medical College/Tennessee State University Medical/Dental Accelerated Pathway Program.

The Bachelor of Science program provides training in the basic biological sciences leading to the B.S. degree in biology for: • pre-health professionals • acquisition of entry level positions in the job market • students seeking certification for secondary teaching careers • graduate training leading to the Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees Department of Chemistry Chemistry involves the composition, structure, and behavior of matter. The Department of Chemistry offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees, and its Bachelor of Science program is approved by the Committee on Professional Training (CPT) of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

The following undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in the Department of Chemistry: • Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Professional Chemistry-ACS Approved • Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Biochemistry • Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Chemistry with Teacher Certification (Grades 7-12) • Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Chemistry Master of Science (M.S.) in Chemistry with the following concentrations: • Master of Science (M.S.)–Professional Chemistry • Master of Science (M.S.)–Biochemistry Graduate Certificate • Biochemistry Department of Mathematical Sciences The Department of Mathematical Sciences provides students with a strong Mathematical foundation which emphasizes critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Mathematics is essential for many different disciplines and is used for solving complex problems. All science and engineering disciplines desperately need Mathematics, but Mathematics does not need any other discipline.

The Department of Mathematical Sciences offers the following undergraduate degrees and minors: A Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree is offered in: • Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Mathematical Sciences • Bachelor of Sciences (B.S.)–Mathematical Sciences with Teacher Certification (Grades 7-12) An undergraduate minor is offered in: • Mathematics • Physics 62 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

College of Public Service The College of Public Service became operational January 2008 with the appointment and arrival of the founding dean, former Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell.

The new College fulfilled the Geier Consent Decree of 1984 and from the Institute of Government has expanded to include the Department of Public Administration and the Department Social Work and Urban Professions. The intent of the Consent Decree was to establish a division that would address the workforce needs of the city and state in the various areas of government and public service.

The mission of the College is to educate, socialize and serve students and employers of nonprofit, health, and urban organizations by the following degrees and certificates: • B.S. in Urban Studies, and B.S. in Social Work. Two undergraduate minors in Nonprofit Management and Leadership. Master’s in Social Work, Master’s in Public Administration (NASPAA Accredited) Ph.D. in Public Administration, Online Master of Professional Studies, Graduate Certificate in Health Planning and Administration Graduate, Certificate in Non-Profit Management, Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, Graduate Certificate in Local Government, and Management Graduate Certificate in Public Administration Executive Leadership • Where are Public Service graduates? The Tennessee Department of Labor, the Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency, the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services, Juvenile Justice Centers, serving in Student Professional Development, as elected officials, in social services in cities throughout Tennessee, the Tennessee Division of Intellectual Disabilities, the Tennessee Supreme Court, the Tennessee Department of Corrections, the Board of Regents, State Legislators, the Department of Internal Revenue, Community health centers, Hospice, Veterans Administrations hospitals, Advocacy organizations, Programs and Community Development Agencies, Local, state and federal government Associations, and may more.

• Accrediting bodies include: CSWE (Council on social Work Education) NASPAA (Public Administration.

• Certificates include: The Graduate Certificate in Public Administration Executive Leadership (known as Command College) was designed to equip public professionals with skills to lead in a changing public environment. The Command College participants come from several agencies within the State of Tennessee. The Professional Management Academy is a partnership with the Department of Correction and Homeland Security where employee can take six classes to earn a certificate and apply those courses toward a four-year degree.

• National Honor Societies include: Phi Alpha (Social Work) and Pi Alpha Alpha (Public Administration)

63 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

School of Graduate Studies and Research The Tennessee General Assembly authorized the state Board of Education to establish graduate studies leading to the master’s degree in several fields at Tennessee State University (then called Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial (A & I) State College) in 1941. Today, the School of Graduate Studies and Research offers seven doctoral degrees, 24 master’s degrees, one educational specialist degree and six graduate certificate programs.

• In fiscal year 2011-2012, the School of Graduate Studies and Research, in collaboration with various units on campus, awarded more than 300 graduate assistantships to qualified graduate students totaling approximately $3 million.

• In collaboration with the TSU Foundation, the School of Graduate Studies and Research in the past two years awarded the Walter S. Davis Scholarships to several first-time high achieving graduate students (with minimum undergraduate cumulative GPA of 3.75). The Walter Davis Scholarship Fund was established in memory of Dr. Walter S. Davis, president of Tennessee State University (1943-1968).

• Each spring semester, the School of Graduate Studies and Research recognizes excellence in graduate student research by awarding the Helen Barrett Award to one TSU graduate student. The 2012 winner and recipient of the Helen Barrett Award was Victor L. Roland II, a master’s student in engineering.

In recognition of his work, Roland received a prize of $200 and certificate signed by the University’s president and graduate dean. As the winner of the Helen Barrett Award, Rowland showcased his research at the annual poster presentation organized by the Tennessee Conference of Graduate Schools at the Legislative Plaza in downtown Nashville on April 4, 2012.

Dr. Mengistu Hailu, a 2011 graduate of Tennessee State University, has been appointed director of the Institute of Pedagogical Sciences of Mekelle University, Ethiopia. Dr. Hailu is tasked with moving the institute forward by developing a new College of Education. The institute currently offers undergraduate and graduate programs in the field of Educational Planning and Management; a post graduate diploma in teaching (a program that certifies high school teachers); and a higher diploma program that certifies university lecturers.

64 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

The Symbols of Office The University Seal In 1922, Dr. William Jasper Hale, first president of Tennessee A. and I. Normal School, asked Frances Thompson, professor and department head of Art, to design the University Seal. Enclosed in a circle, the seal is divided into three parts: ‘Agriculture’ upper left, ‘Industry’ upper right, ‘Education’ in lower center.

Education is further emphasized by a hand holding a light with rays extending above the seal. The motto, “Think. Work. Serve.” is placed beneath the seal for support.

SERVE

THINK WORK

Presidential Medallion and Chain of Office The Presidential Medallion and Chain of Office serves as a symbol of authority as head of the university. It originated in medieval times and is worn by the president of the university on ceremonial occasions such as commencement, convocations or other formal occasions.

The front of the Medallion and Chain of Office bears the official University Seal.

The backside of the medallion contains a circular seal with a blue border bearing the President’s motto in latin: NIL SINE MAGNO LABORE - “Nothing without Great Effort.”

Each link of the chain holding the medallion is inscribed with the name of a past president of the institution and his term in office. Holding together these links and supporting the medallion is a bronze leaf cluster.

University Mace and Baton In 2005, the mace and baton was conceptualized. The Lapis stone characterizes the TSU Blue and is used to stimulate inner vision and give enhanced wisdom, insight and good judgment.

The pearl stone represents the TSU White and symbolizes the wealth, purity and power of knowledge. The head and flanges of the mace are modeled after the Floyd-Payne Campus Center Tower located on the university’s main campus. The reflective quality of the polished silver signifies the vision of the university.

The baton of the mace is made of wood which is a forest symbol or the symbol of a provider. It represents a tree of knowledge around which each college and school is mounted. This aspect of the mace serves to link the university with its cultural heritage, as well as TSU’s ancestral past.

The three-tier stand for the mace embodies the motto: “Think. Work. Serve.” This aspect of the mace constitutes the foundation of the university that holds the mace in place and represents the classical architectural structure of the educational values at the university. On top of the mace is the seal of the university. Together, the mace and baton are borne as a symbol of authority in the Processional and Recessional at occasions such as Commencement and Inaugural ceremonies.

The mace is carried by the University Chief Marshal in front of the Platform party that is composed of the President, Vice Presidents, Tennessee Board of Regents Representatives, other authorities and distinguished guests.

65 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

University’s Academic Excellence Award The University’s Academic Excellence Award was commissioned in 2008. The award is a two-inch light oxidized bronze seal pendant medallion attached to a blue ribbon and serves as a symbol of recognition for academic achievement for students graduating summa cum laude and with the highest grade point average in the class.

University’s Distinguished Student Leadership Award The University’s Distinguished Student Leadership Award was commissioned in 2008.

The award is presented to the student whose record of leadership and outstanding contributions to student life and government has had a great impact on improving the quality of the student experience at Tennessee State University.

The History of Academic Regalia The history of academic dress began with the medieval European universities of the 14th century. In a time when all students were clerics, the gown and its attached hood served the dual function of keeping the student warm in unheated buildings and identifying the particular order to which he belonged. Modern academic costume in the United States is based upon an intercollegiate code established in 1895. These early agreements have been revised periodically to cover standardization of the cap (two basic styles), the gown (three basic styles) and the hood (subject to greater variation than either the cap or the gown). The cap, originally round in shape, is usually the more familiar mortarboard square with tassel or black Oxford style.

The gown, commonly black, differs in sleeves and trimming according to the level of degree. The bachelor’s gown is relatively simple in design. It is full-cut, falling in a straight line from an elaborate yoke, with long pointed sleeves as its distinguishing mark. The master’s gown is similar to the bachelor’s, except for its peculiar arrangement of the oblong sleeves that terminate in square ends at the wearer’s knees; the wearer’s arms emerge through slits in the sleeves made at the elbows. Short-sleeved master’s gowns are also worn.

The doctoral gown is an elaborate, full-cut, flowing costume distinguished by velvet panels down the front and around the neck and by three bars of velvet on the voluminous bell-shaped sleeves. The velvet is usually black, but it may be a color designating the field of study (for example, dark blue for philosophy).

The hood, traditionally bearing the heaviest symbolic burden, is the most important feature of the academic costume. The length of the hood and the width of its velvet trimming designate the level of the degree. The hood’s lining identifies the institution that granted the degree, and the color of the velvet heralds the major field of learning.

66 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Colors For all academic purposes, including trimmings of doctoral gowns, edging of hoods, and tassels of caps, the colors associated with the different disciplines are as follows: Agriculture. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maize Arts, Letters, Humanities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . White Business, Accounting, Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drab Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lilac Economics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Copper Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Light Blue Engineering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Orange Fine Arts including Architecture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Brown Forestry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Russet Journalism. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crimson Home Economics. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Maroon Law. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Purple Library Science. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lemon Medicine. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Green Music . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pink Nursing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Apricot Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Olive Green Philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dark Blue Physical Education. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sage Public Administration. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Peacock Blue Public Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Salmon Pink Science. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Golden Yellow Social Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Citron Speech, Oratory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Silver-Gray Theology, Divinity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scarlet Technology. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bright Red Veterinary Science. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Gray

Origin of Awarding Degrees The first academic degree was conferred in approximately 1160 A.D. at the University of Bologna, Italy with the practice spreading quickly to other European universities, most notably the University of Paris, Oxford University, and Cambridge University. The procedure used for awarding degrees at most American universities is based on a practice developed at the University of Paris in the late 12th or early 13th century. In those days, the Bishop of Paris, like every other bishop, was responsible for local educational curriculum and degree setting. His authority, however, soon came to be disputed by the teachers. They asserted that only they could be proper judges of the qualifications of their students. The threatened impasse was resolved by a compromise, under which the teachers, or masters, judged the merits of the students and then recommended them to the Bishop for the conferring of their degrees.

67 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Commencement Committee

Dr. Curtis Johnson–Chair Mr. Doug McCullum Ms. Glenda Alvin Dr. Reginald McDonald Lt. Colonel Stephen Cash Dr. Anita McGaha Dr. Gregory Clark Ms. Kebnydi Meeks Dr. Eddie Cribbs Provost Robbie Melton Dr. Verontae Deams Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Phillips Mr. Emmanuel Freeman Chief Gregory Robinson Mrs. Felina Freeman Ms. Kelli Sharpe Mrs. Zanetta Gooch Dr. Johnnie C. Smith Mr. Aaron Grayson Ms. Sharon Smith Ms. Jenai Hayes Dean Frank Stevenson Mr. George Herring Mr. Timothy Warren Mr. Albert Hill Ms. Ramona Whitworth Wiggins Ms. Debbie Howard Mr. Grant Winrow Mr. Terrance Izzard Dr. Coreen Jackson

University Marshalls Dr. Nicole Arrighi Chief Marshal

College of Education

Mrs. Valerie Brock

College of Health Sciences

Dr. Angela Bryant

Division of Student Affairs

Dr. Carole de Casal

College of Education

Mr. Gregory Clark

Facilities Management

Dr. Verontae Deams

Office of the Registrar

Dr. Donna Dopwell

College of Public Service

Dr. Eleni Elder

College of Education

Dr. Chunxing Fan

College of Business

Dr. William Hytche

Division of Student Affairs

Dr. Timothy Jones

College of Health Sciences

Dr. Deborah Burris-Kitchen

College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Landon Onyebueke

College of Engineering

Dr. Bharat Pokharel

College of Agriculture

Dr. Kaleena Sales

College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Xiaofeni Wang

College of Life and Physical Sciences

68 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Mace and Standard Bearer Dr. Nicole K. Arrighi Professor Department of Teaching and Learning College of Education

Announcer Mr. Marc Payne Instructor Department of Communications College of Liberal Arts

Program Notes • Photographs: Guests are requested to refrain from taking photographs during the exercises.

• The audience is requested to remain seated during the Academic Procession and Recession.

• The assembly is requested to stand for the Alma Mater.

• An interpreter is provided by the university for hearing-impaired members of the audience. These guests should be seated near the front of the stage on the second level of the gym.

• This program is not an official graduation list. It lists students who were eligible to participate in the graduation ceremonies pending the outcome of final examinations and final grades. Therefore, it should not be used to determine a student’s academic or degree status.

• Candidates: Any display of disruptive behaviors--stumping, dancing, etc.--on stage or in the audience will not be tolerated. No talking on cell phones. All phones must be turned off! Failure to comply with these University rules will necessitate the removal of the graduate from the ceremony, withholding diploma, and other possible consequences.

• Audience: Please turn off cell phones, keep the noise level to a minimum, and do not display behaviors that disrupt the ceremony (bull horns, signs, whistles are prohibited).

69 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

The Alma Mater In the land of golden sunshine By the Cumb’rland’s fertile shore.

Stands a school for greatest service One that we adore Alma Mater, how we love thee, Love thy white and blue May we strive to meet Thy mandates With faith that’s true.

Many come to Thee for knowledge, Come from East, North, South and West.

For they know that Thou dost offer Such a rich bequest.

Alma Mater, all Thy children Worship at They shrine; May the God of nations bless thee With gifts divine.

Send forth sons both strong and valiant, Send forth daughters wise and true.

Filled with hope and dauntless courage Motives sane and true.

Alma Mater, kindly mother Smile on Tennessee May she lift her head toward Heaven Honor Country, God and Thee.

70 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Reunion Celebration Participants Vintagers are Tennessee State University alumni who graduated from the institution at least 40 years ago, and return to their alma mater each spring commencement and hold different functions over the celebration weekend. Vintagers celebrating their 50-year class reunion dress in gold caps and gowns, and join the ceremony to relive their graduation day.

William Akins

William Hayslett

Jacquelyn Miles

Robert Alexander

Loretta Hill-Hunt

Louis Montgomery

Calvin Barlow

Robert L. Hogg, Sr.

Roderick Wendell Moore, Sr.

Yvette Boyd

Michael Holmes

Mary Jo Morton

Bertha Brown

Frank Holmes III

Richard B. Neal

Donald Buford

Harvey Hoskins

Thelma Osborne

Marcella (Hunt) Buford

Brenda Humphrey

James Shaw, Sr.

Samuel Carney

Amelia Ann Tapley Irvin

Sharon Smith Banks

Patricia Crook

Oscar Jeffries

Susan Sparkman

Dianne Eaton

William A. Lawson

Theodore G. Towns

Martha Fleming

L. David Lawson, Jr.

Joseph Whiting

Mary Gooding

Wille Lewis

Betty Williams

Cynthia Hancock-Norton

Shirley Long

Novella Williams

Thelria Hardaway

Linda Lowery

Roslyn Wilson

Janice Hardy

Michelangelo McCallister

Mildred Woods

Congratulations to Vintagers on celebrating their Golden year class reunion.

71 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT

Notes

72 | SPRING 2023 COMMENCEMENT