InsideTSU - April 6, 2022

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TSU, Southwest Airlines announce career pathway partnership

University becomes first HBCU partner in Southwest’s Destination 225° pilot recruitment program

Texas Southern University (TSU) and Southwest Airlines Co. announced TSU as a university partner – and the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) – in the airline’s First Officer recruitment program: Destination 225°. On a compass, 225° is the southwest directional heading, and the carrier developed Destination 225° to lead aspiring pilots to Southwest Airlines.

Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, TSU President, and Lee Kinnebrew, Southwest’s Vice President of Flight Operations, signed an agreement and exchanged symbolic gifts to publicly announce the partnership.

Texas Southern University, with its groundbreaking Aviation Science & Technology program, is the only school in Texas that offers a combined Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Science Management and, beginning just six years ago, a Bachelor of Science degree as a Professional Pilot.

“Working with Southwest Airlines and Destination 225° aligns with Texas Southern University’s mission of transformation – not only for our students, but for STEM-related industries such as aviation. This is great news for TSU Director of Aviation Dr. Terence Fontaine, the Aviation Science program and our students.” said Dr. Crumpton-Young. “African American, Hispanic and Asian American pilots are significantly underrepresented in the U.S. This makes our degree program and our new partnership with Southwest a critical pathway for the next generation of minority pilots and aviation professionals.”

“We’re honored to welcome Texas Southern University as the newest academic partner in our Destination 225° program as we focus on hiring, training and developing the next generation of world-class, professional aviators.,” said Southwest’s Kinnebrew. “We recognize the importance of embracing diversity, equity and inclusion in all that we do, and we are confident this partnership and defined career pathway supports underrepresented and minority aspiring pilots in their efforts to join the Southwest family.”

During the ceremony, Captain Lou Freeman, the first Black Pilot and first Black Chief Pilot at Southwest (pictured above, center, with President Crumpton-Young and Dr. Fontaine), spoke about his experience in breaking such a significant barrier, as well as his excitement about the partnership between TSU and Southwest. Freeman also serves on TSU's Aviation Program Advisory Council.

As part of the Destination 225° University Pathway Program, Southwest joins well-known educational and industry partners to train and reinforce "The Southwest Way" of flying. After being accepted into the program and completing their university degree, candidates build post-graduate flight instructing time within their college’s flight program, with the goal of becoming competitively qualified to interview for a First Officer role at one of the program’s partner carriers. After building their flying experience at a partner carrier, candidates will be considered for a First Officer position at Southwest Airlines. Candidates also receive ongoing career mentorship from a Southwest pilot during their university studies and early flying career.

“Our job as educators is not complete until our students are either employed or seeking further education,” added Dr. Fontaine. “Today, our partners at Southwest Airlines delivered news that our students have a new place to land, literally. Being the first HBCU that Southwest Airlines is partnering with shows the depth of talent we have in our Professional Pilot students. I want to thank our university leadership for allowing our Aviation Program to grow to unforeseen heights. The best is still yet to come from Texas Southern University Aviation.”

More details about Destination 225° and the program’s training and flying partners are available at careers.southwestair.com/D225. For more information about TSU’s Aviation program, visit transportation.tsu.edu.

Research and Innovation Week highlights TSU researchers

March 28-April 1 marked the annual Research and Innovation Week on the campus of Texas Southern University. The theme of Research and Innovation Week 2022 was “COVID 19 and the Pandemic Response.” The five-day event marked an open opportunity for students, faculty, and staff researchers to present their studies. Researchers presented in oral and poster format. Participants heard from expert speakers, attended the Honors College Conference, heard from funding agency speakers, and formed new partnerships through a networking reception.

TSU holds the classification of “R2: Doctoral Universities – High research activity,” as defined by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education. The University is one of 11 HBCUs to hold the designation.

“As Texas Southern University focuses on advancing doctoral-level research and scholarship, our goal is to elevate the University to the Carnegie Classification designation of R1 status, ‘very high research activity,’” said TSU President Lesia Crumpton-Young. “This achievement will take a collective effort inclusive of every stakeholder, constituent, and colleague who supports the University community.”

The week culminated with an awards program and luncheon featuring a keynote speech by TSU’s Thurgood Marshall School of Law professor Maurice Hew Jr.

Ocean of Soul takes WrestleMania 38 by storm

Texas Southern University’s Ocean of Soul brought the HBCU band experience to the international stage with a performance at WrestleMania 38.

The marching band performed “Watch me Shine,” the theme song for WWE women’s wrestler Bianca Belair as she entered the arena during the first night of the two-night event at AT&T Stadium.

“This was a great opportunity for the Ocean of Soul, but more importantly it was a great opportunity for TSU,” director of bands Brian Simmons said. “Tens of thousands of people were in attendance, but millions more wrestling fans watched around the world. This performance was one more step in making TSU’s name known around the globe.”

The WWE contacted Simmons about performing while the Ocean was playing in the NCAA Tournament in Fort Worth. The arrangement they played during WrestleMania was composed by assistant director Trenton Hunter.

Women's History Month Convocation honors 1st African American Director of NASA's Space Center

Texas Southern University honored a true trailblazer for its first-ever Women's History Month Convocation. The March 30 event paid tribute to Vanessa E. Wyche, the first African American director of NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston.

"I didn't plan for this," said Wyche about being named to the top post at JSC. "But if you make yourself available and come prepared, good things happen."

Wyche highlighted her own personal journey to become one of the first African American females to work at JSC, and she gave a preview of some of the short- and long-term projects that JSC and NASA are planning in the coming decade.

Her advice to students and faculty was straightforward:

"We are all leaders. What we say and how we say it are important. Faculty, encourage your students. Students, you can do it! Find your passion and go for it. You can achieve beyond what you think you can. Take risks. Ask questions. Seek mentors."

Wyche (pictured above, center, with TSU's leadership team, including several members of the Board of Regents) previously served as deputy director at Johnson, a position she held since 2018. Other key leadership positions include: assistant and acting deputy director of Johnson; director of the Exploration Integration and Science Directorate, flight manager of several missions of the retired Space Shuttle Program, executive officer in the Office of the NASA Administrator, and led additional center-level technical and program organizations. Before joining NASA in 1989, Wyche worked for the Food and Drug Administration in Washington D.C.

The event also included inspirational remarks from TSU's President, Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, musical performances and an oratorical performance honoring Wyche and other trailblazing women by the TSU Debate Team.

"TSU in the News" snapshot:

TSU's Research and Innovation Week spotlighted on Fox26 (March 29):

Political Science adjunct faculty members provides insight on potential legislation surrounding critical race theory (March 28):

Dr. Robert Bullard quoted in E&E News "Greenwire" article on push for environmental justice leader within the EPA (March 29):

New "Stages" play highlights TSU's role in Houston integration efforts (March 31):

TSU Center for Justice Research (CJR) article, "Preventing gun violence takes more than police" featured on Brookings.com. Written by CJR founding director Howard Henderson and Denise Brown, CJR graduate research fellow (March 31):

TSU partnership with Southwest Airlines creates career pathway for pilots (March 31):

TSU's Ocean of Soul performs during WrestleMania 38 at AT&T Stadium (April 2):

Honors College to honor six individuals at 4th annual Tribute & Luncheon on April 9

The Thomas F. Freeman Honors College will salute six individuals, including former TSU president Dr. John Rudley, at its 4th annual Spring Tribute & Luncheon on Saturday, April 9.

Other honorees include Dr. Willie Capers, Jr., professor of Pharmacy Practice and Administration; Dr. Yi Qi, Department Chair of Transportation Studies; Dr. Brian Armstrong, Assistant Vice President for Student Enrollment Success; and Dr. Nina Cofer, founder and CEO of Education Advancement Services.

"It was under Dr. Rudley’s leadership that the Honors College was founded in 2009," said Dr. Dianne Jemison Pollard, Dean of the Honors College. "He, along with former provost Sunny Ohia, who is also an honoree and professor of Pharmacology, worked hard to put things in place so that the Frederick Douglass Honors Institute could become a first-class Honors College."

Some 13 years later, the college has received national acclaim for its “Freeman Honors” newsletter, and it has graduated more than 235 Freeman Scholars who are excelling as entrepreneurs, doctors, lawyers, business analysts, pharmacists, engineers, corporate executives and more.

The keynote speaker at the luncheon is Dr. Reagan Flowers, who serves on the Honors College Advisory Board and is president and CEO of C-STEM Teacher & Student Support Services. Also, Dr. Flowers is a trustee with Houston Community College System.

The Tribute and Luncheon will be in the Tiger Room in the Sterling Student Life Center at 1 p.m. A donation of $100 can be made via the Honors College event page. Funds will benefit programs in the Honors College. If unable to attend, donations of any amount are accepted.

Please call the Thomas F. Freeman Honors College at 713.313.6725 for more information.

Monterey Jazz @ TSU brings local youth, community to campus for music intensive April 12-13

TSU will host Monterey Jazz @ TSU April 12-13, bringing local high school, college and community musicians, as well as those interested in pursuing a music industry career, together for a music intensive series of workshops, mentoring and more.

The event is part of an ongoing partnership between TSU and the Monterey Jazz Festival (MJF), broadening the reach of the MJF’s education programs to many more young people while leveraging TSU’s commitment and legacy of jazz excellence.

The partnership includes KTSU 90.9 FM as well as TSU’s Music Department and the School of Communication.

The Tuesday, April 12, session is designed for all greater Houston-based middle and high school music students and programs, while Wednesday, April 13, is geared toward college-aged students and the community. Queen Cora Coleman, the 2022 artist-in-residence for the Monterey Jazz Festival, will be the featured performer and master class presenter for both days. Schools or individual students interested in attending Monterey Jazz @ TSU can register here.

Led by TSU faculty from the music, communications, and music industry degree programs, as well as Queen Cora, the symposium includes master classes, panel discussions, recording sessions, workshops and more. The symposium provides students the opportunity to network with professionals and peers, learn insider secrets in the music industry, spark lifelong collaborations, build foundations for a career in the music industry.

Queen Cora is an author, producer, business owner, scholar and international drummer who hails from Houston, Texas (USA). She graduated valedictorian of Kashmere High School where she served in student leadership, basketball, volleyball, softball, swim-ming, and performed in marching, concert and jazz band under Sir William Portis. She is the first female drum captain of the Howard University Showtime Marching Band in Washington, DC. Throughout her 19-year music career, she has performed in 40 countries, before hundreds of thousands of attendees and millions of viewers. She is the only musician to play in two of the U.S. Billboard’s Top 5 Best Super Bowl Halftime Shows with both Prince & Beyoncé, for who she also served as her band leader. Queen has published over 13 writers under her VIVO Publishing company and authored four empowerment books of her own.

"Queen Cora is a powerhouse of creativity and entrepreneurship, and we are thrilled to host her and help spread her message to young minds,” said Ernest Walker, General Manager of KTSU 90.9FM.

By working in conjunction with TSU, MJF is achieving a critical goal of reaching younger audiences and helping to create new generations of jazz performers and fans.

“Monterey Jazz Festival is excited to build on the spirit of inclusiveness inherent in jazz as it continues this unique partnership with Texas Southern University,” said Colleen Bailey, MJF Executive Director. “TSU has a deep history of producing jazz artists, some of whom have played on the stages of our festival, an incredible jazz program, and they have the #1 student-run jazz radio station.”

For more information about the Monterey Jazz @ TSU program, click here. For more information or to support this partnership, please go to https://giving.tsu.edu/montereyjazz.

Local entrepreneur, alum to speak on campus April 7 as part of community engagement effort

TSU's Quality Enhancement Plan hosts a special community engagement event for students, faculty and staff on Thursday, April 7.

The event features Marcus Davis, TSU alum and local restauranteur, entrepreneur, and motivational speaker. He will speak in the Tiger Room (Student Center, 3rd floor) from noon-2 p.m. Light refreshments will be served.

Davis, the spirit and entrepreneurial mastermind behind the award-winning breakfast klub, Reggae Hut, Alley Kat Bar & Lounge, and Kulture, is perhaps best known for his charismatic personality, authentic customer appreciation, and his tireless commitment to the communities he serves, including his alma mater, TSU.

Applying “community” as the guiding principle of his business and personal life, he has created one of the most phenomenal restaurant success stories in the country. The concept for the breakfast klub was born after Davis, a native Houstonian, recognized a void in the market for a unique breakfast restaurant serving signature items in a soulful, relaxed community environment. Since opening in September 2001, the breakfast klub has become a top tourist attraction, as well as the local favorite breakfast spot, lining up droves of cheerful patrons on a daily basis.

Davis earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science at TSU. He is a highly sought-after motivational speaker. He credits his success to the support of his family. Not surprisingly, he places a special emphasis on spending time with his four “beautiful girls,” wife Mel, mother Betty, and two daughters, Lundyn Cymone and Bailey Harrell, and his son Joshua Raymond.

TSU Preview Days give newly-admitted students next steps to becoming a Tiger

TSU's Preview Days will take place over the next two Saturdays - April 9 & 16 - giving newly-admitted Tigers all the information they need to take the next steps toward enrollment and becoming a student.

In addition to campus tours, the event includes sessions on financial aid, scholarship and housing options. Preview Days begin at 8:30 a.m. and end by 1 p.m.

For more information, visit www.tsu.edu/preview, email recruitment@tsu.edu, or call 713.313.7839.

Money Week: 'Planning & Prospering in Post-Pandemic World' set for week of April 11-15

The Jesse H. Jones School of Business will host a panel discussion, “Planning and Prospering in Post-Pandemic World," for TSU students, faculty and staff on Thursday, April 14, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in the first-floor auditorium of the School of Business. The event is part of the annual Houston Money Week (April 9-16).

Speakers and topics include:

Mr. Ted Daniels from Society for Financial Education and Professional Development, Inc.
Mr. Quentae Wyse on financial aid and literacy.
Dr. Carlton Perkins on the impact of taxes on personal wealth.
Ms. Nicole Rivero, Assistant Vice President, Retirement Policy at Securities and Financial Markets Association on career opportunities in the securities and financial planning firms.

The speakers will talk about topics that affect the financial well-being of students including financial aid and how to position themselves for their future careers. Each session will be for 15-20 minutes followed by Q&A for five minutes. The speakers will address the students about financial “dos and don’ts” to consider after entry into their careers.

TSU alumna attains lifelong goal of becoming a teacher, educator

Natalie Crittenden knew early in life that she wanted to pursue a career in education. In fact, her lifelong dream was to become a teacher. While she fulfilled that goal many years ago, Crittenden, who graduated from TSU in 1995 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, is now a proud elementary school principal at Adelle Turner Elementary School in Dallas ISD.

Crittenden was featured on the Dallas ISD "News Hub" recently, and she discussed her love of teaching, the challenges of COVID, and the joy of leading a school that is predominantly African American and Hispanic.