FOUNDATION FORWARD
BOARD OUR
Laveil Allen, M.D.
Robert Blalock (Treasurer)
Traci Otey Blunt
James Claiborne (Vice Chair)
Hon. Curtis Collier
Leslie Coleman
Charles Galbreath, Jr.
Curtis Hollis
Alexis Johnson
Katrina Kerr (TSUNAA President)
Valerie Love (Chair)
Roosevelt Luster III
Amos-Leon’ Otis (Immediate Past Chair)
Mario Payne
Deddrick Perry
Lesia Riddick (Secretary)
April Robinson
Reginald Shareef
Cynthia Snyder
Rick Stevens
Charles Traughber
Dwayne Tucker (Interim TSU President)
Laron Walker
LETTER from
the CHAIR
Greetings TSU Alumni, Family and Friends,
As we step into 2025 with fresh perspectives and high hopes, we embrace the spirit of renewal and opportunity. This year, the Tennessee State University Foundation is guided by three principles to move boldly forward: Renew, Reignite, and Reimagine.
• Renew: The new year offers a chance to renew our commitment to the Foundation’s mission. It’s a moment to reflect on the incredible progress we’ve made and to recommit to our shared vision of fostering excellence in education and scholarship. Together, we will continue to build a legacy that uplifts and inspires future generations.
• Reignite: With renewed commitment comes the opportunity to reignite our passion and purpose. Let’s focus our energy on strengthening our donor base, expanding the President’s Society, and creating transformative opportunities for our students. Every contribution, no matter the size, has the power to change lives and ensure the enduring success of TSU and its students.
• Reimagine: This year calls for bold thinking and visionary action. By reimagining the possibilities for the University, we can grow scholarships and build resources that directly impact our students. Through creativity and collaboration, we can make strides toward a future that exceeds even our highest aspirations.
As we embark on this journey, your support remains the cornerstone of our success. Whether through mentorship, financial contributions, or advocacy, you are essential to making our vision a reality. Together, we will propel TSU to new heights.
Thank you for your unwavering dedication to TSU and the students we serve. Let’s make 2025 a year of tremendous impact and progress!
Warm regards,
Valerie R. Love
Valerie R. Love Chair, Tennessee State University Foundation Board of Directors
Past TSU Foundation Board Member to Lead the University A Vision for Stability and Strategic Growth
Tennessee State University (TSU) alumnus and past Foundation Board Member, Dwayne Tucker, has been appointed Interim President of TSU. This appointment by the Board of Trustees comes at a pivotal moment, emphasizing a need for steadfast leadership, accountability, and renewed focus on the university’s core mission.
Tucker brings more than 30 years of leadership experience, having held key roles in Fortune 500 companies and most recently as CEO of LEAD Public Schools, a role he has temporarily stepped away from while taking on the interim role at TSU. With his history of service on the TSU Foundation Board and most recently as a Trustee, Tucker’s commitment to the institution is undeniable. Notably, he has chosen to forego a salary for this role, underscoring his dedication to TSU’s success and its students.
The TSU Foundation, a cornerstone of the university’s advancement efforts, recognizes Tucker’s appointment as a critical opportunity to stabilize and refocus the institution amid recent challenges. With clarity, transparency, and a deep understanding of TSU’s fiscal and operational needs, Tucker’s leadership aligns perfectly with the Foundation’s commitment to building sustainable pathways for student success.
“We cannot afford to waiver on our mission to provide high-quality education and financial stewardship,” said Valerie Love, TSU Foundation board chair. “Mr. Tucker’s decision to serve without compensation is not just a statement of generosity, but a call to action for all of us who believe in the future of Tennessee State University.”
Tucker’s leadership arrives at a time when rebuilding trust and ensuring proper use of funding are paramount.
As one of TSU’s most active alumni and Foundation contributors, Tucker understands the vital role of alumni giving, partnerships, and community collaboration in shaping the institution’s future. This understanding positions him to leverage relationships with key stakeholders—students, alumni, faculty, and donors—
to create the unified approach TSU requires during this transitional period.
“This is a time for intentional engagement, strategic decision-making, and a clear path forward,” Tucker said upon his appointment. “We must reconnect with our community, dispel misinformation, and showcase the tremendous opportunities at TSU. I believe our alumni and supporters will play a defining role in this moment.”
The Foundation urges its network of alumni, partners, and givers to view this leadership transition as an opportunity to reengage with TSU. Tucker’s experience as a Foundation Board member assures that the voices of donors and contributors will remain central as the university moves forward.
Under Tucker’s stewardship, the immediate focus will include fostering transparency, addressing operational challenges, and advancing TSU’s mission to provide accessible, high-quality education. The Foundation will continue its role as a supportive partner, ensuring resources are aligned with priorities that drive student success and institutional growth.
Dwayne Tucker’s leadership is more than interim—it’s a testament to the enduring strength of the TSU Foundation and the collective will to move TSU forward.
For those who have given to TSU through the Foundation or supported its mission, now is the time to reaffirm your commitment. “We are not just witnessing a leadership change,” said the Foundation Chair, “we are seeing the power of alumni and supporters coming together to secure TSU’s legacy for generations to come.”
Eddie George Leads Tennessee State University Football to a Stellar 2024 Season
In his fourth season as head coach of Tennessee State University (TSU), Eddie George has solidified his place as a transformative leader, propelling the Tigers to unprecedented success during the 2024 college football season. The former Heisman Trophy winner and NFL Hall of Famer has brought his championship mindset and strategic vision to the program, culminating in a 10-2 record – the team’s best performance in over two decades. George’s leadership was recognized with the prestigious Ohio Valley Conference (OVC) Coach of the Year Award, further cementing his impact on collegiate athletics.
This milestone season included a triumphant OVC championship and a historic return to the FCS playoffs for the first time since 2013. A major highlight was the Tigers’ dramatic victory over No. 11 Southeastern
Missouri, an upset that captured national headlines and electrified fans. TSU’s dominance throughout the season has not only elevated the football team but also shone a positive spotlight on the entire athletics program.
The success of the TSU football program is a testament to the critical role foundation funding has played in supporting athletics - through Foundation scholarships and department specific funding requests, donations from alumni have enabled significant advancements, such as unveiling stateof-the-art locker rooms and a world-class training center. These investments directly enhance the student-athlete experience, helping TSU attract toptier talent and create an environment of excellence.
Amid administrative challenges, athletics remains a unifying force. A strong football program bolsters school pride, increases student enrollment, and enhances the university’s national perception –outcomes that directly benefit the TSU community. Athletics can serve as a stabilizing beacon, inspiring students, alumni, and stakeholders to rally behind TSU’s enduring legacy.
Why is supporting TSU Athletics important? A robust athletics program generates revenue, fosters alumni engagement, and improves graduation rates by creating pathways for student-athlete success.
Every donation to the TSU Foundation helps sustain this momentum and builds the infrastructure needed to compete at the highest levels.
Your donations improve the overall student-athlete experience. To continue this journey of growth and success, TSUF needs your support. Visit the TSU Foundation website to contribute today and become part of the team that is shaping TSU’s future. Your gift ensures that athletics continues to uplift the university and empower the next generation of leaders - on and off the field.
If you would like to learn more ways to donate to the foundation, please visit our website.
Chuck West: Transforming Lives Through Financial Leadership and Service
For Chuck West, the work he does is more than numbers on a balance sheet. As a financial professional with a passion for education and service, Chuck has spent his career shaping lives— both directly and indirectly—through strategic investment management, leadership, and a deep commitment to giving back. Whether during his tenure as a board member for the Tennessee State University Foundation (TSUF) or in his current role as a financial advisor, Chuck’s impact is measured not just in dollars, but in the opportunities he helps create for others.
As a former TSUF board member, Chuck played a pivotal role in steering initiatives that benefit students, programs, and the broader TSU community. His expertise in financial planning allowed him to support efforts that empower the next generation of leaders, ensuring that funds allocated for scholarships, departmental initiatives, and special projects have lasting, meaningful impact.
A Career Built on Purpose
With 26 years of experience in financial services, including 11 years at Morgan Stanley, Chuck has honed a unique ability to manage wealth with purpose. His approach to investment strategy goes beyond financial growth, focusing instead on how the returns can benefit communities and institutions like TSU. His role involves helping organizations like TSUF make strategic, long-term decisions about their financial resources, so those dollars work harder for the people they serve.
This commitment is deeply personal for Chuck, an alumnus of Tennessee State University. His time at TSU laid the foundation for his career and instilled in him a passion for education, a commitment he carries with him into every professional endeavor. By working with organizations like TSUF to grow endowed scholarships and support student programs, Chuck leverages his professional expertise to open doors for students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.
Directly Shaping Student Success
The impact of Chuck’s work can be seen most clearly in the lives of the students who benefit from TSUF’s programs. The Foundation’s funds provide critical support for student scholarships, departmental initiatives, and essential university needs, helping students stay in school, graduate, and pursue their dreams. Chuck views this work as a ripple effect: every investment decision he makes contributes to a network of opportunities that can transform lives for generations.
One example of this is his involvement with the Land of Golden Sunshine, a student-led event developed by TSUF to educate and nurture future donors. Chuck served as a panelist in Fall 2024, sharing his story with students and inspiring them to think about how they, too, can give back to their communities. His belief in investing in students today to create lifelong contributors tomorrow reflects his broader philosophy of paying it forward.
A Visionary Leader With a Heart for Service
Chuck’s dedication to shaping lives extends beyond his professional work. Whether mentoring students, advising organizations, or sponsoring initiatives like TSUF’s President’s Society Annual Luncheon during Homecoming, Chuck brings his full commitment to
building stronger communities. His leadership is rooted in a belief that financial management isn’t just about wealth; it’s about enabling people and institutions to reach their fullest potential.
In addition to his financial expertise, Chuck’s personal life demonstrates a similar passion for achievement and balance. Recently relocated to Birmingham, Alabama, Chuck shares his life with his wife, Jeaneen, and their two sons: Charles, a Midshipman at the US Naval Academy, and Nicolas, a state champion track athlete. He is a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Inc., an accomplished sailor, triathlete, and golfer. Whether at work or at home, Chuck approaches every endeavor with the same enthusiasm and drive that has defined his career.
A Legacy of Impact
Chuck’s story is a reminder that financial stewardship can be a powerful tool for creating change. From his time on the TSUF board to his current efforts managing funds that support scholarships and student initiatives, Chuck’s work is a testament to the profound impact of aligning professional expertise with a commitment to service.
As Tennessee State University continues to navigate challenges and opportunities, the efforts of leaders like Chuck underscore the importance of vision and purpose. His work doesn’t just grow resources; it builds futures, creates opportunities, and inspires others to do the same. For Chuck West, the measure of success is found not in the numbers, but in the lives he helps transform.
TSU Foundation’s “Land of Golden Sunshine”: Building Futures, Empowering Students
The TSU Foundation’s Land of Golden Sunshine event proved to be a transformative experience, spotlighting the powerful intersection of student leadership, professional development, and alumni mentorship. The event, held in collaboration with the Alpha Theta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and the Alpha Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., underscored the value of preparing Tennessee State University students for success in the workforce and beyond.
Empowering Through Knowledge and Skills
At the heart of the event was a series of student-led workshops focused on financial literacy, professional attire, resume building, and interview preparation. Students learned essential skills, such as budgeting tips, understanding credit scores, and distinguishing between business casual and professional attire. Chuck West, a TSU alum and former TSU Foundation board member, who kicked off the event during the only businessprofessional-led session to educate student participants about what the TSU Foundation is and does. Paired with money manager Duke Williams, with Disciplina Group the two financial executives and fund managers emphasized the event’s unique structure: “This initiative stands out because it’s student-led,” said West. These students are not only organizing but taking ownership of what it means to uplift their peers.”
For many attendees, this event bridged the gap between academic life and professional expectations. One student reflected on a session that taught her, “how to make a standout resume and present a polished image to recruiters,” a lesson drawn from the experience shared by TSU sophomore Myria Wilbert (a former Microsoft intern and current member of the Alpha Chi Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta), who shared firsthand insights on securing internships during recruiting season.
Leadership in Action
The significance of having students lead the planning and implementation was not lost on participants or organizers. Student leaders involved in workshops, such as Women in Charge and Dress for Impact, brought personal stories of growth to the forefront. Event co-lead, Olivia Whitmore (also a member of Alpha Chi) described how a similar freshman-year event transformed her understanding of professional development and attire. “I didn’t know what to wear or how to carry myself,” she explained, “and now I’m shaping workshops to give back and help others feel prepared and confident as they grow on campus and ultimately step into their careers.”
This peer-led format encouraged relatable, actionable advice and cultivated leadership skills in those spearheading the effort. It empowered students to take charge of their professional journeys while nurturing a sense of responsibility to the TSU community.
Students Today, Donors Tomorrow:
Why TSUF NEEDS Today’s Donors
From the perspective of the TSU Foundation, our Land of Golden Sunshine event is an investment in longterm student success and institutional sustainability. Alumni and donors emphasized the need for events that provide opportunities to interact with the students they are donating towards, along with providing real-world skills and support, especially for first-generation college students, or those from under-resourced backgrounds. Ms. Audrey Stradford (a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.) and a very active donor passionately remarked, “I want to see these students thrive—not just for their own futures, but because I’ll rely on their expertise as tomorrow’s doctors, engineers, and educators.”
By teaching students life lessons now—such as financial efficacy, professional etiquette, and personal branding— TSUF is proactively equipping the next generation of leaders. This focus on holistic development helps ensure that TSU graduates not only succeed but become proud, contributing alumni.
A Growing Strategy
The Land of Golden Sunshine event is a cornerstone of TSUF’s donor engagement strategy. Events like these build trust by showing tangible impacts on students’ lives. Donors are increasingly drawn to initiatives where their contributions directly enhance professional outcomes for students. As alumni attendance grows, so does the event’s ability to inspire future giving.
“This event was developed to show students that as they matriculate through TSU, the Foundation...and our chapters...care about students and their success,” said Robert “Robbie” Blalock, III, co-lead and member of the Alpha Theta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, Inc. “Tthe TSU Foundation is truly here to help us and so many of us don’t even realize they are an important resource for our success.”
For students, alumni, and donors alike, the Land of Golden Sunshine shines as a beacon of opportunity, professional preparation, and community strength.
Spring Into Action: Empowering Futures Together During TSU Tiger’s Big Blue Weekend (April 2025 Spring Game)
Get ready for the next chapter of inspiration and impact this spring! Building on the success of the recent Land of Golden Sunshine event, our upcoming gathering will once again bring together scholars, donors, and board members for engaging sessions, transformative learning, and unparalleled networking opportunities. Stay tuned for more details as we continue our journey of empowering futures and creating meaningful connections.
Financial Forecast
Calling on TSU’s best and brightest to make an even greater impact
President’s Society members are carrying the baton of leadership through time for Tennessee State University. We’re now calling on TSU’s best and brightest to make an even greater impact by joining this distinguished group. Our goal is to reach 2,000 members, each contributing at the leadership level of $1,000 per fiscal year—or just $84 a month.
members contributing $1,000 per fiscal year 2000
Together, we’ll ensure a minimum of $20 million in annual giving, providing the vital resources necessary to bolster the University’s growth and long-term stability.
As members of the President’s Society, we already contribute nearly 80% of TSU’s annual gifts. While your financial contributions lay a strong foundation, your intellectual capital is equally valuable. By sharing your expertise, you’ll help keep the University at the forefront of social and economic progress.
TSU Foundation represents 120 Million as of December 2024
The President’s Society contribute nearly 80% of TSU’s annual gifts 80% 120M
We’re shaping the future—and we want you to be a part of it.
Your Invitation to Excellence
Becoming a President’s Society Supporter
President’s Society members are instrumental in the mission to ensure the sustainability and growth of TSU, its students, and its programs. Their support transcends mere financial contributions; it represents a resounding endorsement of our dedication to excellence.
To become a member of the President’s Society, individuals are asked to contribute a minimum of $1000 annually to the university fund of their choice. This collective generosity serves as the cornerstone of our ability to empower students, foster innovation in our programs, and drive meaningful change throughout our institution.
We invite you to reflect on the TSU motto, “Think, Work, Serve.” Your contribution is not just a financial pledge; it’s a commitment to these ideals. By making a contribution this fiscal year, you are thinking about the future of TSU, working to empower the next generation of leaders, and serving as a beacon of inspiration for all.
Your continued dedication to TSU exemplifies the spirit of the President’s Society, and we hope you will make a pledge to uphold our shared mission. Together, we will continue to think, work, and serve to create a brighter future for our university and its remarkable students.
Thank you for your unwavering support, and we look forward to another year of transformative impact.
Financial Forecast
The Tennessee State University Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization established in 1970 whose sole mission is to promote and support literary, scientific, educational, scholarship, research, charitable and development purposes and goals at Tennessee State University.
The Foundation is managed by an independent Board comprised of alumni, business and community leaders who have an affection for Tennessee State University and are committed to its vision for the future. The responsibility of the Board is to acquire, manage and administer Foundation funds to support the students of our illustrious University.
Current TSU Endowment equates to $90 Million in value.
Annual expected return +$30 million
+$30 million 670 2000 800+
TSU Foundation currently has 670 President Society members who donate $1000/year
Goal - 2000 members in the President’s Society by 2025
800+ endowed scholarships available to students by Fall 2023
WHAT IS THE FINANCIAL SUMMARY?
TSU Foundation has a goal of increasing the President’s Society (PS) membership (donors who contribute $1,000 or more in a fiscal year) to 1,000 at the close of fiscal year ‘23 (fiscal year ends June 30, 2023). The TSU Foundation closed at 726 members in fiscal year ‘22. The increase in PS members is needed to stabilize annual giving at a base of $15,000,000.
HOW HAS THE FOUNDATION HELPED TSU STUDENTS OUTSIDE OF THE STANDING NAMED SCHOLARSHIPS?
TSU recently awarded $251,700 to help 127 students who were going to be purged from the University using funds outside of named scholarships.
HOW ARE DONATIONS TRACKING YEAR TO DATE COMPARED TO THE PREVIOUS FOUR YEARS?
TSU Foundation is currently ahead of total funds raised in fiscal year ‘21. The TSU Foundation is tracking to be ahead of last year’s contributions, minus a one-time contribution of $7.1 million from State of Tennessee, Lowes, Apple and Amazon.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
You can help by using the attached link to increase your level of giving to the President’s Society (PS) level or above. You can also send this eMagazine to someone you personally know who can give at the President’s Society level or above, and ask them to become a PS member.
The Tennessee State University Foundation is the official charitable organization authorized to accept private contributions for Tennessee State University. Established in 1970, the mission of the Tennessee State University Foundation is to promote and support literary, scientific, educational, scholarship, research, charitable and development purposes and goals at Tennessee State University.
The Foundation is designated as a 501(c)(3) organization by the Internal Revenue Service and is therefore authorized to issue tax-deductible receipts for charitable donations received to support Tennessee State University. Gift acknowledgements are mailed out promptly for all contributions received.
