Tennessee State University, proudly rooted in the heart of Nashville on “The Cumberland’s Fertile Shore,” has stood as a beacon of access, excellence, and possibility since 1912. Founded as Tennessee Agricultural & Industrial State Normal School, TSU has grown into one of the nation’s distinguished Historically Black Colleges and Universities, carrying forward a legacy shaped by resilience, scholarship, culture, and service.
For more than a century, TSU has helped define the intellectual, civic, and cultural life of Nashville and beyond. Its story is woven into the broader history of education, public service, athletics, the arts, research, and community leadership. Generations of students have walked its campus not only in pursuit of a degree, but in pursuit of purpose, progress, and a larger place in the world.
At TSU, history is more than something we remember. It is the foundation from which we innovate, discover and lead. Our students join a nationally recognized research community and a tradition of excellence that reaches from laboratories and classrooms to the Olympic podium and Grammy stage.
Tennessee State University proudly ranks #6 among the nation’s top public HBCUs in Forbes’ 2026 rankings. This national honor recognizes TSU for its academic opportunities, student outcomes and graduate success, and celebrates its enduring legacy of excellence, opportunity and preparing generations of Tigers to lead and succeed.
Tennessee State University is classified as a Carnegie R2 Research university (doctoral) with high research activity. Faculty and students conduct work in agriculture, engineering, biotechnology, health sciences, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, astrophysics, business and the social sciences.
The Aristocrat of Bands made history as the first collegiate marching band to win a Grammy Award, earning Best Roots Gospel Album for The Urban Hymnal and carrying TSU’s tradition of musical excellence onto the world stage.
The Smart & Applied A.I. Research Center gives students and faculty opportunities to explore artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, virtual reality and other emerging technologies through hands-on education, research and workforce development.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University made a major showing in its hometown as the university’s world-renowned New Direction Gospel Choir took the stage at the 57th Annual…
By Zekeya A. Harrison NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University alumna and former faculty member Dr. Gearldean Johnson has established a $100,000 endowed scholarship to support undergraduate students pursuing…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service)– For years, the high-octane world of motorsports and advanced automotive engineering has remained largely male-dominated, but a landmark collaboration at Tennessee State University is changing that to…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Thousands of alumni, students, and community members will gather in Music City from Oct. 11 to Oct. 17 as Tennessee State University hosts its 2026…
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Tennessee State University’s Career Development Center welcomed hundreds of students to its 2026 Fall Career Fair at the Gentry Center Complex. Themed “Lock In,”…
Academic Offerings
From agriculture and business to engineering, health sciences, education, liberal arts and public service, TSU offers academic pathways designed to connect knowledge with professional preparation and meaningful service.
From agriculture and business to engineering, health sciences, education, liberal arts and public service, TSU offers academic pathways designed to connect knowledge with professional preparation and meaningful service.
TSU is more than a campus. It is a community with its own rhythm, traditions and unmistakable spirit. Join student organizations, Greek-letter organizations, leadership groups, music ensembles, athletics, service projects and creative experiences that bring Tigers together.
In the heart of Nashville, every semester offers new opportunities to connect, create, compete, celebrate and serve.
TSU promotes participation in music ensembles, theatre, Greek life, student government, honor societies, service organizations, cultural groups and numerous other student activities.
