Mr. Dwayne Tucker

Dwayne Tucker is the 9th President of Tennessee State University, a role he has held since September 2025. A distinguished executive leader with nearly 40 years of experience spanning human capital, operations, and corporate management, President Tucker brings a proven record of strategic growth, organizational transformation, and executive coaching to the University.

Prior to his presidency, Tucker served as Interim President of Tennessee State University from December 2024 to September 2025, guiding the institution through a crucial period of transition with stability, transparency, and a strong focus on student success.

He also served on the TSU Board of Trustees, chairing the Finance Committee from March 2024 to December 2024, where he provided oversight of financial strategy, accountability, and long-term fiscal planning. In addition, Tucker formerly served as Chair of Tennessee State University’s Foundation Board, supporting the University’s philanthropic strategy and advancement initiatives.

Before returning to his alma mater in leadership capacity, Tucker was the CEO of DT Consulting, founded in December 2010. His consultancy leveraged decades of executive experience and provided leadership development, organizational strategy, and coaching for senior leaders across multiple industries.

Tucker’s corporate career includes serving in major leadership roles within Fortune 500 companies such as First Data, Northwest Airlines, and Alliance Data. He has held executive titles including Chief Human Resource Officer (CHRO), Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and General Manager. As President of Alliance Data’s Transaction Services business unit, he achieved consistent double-digit revenue and profitability growth and led teams of up to 2,500 employees, with P&L responsibility exceeding $500 million.

His work as CAO included responsibility for corporate strategy and oversight of Human Resources, Marketing, Public Relations, Information Technology, and the General Counsel’s Office. Across his CHRO roles, he oversaw human capital strategy and policy affecting workforces ranging from 7,500 to more than 50,000 employees.

Recognized for his versatility and strategic insight, Tucker has been a trusted advisor to organizations navigating major transitions, offering expertise in leadership development, operational scaling, and organizational effectiveness. His expansive background across sales, operations, marketing, public relations, information technology, legal, human resources, and finance enables him to “speak the language of the C-suite” and mentor leaders on driving impact at the executive level.

In addition to his leadership at TSU, Tucker previously served as CEO of LEAD Public Schools, and is co-founder of Educate Nashville, a nonprofit focused on educational advancement. He currently serves as an independent board member for WoodmenLife Insurance.

Born in Austin, Texas, and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, President Tucker is a proud graduate of Tennessee State University, where he earned a B.A. in Business Administration in 1980. He resides in Brentwood, Tennessee, with his wife, Carmen. They have two adult children, Brandy and Dwayne Jr.