Spring 2024 Commencement Book

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SPRING

2024 COMMENCEMENT

graduate ceremony friday, may third two thousand twenty-four at gentry center complex five o ’ clock in the evening

undergraduate ceremony saturday, may fourth two thousand twenty-four at william jasper hale stadium eight o ’ clock in the morning

tennessee state university nashville , tennessee

THINK SERVE WORK

Table of Contents

President’s Letter 4

History of Tennessee State University 16

Undergraduate Commencement Order of Ceremony 22–23

Undergraduate Commencement Speaker 24

Academic Honors 25–27

Spring 2024 Undergraduate Degree Candidates 28-34

Graduate Commencement Order of Ceremony 38–39

Graduate Commencement Speaker 40

Spring 2024 Doctoral Degree Candidates 41–43

Spring 2024 Graduate Degree Candidates 44–48

Board of Trustees 49

Executive Officers and Academic Deans 50

Notable Alumni of Tennessee State University 51–52

University Colleges 54–65

The Symbols of Office 66–67

History of Academic Regalia 67

Commencement Committee and University Marshals 69 Alma Mater 71

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.

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Office of the President

May 3, 2024

To the Graduating Class of 2024:

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 the 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 as I have cherished being your President. 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. Class of 2024, to you I say, “Well done!”

Sincerely,

THINK SERVE WORK 4 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Board of Trustees

May 3, 2024

Dear Graduates of the Class of 2024:

On behalf of the Tennessee State University Board of Trustees, it is my great honor and privilege to congratulate you on this monumental achievement - your graduation from one of the nation’s most esteemed institutions of higher learning. We join all those special people in your lives in applauding your accomplishments.

Your time at Tennessee State University has prepared you to make profound positive impacts on your communities and the world at large. The knowledge, skills, and values instilled in you through your academic studies and participation in campus life have formed the foundation to build truly remarkable lives and careers. As graduates of Tennessee State University, you now carry the torch lit by the generations of Tigers who came before you. I, too, am a proud graduate of this incredible institution. This university has a rich legacy of producing leaders, innovators, and engaged citizens committed to excellence, service, and the relentless pursuit of social justice and positive change.

The Tennessee State University experience has empowered you to think critically, act ethically, and embrace a global perspective. Remain forever curious, open to learning, and committed to using your talents to uplift humanity and create a better world.

Once again, congratulations Class of 2024! You have made us all proud, and we cannot wait to see the incredible impact you will have. Embrace the challenges and opportunities ahead with courage, passion and the determination that defines a true Tennessee State University Tiger.

Sincerely,

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Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County

May 3, 2024

Greetings TSU Graduates!

As Nashville’s Mayor, I am truly honored to have the opportunity to extend congratulations to the 2024 Commencment Class of Tennessee State University.

It takes dedication and discipline to get to this moment. I know how hard you have worked to earn your degree. A diploma is not just a piece of paper. It’s a symbol of your dedication and determination. It’s proof that you can set lofty goals and achieve them. It’s the receipt from your investment in education, and the rewards are coming. Education drives opportunity, innovation, economic development, and better quality of life – for all of us.

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.

Best wishes to each of you, and may the wisdom you have gained at TSU lead you along a prosperous and rewarding career path. I am very proud of you. Congratulations.

Sincerely,

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May 6, 2022

Dear Graduates,

State of Tennessee

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

May 3, 2024

Dear Graduates,

On behalf of the great State of Tennessee, it is my pleasure to congratulate you on your graduation from Tennessee State University. You are to be commended for your hard work and dedication.

I know that the path leading up to this moment for the Class of 2022 has been particularly challenging in light of the COVID19 pandemic. I commend you for all the ways in which you demonstrated tenacity and perseverance as you worked each day to achieve this milestone.

As you begin the next chapter of your lives, I am sure the wisdom and knowledge you have gained will lead you along a prosperous and rewarding path. 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.

Again, congratulations on reaching this milestone. Maria and I send our best wishes and hope your future endeavors are filled with joy and success.

Warmest regards,

As you continue your life’s journey, I am confident that the knowledge and experience you have re at Tennessee State University will continue to propel you onto a prosperous and rewarding path. I encourage you to utilize these lessons learned over the past four years at TSU, to improve your community and the 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.

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

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United States Senate

May 3, 2024

Dear Class of 2024,

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,

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May 4, 2024

Dear Graduates of the Remarkable Class of 2024, 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 Wilma Rudolph once stated, “Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit. We are all the same in this notion: The potential for greatness lives within each of us.” Wilma Rudolph serves as a mighty example of the impact that a Tennessee State University Tiger can have on our world. 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,

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President Glenda Baskin Glover

Tennessee State University

President Glenda Glover ushered in a golden era for Tennessee State University when she took the helm in 2013. TSU became a beacon of academic excellence and innovation under her visionary leadership. The institution achieved unprecedented milestones, solidifying its position as a leading HBCU and a force for positive change. As TSU continues to break new ground and shape the future, President Glover’s legacy will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.

• Arts and Culture: TSU’s renowned Aristocrat of Bands marching band became the first collegiate marching band to win a Grammy Award. Additionally, TSU’s business music program has been named a Top Program by Billboard Magazine, showcasing the university’s commitment to nurturing artistic talent.

• Carnegie Classification: Moved TSU into the R2high research category, one of only 11 HBCUs, and has implemented a plan to reach R1, the highest research category offered to highlight commitment to high research activity and its growing impact on the scholarly landscape.

• Financial Strength: More than doubled TSU’s endowments from $45 million to over $100 million and $50 million in reserves, ensuring the university’s financial stability and its ability to invest in its students, faculty, and facilities.

• Healthcare Pioneering: First student-operated physical therapy and occupational therapy clinic, providing invaluable hands-on experience for students and vital services to the community.

• Innovation and Leadership: First HBCU to establish a national SMART Technology and Innovation Center, fostering cutting-edge research and development in artificial intelligence and other emerging fields.

• Master’s Program Excellence: TSU received the 2024 “Best Online Master’s in Tennessee” award from Online Masters Colleges (OMC) for providing exceptional online education, further solidifying the university’s reputation for academic excellence.

• National Spotlight: TSU was the only HBCU featured in a national, prime-time Coca-Cola (Coke Zero) commercial during the 2023 college football season.

• Record Enrollment: Reflects TSU’s commitment to providing accessible and high-quality education to a diverse student body. In September 2022, TSU had the largest incoming freshmen class among all HBCUs, with over 3300 first-year students making the university its school of choice.

• Scholarly Research Prowess: TSU significantly increased external funding with a record-setting high of $100,031,082 million in research awards for 2023, the second highest total among HBCUs for the 2022-2023 fiscal year, demonstrating the institution’s dedication to groundbreaking discoveries and solutions.

• Student Success: #1 HBCU forensic and debate champions for three consecutive years; 2022 Ohio Valley Conference Volleyball Champions; TSU Men’s Tennis Team crowned 2023 HBCU Tennis National Champions.

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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 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.

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.

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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 because 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.

In the university’s second century of academic brilliance and service, Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover became the eighth president and first woman to lead the institution in January 2013, ushering a new era of excellence in the land of golden sunshine. Dr. Glover elevated TSU to new heights and national prominence as a leading institution in technology and innovation, scholarly research, and student achievement. Under Dr. Glover’s visionary leadership, TSU moved into the R2- high research Carnegie classification, as one of only 11 HBCUs, and is on the path to achieve R1 classification, the highest classification offered.

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The institution experienced significant increases in student enrollment, alumni and corporate giving, research, and endowments, with research reaching a record-breaking $100,031,082 million, the second highest total among HBCUs for the 2022-2023 fiscal year. Endowments more than doubled from $45 million to over $100 million. In September 2022, TSU had the largest incoming freshmen class among all HBCUs, with over 3300 first-year students making the university its school of choice. TSU was once again in the national spotlight six months later when Dr. Glover joined the band directors and members of the world-renowned Aristocrat of Bands in Los Angles as the band became the first collegiate marching band to win a Grammy, the music industry’s highest award.

With recent academic expansion, TSU’s degree offerings now include 41 bachelor’s, 26 master’s, one educational specialist, and eight doctoral degrees. Students can select from 88 majors within the eight academic colleges.

William Jasper Hale 1912-1943

Walter S. Davis 1943-1968

Andrew P. Torrence 1968-1974

Charles B. Fancher 1974-1975 (Interim)

Frederick S. Humphries 1975-1985

Roy Peterson 1985-1986 (Interim)

Otis L. Floyd 1987-1990,1986-1987 (Interim)

George W. Cox 1990-1991 (Interim)

James A. Hefner 1991-2005

Melvin N. Johnson 2005-2011

Portia Shields 2011-2012 (Interim)

Glenda Baskin Glover 2013-Present

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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 • Working relentlessly

• Making excellence a habit • Serving everyone, we encounter

• Thinking beyond the obvious

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.

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TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

SPRING 2024 UNDERGRADUATE CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES

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Undergraduate Commencement

Order of Ceremony

Saturday, May 4, 2024

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 ...................................................

College/School Banner Carriers

University Wind Ensemble

Dr. Reginald McDonald, Conductor

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) ...................................................................

Invocation ...........................................................................................................

James Weldon Johnson

The Balm In Gilead Video

Reverend Frank Stevenson, Sr. Vice President Student Affairs, Dean of Students

Greetings ........................................................................................................................ President Glenda Glover Derrell Taylor

83rd President, Student Government Association

Music .........................................................................................................................

University Wind Ensemble

Dr. Reginald McDonald, Conductor

Announcements and Acknowledgements ................................................................................

Dr. Curtis Johnson

Vice President and Chief of Staff

Musical Selection ........................................................................................................................University Choir

Dr. Angelica Dunsavage. Director

Introduction of Speaker ...........................................................................................................

Samantha Altidort

Biology Major

Jaden Knight

Biology Major

Commencement Address .............................................................................................. President Glenda Glover

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Presentation of Vintagers ...............................................................................................

President Glenda Glover

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. Trinetia Respress Interim Dean, School of Graduate Studies

Conferring and Awarding of Degrees ...........................................................................

Alumni Induction Ceremony .....................................................................................

Alumni Pledge:

President Glenda Glover

Mr. Charles Galbreath, Sr. National President, TSU National Alumni Association

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

Retiring of Colors Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC)

Benediction

Lt. Colonel Stephen Cash

Dr. Breonus Mitchell

Senior Pastor, Mount Gilead Missionary Baptist Church, Hermitage, TN

Recessional (Audience remains seated)

University Wind Ensemble

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Undergraduate Commencement Speaker

PRESIDENT GLENDA BASKIN GLOVER

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 Glover- Datcher, 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.

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

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Zhaierra MoNey Love

Emalee Mansfield

Aria Niara McElroy

Dacia Harmoine Cheri Ringo

MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Khalia L. Armstead

Ashlynn Renae Freeman

Alaizia N. Hayes

Baron Jasper Hill

Macarius Jones

John Austin King

Dominique Lashae’ Smith

Azia J. Tanks

Justin Lance Walker

Jada Lynn Wilder

Shaun A. Wimberly

CUM LAUDE

Diego Britt-Alvarez

Gabrielle Kristalin Cameron

Kerrington Howard

Kaylin Honey Hughes

Gabrielle Nicole Johnson

Olaoluwa M. Ogunyemi

Gavin Wayne Spicer

UNIVERSITY HONORS

Alaizia N. Hayes

Kerrington Howard

John Austin King

Aria Niara McElroy

Dacia Harmoine Cheri Ringo

Dominique Lashae’ Smith

Jada Lynn Wilder

Shaun A. Wimberly

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Ahmad Al Madhi

Zozan Beduhe

Layla Buggs

Bryson Jordan Davis

Michaela DeJon Griffin

Taylor Ivori Martin

Autumn Makenzie Newberry

Daniel Perez Caraballo

Meer M. Shimeirani

Vershanti Nicole Waller

Alexis B. Williams

MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Laila S. Allen

Ahmad Jerome Benney

Meghan Nichole Borrum

Christian T. Brown

Tiarra Denise Ceaser

Kennedy Simone Davis

Jalen A. Edwards

Jalen Kelso

Jonathan Wesley Lowe

Markayla I. Marion

Paul Eyambe Mbella

Brooke A. Moore

Danny Nguyen

Kameron Ian Polk

Coreyonna L. Ransom

Jordin A. Russell

Colton Woodroof

CUM LAUDE

Carson T. Buchanan

Gabrielle Chancellor

William Colby Farrington

Jonathan Miles Harris

Bran’di Ayana Harrison

Kassidy J. Johnson

Teya Kennedy

Avis Arthur Lee

Gisela E. Moore

Keith Lamont Newsum

Daya Renee Roberts

Niger Troutman

Denzel L. Wilcox

UNIVERSITY HONORS

Kameron Ian Polk

Denzel L. Wilcox

Alexis B. Williams

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Allison Marie Biggs

Courtnie A. Carr

Rilie Falconio-Gray

Holland McKinley Hallman

Alexandra Sophia Hampton

Chani Lawery

Trinity Mitchell

Myiah S. Neal

Shaniyah T. Wilson

MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Breanna E. Hunt

Shubi Jacqueline Kakoti

Ricci Danielle Kellum

Jasmine Simone Winton

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CUM LAUDE

Kabria Rykel Cates

Tamara C. Marable

Jazmine Mona Walker

Asia Milan Williams

UNIVERSITY HONORS

Courtnie A. Carr

Ricci Danielle Kellum

Chani Lawery

Myiah S. Neal

Shaniyah T. Wilson

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Joshua B. Buford

Kiara N. Durden

Zeinab Elkhatib

MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Mustafe A. Abdillahi

Denise Mendiola Borja

Ethiopine Choping

Jeremy S. Hensley

Anna Marie Morrison

Ja’Kiya La’Shawn Price-Singleton

CUM LAUDE

Oladipo David Abraham

Christian Scott Hill

Mohammad A. Islam

Julian Timmie Smith

Jeremiah D. Wilson

Eulice S. Winston

UNIVERSITY HONORS

Oladipo David Abraham

Jeremy S. Hensley

Jeremiah D. Wilson

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Abbas Almakrami

Taquannda Latrece Clark

Jessica Jasmine Durai

Siyajali Emeline

Marissa Kenyetta Jackson

Youstina Khalil

Meseret Tiruneh Kibrte

Myiah S. Neal

Anijah Norman

Jaya Dejane’ Robinson

Cassidy Renane Russell

Alexander San Marina

Zina T. Shehadah

Sarah J. Swai

Ahmad Tawlah

MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Dlveen N. Abdullah

Tiffany Shantil Adams

Saif Farhan Alenazi

Khalid Saeed Alenezi

Nasser Abdulrahman Alkhunjuf

Abeer A. Alqahmi

Ghadir A. Alqahmi

Mohammed Hassan Alyami

Kalandria A. Barksdale

Thomas H. Boone

Alana Shay Cochran

Mami M. Davis

Megan Victoria Driver

Niyumugisha Faransine

Tamia A. Favors

Danielle I. Gholston

Aaliyah Amileya Gray

Chelsea N. Green

Nikiera D’sha Griffin

Marena Halim

Zaharah N. Haris

Abdulrahman Khalid Jaber

Talia Jeanette Jackson-Mickles

Diana I. Kamal

Destini Kince

Remonda A. Labib

Dominique Yvonne Love

Toria Paige Miller

Sherin Morgan Morgan

Chiane Brielle Nesbitt

Tonaijah Antoinette Perry

Ashanti Pettis

Amayah T. Poston

Janet E. Roswell

Samia Amor Ruiz

Jackleen Sami

Brianna Lee Shaw

Mody Shehata

Jeffery Scott Taylor

Kamaya Taylor

Yohannes Tekeleberhan

Kee Young

CUM LAUDE

Ayanna N. Baker

Elisabeth Beard

Laila Vanea Lee Blackwell

Caleb De’Leon Brown

Raina Marie Burley

Gabrielle Deloach

Christine Jasmine Dixon

Kiauna Labre Douglas

Robyn Sharnese Alybyan Fleming

Dyanni A. Hannah

Danteryaun J. Hughes

Taja S. Jones

Amari N. McWilliams

Kayla Ashante Miller

Amber Morgan

Jillian R. Mullins

Rachel Ann Rickman

Julia Spencer Sensing

Asia Renae Shabazz

Terrance Terrel Shaw

Jasmine Strange

Tiana Jayden Sutton-Evans

Kiyah J. Terrell

Isabella G. Wagner

Eyanni R. Waterman

Kailen Larina White

Mariah Williams

Ceepal Fued Yasin

Solen Yousif

UNIVERSITY HONORS

Nasser Abdulrahman Alkhunjuf

Abbas Almakrami

Abeer A. Alqahmi

Ghadir A. Alqahmi

Mohammed Hassan Alyami

Cameron M. Bond

Megan Victoria Driver

Tamia A. Favors

Robyn Sharnese Alybyan Fleming

Nikiera D’sha Griffin

Zaharah N. Haris

Abdulrahman Khalid Jaber

Taja S. Jones

Meseret Tiruneh Kibrte

Sherin Morgan Morgan

Amayah T. Poston

Asia Renae Shabazz

Zina T. Shehadah

Jasmine Strange

Ahmad Tawlah

Kamaya Taylor

Yohannes Tekeleberhan

Kiyah J. Terrell

Cantrell Wilson

Kee Young

26 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Kennedy N. Booker

Deborah J. Burris-Kitchen

Courtnie A. Carr

Daynah Touriyah Charlow

Holland Culclager

Jaya M. Eskridge

London Rachel Fairs

Lateesha Fritts

Heleen F. Galnasky

Rylie Giddens

Ramiyah L. Green

Adrian Jackson

Jaquira Polk

Breanna Samples

Bailey Lynette Smith

MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Quinteria I. Alexander

David Allen III

Khai K. Cole

Kinyon Isiah Hodges

Jaida A. Irby

Ciera A. Johnson

Jaila D. Kent

Davin Jerome Latiker

Akyra Olivia Jaquay McDougal

Miracle L. Mitchell

Aaron Nelson

Rhameek Nelson

Tyme Reign

Jared Southerland

Summer Samira Stepeney

Corina Suarez Tudela

Cornell A. White

CUM LAUDE

Sierra V. Allen

Marshaela C. Cooper

Latreja Gary

Lauren E. Gibson

Lydia B. Gill

Ryan Hardin

Kayla N. Jenkins

Kennedy M. Key

Angela L. Majors

Danesha Morris

Robert Antione Murray

Natoriya Sierra-Milove Owens

Sidney S. Petrie

Azana Pope

Arbriana N. Razor

Gwendolyn E. Taylor

Maya N. Taylor

Denaria M. Tindal

Daneisa T. Woods

UNIVERSITY HONORS

Sierra V. Allen

David Allen III

Kennedy N. Booker

Asiya Safa Buchanan

Khai K. Cole

Marshaela C. Cooper

Jaya M. Eskridge

Davin Jerome Latiker

Miracle L. Mitchell

Danesha Morris

Natoriya Sierra-Milove Owens

Sidney S. Petrie

Denaria M. Tindal

COLLEGE OF LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Samantha Dorothy Altidort

Alan Maurice Bethea

Dasjah Mona Bost

Chaun Michael Cheaney

Aaliyah Khadijah Flake

John David Kim

Jaden Ruben Knight

Meaghan M. Lewis

Jada Lott

Jamayla A. Phillips

Ryla Nicole Traylor

Jae M. Walls

MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Mariam M. Bassili

Taylor Roneyce Brown

Kayla Rene’ Davis

Xavier J. Erves

Allison M. Falkner

Camille D. Haskins

Brooke E. Major

McKhia Paulette Haislip McCrary

George Pickens

Alyssia Pruitt

Martina Brunetta Raco

Ashton Michael Terrell

Douglas W. Turner

Jazmyn S. Wall

CUM LAUDE

Atiya C. Carlton

Erionna D. Griggs

Ron’Nisheya K. Hill

Kelsey A. London

Victoria R. Mccrae

Storm A. White

Kennedy T. Wilbert

UNIVERSITY HONORS

Samantha Dorothy Altidort

Alan Maurice Bethea

Dasjah Mona Bost

Taylor Roneyce Brown

Atiya C. Carlton

Chaun Michael Cheaney

Kayla Rene’ Davis

Xavier J. Erves

Allison M. Falkner

Aaliyah Khadijah Flake

Erionna D. Griggs

Camille D. Haskins

Ron’Nisheya K. Hill

John David Kim

Jaden Ruben Knight

Meaghan M. Lewis

Jada Lott

Brooke E. Major

Victoria R. Mccrae

McKhia Paulette Haislip McCrary

Jamayla A. Phillips

George Pickens

Ashton Michael Terrell

Ryla Nicole Traylor

Douglas W. Turner

Jazmyn S. Wall

Jae M. Walls

Storm A. White

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Stacia R. Bowman

Laura Elaine McKeon

MAGNA CUM LAUDE

Kiaya Alise Branch

Elizabeth Ann Rice

UNIVERSITY HONORS

Asianea Lakaylii Jackson

27 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Undergraduate Candidates for Degrees 2024 spring Commencement

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

Khalia L. Armstead Spring, TX

Diego Britt-Alvarez Naples, FL

Jahsun Bryant Antioch, TN

Ricky S. Buck Lithonia, GA

Gabrielle Kristalin Cameron Birmingham, AL

Lawrence E. Coleman Hendersonville, TN

Chervenia L. Fields Memphis, TN

Ashlynn Renae Freeman Kansas City, KS

Alaizia N. Hayes Nashville, TN

Baron Jasper Hill Woodford, VA

Kerrington Howard Upper Marlboro, MD

Kaylin Honey Hughes Tuscaloosa, AL

Gabrielle Nicole Johnson Conyers, GA

Tasani Nykole Johnson Atlanta, GA

Desirai D. Jones Memphis, TN

Macarius Jones Tanner, AL

John Austin King Hendersonville, TN

Jai A. Lewis Mc Calla, AL

Zhaierra MoNey Love Maple Grove, MN

Emalee Mansfield Tullahoma, TN

Aria Niara McElroy Southfield, MI

Sherod Antione Mitchell Harrison, TN

Emmanuel Nash Nashville, TN

Christopher R. Nichols Atlanta, GA

Stinson E. Parks Cordova, TN

Dacia Harmoine Cheri Ringo Hampton, GA

Ajanae Simmons Harker Heights, TX

Dominique Lashae’ Smith Smyrna, TN

Gavin Wayne Spicer Fayetteville, TN

Azia J. Tanks Warrior, AL

Chastity Victoria Thompkins Macon, GA

Justin Lance Walker Port Wentworth, GA

Deion O. Williams Gallatin, TN

Shaun A. Wimberly Jeffersonville, IN

FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCE

Caleb Keith Duncan Johnson City, TN

Jamya A. Fanney Morristown, TN

Mariah Destine Nicholson Florissant, MO

Olaoluwa M. Ogunyemi Madison, TN

Aliya Symone Savage Champaign, IL

Ashley Elaine Webb Nashville, TN

Jada Lynn Wilder Memphis, TN

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Dr. Stephen Shanklin, Interim Dean

BACHELOR OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

ACCOUNTING

Laila S. Allen Cincinnati, OH

Zozan Beduhe Antioch, TN

Ahmad Jerome Benney Bartlett, TN

Anthony Ray Johnson Madison, TN

Jalen Kelso West Bloomfield, MI

Teya Kennedy Clarksville, TN

Markayla I. Marion Memphis, TN

Gisela E. Moore Nashville, TN

Autumn Makenzie Newberry Arlington, TN

Keith Lamont Newsum Memphis, TN

Rebecca Nussbaumer Clarksville, TN

Alexis B. Williams Cincinnati, OH

Colton Woodroof Nashville, TN

28 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Taylor Joyce Abel Nashville, TN

Samuel B. Abram Atlanta, GA

Chayne Austin Alexander College Park, GA

Jalen Bell Brownstown, MI

Meghan Nichole Borrum Smyrna, GA

Christian T. Brown Memphis, TN

Jordan Aliyah Brown Atlanta, GA

Carson T. Buchanan Antioch, TN

Bryanna Leann Burkett Snellville, GA

Iyana zakyria Cartwright Chattanooga, TN

Tiarra Denise Ceaser Merrillville, IN

Victoria D. Clark Hampton, GA

Joshua J. Currie Brownsville, TN

Bryson Jordan Davis Gary, IN

Kennedy Simone Davis White Plains, MD

Tyra M. Davis Cincinnati, OH

David Dorsey Cleveland, TN

Keyln Dowell-Harding Madison, TN

Jalen A. Edwards Memphis, TN

Jalen R. Edwards Atlanta, GA

Andrea Denise Elliott Louisville, KY

Parris Caprice Ellison Hermitage, TN

William Colby Farrington McDonough, GA

Jada Alexis Gober Marietta, GA

Michaela DeJon Griffin Farmington Hills, MI

Sommer Aree Griffin Chicago, IL

Malcolm X. Hadley Antioch, TN

Jonathan Miles Harris Flossmoor, IL

Bran’di Ayana Harrison Blacklick, OH

Logan M. Hereford Madison, AL

Nia Hicks Austell, GA

Kentarius Hines Peoria, IL

Rashaun Quadir Hubbard Calumet Park, IL

Zakiya Ariyell Jackson Chattanooga, TN

Curtis E. Johnson Cincinnati, OH

Kassidy J. Johnson El Dorado Hills, CA

Bradleigh K. Jones Memphis, TN

Tierney L. Jones Memphis, TN

Anaria D. Kyles Pontiac, MI

Emani Lance Cordova, TN

Alanna Denise Lee Cordova, TN

Avis Arthur Lee Nashville, TN

Eric Lee Nashville, TN

Jonathan Wesley Lowe Columbus, OH

Taylor Ivori Martin La Vergne, TN

Paul Eyambe Mbella Clarksville, TN

Gregory Cornelius Nations La Vergne, TN

Jai’Den Jerome Lee Nelson Danville, IL

Danny Nguyen Nashville, TN

Asia K. Parker La Vergne, TN

Sonay Airralee Parker Clinton Township, MI

Coreyonna L. Ransom Bolivar, TN

Lonya Kelise Reaves Nashville, TN

Edwin R. Rhodes Miami, FL

Joshua Dominique Rios Cordova, TN

Daya Renee Roberts Nashville, TN

Dajah Robinson Memphis, TN

Briannia L. Rucker Atlanta, GA

Amari Dino Smith Bartlett, TN

Daharvion J. Stone Jackson, MI

Ja’Cayla Strickland Chattanooga, TN

Juahmun Leonard Sturgeon Fairfield, AL

Derrell Ray Taylor Memphis, TN

Tyler A. Thompson Rincon, GA

Tekayla Michele Turner Detroit, MI

Keandric R. Verge Watertown, TN

Vershanti Nicole Waller Atlanta, GA

Nyla Weems Farmington Hills, MI

Denzel L. Wilcox Goodlettsville, TN

Devasi T. Younkins Chicago, IL

BUSINESS INFORMATION SYSTEMS

Ahmad Al Madhi Antioch, TN

Brooke A. Moore Gallatin, TN

Feny Sanjay Patel Antioch, TN

Kameron Ian Polk Accokeek, MD

Jordin A. Russell Huntsville, AL

Meer M. Shimeirani Nashville, TN

Niger Troutman Atlanta, GA

ECONOMICS AND FINANCE

Layla Buggs Memphis, TN

Gabrielle Chancellor Cincinnati, OH

Precious Nicol Colon Memphis, TN

Tyrik J. Dixon Memphis, TN

Faith Grant Memphis, TN

Antoinette Lynae Moore Murfreesboro, TN

Allison Overbay Nashville, TN

Christian J. Patterson Detroit, MI

Daniel Perez Caraballo Alcala de Henares Madrid,

Brandon L. Potts Cordova, TN

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Dr. Janet Finch, Dean

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION

Rilie Falconio-Gray Jefferson, NY

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Allison Marie Biggs Greenbrier, TN

Holland McKinley Hallman Lafayette, TN

Jazmine Mona Walker Riverdale, GA

PSYCHOLOGY

Eja N. Boddie Trotwood, OH

Raevynn B. Cade Texas City, TX

Courtnie A. Carr White Hall, AR

Kabria Rykel Cates Murfreesboro, TN

Nathan Conn Nashville, TN

Brandy R. Galloway Memphis, TN

Alexandra Sophia Hampton Madison, TN

Christina LaToya Harris Brentwood, TN

29 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Tre’Sur D. Horne Memphis, TN

Breanna E. Hunt Bartlett, TN

JaMia Octavia Johnson Belleville, IL

Shubi Jacqueline Kakoti Spring Hill, TN

Ricci Danielle Kellum Dunbar, WV

Chani Lawery District Heights, MD

Shemyi Jeanay Love Dallas, TX

Tamara C. Marable Cordova, TN

McKinley Danae McElroy Frankfort, IL

Marshun David McGee Harvey, IL

Trinity Mitchell Black Jack, MO

Hashad Montissol Lithonia, GA

Daseana D. Motley Chattanooga, TN

Tiana Myers DeRidder, LA

Myiah S. Neal Memphis, TN

Mya D’Ann Summerall Memphis, TN

Dondre S. Vance Nashville, TN

Imani C. Wheeler-Smith University Park, IL

Asia Milan Williams Stone Mountain, GA

Shaniyah T. Wilson Wyoming, MI

Jasmine Simone Winton Dolton, IL

Renaya Janece Woods Joliet, IL

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

COMPREHENSIVE TRANSITION PROGRAM – TIGEREDGE

Orion A. Crawford Nashville, TN

Olivia Faith Holley Reynoldsburg, OH

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Dr. Lin Li, Interim Dean

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

AERONAUTICAL AND INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY

Oladipo David Abraham Chicago, IL

Mallory Camille Boykins Memphis, TN

ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING

Jayla O. Coleman Lithonia, GA

Chelsea Danielle Dorris White House, TN

Jeremy S. Hensley Nashville, TN

Kori A. Robinson Ferguson, MO

Cierra J. Slater Ypsilanti, MI

CIVIL ENGINEERING

Mustafe A. Abdillahi Nashville, TN

DeAndre Algee Milwaukee, WI

Eriny Awadalla Franklin, TN

Denise Mendiola Borja Nashville, TN

Bahati Abeid Chimba Dar es Salaam,

Ethiopine Choping Portland, TN

Nazeer Rashad Ferguson Tucker, GA

Shady A. Hanna La Vergne, TN

Andrew Mikhaeil Antioch, TN

Anna Marie Morrison Nashville, TN

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Walter Chiwo Allentown, PA

Kiara N. Durden Riverdale, GA

Christian Scott Hill Lithonia, GA

Mohammad A. Islam Antioch, TN

Khiri A. Jenkins Nashville, TN

Kele W. Jennings Hope Mills, NC

Jason D. Lacy Cahokia, IL

Jibril Robert Lee Calumet City, IL

Devyn J. Myles Lithonia, GA

Ja’Kiya La’Shawn Price-Singleton Montgomery, AL

Julian Timmie Smith Memphis, TN

Valencia Williams Antioch, TN

Eulice S. Winston Lithonia, GA

Savian Young Nashville, TN

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Joshua B. Buford Nashville, TN

Zeinab Elkhatib Nashville, TN

Cameron C. Malone Oak Ridge, TN

Ahmad Sedr Nashville, TN

Jeremiah D. Wilson Brandon, MS

ENGINEERING

Omed Hussein Antioch, TN

MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

Mohammed Ahmed Alnamah Dammam Almohamada

Tajuldeen A. Alsabil Antioch, TN

Alexis Monique Bell Gurnee, IL

Kaylen M. Essix Redford, MI

Lakeesa M. Gilyard Ferguson, MO

Kamren James Van Nuys, CA

Mikayla Emile Lewis Nashville, TN

Maia Savaughn Rose Pickens Nashville, TN

Joshua Stovall Antioch, TN

Avraz Tovi Nashville, TN

Anthony William Wheeler Detroit, MI

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Dr. Ronald Barredo, Dean

ASSOCIATE OF APPLIED SCIENCE

DENTAL HYGIENE

Dlveen N. Abdullah Antioch, TN

Elisabeth Beard Columbus, OH

Alana Shay Cochran Murfreesboro, TN

Teonna Coleman Nashville, TN

Mikaela R. Cunningham Jackson, TN

Kiauna Labre Douglas Antioch, TN

Mary Catherine Fitzpatrick Nashville, TN

Marena Halim Murfreesboro, TN

Kamia Marne’t Isabell Goodlettsville, TN

Jazmyn Jones Antioch, TN

Maria McKinney Memphis, TN

Toria Paige Miller Gallatin, TN

Rebeca Uscanga Ortiz Murfreesboro, TN

30 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Rachel Ann Rickman Brentwood, TN

Janet E. Roswell Charlotte, TN

israa Saeed Antioch, TN

Julia Spencer Sensing Burns, TN

Jemissa Southers Chattanooga, TN

Kemyia Sharda Tyus Brownsville, TN

Wendi Van Trump Erin, TN

Isabella G. Wagner Dickson, TN

Cedrecia Williams Smyrna, TN

Shakera Williams Murfreesboro, TN

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN NURSING

NURSING

Mariah Jordan Bryant Antioch, TN

Gabrielle Clark Somerville, TN

Christine Jasmine Dixon Riverdale, GA

Zakiya S. Hamza Nashville, TN

Ashanti Pettis Milwaukee, WI

Dinnea Renae Riley Saint Paul, MN

Finan Tsegai Nashville, TN

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

CARDIORESPIRATORY CARE SCIENCE

Tiffany Shantil Adams Lebanon, TN

Saif Farhan Alenazi Kissimmee, FL

Khalid Saeed Alenezi Kissimmee, FL

Nasser Abdulrahman Alkhunjuf Khalidiya,

Abbas Almakrami San Diego, CA

Abeer A. Alqahmi Hendersonville, TN

Ghadir A. Alqahmi Hendersonville, TN

Michel Bossuet Altidort Hermitage, TN

Mohammed Hassan Alyami Nashville, TN

Laila Vanea Lee Blackwell Winchester, TN

Taquannda Latrece Clark El Paso, TX

Nikiera D’sha Griffin Memphis, TN

Zaharah N. Haris Nashville, TN

Abdulrahman Khalid Jaber Jeddah,

Diana I. Kamal Antioch, TN

Meseret Tiruneh Kibrte Antioch, TN

Remonda A. Labib Antioch, TN

Dominique Yvonne Love Snellville, GA

Sherin Morgan Morgan Murfreesboro, TN

Jackleen Sami Antioch, TN

Zina T. Shehadah Nashville, TN

Jasmine Strange Nashville, TN

Sarah J. Swai White House, TN

Ahmad Tawlah Nashville, TN

Yohannes Tekeleberhan Antioch, TN

Solen Yousif Smyrna, TN

HEALTH CARE ADMIN AND PLANNING

Trey S. Cunningham Brownsville, TN

Jessica Jasmine Durai Nashville, TN

Siyajali Emeline Nashville, TN

Dyanni A. Hannah Frankfort, KY

Marissa Kenyetta Jackson Mt Juliet, TN

Kayla Ashante Miller Cordova, TN

Chiane Brielle Nesbitt Russellville, AR

Anijah Norman Chattanooga, TN

Shamoya Rushelle Rose Nashville, TN

Niaisha M. Stewart Memphis, TN

Jeffery Scott Taylor Gallatin, TN

Alexandra Anais’ Wooten Collierville, TN

HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT

Niyumugisha Faransine Nashville, TN

Tamia A. Favors Brookhaven, GA

Chelsea N. Green Southaven, MS

Jaida M. Jones Joliet, IL

Amber Morgan Conyers, GA

Cassidy Renane Russell Ashland City, TN

Terra Lynn Walker Brownsville, TN

Ceepal Fued Yasin Antioch, TN

HEALTH SCIENCES

William Jakel Ball Nashville, TN

Kendra Bend Murfreesboro, TN

Thomas H. Boone Clinton, MD

Celeste Jeanine Boykin Florissant, MO

Caleb De’Leon Brown Kansas City, KS

Carmen Mckenzie Carter Saint Louis, MO

Corionna L. Copeland Nashville, TN

Erica Lakia Cousins Palm Coast, FL

Mami M. Davis Memphis, TN

Taylor E. Driver Nashville, TN

Kamden S. Edwards Hixson, TN

Robyn Sharnese Alybyan Fleming Holly Springs, MS

Danielle I. Gholston Madison, AL

China R. Green Harvest, AL

Danteryaun J. Hughes Madison, TN

Paymon F. Ismail Nashville, TN

Taja S. Jones Smyrna, TN

Youstina Khalil Antioch, TN

Taniyah D. Lee Fayetteville, GA

Laila Logan Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

Zamya R. Monroe Ruskin, FL

Myiah S. Neal Memphis, TN

India C. Oliver Pleasant Grove, AL

Cynthia Latrice Perry Indianapolis, IN

31 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Jaya Dejane’ Robinson Antioch, TN

Emily Marie Rodriguez Fairview, TN

Alexander San Marina Dickson, TN

Mody Shehata Antioch, TN

Camryn Michelle Smith Cincinnati, OH

Tiana Jayden Sutton-Evans Louisville, KY

Kamaya Taylor Somerville, TN

Kiyah J. Terrell Indianapolis, IN

Karli A. Thomas Flossmoor, IL

Jakaela R. Wright Cincinnati, OH

Aja D. Yarbrough Harvest, AL

HUMAN PERFORMANCE AND SPORT SCIENCES

Terrell Allen North Little Rock, AR

Ayanna N. Baker Huntsville, AL

Timekos D. Baker Chattanooga, TN

Anayah N. Baker-Rowell Douglasville, GA

Kalandria A. Barksdale Holly Springs, MS

Aliya O. Chambliss Lansing, MI

Chandler B. Davis Nashville, TN

Gabrielle Deloach Memphis, TN

Draylen Ellis Olive Branch, MS

Joshua A. Floyd Smyrna, TN

Aaliyah Amileya Gray Chicago, IL

Aaliyah Kaylin Harris Marietta, GA

Iverson Keon Hines Brownsville, TN

Fondren M. Hollis III Stone Mountain, GA

Elaina M. Housworth Covington, GA

Talia Jeanette Jackson-Mickles Hampton, GA

Amari M. Jelks Smyrna, TN

Allen Alford Johnson Indianapolis, IN

Calen Deshun Johnson Brownsville, TN

Destini Kince Memphis, TN

Alexandria Kromah Smyrna, TN

Aliya Monaé Martin Memphis, TN

Amari N. McWilliams Lawrenceville, GA

Gregory Roshod Moore Antioch, TN

Jillian R. Mullins Cincinnati, OH

Madison Viorel Mummert Goodlettsville, TN

Tonaijah Antoinette Perry Racine, WI

Amayah T. Poston Cincinnati, OH

Samia Amor Ruiz Phoenix, AZ

Brianna Lee Shaw Nashville, TN

Terrance Terrel Shaw Lufkin, TX

Austin I. Simpson Madison, TN

Cameron Stewart Chattanooga, TN

Eyanni R. Waterman Houston, TX

Brent Lee Weatherly Pegram, TN

Mariah Williams Memphis, TN

Myles Denton Worthy Kennesaw, GA

PUBLIC HEALTH

Alexa Marie Antonchorgy Shorewood, WI

Brianna Mya Bell Indianapolis, IN

Raina Marie Burley Nashville, TN

Tayler Collier Alabaster, AL

Megan Victoria Driver Detroit, MI

Christyn Montique Hunt Powder Springs, GA

McKenzie Ivan Jackson Douglasville, GA

Khari Luqman Muhammad Memphis, TN

Justin H. Randolph Memphis, TN

Asia Renae Shabazz Pine Bluff, AR

Alexandria Imani Whigham Memphis, TN

Kailen Larina White McDonough, GA

Alexis M. Wood Gary, IN

Kee Young Antioch, TN

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

Dr. Samantha Morgan–Curtis, Dean

BACHELOR OF ARTS

COMMUNICATION

Detraelyn C. Hubbard Channelview, TX

William Harvey Johnson Memphis, TN

Natoriya Sierra-Milove Owens Memphis, TN

Tyme Reign Hendersonville, TN

Bailey Lynette Smith Columbus, OH

Gwendolyn E. Taylor Moody, AL

Maya N. Taylor Antioch, TN

Matthew-Scott Thomas Gallatin, TN

ENGLISH

Deborah J. Burris-Kitchen Old Hickory, TN

KenDasha L. Sutton Chattanooga, TN

HISTORY

Ramiyah L. Green Jackson, MS

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

ART

Matthew L. Avery Ellenwood, GA

Jada Camille Bell Clinton, MD

Morgan Ashley Burns Nashville, TN

Khai K. Cole Memphis, TN

Ryan Hardin Cincinnati, OH

Angela L. Majors Clarksville, TN

Jaquira Polk Nashville, TN

Denaria M. Tindal Beach Park, IL

Sean-Gregory Wilder Memphis, TN

32 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

ARTS AND SCIENCES

Marshaela C. Cooper Memphis, TN

Marcus H. Fitzgerald Nashville, TN

Chelsa J. Fletcher Nashville, TN

Rylie Giddens Overland Park, KS

Donald Gillard Memphis, TN

Kimberly R. Harlan Nashville, TN

JonTerio Z. Horton Lebanon, TN

Christopher Lang Sledge Joiner Huntsville, AL

Stephanie N. Little Nashville, TN

Darenzo Martin Nashville, TN

Starlita Y. Moore Lawrenceville, GA

Alyssa N. Robinson Florissant, MO

Breanna Samples Hendersonville, TN

Jared Southerland Danville, KY

Nicole Alexis Taylor Bowie, MD

COMMUNICATION

Sierra V. Allen Nashville, TN

Alleyia Ivion Ashley Madison, TN

Asiya Safa Buchanan Memphis, TN

La’Tajahnaa Carter Detroit, MI

Ruby Renee Cosby Indianapolis, IN

Holland Culclager Lees Summit, MO

Joshua D. Dones Memphis, TN

Kah’Lea M. Everson Cincinnati, OH

London Rachel Fairs Nashville, TN

Lauren E. Gibson Cincinnati, OH

Lydia B. Gill Southfield, MI

Mya Harvey Twinsburg, OH

Adrian Jackson Tucson, AZ

LaKendra R. Johnson Indianapolis, IN

Lionel Jones Cordova, TN

Davin Jerome Latiker Merrillville, IN

Akyra Olivia Jaquay McDougal Fairburn, GA

Miracle L. Mitchell Clarksville, TN

Sierra Michelle Perry Cincinnati, OH

Ansley C. Rucker Powder Springs, GA

Kalen J. Walthour Douglasville, GA

Mlei Woodard Chicago Heights, IL

Daneisa T. Woods Memphis, TN

Kiera Angelik Young Nashville, TN

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Quinteria I. Alexander Milwaukee, WI

David Allen III Memphis, TN

Mariah Renae Ashby Chicago, IL

Iyanna Brazzile Cincinnati, OH

Kailah Davis Hermitage, TN

Kennedy Nicole Davis Saint Peters, MO

Latavia T. Eccles Milwaukee, WI

Lateesha Fritts Knoxville, TN

Heleen F. Galnasky Nashville, TN

Latreja Gary Rockford, IL

Aliyah Holmes Houston, TX

Jaida A. Irby Fairburn, GA

Destiny D. Jackson Trenton, TN

Tiara Nicole Jackson Clarksville, TN

Kayla N. Jenkins Antioch, TN

Ciera A. Johnson Ecorse, MI

Jaila D. Kent Roseville, MI

Alexus K. Kirk Memphis, TN

Amaya D. Martin Chattanooga, TN

Danesha Morris Chicago, IL

Aaron Nelson Bonaire, GA

Arbriana N. Razor Grand Rapids, MI

Ajaia T. Scott Montgomery, IL

Shyrra Stone Jackson, MI

CaTerra Lashae Tyus Brownsville, TN

Lauren Breanne Vanhorn Montgomery, AL

Romello Watson Arlington, TX

Imani C. Wheeler-Smith University Park, IL

HISTORY

Jerry Bailey Gallatin, TN

Jamiee Tisha’ Bernard Nashville, TN

Dante D. Hall Antioch, TN

INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Jeffrey Buchanan Lithonia, GA

Keith Fletcher Murfreesboro, TN

Rylie Giddens Overland Park, KS

Kinyon Isiah Hodges Cape Girardeau, MO

Jason Jitoboh Gainesville, FL

Kennedy M. Key Oak Park, MI

Aaliyah A. Knopp Frankfort, IL

Azana Pope DeSoto, TX

Corina Suarez Tudela Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Aisha Wiggins-Stoudermire Bremerton, WA

MUSIC

Daynah Touriyah Charlow Knoxville, TN

Tai Jamal Lomax Memphis, TN

Rhameek Nelson Riverdale, GA

POLITICAL SCIENCE

David Allen III Memphis, TN

Yesika Aracely Benitez Antioch, TN

Kennedy N. Booker Westland, MI

Courtnie A. Carr White Hall, AR

Shemitha Renee Craig Nashville, TN

Jaya M. Eskridge Nashville, TN

Aliyah Holmes Houston, TX

33 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Shemicka T. Holt Goodlettsville, TN

Robert Antione Murray Wilmington, NC

Sidney S. Petrie Clarksville, TN

Ashley N. Rison Flushing, MI

Tamia S. Robinson Waterloo, IA

Bailey Lynette Smith Columbus, OH

Summer Samira Stepeney Memphis, TN

Cornell A. White Cincinnati, OH

COLLEGE OF LIFE AND PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Dr. Nolan McMurray, Dean

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

BIOLOGY

Samantha Dorothy Altidort Hermitage, TN

Amauri Tierra Barnes Detroit, MI

Mariam M. Bassili Antioch, TN

Alan Maurice Bethea Atlanta, GA

Dasjah Mona Bost McCordsville, IN

Taylor Roneyce Brown Cordova, TN

Atiya C. Carlton Memphis, TN

Malik R. Cason-Lewis East Saint Louis, IL

Chaun Michael Cheaney Russellville, KY

Maya Christiana Cole Auburn, GA

Kayla Rene’ Davis Murfreesboro, TN

Xavier J. Erves Huntsville, AL

Allison M. Falkner Covington, TN

Zaria Chase Foster Forest Park, GA

Edward A. Griffen Memphis, TN

Erionna D. Griggs Nashville, TN

Camille D. Haskins King George, VA

Ron’Nisheya K. Hill Nashville, TN

Aliya M. Holeyfield Arlington, TN

Johndylon T. Jeffrey Madison, AL

N’Kayla Chatoria Jones Cape Girardeau, MO

Hawa Kaloko Memphis, TN

John David Kim Bronx, NY

Jaden Ruben Knight Dayton, OH

Meaghan M. Lewis Suwanee, GA

Jada Lott Memphis, TN

Brooke E. Major Rowlett, TX

Victoria R. Mccrae Moscow, TN

McKhia Paulette Haislip McCrary La Vergne, TN

Christian Muimba Rancho Cucamonga, CA

Madisen N. Nixon Bolingbrook, IL

Jamayla A. Phillips Newnan, GA

George Pickens Miami Gardens, FL

Martina Brunetta Raco Kingsport, TN

Ashton Michael Terrell La Vergne, TN

Ryla Nicole Traylor Barnesville, GA

Douglas W. Turner Eads, TN

Jazmyn S. Wall Detroit, MI

Jae M. Walls Madison, AL

Kennedy T. Wilbert Memphis, TN

Ari-Anna M. Winfrey Columbus, OH

CHEMISTRY

Kierra Monai Calhoun Chicago, IL

Sanaa D. Dudley Marietta, GA

Aaliyah Khadijah Flake Memphis, TN

Autumn S. Joyner Smyrna, TN

Jameela Lambert Hermitage, TN

Kelsey A. London Memphis, TN

Alyssia Pruitt Memphis, TN

Myah D. Spann Memphis, TN

Keyja A. Walker Chicago, IL

Storm A. White Murfreesboro, TN

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Dr. Rodney Stanley, Interim Dean

BACHELOR OF SCIENCE

SOCIAL WORK

Andrea M. Alvarez-Garcia Antioch, TN

Stacia R. Bowman Jackson, TN

Kiaya Alise Branch Antioch, TN

Tracey Michelle Hammonds Antioch, TN

Asianea Lakaylii Jackson Jonesboro, GA

Richard Levi Taylor Eastpointe, MI

SOCIOLOGY

Ronnecia Rasha Bonner Pleasant Grove, AL

Catrice Calhoun Nashville, TN

Dorothy H. Foxx Madison, TN

URBAN STUDIES

Brittany S. Jacob Chattanooga, TN

Laura Elaine McKeon Monterey, TN

Elizabeth Ann Rice Mount Juliet, TN

Tamia S. Robinson Waterloo, IA

34 | SPRING 2024 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!”

35 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY

SPRING 2024 DOCTORAL & GRADUATE CANDIDATES FOR DEGREES

36 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT
37 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Prelude

Mace Bearer

Graduate Commencement

Order of Ceremony

Friday, May 3, 2024

Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover, Eighth President

Tennessee State University

Presiding Officer

University Wind Ensemble

Dr. Reginald McDonald, Conductor

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

Invocation ...........................................................................................................

The Balm in Gilead Video

Reverend Frank Stevenson, Sr. Vice President Student Affairs, Dean of Students

Greetings ........................................................................................................................ President Glenda Glover

Music .........................................................................................................................

University Wind Ensemble

Dr. Reginald McDonald, Conductor

Announcements and Acknowledgements ................................................................................Dr. Curtis Johnson Vice President and Chief of Staff

Musical Selection ........................................................................................................................University Choir

Dr. Angelica Dunsavage. Director

Introduction of Speaker ................................................................................................. Mr. Leo Martinez-Torres Master of Psychology, College of Education

Commencement Address ................................................................................................. Rev. Raphael Warnock United States Senator, Georgia

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

38 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

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. Trinetia Respress Interim Dean, School of Graduate Studies

Musical Selection ........................................................................................................................University Choir

Dr. Angelica Dunsavage. Director

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

Retiring of Colors .......................................................... Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) Lt. Colonel Stephen Cash

Benediction ................................................................................................ Reverend Harold M. Love, Jr. Ph.D. State Representative, House District 58 / Lee Chapel A.M.E. Church

Recessional (Audience remains seated) .................................................................... University Wind Ensemble

39 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Graduate Commencement Speaker

U.S.

SENATOR RAPHAEL G. WARNOCK

U.S. Senator Reverend Raphael G. Warnock was raised in public housing in Savannah, Georgia and is the eleventh of twelve children born to pastors Jonathan and Verlene Warnock, who instilled a sense of service in Warnock at a very young age.

A product of good public policy, Warnock is a Head Start and Upward Bound alum, and was inspired by Dr. King’s teachings to matriculate to Atlanta’s historic Morehouse College—using Pell Grants and low-interest student loans to become the first in his family to graduate from college. Following his graduation from Morehouse, he went on to receive his doctorate at the renowned Union Theological Seminary.

Since 2005, Warnock has served as Senior Pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, the former pulpit of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He is the youngest pastor selected to serve in that leadership role at the historic church. Additionally, Senator Warnock has long believed his ministry of service doesn’t stop at the church doors, and as a pastor and longtime social justice advocate has worked to expand health care access, safeguard nutrition benefits, protect democracy and end mass incarceration.

Elected Georgia’s first Black Senator in 2021, Senator Reverend Warnock has carried his service and advocacy into the Senate, where he has helped successfully pass legislation to create jobs, address the maternal mortality crisis and cap insulin costs for seniors at $35 a month. Senator Warnock also was a lead negotiator of the only voting rights legislation to secure the support of the full Senate Democratic caucus.

The father of two young children and an ardent champion for education, Senator Reverend Warnock has actively worked in the Senate to bolster K-12 and higher education in Georgia and across the country.

The Senator introduced legislation, the HEADWAY Act, to expand access to early learning, and helped pass the American Rescue Plan which made significant investments in the nation’s K-12 schools. On the higher education front, Senator Reverend Warnock has successfully secured hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for Georgia’s HBCUs, and more than $7 billion in total for HBCU campuses across the country. The Senator has also championed meaningful student debt cancellation and successfully pushed the Biden Administration to provide $153 billion and counting in student debt cancellation for over 4 million Americans to date. Additionally, Senator Reverend Warnock has pushed to strengthen state support for 1890’s land-grant colleges and universities, to ensure get they get their fair share of funding, through the Land- Grant Research Equity and Accountability Act, and has passed legislation to honor first-generation college students.

40 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Doctoral Candidates for Degrees

2024 spring Commencement

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

Aron M. Felts Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2018

M.S., Tennessee State University, 2020

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Dr. Janet Finch, Dean

DOCTOR OF EDUCATION

CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

Arnita L. King Nashville, TN

B.A., Spelman College, 2001

M.Ed., Huntington College, 2008

Angela Kelly Stone Nashville, TN

B.S. Tennessee State University, 2008

M.S., Tennessee State University, 2015

Effects of Economic Advantage and Race/Ethnicity on High School Graduation Rates During COVID-19

Chair: Dr. Nicole Arrighi

Deirdre Michelle Wilson Nashville, TN

B.S., Union University, 1983

M.S., Meharry Medical College, 1995

M.A., Trevecca Nazarene University, 2008

Juxtaposing the Drive to 55 to Non-Traditional Student Completions at Community Colleges

Chair: Dr. Graham Matthews

EDUCATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Abdullah Fayez Alqushayri Al Namas, Saudi Arabia

M.Ed., Middle Tennessee State University, 2018

The Impact of Transformational Leaders on Improving Public Schools in Saudi Arabia

Chair: Dr. Kirmanj Gundi

Nasser Mohammed Alshahrani Cincinnati, OH

M.Ed., Middle Tennessee State University, 2015

Perceptions of School Leaders about Digital? Communication in the Saudi Education System

Chair: Dr. Kirmanj Gundi

Daniella Beckman Chapel Hill, TN

B.S., Austin Peay State University, 2010

M.Ed., Middle Tennessee State University, 2012

Perceptions of Math Teachers of Online Teaching and Learning

Chair: Dr. Kirmanj Gundi

Tocarra Michelle Cecil La Vergne, TN

B.A., Fisk University, 2006

M.A., Lipscomb University, 2010

Ed.S., Tennessee State University, 2013

Exploring Relationships Between Sown to Grow, Academic Growth, and Attendance

Chair: Dr. Terrance McNeil

Michael Charles Davis Nashville, TN

M.Ed., Tennessee State University, 2015

The Impact of COVID-19 on Leadership at a Historically Black University (HBCU)

Chair: Dr. Eleni Coukos-Elder

NKenge Hudson Birmingham, AL

B.S., Alabama State University, 1998

M.Ed., Alabama State University, 2002

Common Factors in Higher Education that Lead to LGBTQ+ Studentsí Suicidal Ideation

Chair: Dr. Trinetia Respress

41 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Doneisha C. Odum Memphis, TN

B.S., University of Memphis, 2015

M.S.Ed., University of Memphis, 2015

Ed.S., Union University, 2021

Teacher Perceptions of African-American Socioeconomically

Disadvantaged Students and High School Completion Chair: Dr. Terrance McNeil

Keric Seals Lexington, KY

M.A.Ed., Kentucky State University, 2008

Eula M. Todd Mc Calla, AL

B.S., Athens College, 2010

M.S., Troy State University, 2011

Expanding Historically Black Colleges and Universities Access for Students with Intellectual Disabilities Chair: Dr. Robbie Melton

Norris W. Watkins Brighton, AL

B.S.B.A., Alabama State University, 1983

M.A.C., Samford University, 2013

A Quantitative Study of African Americans in Accounting: Community College Students’ Perspectives Chair: Dr. Trinetia Respress

Grant Lamont Winrow Nashville, TN

B.D.O, Tennessee State University, 1989

M.B.A., Tennessee State University, 2018

University Marching Band Retention Impact in Establishing Black Males’ Sense of Belonging Chair: Dr. Eleni Coukos-Elder

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

PSYCHOLOGY

Kernisha Denise Chaney Plantersville, AL

B.S., Troy State University, 2018

M.S., Tennessee State University, 2020

Shakeira Dejarnaye Frye Antioch, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2015

M.S., Tennessee State University, 2019

The Long-Term Impact of Exposure to Domestic Violence During Childhood among African American Men and Women. Chair: Dr. Esther Lynch

Lakeisha C. Hamilton-Robinson Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2001

M.S., Tennessee State University, 2013

Men’s Spirituality as a Predictor of Their Willingness to Seek Help Chair: Dr. David Shen-Miller

Claire Chrmba Muwele Brighton, MA

M.A., Boston College, 2020

Sarah Rose Elizabetta Ragan Fairview, TN

B.S., James Madison University, 2013

M.S., Mercy College, 2016

EDUCATION SPECIALIST

INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

Myles Y. Charley Nashville, TN

M.S., Troy State University, 2018

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Dr. Lin Li, Interim Dean

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Pankaj Mishra Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2012

M.S., Tennessee State University, 2016

Disease Detection in Plants Using UAS and Deep Neural Networks

Chair: Dr. Erdem Erdemir

ENGINEERING AND COMPUTATIONAL SCIENCES

Mohammad Qasem Bataineh Nashville, TN

B.S., Yarmouck University, 2011

M.S., B.S., Yarmouck University, 2013

Deep Learning for Secondary Structure Elements Prediction from Cryo-EM Data

Chair: Dr. Kamal K.N Al Nasr and Dr. Richard R.M Mu

COLLEGE OF HEALTH SCIENCES

Dr. Ronald Barredo, Dean

DOCTOR OF PHYSICAL THERAPY

PHYSICAL THERAPY

John Benjamin Alden Nashville, TN

B.S., Lipscomb University, 2018

Maxwell James Ashcroft Brentwood, CA

B.S., Brigham Young University, Idaho, 2019

Zachary Dawson Bennett Franklin, TN

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

Bennett Crane Brentwood, TN

B.S., Indiana University, Bloomington, 2021

Ida Caroline Edmonson Dickson, TN

B.S., Charleston Southern University, 2020

Emily Grace Enoch Franklin, TN

B.S., Birmingham, Southern College, 2021

Callan Reese Gamache Jupiter, FL

B.S., University Of Central Florida, 2019

Ryan Charles Gant Collierville, TN

B.S., University of Arkansas, 2021

Peter John Geroulis Phoenix, AZ

B.S., University of Arizona, 2015

Miranda Harmon Indianapolis, IN

B.S., University of Indiana, Bloomington, 2019

Zack Hillis Pulaski, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021

Megan Gina Perry Hoover Williamsport, TN

B.S., Ohio State University, 2015

Abigail Howard Las Vegas, NV

B.S., University of Nevada, Las Vegas, 2019

42 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Mina A. Isaac Blandon, PA

B.S., Pennsylvania State University, 2021

Ashlyn Nicole Jaeger Franklin, TN

B.S., Lee University, 2021

Michael LaRue Hendersonville, TN

B.S. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2021

Leilani Lee Mount Juliet, TN

B.S., Washington University in Saint Louis, 2021

Maxwell Thomas Maloney Charleston, SC

B.S., Salisbury University, 2017

Joseph A. Merritt Knoxville, TN

B.S., Western Kentucky University, 2021

Ben Nguyen Columbia, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State Universwity, 2021

Dalin Parker Nashville, TN

B.S. Weber State University, 2019

Sarah Elisabeth Parsons Smyrna, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2020

Rebecca Pettross Knoxville, TN

B.S. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2021

Bryce Reed Franklin, TN

B.S. Tennessee State University, 2021

Benjamin Rosplock Ames, IA

B.S. Iowa State University, 2020

Benjamin Toby Sisco Nashville, TN

B.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2016

Meghan Virginia Tidwell Nashville, TN

B.S., Sewanee The University of The South, 2021

Brandon Alan Trent Morristown, TN

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

Rebecca Katelyn-Fordham Villapiano Gallatin, TN

B.S., Kennesaw State University, 2021

Wyatt Preston Walton Chattanooga, TN

B.S., University of Tennessee, Chattanooga, 2021

Caleb David Wharton Mt Juliet, TN

B.S., Trevecca Nazarene University, 2018

James D. Young Nashville, TN

B.S., Indiana University, Southeast, 2017

COLLEGE OF LIFE & PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Dr. Nolan McMurray, Dean

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

BIOLOGICAL SCIENCE

Jerel Crew Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2014

M.A.., Tennessee State University, 2017

April Sherrie Falconer-Turner Goodlettsville, TN

M.S., Norfolk State University, 2015

Effects of Hexabromocyclododecane on Cytokines, IL-1? and IL-6, in human Immune Cells

Chair: Dr. Margaret Whalen

Sunil Gurung Dhankuta, Nepal

B.S., Yribhuvan University, 2011

M.S. Tennessee State University, 2016

Decoding the Impact of Nitrogen Forms on Plant Growth in Soilless Culture.

Chair: Dr. Dharmalingam Pitchay

Steven Anthony Kennedy Nashville, TN

B.S., Miles College, 2008

M.S. Tennessee State University, 2011

Nutritional Requirements of Solanum lycopersicum, Vaccinium corymbosum, Citrus hystrix and Rubus idaeus

Chair: Dr. Dharmalingam Pitchay

PUBLIC POLICY AND ADMINISTRATION

Kori Tikarbo Floyd Cane Ridge, TN

MA.Ed., Middle Tennessee State University, 2007

M.S., Iowa State University, 2020

Black Farmers’ Perspectives on Social Equity within the United States Hemp Industry

Chair: Dr. Alex Sekwat

43 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Graduate Candidates for Degrees

2024 spring Commencement

COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE

Dr. Chandra Reddy, Dean

MASTER OF SCIENCE

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

Joshua S. Relyea Adams, TN

B.S., Austin Peay State University, 2021

Christian A. Smith Atlanta, GA

B.B.A., Tennessee State University, 2018

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE

Samuel Babatunde Ajibade Port Harcourt, Nigeria

B.S., Federal University of Technology, Akure

Champagne J. Cunningham Montgomery, AL

B.A., Loyola Univ New Orleans, 2020

Aubree Morrison McMinnville, TN

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

Jacob Zachary Rawls Antioch, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021

Emmanuel D. Wallace Memphis, TN

B.S. Tennessee State University, 2022

FOOD AND ANIMAL SCIENCES

Aakash Sharma Karnal, India

B.S.T., National Dairy Research Institute, 2020

Amritpal Singh Moga, India

B.S., Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, 2021

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS

Dr. Stephen Shanklin, Interim Dean

MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Mauricio Fabian Avendano Cosamaloapan, Mexico

B.E.T., Universidad Tecmilenio, 2020

Peyton Simone Fointno Lawrenceville, GA

B.E., Tennessee State University, 2023

Myah Lorainne Jackson Chicago, IL

B.A., Tennessee State University, 2022

Riana Gabrielle Jackson Dayton, OH

B.A., North Carolina Central University, 2021

Shequana D. Jackson Brooklyn, NY

B.A., Chowan University, 2022

Osamede Peace Omo-Usoh Ajah, Nigeria

B.S., University of Benin, 2016

Dhruval Patel Ahmedabad, India

B.B.A., Middle Tennessee State University, 2020

Matthew Phillips Brentwood, TN

B.B.A., University of Arkansas, 2022

Sandas Gregory Rochon New Orleans, LA

B.B.A., Tennessee State University, 2022

Jayla Nicole Walker Nashville, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2019

Jalen W. Williams Hermitage, TN

B.B.A., University of Kentucky, 2015

44 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Dr. Janet Finch, Dean

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY

Sonya Kelley Johnson Antioch, TN

M.P.A., Indiana State University, Terre Haute, 1997

Denise Malloy Greenbrier, TN

Ed.D., East Tennessee State University, 2020

MASTER OF EDUCATION CURRICULIM AND INSTRUCTION

Gloria D. Daniels Lebanon, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021

Sierra N. Moore Charlotte, NC

B.S., Virginia State University, 2021

Johnathon L. Smith Hermitage, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2017

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION

Caylin Gunter Nashville, TN

B.S. University of Tennessee, 2022

Corey L. Hager Nashville, TN

B.D.O., University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, 2021

Treniscia Darchael Murrell Antioch, TN

B.S. Tennessee State University, 2021

INSTRUCTIONAL LEADERSHIP

Deneia R. Brooks Memphis, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 1999

M.Ed., Union University, 2010

Breyer Hillegas Nashville, TN

B.S., University of Maryland, 2016

Ericka Nicole Young-Hull Cordova, TN

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

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Meshaya Lortoya Cowan Hendersonville, TN

B.S., Brightwood College-Kaplan Career, 2017

Eleya Girgis Antioch, TN

B.S., Menia University, 2003

Jackqueline R. Russell Covington, TN

B.B.A., Devry University, 2008

April Scott Southaven, MS

B.S.Ed., University of Memphis, 2008

M.A., University of Memphis, 2015

Camille D. Shelton-Winston Madison, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 1995

Kenya E. Teague Antioch, TN

B.S., Lane College, 1999

M.Ed., Tennessee State University, 2002

Hannah Nicole Tull Jackson, TN

B.S. Trevecca Nazarene University, 2017

Kyoko J. Wade Nashville, TN

B.S., Martin Methodist College, 2017

MASTER OF SCIENCE

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL COUNSELING

Valecia K. Colvin Villa Rica, GA

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021

Brynn Day Clifton Park, NY

B.A., Siena College, 2020

Tionna James Spring Hill, TN

B.A., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2020

PSYCHOLOGY

Dana Danielle Bonner Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021

Diamond S. Cooper Kenansville, NC

B.S., Fayetteville State University, 2022

Nicholas Dezember Spring Hill, TN

B.A., University of Memphis, 2018

Kyiara A. Jackson Hermitage, TN

B.M., Middle Tennessee State University, 2016

LaCrisha Johnson Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2022

Leonardo Martinez-Torres Chattanooga, TN

B.S., University of California, 2014

Aveen Misto Brentwood, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021

Sarahy Maneiro Ramos Morrison, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2020

Pranathi Shankar Chennai, India

B.S. Middle Tennessee State University, 2022

Brianna Rochelle West Buford, GA

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2022

45 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

Dr. Lin Li, Interim Dean

MASTER OF ENGINEERING

ENGINEERING

Irene Obed Akyoo Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

B.S., Ardhi University, 2021

Mohammad Alameen Ali Washington, DC

B.E.T., College of Electronic Technology - Tripoli-Libya, 2016

Amira E. Awadalla Nashville, TN

B.D.O., Tennessee State University, 2022

Amairanny Espinosa Antioch, TN

B.S.M.E., Tennessee State University, 2022

Lynn Taulagi Fatu Nashville, TN

B.S., Humboldt State University, 2019

Mercy Jepkalal Kangogo NakuruKenya

B.E., Kenyatta University, 2016

Mukesh Khatri Kavrepalanchowk, Nepal

B.E., Visvesvaraya Technological University, 2017

Dorcas Silvester Machimu Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

B.E., Ardhi University, 2019

Bryson Raymond Mgani Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania

B.S., Ardhi University, 2021

MASTER OF SCIENCE

COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

Richard Joseph Wiencek Hendersonville, TN

B.S.E.E., Tennessee State University, 2022

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Shawn Gainor Buford Nashville, TN

B.S., Hampton University, 1992

Junqin Hou Huaibei, China

B.S., Anhui University, 2007

Ahmad Bahjat Jawdat Nashville, TN

B.E., Salahaddin University College of Engineering, 2013

Sayali Sanjay Khedkar Pune, India

M.S., Savitribai Phule Pune University, 2017

Keerthi Krishna Machavarapu Khammam, India

B.E.T., Koneru Lakshmaiah Educational Foundation, 2019

Shourav Bin Rabbani Dhaka, Bangladesh

B.S., Independent University, Bangladesh, 2019

COLLEGE OF HEALTH

SCIENCES

Dr. Ronald Barredo, Dean

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

FAMILY NURSE PRACTITIONER

Chito Caballeo Lobregas, III Jackson, TN

B.S., Misamis University, 2003

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN NURSING NURSING

Anjanette Marie Anderson Memphis, TN

B.S., Baptist Memorial College of Health Sciences, 2010

Addie Elizabeth Layton Concord, NC

B.S., Appalachian State University, 2016

Chelsea Nappier Antioch, TN

B.S., Union University, 2013

Shelvia S. Sims Hermitage, TN

B.S., Cumberland University, 2016

MASTER OF ARTS IN EDUCATION HUMAN PERFORMANCE AND SPORT SCIENCES

David Alexander Acosta Ottawa, ON

B.D.O., Tennessee State University, 2022

Deveon L. Bryant Bellwood, IL

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2022

Emmanuel Dowuona Miami, FL

B.D.O., Tennessee State University, 2022

Terriana Lanae Holt Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021

Daniela Koleva Kochani, Macedonian

B.D.O., Tennessee State University, 2023

Kaelon D. Love Edmond, OK

B.S., Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, 2020

Nil Manick Yann Moinet Sainte-Anne, Guadeloupe

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2023

Aaron M. Quinn Washington, IL

B.A., Illinois College, 2022

James Lewis Reese Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2022

Aleksandra Martyna Rojecka Stanislawow Drugi, Poland

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2023

Franka Antonia Sindicic Zagreb, Croatia

B.D.O., Tennessee State University, 2023

46 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

MASTER OF PUBLIC HEALTH

PUBLIC HEALTH

Brian Calhoun Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021

Taylor Flournoy Nashville, TN

B.S., Eastern Illinois University, 2018

Isis Miles Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2018

Jordan A. Morris Antioch, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2020

MASTER OF SCIENCE

SPEECH AND HEARING SCIENCE

Lauren Dianna Courtney Winchester, TN

B.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2022

Emoni A. Dix Indianapolis, IN

B.S., University of Kentucky, 2022

Caroline Dodson Lebanon, TN

B.A., University Tennessee, Chattanooga, 2017

Andrea Elyse Ellington Hendersonville, TN

B.S. Middle Tennessee State University, 2020

Shelby J. Goins La Fayette, GA

B.S., University of West Georgia, 2018

Esther Hunt Madison, TN

B.S., Long Island University, Brooklyn Campus, 2012

Letty E. Irvin Collierville, TN

B.S., University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2021

Meredith Lynn Jeffers Nashville, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2009

Morgan Rhea Loveless Murfreesboro, TN

B.S. Middle Tennessee State University, 2022

Elizabeth Neely Marshall Franklin, TN

B.S. University of Tennessee, Knoxville 2022

Va’keria Lanae Miles Springfield, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2022

Raquel D. Morfin Antioch, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2022

Alissa Nicole Priest Murfreesboro, TN

B.S., University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, 2021

Damary C. Valadez Franklin, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2022

Kathryn J. Zubak Corona, CA

B.S., California State University, Fullerton, 2021

MASTERS OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

Erica Teonna Batchelor Nashville, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2019

Monique V. Willoughby Mount Juliet, TN

B.S., Saint John’s University, New York, 2009

COLLEGE OF LIBERAL ARTS

Dr. Samantha Morgan–Curtis, Dean

MASTER OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Makenzie R. Booth Nashville, TN

B.D.O., University of Chattanooga, 2018

Imani Covington Nashville, TN

B.D.O., Tennessee State University, 2022

Ivan Mauricio Escobar Neiva, Columbia

B.L., Fundacion Universitaria Uninavarra, 2022

Basem M. Girgis Mt Juliet, TN

B.S., Assiut University, 1996

Donald Ray Hundley Nashville, TN

B.B.A., University of Memphis, 1963

Bobbie Jean Watt Fayetteville, TN

B.A., Tennessee State University, 2020

COLLEGE OF LIFE & PHYSICAL SCIENCE

Dr. Nolan McMurray, Dean MASTER OF SCIENCE BIOLOGY

Sophie Halper Antioch, TN

B.S., Vanderbilt University, 2020

Hilan Ismail Antioch, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2022

Vaman Ismil Antioch, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2022

Duane Alfonzo White Lebanon, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2013

COLLEGE OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Dr. Rodney Stanley, Interim Dean

GRADUATE CERTIFICATE

LOCAL GOVERNMENT MANAGEMENT

Gracie Gayle Aldridge Columbia, TN

B.S.C.E., Tennessee Technological University, 2021

Derek Ray Watson White House, TN

B.B.A., Middle Tennessee State University, 2012

NON PROFIT MANAGEMENT

Anissa Ellis Pontiac, MI

M.B.A., Oakland University , 2011

Fozia Ahmed Mohamed Antioch, TN

B.S., Iqra University, 2014

47 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP

Brenda G. Bright Murfreesboro, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2014

Ashley Deanna Pough Columbia, SC

B.A., University of South Carolina, Columbia, 2020

Vernalesha D. Walker Pooler, GA

B.S., Savannah State University, 2021

PUBLIC POLICY

Tayler Aliff Nashville, TN

B.S. Lipscomb University, 2019

John Robert Anderson Charlotte, TN

B.S., Austin Peay State University, 2019

Robin Evette Griffin Nashville, TN

B.A., Tennessee State University, 2015

Kiara Marie Hill Smyrna, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021

Tamara S. Pate Bartlett, TN

B.B.A, Fisk University, 2003

Tiara J. Thomas Olive Branch, MS

B.D.O., Tennessee State University, 2022

MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES

PROFESSIONAL

STUDIES

Tamara Lolita Barnhill Antioch, TN

B.S., Bethel University, 2014

Delandris Moore Antioch, TN

B.D.O., Tennessee State University, 2020

Chelsea Leann Morgan Nashville, TN

B.S., University Of West Georgia, 2014

Romello Tarver Boynton Beach, FL

B.A., McNeese State University, 2022

Kendra K. Thompson Murfreesboro, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2017

MASTER OF PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Gracie Gayle Aldridge Columbia, TN

B.S.C.E., Tennessee Technological University, 2021

Tayler Aliff Nashville, TN

B.S., Lipscomb University, 2019

Timothy Belcher Tellico Plains, TN

B.S.B.A., Tennessee Wesleyan College, 2008

Brenda G. Bright Murfreesboro, TN

B.S., Middle Tennessee State University, 2014

Anissa Ellis Pontiac, MI

M.B.A., Oakland University, 2011

Robin Evette Griffin Nashville, TN

B.A., Tennessee State University, 2015

Kiara Marie Hill Smyrna, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2021

Fozia Ahmed Mohamed Antioch, TN

B.S., Iqra University, 2014

Tamara S. Pate Bartlett, TN

B.B.A., Fisk University, 2003

Ashley Deanna Pough Columbia, SC

B.A., University South Carolina, Columbia, 2020

Tiara J. Thomas Olive Branch, MS

B.D.O., Tennessee State University, 2022

Vernalesha D. Walker Pooler, GA

B.S., Savannah State University, 2021

Derek Ray Watson White House, TN

B.B.A., Middle Tennessee State University, 2012

MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK

SOCIAL WORK

Eric Lamont Holden Madison, TN

B.S. Tennessee State University, 2023

Taylor Hooper White Bluff, TN

B.S.W., Austin Peay State University, 2022

Nyahota Antoinette Kaitibi Memphis, TN

B.S.W., Austin Peay State University, 2021

Niya L. Lett Moss Point, MS

B.S., Austin Peay State University, 2022

Demetrius O. Lewis Nashville, TN

B.A., Lee University, 2018

LaDaja Martin Madison, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2020

Phoumy Kao Mikavan Murfreesboro, TN

B.S.W., Middle Tennessee State University, 2013

Jessica Paiva de Oliveira Nashville, TN

B.S., Williamson Christian College, 2019

Aurora Rainbolt Spokane, WA

B.S., Central Washington University, 2022

Christopher Lamont Rippy McMinnville, TN

B.S.W., Middle Tennessee State University, 2002

Alliyah Nkai-Linnette Smith Murfreesboro, TN

B.S., Michigan State University, East Lansing, 2019

Alisha N. Thompson Antioch, TN

B.S., Tennesssee State University, 2020

Galylea Villagrana Nashville, TN

B.S., Tennessee State University, 2020

Tomisha C. Young Madison, TN

B.S. Middle Tennessee State University, 2017

48 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Tennessee State University Board of Trustees

MS. DAKASHA WINTON Chair

MR. CHARLES A. TRAUGHBER

Vice Chair

MS. TREVIA CHATMAN

DR. JEFFERY NORFLEET

DR. MARQUITA QUALLS

MS. TERICA N. SMITH

MR. DWAYNE TUCKER

MR. KEVIN WILLIAMS

DR. ARTENZIA YOUNG-SIEGLER Faculty Trustee

49 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Executive

Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover President

Officers

Dr. Robbie Melton Interim Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs Vice President, Tecnology Innovation Strategies

Dr. Douglas Allen Vice President, Business and Finance Chief Financial Officer

Mr. Frank Stevenson Vice President, Student Affairs Chief Student Affairs Officer

Dr. Curtis Johnson Vice President for Administration and Chief of Staff

Mr. Jason Evans Chief Operations Officer

Dr. Quincy Quick Associate Vice President, Research and Sponsored Programs Chief Research Officer

Attorney Laurence Pendleton General Counsel & Secretary, Board of Trustees

Ms. Kelli Sharpe Associate Vice President, Public Relations & Communication

Chief Gregory Robinson Assistant Vice President and Chief of Police

Ms. Lolita Toney Assistant Vice President, Institutional Advancement

Dr. Michael Allen Director, University Athletics

University Deans

Dr. Chandra Reddy Dean, College of Agriculture

Dr. Stephen Shanklin Interim Dean, College of Business

Dr. Janet Finch Dean, College of Education

Dr. Lin Li Interim Dean, College of Engineering

Dr. Ronald Barredo Dean, College of Health Sciences

Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis Dean, College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Nolan McMurray Dean, College of Life and Physical Sciences

Dr. Rodney Stanley Interim Dean, College of Public Service

Ms. Glenda Alvin Dean, Libraries & Media Center

Dr. Coreen Jackson Dean, University Honors College

Dr. Trinetia Respress Interim Dean, School of Graduate Studies

50 | SPRING 2024 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, former senator for the 19th District in the Tennessee General Assembly and 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 the only president to lead an international sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., one of only two African-American 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.

51 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Notable Alumni of Tennessee State University

Tennessee State University graduates become local, regional, national, and international leaders:

Valerie Love, Chief People Officer with Fanatics Commerce currently serves as the Chair of the Tennessee State University Foundation Board.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

52 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Accreditation and Affiliations

UNIVERSITY

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.

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).

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).

53 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

College of Agriculture

The College of Agriculture houses five 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 landgrant system – teaching, research, and Extension. Teaching programs are conducted through the five academic departments with the help of research and Extension-funded faculty scientists with tenure/tenure track status in their respective departments. The College provides exemplary, traditional classroom instruction and cutting-edge experiential and servicelearning opportunities to its undergraduate and graduate students.

TSUAg offers a B.S. in Agricultural Sciences with concentrations in Agricultural Business, Agricultural Leadership, Education and Communication, Biotechnology, Food and Animal Science, and Environmental Science. TSUAg also provides a B.S. in Family and Consumer Sciences with concentrations in Child Development and Family Studies, Consumer Sciences Education, Food and Nutritional Sciences, Fashion Merchandising and Product Development, and Food Service Management. The College’s graduate program includes four M.S. degrees in Agricultural Business and Leadership, Agricultural Sciences, Food and Animal Sciences, and Environmental Science, along with one Ph.D. program in Agricultural Sciences.

TSUAg conducts research in 34 state-of-the-art research laboratories on the Tennessee State University Agricultural Complex, and the three outlying Agricultural Research and Education Centers. Our research caliber is nationally-known as our faculty members continue to excel in winning competitive research grants from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the National Science Foundation. Extension programs are conducted in 60 of the 95 Tennessee 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, conducted jointly with the University of Tennessee’s Extension program, is one of the largest county operations among 1890 institutions. This partnership between the state’s two land-grant institutions is a model for the country. During the academic year 2022-23, TSU Extension agents and Extension faculty/specialists made 557,430 educational contacts with Tennessee residents through group educational meetings, on-site visits, personal correspondence, and field days. They also reached 3.5 million Tennessee residents through mass media outreach with academic information.

Recent College accomplishments include:

• Agricultural enrollment has more than doubled, while graduate student enrollment has increased eight-fold.

• In 2023, the College of Agriculture published 124 articles in peer-reviewed journals. Of these publications, 31 had students as senior authors, and 93 were faculty publications. The College made 246 presentations at professional meetings, of which 127 were made by student presenters and 119 by faculty presenters. Faculty published 115 Extension, outreach, popular press articles, or other items.

• During the 2022-2023 Academic Year, the College obtained 69 competitive grants totaling $47,440,090.

• 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.

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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 TSU College of Business has maintained this prestigious achievement and recognition continuously with its latest AACSB official reaffirmation in 2024.

• The College of Business offers Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programs to undergraduates in Accounting, Business Administration, Business Information Systems, and Economics and Finance. Concentrations are also available in Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Management, Human Resource Management, Hospitality, 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 (MBA) is offered with concentrations in Accounting, Management of Information Systems, Healthcare Economics and Management, and Supply Chain Management. The College of Business has approximately 1,100 students currently enrolled in both the undergraduate and graduate programs of study.

• The university’s innovative Executive MBA program is helping to make Nashville even more competitive when it comes to business leadership. The 12-month program 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. This format is in addition to a fully online version of our MBA, as well as the full-time and part-time options of our legacy MBA program.

• To increase student opportunities for global business and cultural awareness, CoB students may participate in numerous study abroad programs that include Japan, France, Netherlands, Germany, Italy, and the Great European capitals. These are available to both Bachelors and Masters degree students in the college.

• The College successfully recruited two distinguished faculty members to hold the Frist Chair of Excellence in Business with a focus in Accounting and the 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, Lexmark, Ernst & Young, Asurion, Regions Bank, Nissan, LKQ Corporation, Fifth/Third Financial, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Deloitte, & Forvis, CPAs, just to name a few.

• The Financial Trading Room at the Avon Williams location is a state of the art facility designed to give students hands-on training and knowledge regarding the stock market and trading. This facility is fully equipped with access by Bloomberg terminal the latest real-time data to provide faculty and students access to the world’s financial markets for instruction.

55 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

College of Education

The College of Education, in the spirit of excellence, prepares students to be professionals in colleges, 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. The College is distinguished by several grants, awards, and special programs including the following:

• Eleven Grow-Your-Own grants from the Tennessee Department of Education to prepare teachers with dual certifications across 25 school districts

• The Global Student Support Services Lab (GSSL) funded by a Gracie grant, which provides academic support to both undergraduate and graduate students

• A Registered Apprenticeship Program with the Department of Labor

• NASA Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) grant, a collaborative effort between Tennessee State University, NASA, and MNPS

Further distinguishing itself, the College boasts:

• TSU’s Educator Preparation Program (EPP) is accredited by the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP).

• TSU’s EPP continues to be one of the most prolific producers of teachers for the Metro-Nashville Public Schools.

• TSU is ranked #1 among HBCUs nationally in producing the most educators.

• TSU’s national award-winning Ph.D. program in Counseling Psychology is one of only two HBCUs accredited by the American Psychological Association.

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

• The Department of Educational Leadership in partnership with the Center for Strategic Leadership and Organizational Coherence was awarded a three (3) year SEED (Supporting Effective Educator Development) grant from the Federal Government.

Honor Societies

• Psi Chi International Honor Society—a college student honor society in psychology

• Kappa Delta Pi—the largest honor society in education Professional Organizations

• University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA)

• American Psychological Association (APA)

• Association of Black Psychologists (ABPSI)

56 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

College of Engineering

The College of Engineering is challenged and committed to providing the highest quality industrydriven curricula in Engineering, Technology, and Computer Science. As a premier educational institution that promotes innovation in instruction, research, and service, the college strives to educate and inspire every student to think critically, engage in lifelong learning, and transfer knowledge within the profession.

• The College offers Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degrees in Architectural Engineering, Civil Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science and Applied & Industrial Technologies with concentrations and/ or minors in manufacturing, computer engineering, aviation management, mechatronics, data science, cybersecurity and networking, construction management, and bioinformatics. The four-engineering program and CS program are ABET accredited. The AIT program is ATMAE accredited.

• The College offers Master of Engineering (M.E.) degrees in Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Electrical Engineering, each with various concentrations. As well as Master of Science (M.S.) degrees in Computer Science, Computer & Information Systems Engineering, and Data Science (Online Program). The college also offers a terminal degree, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Engineering & Computational Sciences.

• State-of-the-art research initiatives in areas such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced materials, renewable energy, robotics, manufacturing, environmental issues, cyber-security, signal/ image processing, and workforce development, complement the student’s learning experiences. The TIGER Institute (TSU Interdisciplinary Graduate Engineering Research) serves as the primary entity to collaborate and partner with industry and government, complemented by research centers in specific areas of scientific investigation.

• As the leading producer of African American engineers in the state of Tennessee, the college continues to strengthen its partnerships with the community, as well as local, regional, and national corporations and government agencies. Producing a diverse population of graduates has prepared quality students for employment with companies such as Amazon, Google, Apple, Boeing, Healthcare Corporation of America (HCA), IBM, General Motors, Army Corps of Engineers, Tennessee Department of Transportation, Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC), Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, Proctor and Gamble, Turner Construction, Honda, Gresham Smith, Southern Company, Nashville Electric Services, Tennessee Valley Authorities, U.S. Navy, Air Force, etc.

57 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

College of Health Sciences

The College of Health Sciences at Tennessee State University offers programs ranging from the 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 SpeechLanguage Pathology in the State of Tennessee.

• The School of Nursing offers both undergraduate (BSN) and graduate (MSN) degrees in both traditional and online formats to promote entry into initial and advanced practice nursing professions. For the 2022 calendar year, the BSN program had a 100% NCLEX pass rate and they also have a 100% pass rate for 2023.

• 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 98.55 %.

• 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), the Ph.D. is currently under development, and two graduate certificates (Public Health and Health Care Administration).

• 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

Human Performance Sport Sciences

Public Health • Nursing

Masters Degrees

Occupational Therapy • Speech Pathology

Human Performance Sport Sciences • Nursing

Doctoral Degree

Physical Therapy

Certificate Programs

Holistic Nursing • Nursing Education

Nursing Administration

Family Nurse Practitioner • Public Health

Healthcare Administration

Minors

Personal Training

Health Information Management

58 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

College of Liberal Arts

The College of Liberal Arts offers courses and programs in the creative arts, humanities, and social sciences, preparing students for a wide range of graduate and professional opportunities. Our distinguished faculty are not only educators but also active professionals in their fields who bring real-world experience into the classroom. The slogan of the College of Liberal Arts –“Building Your Foundation for Excellence!” – expresses our commitment to student success throughout and beyond their experience at the University.

Academic Programs

The College of Liberal Arts provides much of the University’s General Education program and offers eleven undergraduate majors and one master’s degree program.

• Art (B.S.)

• Communication (B.A. and B.S.)

• Criminal Justice (B.S. and M.C.J.)

• English (B.A.)

• History (B.A. and B.S.)

• Interdisciplinary Studies (B.S.)

• Multidisciplinary Studies (B.S.)

• Music (B.S.)

• Political Science (B.S.)

• Professional Studies (B.S.)

• Sociology (B.S.)

The College’s Department of Communications has received $150,000 from the Comcast Corporation and NBCUniversal News Group to support the education of future media professionals. Our Commercial Music program, which recently celebrated its 25th anniversary, was recognized in 2023 by Billboard magazine in its international list of top programs. The College also offers minors in most of its major disciplines as well as Africana Studies, Design, French, International Affairs, Philosophy, Spanish, and Women’s Studies.

Student Organizations and Activities

In association with our academic programs, the College of Liberal Arts supports a rich variety of cocurricular activities for students in our majors and throughout the University. Our Moot Court Team, Forensics Team, and HCASC Team have all won awards in recent years, with the Forensics Team consistently winning multiple awards in both state-level and national competitions. Other student organizations in the College include the Soul Fire Spoken Word and Poetry Club, Model United Nations, and a Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature (TISL) delegation.

Events

The College continuously enriches the intellectual and cultural life of the University through lectures, academic conferences, art exhibitions, music and theater performances, and other events. Lectures and conferences in 2023–2024 have included the ongoing Samual Shannon Distinguished Lecture Series, the 43rd annual Nashville Conference on African American History and Culture (co-hosted with the Metropolitan Nashville Historical Commission), our 10th annual Africa Conference, and our Research Forum for the Arts featuring student scholarship in the creative arts. The College’s Department of Music and our Theatre and Dance program offer a full calendar of concerts, plays, and other performances each year. In addition to its regular calendar of exhibitions, our Department of Art and Design hosted the national “State of Black Design” conference in Spring 2024 which included extensive networking opportunities for current students and recent graduates in Graphic Design and associated fields.

The College of Liberal Arts helps prepare students to Think, Work, Serve in the classroom and around the globe.

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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 number of underrepresented minorities entering these fields. The College is also home to the Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute.

Department of Biological Sciences

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–General Biology

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Cell and Molecular Biology

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Biology with Teacher Certification (Grades 7-12)

• Master of Science (M.S.)–Biology

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)–Biological Sciences

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.)–Professional Chemistry

• Master of Science (M.S.)–Biochemistry

• Graduate Certificate–Biochemistry

Department of Mathematical Sciences

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Mathematical Sciences

• Bachelor of Science (B.S.)–Mathematical Sciences with Teacher Certification (Grades 7-12)

Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute

• The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Meharry Medical College/TSU Accelerated Pathway Program

• The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Healthcare Scholars Accelerated Pathway Program

• The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Society

• The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Lecture Series

• The Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Endowed Scholarship

60 | SPRING 2024 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, Certificate in Non-Profit Management, Graduate Certificate in Public Policy, Graduate Certificate in Local Government 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), PI ALPHA ALPHA (PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION) AND UPSILON SIGMA (URBAN STUDIES)

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School of Graduate Studies

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. In 1944, the first student to earn a master’s degree from Tennessee A & I State College was Margaret Williams Wheeler. She earned her degree in Business Education. Today, Tennessee State University celebrates “80 years” of conferring degrees. The School of Graduate Studies now offers eight doctoral degrees, 32 master’s degrees, one educational specialist degree and 13 graduate certificate programs.

• During Spring 2024 commencement, the School of Graduate Studies will confer 213 certificates, master’s degrees, education specialist degrees, and doctoral degrees.

• In fiscal year 2023-2024, the School of Graduate Studies and Research, in collaboration with various units on campus, awarded more than 243 graduate assistantships to qualified graduate students totaling approximately $2.5 million.

• The School of Graduate Studies awarded Presidential Scholarships to incoming graduate students totaling $157,963.00.

• The School of Graduate Studies provided financial and academic support to two doctoral students through the Tennessee Doctoral Scholars program totaling $41,250. The Tennessee Doctoral Scholars program is designed to increase the number of minority students who earn a Ph.D. in Tennessee and to encourage these graduates to seek faculty positions.

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Division of Research and Sponsored Programs

Tennessee State University is the only comprehensive research-intensive R2 Carnegie designated HBCU in the state of Tennessee and has achieved a significant milestone in research funding. This past fiscal year, we set a new historic high in the amount of grant awards received totaling $100,031,083, surpassing all previous records in our history. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication and hard work of our faculty, staff, and students who have been instrumental in securing grant awards, such as Dr. John Ricketts in the College of Agriculture who received an $18 million award from the USDA-NIFA entitled, “NEXTGENeration Inclusion Consortium for Building the Food, Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences Pipeline (FANHP)” to establish an inclusive consortium of institutions to build and sustain the future of the workforce in food, agriculture, natural resources, and human sciences.

Research and Sponsored Programs is committed to providing the best possible resources and opportunities for research and discovery. To that end, the Division of Research and Sponsored Programs recently established the Center of Biomedical Sciences with a $5 million dollar award procured from the Department of Education that will assist with strengthening overall institutional research capacities and capabilities in biomedical sciences research. This broadens our research infrastructure along with the following centers housed in the Division of Research and Sponsored programs:

• Center for Prevent Research

• Center of Information Systems and Engineering Management

• Small Business Development Center

• Center of Entrepreneurship and Economic Development

• Center of Excellence in Learning Sciences

• T.I.G.E.R Institute

Tennessee State University research capacities and capabilities are further strengthened by partnerships with the following federal agencies and industry partners (National Science Foundation-National Institutes of Health-Department of Energy-Department of Defense-Apple-Boeing-Amazon-Microsoft-Google). The research enterprise at Tennessee State University is:

T - ransformative

I - nnovative and impactful

G - ame changing

E - xemplary

R - evolutionary

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TSU Libraries and Media Centers

The TSU Libraries and Media Centers are available to support the research needs of the faculty, staff, and students. Our mission is to support the curriculum taught at the university. We strive to deliver current services and resources that facilitate and enhance the teaching and learning process.

The Martha Brown- Lois Daniel Library on the main campus houses nearly 200,000 print books and provides access to over 300,000 e-books. Over 300 databases and information websites are available on the Databases page. The discovery platform provides integrated access to online and print periodicals and books, as well as streaming videos, government documents, and institutional repository content. Digital Scholarship@TSU, contains open-access articles published by TSU faculty and students, along with digitized content about the university’s history, such as yearbooks, theses, dissertations, commencements, conferences, athletics, student newspapers, and biographical profiles of noted alumni. Each academic major has a research guide specific to the key topics in their discipline. There are over eighty Lenovo computer workstations available throughout the three floors with networked printers. Relaxation Stations with puzzles and coloring tools are available for managing stress.

On the first floor, the Access Services area offers reserve materials, including textbooks. It has Chromebooks, scientific calculators, iPads, and headsets available for lending to students, staff, and faculty.

The second floor houses the Multimedia Learning Commons, which supports collaborative projects with eight iMacs, linked to network printers. Students have access to scanners and color printers. The seven study rooms are very popular and available by reservation only. Five are huddle spaces with monitors for collaborative projects. The MakerSpace offers weekly workshops on laser etching, photography, graphic design, videography, animation, 3D printing, sewing, photogrammetry, and other topics throughout the semester.

The Avon Williams Library located at the Off-Campus Instructional Site serves the College of Business, the College of Public Service, The Graduate School, and the Speech Pathology and Audiology Department as well as some health sciences programs. It is located on the lower level of the facility and has over twentyfour computer workstations, including an iMac, and a color printer. It has five new study pods and a laptop bar as well as two study rooms and a huddle space.

There are Media Centers on each site that feature services such as podcasting, streaming videos, and classroom instructional media. They loan cameras, camcorders, microphones, tripods, and other audiovisual items.

64 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

University Honors College

The University Honors College began 60 years ago when Dr. Walter S. Davis, who was the second President of Tennessee State University (TSU), appointed a committee that was charged with the responsibility of studying honors programs and determining the feasibility of establishing one at the University. After completing the investigation, the committee recommended that TSU keep pace with many other universities throughout the country. As a result, an Honors Program for freshman students was started in the fall semester of 1964. Sophomore through senior level course work was added annually throughout 1968, which marks the year of the first student to graduate with “University Honors,” a distinction reserved for students who have successfully completed the requirements of the University Honors College (UHC).

Dr. McDonald Williams became director of the Honors Program at TSU in 1966 and held that position until his retirement in 1988. Dr. Joan Elliot served as interim director from 1988 to 1990, Dr. Mayibuye Monanabela served as director from 1990 to 1992, and Dr. Sandra Holt from 1992 to 2013. The current dean, Dr. Coreen Jackson, was appointed by Tennessee State University President, Dr. Glenda Glover, in 2013.

It was the desire of President Glover and the administrators to implement the goal of the Academic Master Plan 2008-2028 that enhanced the Honors Program and transitioned it into an Honors College. On January 5, 2016, the Tennessee Board of Regents and the Tennessee Higher Education Committee approved the elevation of the Honors Program to an Honors College. Currently, the Honors College has an enrollment of 866 multi-disciplinary high achieving students.

The mission of the University Honors College (UHC) is to prepare and support students as scholars and leaders to excel in a global society through academic support services, integrated service, career preparation, and scholarly research. The UHC provides an especially rich and challenging set of academic offerings to talented and highly motivated students in Engineering, Business, Health Sciences, Life & Physical Sciences, Liberal Arts, Agriculture, Education, and Public and Urban Studies at Tennessee State University. Through special Honors courses designated from each of the 8 colleges, a vigorous intellectual community, undergraduate research, study abroad, high-impact and experiential learning, the Honors College enables students to reach heights of excellence.

The University Honors graduates have distinguished themselves by successfully completing all the Honors course requirements and maintained a GPA of 3.25 and higher. These honors graduates have earned the “University Honors” distinction and are distinguished by the Honors College gold stoles worn over their graduation gowns. We congratulate them on their achievements and their acceptance into medical, law, graduate, and professional schools, and career opportunities.

For admission into the Honors College, entering freshmen must have a high school cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.4 or higher, with an ACT score of 25 or an SAT score of 1220. Transfer or current freshman and sophomore students must have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher. Interested students must complete an Application for Admission to the UHC at www.tnstate.edu/honors.

65 | SPRING 2024 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.

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 State University Board of Trustees, other authorities and distinguished guests.

THINK SERVE WORK 66 | SPRING 2024 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.

67 | SPRING 2024 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.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
68 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Commencement Committee

Dr. Curtis Johnson–Chair

Dr. Nicole Arrighi

Mrs. Valerie Brock

Dr. Angela Bryant

Dr. Deborah Burris-Kitchen

Dr. Carole de Casal

Lt. Colonel Stephen Cash

Mr. Gregory Clapp

Mr. Gregory Clark

Dr. Eddie Cribbs

Dr. Verontae Deams

Dr. Donna Dopwell

Dr. Angelica Dunsavage

Dr. Eleni Elder

Dr. Chunxing Fan

Ms. Cierra Fleming

Mrs. Felina Freeman

Mrs. Zanetta Gooch

Mr. Aaron Grayson

Ms. Jenai Hayes

Ms. Angel Higgins

Dr. William Hytche

Mr. Elmore Jones

Dr. Timothy Jones

Lt. Lawrence Lewis

Mr. Brandon Lloyd

Dr. Reginald McDonald

Mr. Christopher Miller

Dr. Arlene Nicholas-Phillips

Dr. Landon Onyebueke

Dr. Joseph Perry

Dr. Bharat Pokharel

Dr. Kaleena Sales

Ms. Kelli Sharpe

Dr. Johnnie Smith

Ms. Sharon Smith

Dr. Xiaofeni Wang

Dr. Ramona Whitworth

Dr. Grant Winrow

University Marshalls

Dr. Nicole Arrighi College of Education Chief Marshal

Dr. Valerie Brock College of Health Sciences

Dr. Angela Bryant Office of Records

Dr. Gregory Clark Facilities Management

Dr. Donna Dopwell College of Public Service

Dr. Eleni Elder College of Education

Dr. Chunxing Fan College of Business

Dr. William Hytche Office 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. Julian Pirtle Academic Achievement and Retention Center

Dr. Bharat Pokharel College of Agriculture

Dr. Kaleena Sales College of Liberal Arts

Dr. Xiaofeni Wang College of Life and Physical Sciences

69 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

Mace and Standard Bearer

Announcer

Mr. Marc Payne

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).

70 | SPRING 2024 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.

71 | SPRING 2024 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.

Mr. James McCarroll

Mrs. Zera Marshall

Dr. Deborah Cole

Mr. Arthur Cole

Mr. Henry Perry

Dr. Laura Thompson

Ms. Janice Curry

Mrs. Susan Jordan

Ms. Esther Hopper

Mr. Ronald Miller

Ms. Geraldine Steele

Mr. Howard Gentry

Mr. Barry Huff

Dr. Trevor Holt

Mrs. Betty Overton

Mrs. Kathleen Caldwell

Ms. Elsie Rhodes

Mrs. Izella Dornell

Mr. Lamar Laws

Mrs. Pamela Merrill

Mr. Ralph Hunt

Mrs. Vinnie Mae Danner-Taylor

Mrs. Shirley Lewis-Johnson

Prof. Elbert Myles

Mr. Dwight Beard

Mrs. Jewel Campbell

Mrs. JoAnne Wolff

Mr. Renard Hirsch

Mrs. Beverly Bell

Ms. Alicia McCord-Estes

Mrs. Linda Williams

Mrs. Gwendolyn Williams Byrd

Mr. Billy Boyle

Mr. Ed Gooding

Mrs. Mary Jordon

Mrs. Susie Acklin

Mr. William Hegger

Mr. Jimmie Bryant

Ms. Josephine Crouch

Mr. Thomas Long

Mrs. Gloria Bryson

Mrs. Bridget Lane

Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover

Congratulations to Vintagers on celebrating their Golden year class reunion.

72 | SPRING 2024 COMMENCEMENT

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