Tennessee State University (TSU) is a prominent public historically black university located in Nashville, Tennessee. Established in 1912, it is the only state-funded HBCU in Tennessee and is a member of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund. TSU offers a wide range of academic programs, including 41 bachelor’s degrees, 23 master’s degrees, and eight doctoral degrees, and is classified as an R2 institution, indicating high research activity.
Historical Background
- Foundation: Originally founded as the Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal School for Negroes, it was dedicated on January 16, 1913. The institution underwent several name changes before becoming Tennessee State University in 1968.
- Growth: Significant expansion occurred under President Walter S. Davis (1943-1968), leading to the establishment of graduate programs and extensive campus development. In 2022, TSU received a historic $250 million investment from the state to enhance its facilities and academic offerings.
Campus and Facilities
TSU’s main campus spans 500 acres and includes over 65 buildings, making it the largest college campus in Nashville. The university also operates an additional campus downtown. On-campus housing options are available for students, including dormitories and apartment complexes.
Academic Structure
The university comprises eight colleges:
- College of Agriculture, Human, and Natural Sciences
- College of Business
- College of Education
- College of Engineering
- College of Health Sciences
- College of Liberal Arts
- College of Life and Physical Sciences
- College of Public Service
TSU emphasizes research and community engagement, boasting over $100 million in research awards—ranking second among HBCUs nationally.
Student Life
TSU fosters a vibrant campus life with over 89 student organizations and a strong athletic program competing in the Ohio Valley Conference. The university’s mascot is the Tigers, and its school colors are blue and white.
Recent Developments
In recent news, TSU celebrated its homecoming from October 6 to October 12, featuring various events including parades and sports activities. Notably, TSU has embraced initiatives aimed at transforming the institution for future readiness under Interim President Ronald A. Johnson. Overall, Tennessee State University continues to play a vital role in higher education within Tennessee while maintaining its commitment to serving its diverse student body.
