tiger cubs - june 2012

VOLUME 1 | Number 2

Spring 2012

June 2012 Centennial Commemorative Issue

The magazine for recent alumni of Tennessee State UniversityTwenty-one to thirty-five year olds

TIGER CUBSAlumni MagazineAlumni Magazine

Centennial

Celebrating 2012

Graduates

University President

Portia Holmes Shields, Ph.D.

Interim Vice President for

University Relations and Development

A. P. Perkinson

Office of University Publications Director

K. Dawn Rutledge

Publisher-in-Chief

Publication Design and Layout

Nannette Carter Martin

Photographer

John S. Cross

Tiger CUBS, produced by Tennessee State University, features stories on current achievements made by our young alumni (twenty-one to thirty-five year olds). This magazine includes events and other news on the professional and personal developments of ouryoung alumni. The magazine is published by the Office of University Publications twice a year.

Copyright © Tennessee State University

Alumni address changes or additions may be sent to:Office of Alumni Relations and Annual Giving l Tennessee State University l P. O. Box 9534

3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. l Nashville, TN 37209-1561

3500 John A. Merritt BoulevardNashville, Tennessee 37209-1561

www.tnstate.edu

TSU-12-0164 (B) -12c-30400. Tennessee State University is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution. Tennessee State University is an AA/EEO employer and does notdiscriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regardingthe non-discrimination policies: Ms. Tiffany Baker-Cox, Director of Equity, Diversity and Compliance, 3500 John A. Merritt Boulevard, Nashville, TN 37209, (615) 963-7435.

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SHARE YOUR NEWS!

The Office of University Publications encourages alumni to send information about their achievements, including honors, recent appointments,scholarly activities, philanthropic and volunteer endeavors, career advancements and new additions to the family. We would like to considerincluding your news as a note in future editions of the Tiger CUBS Magazine.

Contact:Nannette Carter Martin l Office of University Publications l Tennessee State University

3500 John A. Merritt Blvd. l Nashville, TN 37209-1561Email address: [email protected]

Editorial policy: Items submitted are welcome for consideration for publishing; however, publication of items is not guaranteed. News itemsmay be edited for style, content and length. Items must include the writer’s name, year(s) of graduation, a contact phone number, mailing addressand email address.

Tiger CUBS MagazineJune 2012, Centennial Commemorative Issue

Volume 1, Number 2

Follow us on:

TIGER CUBS jUnE Spring 2012 l Centennial issueA l u m n i M a g a z i n eA l u m n i M a g a z i n e

SOUTHERN

I Always Wanted to be an EngineerP. 10

2 The 100-Year Salute to Tennessee State university

3 Message from the President

4 cenTennial DaY celeBraTion

6 KhaDiJah williaMS

centennial Graduate reflections

8 ShelDon welch

centennial Graduate reflections

Cover art and photography credits:

Top right: Bengal Tiger cub. Photo courtesy of the nashville Zoo atGrassmere, nashville, Tennessee.

center: centennial graduates, Khadijah williams and Sheldon welch.

Background: Floyd-Payne campus center and Mcwherteradministration Building. Photo courtesy of John cross, TennesseeState university.

conTenTS

in ThiS iSSue18 TSu national executive Board Members

19 TSu national alumni association chapters

20 TSu Save-The-DaTe: 2012 homecoming week

FeaTureS

10 Terrence SouThern

Black engineer of the Year 2012

12 PhilliP Miller

TSu opens opportunities for Success

14 chriSToPher JeTT

listens to Father...TSu

16 JaneT BarTholoMew

TSu...right Place

June 28, 2012

Greetings Tennessee State university young alumni, Tiger cuBS:

welcome to the second edition of the Tiger cuBS magazine, the centennial issue representing the celebration ofTennessee State university’s 100th anniversary, themed “Sustaining the Legacy Through Excellence, Resilience, and

Unity.”

For the technologically savvy alumnus, i am excited to continue presenting the electronic version of this publicationto you where you can read, comment, and refer items of interest in the publication to others, with just a “click.” Thisis your forum to present ideas and express opinions. i am interested and will see that you are provided an enthusiasticresponse.

while travelling around the country, i meet so many young alums who not only are performing with the magnificenceof the more famous alumni like oprah winfrey, Jesse russell and levi watkins, Jr., but who are also serving TennesseeState university (TSu) through a myriad of professional avenues. i have met you at luncheons, galas, and at formalmeetings, both working behind the scenes and appearing in highly visible executive roles. You remain excited aboutyour alma mater and continue to “give back.” TSu appreciates your generous donations and contributions of yourtime, talents, and support. would you like to provide more assistance to your alma mater and upcoming alumni? Youare only one contact point away from Karon uzzell-Baggett, our Director of career Services. She can tell you how toconnect your companies with our deserving students for extramural experiences, such as shadowing and internships;or the transition into entry-level positions. in addition, i invite you to come and provide “real world” experiences tobring theory and practice together through classroom presentations. we would love to have you.

Finally, i anticipate your return to TSu for homecoming 2012 which will be in September. events will highlight the100 best years in america, as TSu passed from infancy into the mature university it is today. You will reminisce aboutstudent life at the university and connect with your college through beautiful floats that will pass along streets namedfor our heroes – Davis, Temple, and Merritt. expect to be proud of what you see for it is TSu – Big Blue! invite afriend, neighbor, or a child. They are all welcome at TSu. The 2011 homecoming crowd soared to 55,000 people.we will top that this fall and we certainly want you to be a part of the celebration.

My very best wishes for your continued success.

with Tiger pride,

Portia h. Shields, Ph.D.President

3

Office Of

The PresidenT

The land of golden sunshine shone brightly on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, as members of the

Tennessee State university family and community gathered on the lawn of Goodwill Manor

in recognition of the university’s 100th anniversary.

More than 200 people participated in “centennial Day” celebrating the rich past and

promising future of TSu as officials honored the courageous leaders who dreamed of an

institution of higher learning for negroes overlooking the cumberland river. Joining

TSu for the event were nashville Mayor Karl Dean, State Sen. Thelma harper and State

rep. Brenda Gilmore, who all shared remarks and resolutions acknowledging TSu’s

importance to the nashville community, the state and its future as an academic and research

hub. Tennessee Governor Bill haslam was unable to attend the event, but proclaimed a

statewide “Day of recognition” for TSu’s century of achievements and contributions to the

state and nation.

under the cover of a bright sun, interim Provost and executive vice President, Dr. Millicent lownes-Jackson, presided

over the event, which included a special tree planting ceremony.

“we decided that the planting of an oak tree would be an appropriate symbol to denote the stellar legacy established over

the past 100 years and also to acknowledge the legacy we are establishing for those 100 years from now.

also present and recognized was Mrs. ivanetta h. Davis whose 100th birthday coincides with TSu’s celebration year. Mrs.

Davis is the former first lady to Dr. walter S. Davis, TSu’s second president (1943-1968). The event concluded with the

cutting of the 100-year birthday cake by Mrs. Davis and the crowd singing the Tennessee State university Alma Mater.

Dr. william J. halePresident, 1912-1943

A Time to Celebrate…June 19, 2012University Commemorates 100 Years

Photo: centennial Day ceremony at Goodwill Manor. l. to r.: Dr. Dexter Samuel, vP Student affairs; David rawles, SGa President; councilman walter

hunt, Metro council District 3; Dr. Millicent lownes-Jackson, Provost (center); Sen. Thelma harper, Tn District 9; Mrs. ivanetta Davis (seated); Dr. ivan

Davis; rep. Brenda Gilmore, Tn District 54; Janet Merriweather, national alumni association; and Mayor Karl Dean, nashville.

4

Platinum Moments of the Centennial Day Celebration

5

Photo: Centennial Day tree planting

ceremony.

Photo above left: Faculty and

staff join the TSu family to

celebrate centennial Day.

Photo above center: TSu family and friends in audience

sing TSu Alma Mater.

Photo above right: Mrs. ivanetta Davis

cuts the centennial cake.

ReflectionsJourney of Grace for

Centennial Graduate:

Williams Cherished

Significance of Supporting

TSU’s Legacy

Khadijah williams has had the fortune of experiencingtwo special milestones in her college career. as acentennial graduate, she joined nearly 1,100 otherTennessee State university graduates with the honor ofgraduating in the university’s 100th anniversary year,and walked across the stage as a first-generationgraduate beginning a legacy she hopes will continuewith others in her family.

a native of richmond, va., williams earned a Bachelorof Science in communications and is currently inpursuit of a professional position to match hereducational qualifications, preferably in new York.

The recent graduate shares her personal reflections on

graduating at such a historical time in the life of the

university:

Khadijah williams graced the Tennessee State university graduation stageon May 5, 2012, as a centennial graduate and received the Bachelor ofScience in communications.

by Nannette Carter Martin

6

Q: Reflect on your academic and student journey

during the centennial year at Tennessee State

University and your graduation during this

historical 100-year milestone.

A: As a Tennessee State University centennial graduate

I often reflect on my journey through college. I honestly

did not feel like anything had been accomplished until

I turned in my “Psychology of the Black Experience”

final exam on April 25, 2012 at exactly 10:14 a.m. I

remember immediately rushing to the University

Honors Program office where I constantly found

comfort, guidance and unconditional love. I told Dr.

Sandra Holt and Dr. William Latham I was officially

done with college and then suddenly burst into tears in

their office.

I knew at that very moment when I said the words

“officially done” that I did it. I accomplished something

that no one in my family had done and many people

would never achieve. I attended and graduated from a

four-year institution and I built a door for my little

brother, nieces, nephews and my older siblings to go

through and continue a legacy of higher education. Like

the first students who walked on our campus in 1912,

and the many students who followed, I was going to be

a graduate of Tennessee State University.”

Q: How do you feel the May 2012 graduation

differed from previous graduation ceremonies?

A: When I first set foot on the Tennessee State

University’s campus for orientation, I remember being

extremely excited and instantly filled with pride when I

was told I would be a part of the centennial class. For

me, at the time, I would represent the growth and quality

of Tennessee State University 100 years after its

inception. More importantly, I felt ownership of the

university – of the TSU brand.

Four years later as I stood in line to enter the Howard

C. Gentry Complex and take my seat for graduation, I

felt that same feeling of pride and significance again. I

completely understood the centennial theme

(“Sustaining the Legacy through Excellence, Resilience

and Unity”) in the last moments before graduation

because I knew from my family’s perspective I was

building a legacy, and for my institution I was

supporting it. By achieving excellence in my work as a

student-athlete and never giving up, even when I could

not pay tuition in time, and through building

relationships on campus with other students,

administration, faculty members and the surrounding

Nashville area, I was what Tennessee State University

promised their students would be.

Q: What activities/events made an impact on your

tenure as a student?

A: I was heavily involved on campus thanks to the

University Honors Program and Dr. William Latham’s

leadership courses. I played women’s tennis under

coaches Gerald Robinson and Arthur Graffenreid, who

taught me how to be a respectful woman. I made lifelong

relationships with people on campus and I served the

TSU community as best I could. I was infected with TSU

pride and the determination to achieve personal and

professional greatness at TSU and in my career. Now,

as an alumna, I believe I succeeded in representing my

institution and my family to the best of my ability

because I took ownership and responsibility for my

actions, my image and my vision.

Khadijah williams spars in a match as a member of the TSu women’s Tennis Teamduring her college career. williams, while petite in stature, experienced a dramatic runas a TSu netter and saw action as a single and doubles player throughout ovccompetitions.

Khadijah williams (center) poses with fellow university honors Programstudents just prior to graduating May 2012.

7

chicago native Sheldon welch says he was

more than prepared as he left Tennessee

State university for his first career position

as a procurement agent for the Boeing

Military aircraft – Mission Systems Group

– 8a Poseidon anti-Submarine and anti-

Surface in Seattle, wash. after graduating

in May with a bachelor’s degree in

business administration.

For welch, a centennial commencement

ceremony at TSu was about achieving

milestones for himself, his family and the

university. The recent graduate provided

his perspective on the university’s

centennial year and how it felt to earn his

degree during this significant milestone:

Q: What did you find most reflective

during your academic journey at TSU?

A: In life, everyone, every place, every

institution has milestones they strive

toward. Many do succeed in meeting those

milestones and yet some fail. The honor of

attending Tennessee State University while

the institution celebrates its centennial was

such a privilege for me. Not only did I

participate in the celebration, but also I

made history with the university

graduating with the centennial class and

Reflections

Sheldon welch marched across the stage during the Tennessee State universitygraduation ceremony on May 5, 2012, as a centennial graduate and received thebachelor of science degree in business administration..


8

Thankful Passage for Centennial Graduate:

Welch Treasures TSU ‘s Legacy

graduating summa cum laude, which meant so much to

my family. It also speaks to the heritage and traditions

of Tennessee State University producing amazing

leaders. I’m proud to have been able to witness

centennial for myself and graduate at that same period

of time.

Q: What part of the 2012 Commencement ceremony

was most inspiring for you?

A: The highlight of the celebration was the centennial

address delivered by Jesse Russell, a TSU electrical

engineering graduate, inventor and innovator for

wireless communication technology. It was an

incredible experience having the opportunity to listen

to a man who single-handedly changed the way we

communicate in this world. It really gave us inspiration

to take our gifts out in this world and transform it. I

learned from Jesse Russell to leave my mark for the

good of the community and the world. He is the shining

example of what we as graduating students should

exemplify and exceed in life.

Q: What activities/events made an impact on your

tenure as a student?

A: As we live to leave our own legacy to the world or

carry others’ legacies into the world, it is a reflection

of our duties, works and, ultimately, our character.

Each day you want to represent in the strongest and

most positive light. The three pillars of excellence,

resilience and unity are the foundation of creating a

powerful legacy that impacts generations of people from

all walks of life. Tennessee State University has a

strong legacy that continues to thrive throughout the

world.

Q: What’s next for you and what message would you

share with future alumni?

A: My parents were proud of me graduating with honors

and that I had a job immediately with Boeing in Seattle,

Sheldon welch holds the award received at the opportunity Funding corporation

venture challenge (oFc), an MBa business case competition in which TSu placed

third out of 20 other hBcus nationwide.

9

so my mother doesn’t have to support me anymore. I

truly appreciate my family for the love and support over

the last four years. They mean the world to me and I’m

blessed to now be in a position to give back to them.

It is important that students prepare themselves for the

world because the world will not wait for you to catch

up. I would tell future graduates to diversify their

cultural experiences to understand the world we live in.

Only then can we truly make an impact on the world in

which we live. Also, the day we fail to keep learning is

the day we die and cease to strive for success. Always

think of what you want YOUR legacy to be. With that

mindset, you will always make the right decisions in life.

when Terrence Southern received the “Black

engineer of the Year award for Most

Promising engineer” in 2012, it was not the

first time he had been recognized for his

contributions to the field. his path, which

began as a student at Tennessee State

university, was laden with great moments

culminating as the recipient of this high honor

from his peers.

“During that time, we went to the gala and

that is where all of the big awards are given.

it is like the Grammys of black engineers–red

carpet, lights, tuxedos, evening gowns, lots of

entertainers, presidents of companies, and all

these phenomenal engineers you read about

throughout the year. i remember at that time,

sitting there thinking, ‘i hope i get to be up

there one day.’”

Five years earlier at the Black engineer

conference, Southern was among several

young engineers who received the “Modern

Day Technology leader award,” at the time,

sharing the stage with one of his colleagues

from General Motors as well as three other

TSu graduates from other companies who

received the same award that day.

Years of performing well in his field have paid

off in many ways, and last year when

someone recognized his work and approached

him with a nomination as the most promising

engineer, Southern was more than excited. his

dream was finally becoming reality.

Black Engineer of the YearSouthern Receives High-status Engineering Honor

Terrence Southern (left) is presented with the “Black engineer of the Year award”for the “Most Promising engineer for industry” in 2012.

10


“all of this came through hard work and taking some

calculated, intelligent risks; a lot of prayer and support

from individuals i have met in the community, at

General Motors, and through the support here at Pepsico

as well as at Tennessee State university.”

Southern, a native of Detroit, said he always wanted to

be an engineer. Prior to coming to TSu, he researched

several historically black colleges and universities

(hBcus) known for their engineering programs, and

“TSu was on top,” he said.

“i did research on Jesse russell and his

contributions to the world with cell phone

technology. i wanted to make my own

impact, and the only place i had in mind

from day one was Tennessee State

university,” Southern said.

after his freshman year, Southern spent

the next four summers as a General

Motors intern. From the very beginning of

this relationship, he said he would ask his

teachers and the professional engineers at

General Motors questions, stirring debate

and collaboration between the two as he

volleyed questions and answers.

in 2003, Southern earned a bachelor’s

degree in engineering, and began his

professional career spending six months

heading his first professional project for

GM as lead robotics engineer for the

hummer h3. Seven years later, he became

the lead robotics and systems engineer for

the chevrolet volt. Soon, Southern would

find his way to Frito-lay to take on the

task of automating the Frito-lay division

of Pepsico.

Throughout his journey, Southern

continues to reach out and mentor. he

recognizes he is one of only a handful of

african-american robotics engineers, but

he does not want that trend to continue.

with the united States falling behind in

the areas of math and science, Southern fears there will

not be enough young people in the work force to replace

them. he is taking initiative to be a part of the solution

by working to establish a non-profit dedicated to

increasing the number of african-american robotics

engineers by drawing youth into STeM fields – science,

technology, engineering and math. Southern also wants

to introduce youth to video game development,

programming and web site design.

Southern (back row, center) is passionate about sparking youths’ interest in engineering and robotics careers,and appears with the middle school robotics team he coached in his native Detroit, leading them to second placein the nSBe robotics competition.

11

Terrence Southern delivers his acceptance speech for the “Black engineer of the Year award”(BeYa) in 2012.

as a youth, Phillip Miller saw few opportunities

growing up as an african-american male in a

small town outside Knoxville, Tenn. like many

communities across the country, his hometown was

plagued with stereotypical images of black males

as drug dealers and “gang bangers,” “even if you

had the highest grades in the class,” he said.

as opportunities seemed to diminish, Miller saw

increasing numbers of his peers caught in the traps

of drugs, robbery and jail. But Miller’s father and

brother had attended Tennessee State university

and this village of role models helped him find his

path to higher education.

“with the exception of my family, i had not been

exposed to such strong-minded individuals who

were african-american,” he said. “i realized that

i would truly have to go above and beyond in order

to make my mark in this new setting at TSu. one

of the most beneficial things i accomplished was

crossing Phi Mu alpha music fraternity. There,

like-minded individuals would help guide me on

the path i find myself on today. Music was, and is,

a passion of mine, and they encouraged me to use

my gift instead of hiding the light that God

bestowed upon me.”

TSU OpensOpportunities to

Success forPhillip Miller


Phillip Miller (‘09), current teacher in theMetropolitan nashville Public Schoolsystem is also a musician and actor.

12

Photo left: Phillip Miller caught on camera as a professional actor. Photo center: Miller created a wax museum and educated students about african-american hero, Benjamin carson, M.D., while student teaching at lakeview Design center.

elementary education classes gave Miller the reality

check he needed to succeed. he earned his bachelor’s

degree in elementary education in 2009, and is

presently a teacher and musician with Metropolitan

nashville Public Schools.

after working with Metro

schools for two years, he

enrolled at lipscomb

university for graduate work.

Miller said that experience

has caused him to be more

marketable for other positions

within the district.

“Today, i teach 2nd grade for

english language learners

(ell). although we are

teachers, it is a competitive

work force. everyone wants to get “Teacher of the

Year” and other accolades that come with good test

scores, exceptional classroom management, etcetera,”

Miller said.

outside the classroom Miller travels independently

with his music group, one-a-chord performing at

different churches and engagements across the country.

he said one of his biggest musical highlights was

performing at the Kennedy honors in 2010 to honor

another TSu graduate, oprah winfrey.

“it seemed like every person i had ever seen on

television was in that giant room, including President

Barack obama,” Miller said.

Miller credits TSu as a launching board in his life. as

a result of his connections at TSu, Miller has received

opportunities to sing back-up for artists such as Jennifer

hudson and Dr. Bobby Jones. Most recently, he made

his acting debut in a stage production of “The color

Purple.”

Miller’s plans for the future include starting his own

school focusing on learners who have been labeled as

remedial or have low test scores. he realizes that some

students do not thrive in the traditional classroom and

he wants to give young learners hands-on educational

opportunities to keep them excited about learning.

“TSu taught me that everything is not what it seems,

and not to take things at face value. i learned that in

order to excel, a schedule and a strong work ethic must

be in place,” Miller said. “TSu also helped me socially.

in life, we have to brace ourselves to deal with different

mindsets, lifestyles, cultures, religions and beliefs. in

doing so, we are able to learn from these different

entities, take bits and pieces of their theories and

ideologies, and form what we feel is appropriate for

ourselves.”

13

Miller performing for TSu’s PhiMu alpha music fraternity.

Jett Listens to Father ... Finds Way to TSU

when Dr. christopher c. Jett, a native of

Memphis, Tenn., was in the process of

choosing where he would attend college, he

knew it would be a historically black college

or university (hBcu). his father had

attended leMoyne-owen college in

Memphis but wasn’t able to finish.

Despite his own situation, Jett’s father

continued to be a proponent of hBcus

and steered his son in that direction.

along with the advice from his father,

and further encouragement from Dr.

Jeanetta Jackson, a Tennessee State

university mathematics professor he

met in the Packard Science Summer

institute, it helped to solidify his

decision to enroll at TSu, a decision

he stands by today.

“i absolutely loved my experience as

a TSu student,” he said. “i was really

involved with the university honors

Program, and even served as Mr.

honors during my junior year. i was

also an active member of the new

Direction Gospel choir, which kept me

grounded spiritually, which is critically

important. Moreover, my camaraderie with

my fellow math majors worked to create a

community. although our program was small

with about eight math majors, we became a

close knit group.” Jett said they continue to

communicate regularly today.

after TSu, Jett continued his academic jour-

ney working toward a Ph.D. in mathematics

education. he said his mission is to influence

the participation of blacks in mathematics in

STeM (Science, Technology, engineering,

and Mathematics) professions.

Dr. christopher c. Jett (‘03, ‘05) is pictured above during hiscurrent tenure at Georgia State university as clinical assistantProfessor of Mathematics education.


14

currently, Jett is a clinical assistant professor

in mathematics education and serves as the

program coordinator of the Mathematics and

Science Transition to Teaching program at

Georgia State university. in this role, he

advises and mentors traditional undergraduate

students as well as career switchers as it

pertains to obtaining their teaching

credentials. he also teaches mathematics and

education courses.

in fall 2012, Jett will join the Department of

Mathematics at the university of west

Georgia in carrollton, Ga. in this capacity,

he plans to continue his research and begin

writing and implementing his own grants

centered on improving mathematics education

for african-americans.

“TSu prepared me well for my career,” Jett said. “it’s

funny because i received the ‘outstanding Ph.D. Student

award’ at Georgia State university. in other words, not

only was i able to compete with mathematics majors and

mathematics teachers from other programs, but i was

able to stand out as exemplary. i credit this to my

exceptional academic training at TSu.”

Jett contributes much of his success in life to his

experience at TSu, and has made giving back a priority

in both financial gifts and time.

“During one homecoming visit, i went to a class and

spoke with a group of students who were studying

mathematics,” he said. “i shared some of my experiences

about graduate studies and let them know that they could

do so much more.”

Jett said he would tell future alums to stay abreast of the

happenings at TSu and to get involved in any capacity.

“it doesn’t take much,” he said. “My time is limited, but

i have offered to assist on different occasions with the

atlanta alumni chapter. it takes us all (both the young

and the old alumni) to continue the work.”

above: Dr. Jett (standing in red shirt) teaches students in mathematics class at Georgia Stateuniversity, small group style.

Standing front l. to r.: Dr. David Stinson and Dr. christopher Jett at Georgia State university's Spring 2012commencement ceremony held in the Georgia Dome. Both are mathematics education faculty members.Stinson served as Jett’s major professor during Jett’s doctoral studies.

15

Tennessee State University...Right Place

for Bartholomew’s Graduate Pursuit by Nannette Carter Martin

16

Bartholomew is photographed while

teaching a literature course at Michigan State

university.

while Janet Bartholomew’s husband was completing a Ph.D.

program in nashville, rather than wait until they moved to another

city to start her own graduate studies, she decided to explore some

options. in her search for the right program, she visited with

professors at Tennessee State university and discovered TSu was

the right place to continue her education. Bartholomew, a native

of St. louis, Mo., earned a master’s degree in english from TSu

in 2007 and is now pursuing her Ph.D.in english from Michigan

State university.

“i was prepared to wait and apply to out-of-state programs but then

i visited TSu and was very impressed with the professors i met,”

Bartholomew said. “everyone was kind and professional, and they

were eager to help me grow academically. i felt like it was the

right program.”

Bartholomew, who had aspirations for being a college instructor,

a writer, and a researcher said that while she was a student at thePhoto: Janet Bartholomew, current Ph.D. candidate,

english Department, Michigan State university.

17

Photo: Bartholomew toured Thoor Ballylee,(the summer home of william Butler Yeats)in ireland during her graduate studies.

university, several of her professors took her under their

wings and challenged her to go above and beyond what

she thought she was capable of doing.

“i was encouraged to participate in conferences and gain

publication experience, both of which became invaluable

as i moved into teaching at a university full-time and then

later as i pursued a doctorate,” she said.

Bartholomew credits TSu for preparing her to further her

educational pursuits. She said much of what she has been

able to achieve is a result of the personal attention she

received from her professors and the opportunities she

had as a budding scholar.

“i don’t know if i would have been able to push this hard

and go this far if i had not been given the kind of

mentoring i received at TSu,” she said.

Some of her achievements while at TSu included her first

publication, which appeared in the book The Sword of

Judith: Judith Studies Across the Disciplines, which

complimented her thesis research. She was also awarded

the Pierce loughran Memorial Scholarship by the Yeats

Society of Sligo which allowed her to travel to ireland

for their summer institute.

Since graduating from TSu, Bartholomew has had the

opportunity to teach as an adjunct professor of literature

and writing for several institutions and has served as a

visiting professor at albion college in albion, Mich.

Bartholomew is currently in the fourth year of her

doctoral program and has taken part in a paleography

practicum where she learned how to read various

medieval and early modern scripts as well as gain more

hands-on experience working with illuminated books and

vellum manuscripts. Further, Bartholomew is teaching a

summer course at MSu while working on her

dissertation, which examines the representation of men

and masculinity in the 16th and 17th century through

women’s writings. her goal is to obtain a tenure-track

position at a university once she receives her doctorate.

Bartholomew continues to stay in touch with some of her

professors at TSu and looks forward to any opportunity

to be of service to her alma mater.

“TSu will give back what you put into it,” she said. “if

you take the time to work hard, get to know your

professors and take advantage of every opportunity to

improve your skill sets and professionalism, you will no

doubt succeed in whatever you pursue after graduation.

There are so many very intelligent, gifted, supportive and

encouraging faculty members at TSu who are willing to

go beyond what is necessary in order to help students

succeed.”

Mr. Leonard Stephens

National President

(301) 622-1518 (h)(301) 518-0626 (c)[email protected]

Mr. Tony Wells

National Vice President

(202) 518-5964 (c)[email protected]

Ms. Audrey Stradford

Midsouth Regional VP &

Publications Editor

(615) 227-8581 (h)[email protected]

Dr. Darlene Harris-Vasser

National Executive Secretary


Mr. Harry Taylor

National Treasurer


Ms. Kara Turrentine

National Webmaster

(615) [email protected]

Mrs. Mary Carver-Patrick

Nat. Special Events Coord.


Ms. Belinda A. Patterson

Administrative Assistant


Mrs. Janet Merriwether

National Membership Chair


Mrs. Rozalind T. Smith-Simon

National Parliament


Mr. Charles Settle

National Nominating Chair


Ms. Ashley Floyd

National Young Alumni Co-Coord.


Mr. Arthur Benjamin, Jr.

Northeast Regional VP


Attorney Robert Greene

National General Counsel


Mr. Charles Flack

Strategic Planning Committee

& Affinity Chapter Coordinator


Ms. Cassandra Griggs

Director, Alumni Relations &

Annual Giving

(615) 963-5763 (o)[email protected]

Mrs. Iona Borders Martin

National Recording Secretary

(203) 837-8320 (B)(205) 202-3406 (h)[email protected]

Ms. Joni McReynolds

National Scholarship Chair

[email protected]

Dr. Richard M. Bonner

Midwest Regional VP


Ms. Kashundra Hill

National Young Alumni Co-Coord.

(901)[email protected]

Ms. Thedda Edwards

Southeast Regional VP


Mrs. Angela Thorpe-Harris

Southwest Regional VP


Mr. Theodis Maxey

Farwest Regional VP

(310) [email protected]

Ms. Deidra Johnson

Fareast Regional VP


18

Alumni AssociationConnect with Fellow Tigers

2012 Executive Board Members

2012 TSU AlumniAssociationChapter Presidents

ABSOLUTELY AXMs. Tiffany Dobson(865) 385-7735 (c)[email protected]

ALPHA THETA NETWORKStephen Harvey(770) 355-9629 (c)[email protected]

ATLANTAMr. Maurice Granger(678) [email protected]

AUSTIN/SAN ANTONIOMs. Patricia Merritt(210) [email protected]

BAND CHAPTERMs. Michelle Allen615-963-5330 (o)[email protected]

BASKETBALLMr. Rossie Johnson III(626) 964-0439 (h)[email protected]

BETA OMICRONMr. Cederic Stokes(972) [email protected]

BIRMINGHAMMs. Iona Martin(205) 202-3406 (h)[email protected]

CENTRAL ARKANSASMr. Shedrick Warren, III(501) [email protected]

CHATTANOOGADr. Barbara Wofford(423) 698-1125 (h)[email protected]

CHICAGOMr. Gary Walker(773) 814-4271 (h)[email protected]

CINCINNATIMr. James W. Isabel(513) 631-1553 (h)[email protected]

CLARKSVILLE TNMr. Phil Petrie, Jr.(931) 552-6784Philwpetriejr @hotmail.com

CLEVELANDMr. Steven Robertson(216) 921-1129 (h)[email protected]

COLORADOMs. Nikki Hollis(303) [email protected]

DALLAS/METROPLEXMs. Angela Berry(214) [email protected]

DAYTON OHIOMr. Richard Wright(937) 268-2091 (h)[email protected]

DETROITMrs. Rita L. Jordan(313) 506-2932 (h)[email protected]

EAST TNMr. Logan Hill(865) [email protected]

ENGINEERINGMs. Dwan D. Austin(423) 305-1442 (h)[email protected]

FOOTBALL Mr. Jerrold McRae, Sr.(615) 963-7909 (o)[email protected]

FORT LAUDERDALEMs. Deidra Johnson(954) 484-3988 (h)[email protected]

FOUNDING FATHERSBASEBALLMr. Gregory Goodwin(678) 464-6796 (h)[email protected]

GARY-NORTHWESTMr. Darrick Harris(219) 689-3128

GREATER GALLATIN Ms. Louvenia Crutcher(615) 452-8650 (h)[email protected]

GREATER ST. LOUISMs. Delicia Stephens(314)-749-6108 (c)[email protected]

HARDEMAN COUNTYMs. Evelyn Robertson(731) 254-8508 (h)[email protected]

HAYWOOD COUNTYMs. Quince Outlaw(731) 772-1933 (h)

HOUSTONMs. Xandelyn Wright(713) 870-7320 (c)[email protected]

HUNTSVILLE ALMr. Roy Williamson(256) 722-3188 (h)[email protected]

INDIANAPOLISMs. Youlanda [email protected]

JACKSON TNDr. Sarah Chatman(731) 664-1042 (h)[email protected]

JACKSON MSMr. Chris Cockrell (601) [email protected]

LOS ANGELESMr. Franklin J. Henderson(323) 293-0547 (h)[email protected]

LOUISVILLEMr. Anthony Speller(502) [email protected]

MEMPHISMs. Ashley Washington(901) 497-1070 (h)[email protected]

MILWAUKEEMr. Gregory Williams(414) 430-7474 (c)[email protected]

MONTGOMERY ALMr. Joseph T. Nash(334) 281-6692 (h)[email protected]

NASHVILLEMs. Sandra D. H. Hunt [email protected]

NEW YORKMr. Walter Mason(516) 377-3820 [email protected]

RHO PSIMr. Rick Jones(615) [email protected]

TAMPA BAY AREAMr. Robert LaMarr Buggs(813) [email protected]

TN SOUTH CENTRALMr. Melvin Turner(931) 728-6590 (h)[email protected]

UNIVERSITY HONORS PROGRAMMr. Tony Forte(615) [email protected]

VISION OF ALPHA WOMENMs. Cynthia Hendricks(404) [email protected] [email protected]

WASHINGTONMs. Chandra Champion(202) 491-1239(w)[email protected]

ZETA ALPHA ALUMNIMr. Dwight A. Webster(615) [email protected]

19

TIGER CUBSAlumni MagazineAlumni Magazine

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Office of university publications3500 John A. Merritt boulevardNashville, Tennessee 37209-1561

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The walter S. Davis humanities Building (old “administration Building”), originally occupied in 1933, was renovated and enlarged in 1967 and1997. The cupola atop the building was donated november 24, 1949 by the Tennessee State university national alumni association. The buildinghouses the Thomas e. Poag auditorium, the Department of languages, literature and Philosophy, and the Division of communication andinformation Technologies (ciT). historical information adapted from Tennessee agricultural and industrial State university, Bulletin announcements 1969-1970, vol. lvi, no. 5 and Tennessee State university, undergraduate catalog 2011-2013, vol. lXXiii-2011-2013. (photo courtesy of Tennessee State university)

visit us online: www.tnstate.edu/alumnirelations

History: The Cupola and Walter S. Davis Humanities Building(old “Administration Building”)

tiger cubs - june 2012

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