Welcome to InsideTSU, the weekly newsletter of Texas Southern University! |
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President's Investiture, Tiger Ball spotlight transformation, innovation, disruption |
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Saturday, April 30, will be remembered as a historic day for Texas Southern University. It marked a day of transformation, with President Lesia L. Crumpton-Young's investiture in the morning, followed by the inaugural President's Tiger Ball, presented by the TSU Foundation Board of Trustees. |
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President Crumpton-Young formally sworn in during Investiture ceremony |
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Texas Southern University formally swore in its 13th President, Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, as part of the Investiture ceremony on Saturday, April 30, 2022. An investiture is typically held within a president’s first year in office, representing a significant milestone in the history of Texas Southern University, as it is one of the oldest traditions in academia. President Crumpton-Young’s Investiture honors TSU’s academic tradition, celebrating its institutional history and symbolizing a new era of transformation in the life of the University. |
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At Saturday's Investiture ceremony, Albert H. Myres, chair of the TSU Board of Regents, served as the presiding officer. In addition to greetings and presentations from elected officials, including U.S. Representatives Sheila Jackson Lee, Al Green, and Sylvia Garcia, and Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, former colleagues and mentors were on hand to provide their perspective on President Crumpton-Young's innovation, transformation and disruption throughout her career. TSU faculty, staff, students and alumni were also represented during the investiture.
TSU Regents Marc C. Carter and Carolyn Baker Hurley administered the oath of office to President Crumpton-Young.
During her remarks, President Crumpton-Young spoke of the 'Crumpton Guarantee,' which she originally created as a faculty member, promising to her students that she would give everything she had to help ensure their success in her classes.
"To every student, every faculty member, every staff member, every alumnus, every community supporter, and, yes, the individuals I am accountable to on a day-to-day basis, the Board of Regents, I leave you with what I always gave (to my students): I guarantee that I will always be a president that leads with integrity, that subscribes to excellence, and that will always be committed to serve," said President Crumpton-Young. "I promise that I will wake up every day focused on transforming lives. You can count on the 'Crumpton Guarantee.'"
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Program participants, faculty, and other special guests stand with President Crumpton-Young following the Investiture ceremony. |
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President Crumpton-Young is presented with the Presidential Medallion/Chain of Office during the Investiture. |
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Dr. Kiana Day Williams, Director of the TSU Choir, sang several musical selections during the Investiture. |
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TSU faculty lead the processional into Sawyer Auditorium at the start of the Investiture. |
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President Crumpton-Young stands with her family (husband Reginald and daughters Mattlyn and Ashlee) following her oath of office during the Investiture. |
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Dr. Glenda Glover, President of Tennessee State University, gives remarks as the Higher Education Community Representative during the Investiture. |
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TSU celebrates groundbreaking partnerships at inaugural President’s Tiger Ball |
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Texas Southern University (TSU) hosted its inaugural President’s Tiger Ball at the George R. Brown Convention Center. This sold-out event, presented by the TSU Foundation Board, serves as TSU’s largest fundraiser for student scholarships and programs.
“Texas Southern University’s partners have demonstrated a willingness and readiness to invest in the success of our students who are pursuing their education on our historic campus,” said TSU President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young. “That investment will undoubtedly assist our community of scholars in achieving their academic and career goals and transform lives.”
Transformation sponsors (at the $100,000 level) included TDECU, JPMorgan Chase, CenterPoint Energy, Shell, Houston Texans, Houston Astros Foundation, Nicki & Benny Agosto, Jr., and Antoinette M. Jackson, Esq.
This week, we highlight the sponsors who donated at the $10,000-$75,000 levels. These include:
$75,000:
- President Lesia, Reginald, Mattlyn and Ashlee Young
$50,000:
- Bayway Auto Group
- Challenge Office Products
$25,000:
- A-Rocket Moving and Storage
- Daffin Family
- HillDay Public Relations
- Jacobson Family Foundation
- Maurice Smith/Health Care Service Corporation
- Verizon Foundation
$15,000:
- Houston First Corporation
- LaTanya Easter
- Sysco
$10,000:
- 1Vision
- Aundrea & Richard Young
- Comcast
- Dr. Edieth Wu
- Dr. Judith L. Craven
- Houston Airports
- Michael Williams/Frost Bank
- TSU Athletics
- TSU Center for Justice Research
"Our sponsors represent the broad appeal that Texas Southern University and its students have in the community," said Melinda Spaulding, vice president of University Advancement. "On behalf of our students, who will benefit from the generosity of these partners, we thank them for their dedication to TSU, and we look forward to working together to transform lives."
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A Parade of Partners accompanied by TSU’s Ocean of Soul kicked off the event, acknowledging the top sponsors and celebrating their contribution to TSU’s success.
“The Texas Southern University Foundation Board is grateful for the support of all of our sponsors, alumni and friends for making the night a success to benefit student scholarships and transformation at TSU,” said Dr. Frazier Wilson, Chairman, TSU Foundation Board of Trustees and Social Investment Manager for Shell (picture above during the Parade of Partners). “We look forward to continuing our work to support the University under the direction of the Board of Regents and President Young. Together, we are TSU Proud.”
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TDECU was the presenting sponsor of this year’s Tiger Ball.
“As a proud graduate of TSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law, I understand the significance of HBCUs and how investing in education can help transform students’ lives in our communities,” said TDECU President & CEO Isaac Johnson. “TDECU believes in helping our members navigate their financial journeys. I am intentionally expanding the reach of our organization to communities including TSU and making investments in those communities to provide access to the services we offer.
For additional Tiger Ball photos, click here.
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Members of the TSU Board of Regents enter the Tiger Ball during the Parade of Partners. |
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2021-22 Mister and Miss TSU, Montgomery Morris and Mariah Campbell |
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President Crumpton-Young with Tiger Ball sponsor Argentina James, President/CEO of HillDay Public Relations |
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Members of the TSU Foundation Board of Trustees enter the Tiger Ball during the Parade of Sponsors. |
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Tiger Ball guests hit the dance floor with the TSU Transformation Band performing. |
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Transformation sponsor Antoinette M. Jackson, Esq. |
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Transformation sponsors Nikki & Benny Agosto, Jr. |
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Shachella James, Vice President of Infrastructure and Technology Services with CenterPoint Energy |
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Paula Harris, Senior Vice President of Community and Executive Director with the Houston Astros Foundation |
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Kisha Porch, Managing Director and Head of Retail Banking, Small Business and Online Products with JPMorgan Chase |
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Kandyace Mayberry, Director of Community Relations with the Houston Texans |
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TSU alumna and sponsor LaTanya Easter, P/SCM with Chevron |
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Michael Williams, Market President and Sales Manager with Frost Bank |
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Rose Stuckey Kirk, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility Officer with Verizon |
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(l. to r.): Marc Carter, Vice Chair of the TSU Board of Regents; Caroline Baker Hurley, TSU Board of Regents; and her husband, Bruce |
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The Ocean of Soul perform during the Parade of Partners at the President's Tiger Ball. |
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President Crumpton-Young (middle) with Lynden Rose (left) and TSU Regent Marilyn A. Rose |
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Houston Rockets legend Kenny Smith selected as Spring 2022 Commencement speaker |
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Texas Southern University has announced the speaker for the Spring 2022 Commencement ceremony will be Houston Rockets great Kenny Smith.
“Texas Southern University is pleased that Kenny Smith will be on our campus to deliver an inspirational keynote address for commencement,” said President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young. “He has excelled on the screen as a commentator for TNT, on the court as an NBA championship-winning point guard, and in the classroom at the University of North Carolina. He demonstrates his commitment to the advancement of HBCUs and TSU every time he uses his platform, increasing the exposure of HBCUs and elevating the profile of our institutions to his audience. Just as he’s been outstanding, the students he will address are outstanding in their disciplinary fields. It is our pleasure to welcome him to our esteemed campus.”
Smith, known as “The Jet,” won back-to-back NBA World Championships with the Houston Rockets in 1994 and 1995. He played nine seasons in the NBA for the Rockets, Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings, and Atlanta Hawks. Smith is the Rockets’ all-time leader in three-point field goal percentage. Prior to his successful career in the NBA, he played college basketball at the University of North Carolina and graduated in 1987 with a degree in Industrial Relations (Economics).
“To have a speaker of Mr. Smith’s caliber who excelled academically, succeeded in his career, and thrives in a second career while remaining committed to the Houston community is an excellent opportunity for our graduates,” said Dr. Lillian B. Poats, acting Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs. “We are excited about the encouragement, motivation and enthusiasm he will provide our graduates as they move from college to career.”
For the last 21 years, Smith has served as an Analyst for TNT’s Inside the NBA. In 2021, he received the National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award for his dedication and contributions to civil and human rights, the social justice movement, and for laying the foundation for future leaders through their careers in sports.
"I’m excited to be the commencement speaker at Texas Southern University this year,” said Smith. “Hopefully I will provide some insight to our future world leaders to help them navigate through their future journeys. As an Historically Black University, Texas Southern University has always been at the forefront of positive change and I hope to influence that change in the graduates."
Spring commencement takes place on Saturday, May 14, at 8:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., in the Health & Physical Education Building. The 8:30 a.m. ceremony includes graduates of the Jesse H. Jones School of Business, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, College of Liberal Arts & Behavioral Sciences, and Thurgood Marshall School of Law. The 12:30 p.m. ceremony includes the School of Communications, College of Education, College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, and College of Science, Engineering & Technology.
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TSU's "Father of Environmental Justice" selected to join prestigious Academy of Arts & Sciences |
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Dr. Robert D. Bullard, distinguished professor of urban planning and environmental policy at Texas Southern University, has been selected for membership to the prestigious American Academy of Arts & Sciences. Bullard, who also serves as founding director of the Bullard Center for Environmental & Climate Justice at TSU, is one of three individuals representing Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) on the 2022 cohort of Academy honorees. He was recognized in the Mathematical and Physical Sciences class under the Astronomy, Astrophysics and Earth Sciences section.
Founded in 1780, the Academy honors excellence and convenes leaders to examine new ideas, address issues of importance to the nation and the world, and advance the public good. For more than 240 years, the Academy has been electing and engaging exceptional individuals. This year’s election of 261 new members continues a tradition of recognizing accomplishments and leadership in academia, the arts, industry, public policy, and research.
“It is truly an honor be elected to such a prestigious body and to have the American Academy of Arts and Sciences recognize and lift up our justice and equity work,” said Dr. Bullard. “I accept the honor on behalf of the struggles in frontline and fence-line communities where there is still much work to be done to secure environmental and climate justice for all.”
Click here to read the complete the story.
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Student-led reception held prior to Saturday's Investiture |
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Members of the TSU Gamma PSI Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority present President Crumpton-Young with a special gift. |
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TSU music student Christian Camacho Sanchez (far right) and other musicians played two songs for President Crumpton-Young. |
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Mister and Miss TSU 2022-23, Taylor L. Getwood and Melody A. Robinson, congratulate President Crumpton-Young on her Investiture. |
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Members of the TSU Sensations dance team performed a liturgical dance for President Crumpton-Young. |
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Current SGA President D'Angelo Colter and 2022-23 SGA President Dexter Maryland present President Crumpton-Young with a special resolution. |
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President Crumpton-Young (seated left) rides to the "Toast to Transformation" with Dr. DeNeia Thomas, Vice President of Enrollment & Student Success, and student Jalen Jackson, sophomore. |
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Dr. Dakota Doman joins leadership team as Chief of Staff |
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Dr. Dakota Doman has been selected as Texas Southern University’s new Chief of Staff. Dr. Doman reports directly to TSU President, Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, and serves as a member of the President’s Cabinet.
As Chief of Staff, Dr. Doman is responsible for ensuring execution and completion of transformational initiatives of the university, implementation of the University strategic plan, and addressing issues on behalf of the President. This position handles matters of policy and institutional importance on behalf of the President while supporting and sustaining a culture of service, professionalism, and continuous improvement in the University’s organizational units.
“The hiring of Dr. Doman adds to our ongoing transformation at Texas Southern University,” said President Crumpton-Young. “Dr. Doman has an extensive track record of developing strategic partnerships at the local, regional, state, and national level. His understanding of the higher education landscape in Texas spans critical areas of college readiness, academic quality, financial aid, and cost efficiencies, among others. Dr. Doman has also conducted critical research focusing on higher education policy.”
Click here to read the complete story.
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New survey reveals Texans are in favor of special legislative session |
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Political Science professor and founding director of TSU’s Executive MPA Program Dr. Michael O. Adams conducted a public opinion poll asking Texans their views on a number of issues of importance.
The survey shows an overwhelming number of Texans are in favor of the state legislature holding a special session to address inflation and the economy.
The Texas public opinion poll fielded between February 14-16, 2022, asked Texans their views on the overall performance of the state and a number of issues of importance including: cost of living, taxes on goods and services, support for immigration and support for diversity in the public and private sectors. The results provide the aggregate percent response of all respondents and also examines poll results through three key demographic markers: race/ethnicity, age, and political party identification.
Click here to read the complete story, including key findings from the Texas Poll. To download and view the full public opinion report, please click here.
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"TSU in the News" snapshot: |
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Law professor Craig Jackson with the Thurgood Marshall School of Law comments on "wrongful detainment" of Brittany Griner in Russia (May 3):
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TSU law professor Craig Jackson comments on Supreme Court's potential overturning of Roe v. Wade (May 4):
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Prospective student applications to TSU on the rise (May 3):
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President Crumpton-Young's Investiture Ceremony was photographed by the Houston Chronicle (May 1):
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TSU students awarded scholarships from the League of Business and Professional Women (April 30):
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Dr. Michael Adams and Carroll Robinson, publish article “The Right to Consent”: A New Path to Protecting Our Voting Rights in the American Society for Public Administration – PA Times (April 29):
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TSU’s Center for Justice Research partners with Utah State to produce study on incarceration/recidivism rates; study referenced in Fox News opinion piece by Jeremiah Mosteller on “Second Chance Month” initiative and The First Step Act (April 23):
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Thomas F. Freeman Honors College celebrates Academic Signing Day |
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The Thomas F. Freeman Honors College hosted the second annual Academic Signing Day event on Friday, April 29, in the Library Learning Center. Seven incoming freshman who have been admitted to the Honors College participated in a ceremonial signing of admission papers and a ceremonial check displaying their four-year scholarship during the event. All seven of these future Freeman Scholars were from the Houston area.
“If more people are aware of our academic program, we think this will stimulate some interest among parents so they can tell their children to consider Texas Southern University Honors College,” said Dr. Dianne Jemison Pollard, dean of the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College.
The Academic Signing Day event is a way to highlight students who have chosen Texas Southern University and the Honors College to further their academic career. The scholars were accompanied by their parents and friends.
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TSU students eligible for summer scholarship from Thurgood Marshall College Fund |
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TSU students interested in attending summer classes at the University and in need of scholarship support have a resource to assist with funding. Interested students should apply to the 2021-2022 Thurgood Marshall College Fund's (TMCF) Summer School All-Around Scholarship. This scholarship is open to students meeting the following criteria:
- Attending an HBCU
- Enrolled in school for the 2021-2022 Summer School
- Undergraduate and Graduate Students
- Any Major
- Have a current cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher
- Be a U.S. Citizen or legal permanent resident with a valid permanent resident card or passport stamped I-551.
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10th annual Tiger Camp registration underway |
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The Department of Campus Recreation & Wellness is set to host its annual Tiger CAMPus Rec summer camp in June and July.
The summer camp has reached a new milestone, celebrating 10 years of Tiger Camp. It is an activities camp geared toward keeping youth active and away from their electronic devices.
The camp dates are from June 6-July 29. Campers can reserve their spot today by submitting a camp application and placing payment in-person or visiting our website. Faculty and staff may utilize payroll deduction forms, which must be submitted by May 15 (restrictions may apply).
The Open House for the summer camps is June 2, at 6:30 p.m., with the camp session dates as follows:
Session 1 June 6-10
Session 2 June 13-17
Session 3 June 20-24
Session 4 June 27-July 1
Session 5 July 5-8 (No Camp on July 4th)
Session 6 July 11-15
Session 7 July 18-22
Session 8 July 25-29
Age Groups:
Group 1 5-8 (Crazy Cubs)
Group 2 9-11 (Raging Tigers)
Group 3 12-14 (Sabers)
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TSU graduate to appear on Food Network's "BBQ Brawl" |
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TSU graduate Michelle Wallace, who is the executive chef and pitmaster at one of Houston's top-rated barbecue restaurants, Gatlin's, will appear on The Food Network's "BBQ Brawl," which debuts May 9.
Wallace, who earned a bachelor's degree in Health Administration and is a member of the TSU National Alumni Association, is also a graduate of the Culinary Arts Institute in Houston. She appeared recently on the Netflix series "High on the Hog."
More information about her upcoming appearance can be found here.
Photo courtesy of the Houston Chronicle.
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TSU alumna running for Cleveland (TX) City Council |
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Desireé D. David, who received a bachelor of arts degree from TSU and is a member of the Alpha Iota Alpha Christian sorority, is seeking Position 4 on Cleveland, TX, City Council in the May 7 election.
David is a native of Cleveland and the granddaughter of legendary head basketball Coach Davy L. David and Etta David, who were both longtime educators in Cleveland ISD.
Photo courtesy of Bluebonnet News.
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Track & Field teams ready for SWAC meet
Men's, women's team among favorites at PVAMU
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Both the men's and women's track and field teams will travel up Highway 290 to compete in the SWAC Outdoor Championship at Prairie View A&M, beginning on Thursday, May 5, through Saturday, May 7.
Last week, the men's team had 13 top-10 performances at the 18th Annual J Fred Duckett Rice Twilight Meet at Rice University on Saturday.
Javan Martin finished eighth in the 100 after a time of 10.82 while Davyon Henderson placed 10th in the 400 after running a personal best of 48.53. Brandon Washington finished fifth in the 800 in a time of 1:52.82 while Hilary Maiyo moved up to fifth in the SWAC in the 5,000 after recording a time of 15:31.04.
At the same meet, TSU women's track & field had eight top-10 finishes.
Lillie Burnett finished third overall in the 100 as she clocked an 11.86 and finished ninth in the 200 as she ran a 24.72. Rayah Wynn ran a personal-best in the 400 and moved up to 10th in the SWAC as she finished second overall in a time of 56.38.
For the full men's story, click here. For the women's story, click here.
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Baseball hosts Alcorn State May 6-8
Softball team gears up for SWAC Tournament
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The Texas Southern baseball team will host Alcorn State at MacGregor Park beginning Friday, May 6, at 5 p.m., followed by games on Saturday (2 p.m.) and Sunday (1 p.m.). All games are free for students and the general public.
Last weekend, the Tigers swept a three-game series at Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
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Meanwhile, the TSU softball team split a non-conference series with Lamar University earlier this week as it tuned up for the SWAC tournament, which begins next Tuesday in Gulfport, MS. The team finished in first place (21-3) in the SWAC West division.
For more information on Texas Southern University sports, visit tsusports.com.
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Annual All-Sports Banquet honors TSU student-athletes |
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The Texas Southern Department of Athletics held its annual All-Sports Student-Athlete Banquet last week at the Ballroom at Bayou Place in Downtown Houston.
For the first time since 2019, nearly 400 student-athletes, department staff, special guests, TSU Administrators and Board of Regents members gathered in a formal setting to celebrate the student-athletes’ achievements from the 2021-22 academic year.
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Some of the highlights from Wednesday’s affair included the annual Graduation & Sash Ceremony which preceded the banquet and remarks from TSU President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young and Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Kevin Granger. |
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The Department of Athletics also takes the term 'student-athlete' seriously as a total of 127 student-athletes were honored for earning a spot on the Dean’s List. The department also announced that Joirdon Karl Nicholas (pictured above with President Crumpton-Young and Kevin Granger) of men’s basketball and Phylan Perkins of women’s track & field as the 2021-22 President’s Award Winners. The award is presented to the top overall male and female student-athlete at TSU that has made significant contributions in their respective sport(s), community, and classroom. |
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University Counseling Center: |
Thomas F. Freeman Honors College: |
College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences: |
TSU COVID Prevention Center: |
College of Science, Engineering & Technology: |
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Office of Student Financial Assistance: |
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