Meet our team!

Dr. Tammy Gregersen
Director
E-mail: tgregers@tnstate.edu
Phone: +1(615)963-6750

Dr. Tammy Gregersen is the Director of the Intensive English Center in the Office of International Affairs at Tennessee State University. Before her current position, she was a professor of TESOL at the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. She received her MA in Education and PhD in Linguistics in Chile, where she also began her academic career. She co-authored Capitalizing on Language Learner Individuality, Optimizing Language Learners’ Nonverbal Communication in the Language Classroom, Positive Psychology in SLA, Innovations in Language Teacher Education, Peacebuilding in Language Education: Innovations in Theory and Practice and Research-Driven Pedagogy, Teacher Wellbeing and the Routledge Handbook of the Psychology of Language Learning and Teaching. She has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and contributed numerous chapters in applied linguistics anthologies on individual differences, teacher education, language teaching methodology, positive psychology and nonverbal communication in language classrooms. She is passionate about exploring other cultures and has enjoyed the opportunities that participation in international conferences around the world and Fulbright scholar grants to Chile and Costa Rica have provided.

Vladimir Betancur B., M.Ed.
Assistant Director
E-mail: vbedoya@tnstate.edu
Phone: +1(615)963-6434

Vladimir S. Betancur is from Medellín, Colombia, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts in Education and served for over 12 years as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) instructor at leading schools. In 2015, he enrolled at Tennessee State University (TSU) to complete his Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, graduating in 2017. He is now the Assistant Director for the Intensive English Center at TSU, where he develops curriculum, plans events, and organizes excursions for international students. He is also pursuing his doctorate at TSU, specializing in educational leadership and equity.

Mr. Betancur is committed to supporting international students and expanding opportunities for teachers and students in Latin America to improve education. He has delivered several presentations on ESL, the internationalization of campuses, and English Medium of Instruction, in which he has shared his experience and expertise on the implementation of ESL programs and the life of an international student at a Historically Black College or University (HBCU).

Brandi Myers
Curriculum Coordinator and ESL Instructor
E-mail: bmyers6@tnstate.edu 
Phone: +1(615)963-2183

Brandi Myers is the Curriculum Coordinator and instructor at the Intensive English Center at Tennessee State University (TSU) in Nashville. She holds a master's degree in TESOL from Arizona State University and another in Curriculum and Instructional Design from Austin Peay State University. With a diverse background in Teaching English as a foreign language, Brandi has garnered extensive experience in the United States and abroad.

Brandi specializes in TOEFL preparation, academic English, and pronunciation, having taught at public schools and language institutes in South Korea. Since joining TSU, she has been instrumental in delivering top-quality Intensive English courses, making TSU a preferred destination for English learners.

Currently, Brandi is enhancing her expertise through workshops focused on international student services and visas. In her free time, she enjoys cycling, hiking, and reading. Dedicated to university-level English language training, Brandi is committed to helping students succeed in the best English courses in Tennessee. Join her at Tennessee State University's Intensive English Center and embark on your English learning journey in Nashville today.

Jordan Turner
ESL Instructor
E-mail: jturner103@tnstate.edu 
Phone: +1(615)963-6911

Jordan Turner is an Instructor at the Intensive English Center in Nashville at TSU (Tennessee State University). After earning a Master’s degree in TESOL from the University of Central Florida, Jordan built a career in Teaching English as a Foreign Language in China and Morocco, gaining valuable experience in various educational settings.  Jordan has taught at several universities and intensive English programs abroad and in Florida. Since joining TSU, she has been key in delivering TSU Intensive English courses, becoming a top choice for students seeking English classes.

In Jordan’s free time, she enjoys traveling, practicing Spanish, and going for walks around Nashville. Focused on university English language training, Jordan is committed to helping students excel in the best English courses in Tennessee.  Join Jordan at the Tennessee State University language center and start your journey in the Nashville English learning community today.

Patricia Chacón
Volunteer
E-mail: patricia.chaconb@tnstate.edu
Phone: +1(615)963-6911

Patricia Chacon has been volunteering at the Intensive English Center since June 2023. Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, she holds a master’s degree in management. Currently, she is pursuing her real estate license and finds great joy in her daily learning experiences at the Intensive English Center.

Natalia Vanegas
Volunteer
E-mail: nvanegas@tnstate.edu
Phone: +1(615)963-6911

Natalia Vanegas is part of the Intensive English Center in Nashville at TSU as a volunteer since January 2024. She was born in Medellín, Colombia, and is a lawyer specializing in Procedural Law. Her experience focuses on defending the rights of children and adolescents, particularly in the adoption system. She worked for the Colombian State in child protection and was a law professor. She has been a student at the IEC for a year and a half. She says: “I love serving the IEC students and sharing my passion for learning.”