Welcome to InsideTSU, the weekly newsletter of Texas Southern University! |
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From reaffirmation of R2 status to new Research & Innovation Division, TSU sets sights on top research status |
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Texas Southern University kicks off its first week of the new division of Research and Innovation, led by nationally acclaimed researcher, Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall. The launch, coupled with the recent reaffirmation by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education of its status as a Doctoral University of High Research Activity (R2), TSU is growing by transforming its capabilities and investment in research.
Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall comes to the newly created position of Vice President for Research and Innovation from Hampton University, where she most recently served as Vice President for Research, Associate Provost, and Dean of the Graduate College.
“Establishing the inaugural Division of Research of Innovation was a top priority of my first-year strategic plan as the 13th president of Texas Southern University,” said TSU President, Lesia L. Crumpton-Young. “My previous work as a provost, vice president of Research, and program officer for the National Science Foundation has given me first-hand knowledge of leading institutions to elevated levels of research and I am confident that our outstanding Texas Southern University faculty will enhance our efforts with VP Penn-Marshall at the helm. Maintaining our R2 status on the road to R1 along with bringing in top talent for our new division will fortify our commitment to providing data-driven solutions for urban communities and beyond.”
Penn-Marshall has been successful in all aspects of research and innovation, securing and expanding external funding, partnering with top-tier agencies, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the research process. All are critical qualities to the Texas Southern research growth initiatives.
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“Texas Southern University is a leading institution with a reputation that commands respect throughout the research community, said Penn-Marshall. “The cutting-edge research that the faculty, staff and students conduct is designed to resolve many of society’s major challenges. I am honored to have the opportunity to work with such esteemed colleagues and to serve as the inaugural Vice President for Research and Innovation. Together we will soar to new heights and solidify our University as an R1 institution that disrupts the status quo while transforming nations.”
TSU’s R2 status as one of the nation’s top research and teaching universities was initially acknowledged by Carnegie in 2018 and reaffirmed during the most recent cycle of evaluation and assessment. Texas Southern University is one of 11 HBCUs with the coveted R2 status.
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United Airlines partners with TSU for scholarship/mentorship program |
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Officials from United Airlines visited Texas Southern University on Wednesday, March 9, to announce a partnership with the university's Aviation Science and Technology program, including the Professional Pilot concentration.
United Houston Hub Vice President Phil Griffith (pictured above, 2nd from right, with Terence Fontaine, TSU director of aviation; Regent Pamela Medina; President Crumpton-Young; and Regent Mary Sias) presented the university with a $100,000 check for the first two years of the scholarship program. The partnership also includes ongoing mentorship activities between United employees and students in the program. Representatives from United, TSU, and the Aviation Science and Technology advisory committee then toured the program's flight simulation labs in the Spearman Technology Building.
"This partnership is a game changer for our Aviation Science and Technology program,” said Director of Aviation Terence Fontaine. “United’s investment of financial resources and time through the mentorship component will enable more TSU students to walk out of here ready to contribute immediately to an industry in which people of color have been underrepresented.”
United's Griffith, who is an HBCU graduate, feels that the new program, especially the mentorship component, will be a game changer for the aviation industry.
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"(Aviation) is an exciting place, and it has room for folks from all kinds of backgrounds to get in and play a material role in making it better. It is helpful (for TSU students) to see living, breathing examples of aviation professionals, and to channel young people who have even the smallest interest in exploring aviation as a career path. What we're doing here at TSU is another step in that direction."
Jacorey Adams, a student in the program (and pictured above with the four other United scholarship recipients, along with President Crumpton-Young), said that he was thrilled that United is partnering with TSU. "They care for us and want to see us succeed. The mentorship provides us with leadership, encouragement and guidance."
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Watch Party set for TSU's 'First Four' Game |
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Join fellow Tigers for the on-campus Watch Party on Tuesday evening, as TSU faces Texas A&M-Corpus Christi in the NCAA 'First Four.' The Watch Party takes place in the Game Room of the Student Center beginning at 5:40. For those unable to make the Watch Party, you can tune in to the game via truTV.
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"TSU in the News" snapshot: |
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United Airlines Partnership with TSU (March 10):
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Barbara Jordan Renaming of Highway 288 (March 9):
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TSU's new Division of Research & Innovation (March 9-10):
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Dr. Robert Bullard / Redlining Leads to Environmental Injustice (March 13):
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Dr. Michael Adams / State Primary Races/Election (March 1):
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Dr. Carol Lewis / Future of Electric Vehicles on Fox26's 'Isiah Factor' (March 9):
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TSU Debate Team Performance for Black History Month (Feb. 2022):
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TMSL Dean Bullock / Panel with Female Law School Deans in Texas (March 2022):
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Journalism professor Michael Berryhill discusses new book, "Da Mayor of Fifth Ward":
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TSU Men's Basketball Advances to NCAA Tournament (March 12):
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10-mile stretch of 288 named for Barbara Jordan
TSU hosts post-event reception for Women's History Month
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It may have been cold and overcast, but hearts were warm for those attending the re-naming ceremony of a 10-mile section of Highway 288 as the Barbara Jordan Memorial Highway.
TSU President Lesia Crumpton-Young provided remarks and Melinda Spaulding, Vice President of University Advancement, served as emcee during the ceremony, which was held at the 288/Southmore overpass, just blocks from the TSU campus where Jordan attended in the 1950s. State Representative and TSU alumna Shawn Thierry spearheaded the renaming process, and TSU proudly hosted a post-event reception on the 2nd floor of the Library Learning Center.
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Rosemary McGowen, Barbara Jordan's sister (pictured, center, with Thierry, left), attended both the ceremony and the reception.
"It’s very important to me to have her name on the highway right in the heart of Third Ward where she attended Texas Southern University," said McGowen.
The re-naming ceremony and reception were covered by Fox26. Click here for the story.
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Debate Team stays busy during Black History Month |
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The world-renowned TSU Debate Team kept a busy schedule throughout the month of February, performing both on and off campus, showcasing their extraordinary oratory skills.
The Houston Chronicle caught up with the students and coach Dr. Gloria Batiste-Roberts during a performance of Reader's Theatre at the Luke Church in Humble, TX. Read more about its performance here.
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TMSL Dean featured in State Bar of Texas podcast |
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As we celebrate Women's History Month throughout March, it should be noted that women play a vital role in the legal profession. That is in evidence at TSU's Thurgood Marshall School of Law, which is led by Dean Joan R.M. Bullock. She is one of four female deans among Texas' ten law schools.
The State Bar of Texas podcast host Rocky Dhir recently talked with these four deans, including Bullock, Jennifer Collins, Felecia Epps, and Patricia Roberts, about their perspectives on women and the law. They discussed changing dynamics in work-life balance, overcoming bias, and how unique viewpoints from women in law enrich the legal profession. Listen to the podcast here.
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The State Bar of Texas podcast host Rocky Dhir recently talked with these four deans, including Bullock, Jennifer Collins, Felecia Epps, and Patricia Roberts, about their perspectives on women and the law. They discussed changing dynamics in work-life balance, overcoming bias, and how unique viewpoints from women in law enrich the legal profession. Listen to the podcast here.
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TSU political science faculty lends expertise during election season |
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Houston media outlets know that when it comes to analyzing the political scene, few are more knowledgeable than Dr. Michael Adams, founding director of the eMPA program and professor of political science in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs.
Adams provided a detailed analysis of the race to succeed longtime Democratic State Rep. Garnett Coleman on Houston Public Media. He also discussed with KHOU/Channel 11 how the state's recent redistricting has created legislative boundaries that dilute minority representation.
Finally, Dr. Adams provided his perspective throughout election night with Khambrel Marshall on KPRC/Channel 2.
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Transportation expert Dr. Carol Lewis talks electric vehicles on the 'Isiah Factor' |
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With gas prices skyrocketing in the past several weeks, the thought of purchasing an electric vehicle is becoming a more popular idea. Few have studied the history of viability of electric cars more than TSU's Dr. Carol Lewis, professor of transportation studies in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology.
Dr. Lewis appeared on Fox 26's "The Isiah Factor" on March 8 to give her opinions about this subject - and why many people are still hesitant to jump on the electric car bandwagon. Listen to the interview here.
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TSU journalism professor discusses involvement with new book, "Da Mayor of Fifth Ward" |
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TSU professor of journalism Michael Berryhill was recently interviewed by Houston Public Media regarding his involvement in a newly-published book, “Da Mayor of Fifth Ward: Stories from the Big Thicket and Houston” by Robert “Bob” E. Lee. The book is edited and framed by Berryhill, who also wrote the introduction.
In March 2017, Bob Lee, a freelance writer, community organizer, social worker, social justice warrior, child of Houston’s Fifth Ward and its advocate, and former Chicago Black Panther died at the age of 74. Alongside his larger legacy, he left behind a collection of fourteen stories published in the Houston Chronicle’s Sunday Texas Magazine between 1989 and 2000.
These youthful recollections and tales of Lee’s East Texas relatives reveal his shock at learning that his elderly aunt and uncle, who lived in Jasper, Texas, were lifelong Republicans; recall integrating a small-town restaurant with the help of the white rancher who hired him; explore the world of Black longshoremen and offer meditations on the mysteries of death.
As he lay suffering from cancer, Lee told Berryhill that he wasn’t thinking about dying, but focusing on love. Berryhill, who was Lee’s first editor at the Houston Chronicle, has lovingly collected and edited Lee’s stories, which are complemented by an introduction and biographical essay. Treasured storyteller Bob Lee’s essays offer to readers the experience of Black history in both urban and rural settings by invoking the simple details and events of everyday life.
Click here for Berryhill's interview, which begins at the 37:36 mark.
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Tracy Clemons named as new Associate VP for marketing and communications |
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Texas Southern University has named Tracy Clemons as its new Associate Vice President for marketing and communications. In this role, Clemons will manage and direct media, external communications, and branding working directly with the Vice President for communications and advancement. In addition, he’ll be a member of the president’s extended cabinet.
“Tracy has demonstrated an impeccable ability to lead from the newsroom to the boardroom,” said Vice President for communications and advancement, Melinda Spaulding. “He served as press secretary for the largest school district in Texas where he managed media relations, secured and coordinated national coverage and wrote award-winning OpEd pieces on behalf of leadership. Most importantly, Tracy knows and values HBCUs. From his days covering TSU while reporting for KTRK to his time teaching future communicators as an adjunct professor at North Carolina A&T State University, he’s shown his commitment as a storyteller and communications advocate. We’re excited to have him join the team at a time of great expansion of our broadcast and digital efforts.”
Tracy comes to the university with extensive experience in broadcast journalism and communications. Prior to his time as Press Secretary for HISD, he worked as a reporter and fill-in anchor at KTRK-TV where he covered TSU extensively. Most recently, he was a morning anchor for WGHP, the Fox affiliate in High Point, NC.
“With every story I covered on TSU’s campus and every student and graduate I met in the community, I knew this was a special place,” Clemons said. “While it’s bittersweet to leave the anchor desk and the industry I love so much, it is with great excitement that I transition into a role where my storytelling is focused solely on Texas Southern. There’s so much to tell about the student-centered learning and transformation that continues daily on this historic campus. I look forward to leading the university in telling the TSU story in ways it hasn’t been told before.”
Tracy began at TSU on March 1.
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ADL’s Coalition for Mutual Respect funds scholarships for TSU students |
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The Coalition for Mutual Respect of ADL (Anti-Defamation League) recently announced the establishment of its 25th anniversary scholarship program.
The Coalition awarded $175,000 in scholarships to 35 deserving students at Texas Southern University, University of Houston, Prairie View A&M University, Rice University and the University of St. Thomas. Scholarship recipients have demonstrated academic performance, financial need and a passion for social justice, diversity and inclusion.
Twenty-five of the scholarships were funded with a generous grant from the Jerold B. Katz Foundation; others were donated in memory of Rabbi Samuel E. Karff and in honor of Reverend William D. Lawson, who was a co-founder of the Coalition of Mutual Respect of ADL.
TSU students honored with scholarships include Alexis Anderson (marketing), Daisy Asprilla (health administration), Kamryne Ayers (radio/TV/film), Genesis Burgess (psychology), Janiesha Conner (marketing), Javion Cox (theatre), Jayla Pates (health administration), Michael Soules (management), and Jay'Len Thompson (finance).
The Coalition, which consists of 37 spiritual and civic community leaders, including Dr. Stephen Klineberg and Sister Jane Meyer who helped in the planning of the scholarship program, has succeeded in bringing about a unity of reverence, tolerance and love; speaking out with one voice against prejudice, bias and hate; and standing united and ready to embrace each other’s needs.
In addition to the financial gift, scholarship recipients will have the opportunity to complete service volunteer hours and participate in virtual discussions with Coalition members on topics related to community advocacy and “tikkun olam” – repairing the world.
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Executive MPA program partners with Texas Lyceum to provide graduate student fellowships |
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The Executive Master of Public Administration program (EMPA) at Texas Southern University has announced a new multi-year partnership with the Texas Lyceum. The partnership includes fellowships for graduate student recipients ($5,000 per annual fellowship), stipends for faculty advisors, and funding to support programming and research.
For more than 40 years, the Texas Lyceum has served as a forum for collaboration to identify and address complex issues facing the state of Texas is facing. The organization is committed to identifying and developing the next generation of top leadership in the State of Texas and promoting an appreciation of the responsibilities of stewardship of the values, traditions, and resources in the state. Texas Lyceum acts as a catalyst to bring together diverse opinions and expertise to focus on national and state issues and seeks to emphasize constructive private sector, public sector, and individual responses to the issues. The Texas Lyceum fellowship program supports this mission by identifying graduate students and supporting fresh research that helps Texans and decision makers address the most pressing issues of our time.
This is Texas Lyceum’s first HBCU partnership in its history.
"This effort was made possible by the support of Texas Lyceum President Sarah Jackson and Texas Lyceum Executive Committee member Terry Bruner," said Dr. Michael O. Adams, founding director of the EMPA program. "They understand that our students need to sit at tables outside of the classroom to ensure that the brilliance they possess is front and center at shaping a brighter future for all. Partnerships that call us all to be change agents and more thoughtful public servants is what I hope to bring more of to our university, students and faculty."
The graduate student selected for the inaugural Texas Lyceum Fellowship will be expected to work with a supervising professor as he or she synthesizes research on the key policy areas affecting the State of Texas. Tasks assigned during the fellowship will include analyzing and interpreting statistical tests and trends from original data, culminating in the production of a high-quality written policy brief. Additionally, the student selected for the fellowship will share their research at the Texas Lyceum conference in Longview, TX from November 3-5, 2022 - a unique opportunity to represent TSU and network with Texas Lyceum directors, alumni, and guests.
“These are exciting times in our state,” said Sarah Jackson, Texas Lyceum President. “The electoral and demographic landscape of Texas looks even more different and diverse than it did a hundred years ago in in 1922. With this evolution, Texas Lyceum continues to be well-positioned to play a pivotal role in convening diverse stakeholders. Our partnership with TSU is a perfect partnership leveraging both our strengths and is an innovation of our statewide fellowship program that was established in 2018.”
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Groundbreaking judge provides entryway for African Americans to work within court system |
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Judge Morris Overstreet, who was the first African American elected to statewide office in Texas, was recently featured for the work he is doing to diversify the legal field, as well as his inspirational story of serving on the state's highest criminal appellate court - the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals.
Judge Overstreet graduated from Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 1975.
He told ABC/7 News in Amarillo, where he resides, that he felt it was important to bring African Americans to come work for the court.
"“We never had an African American working for the court, not as a briefing attorney, research attorney, staff attorney. I quickly changed that,” Judge Overstreet said. “If I wanted an African American lawyer, I knew the best place to find one was Texas Southern University, my alma matter. So that’s what I did."
Watch Overstreet's story here.
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Tigers advance to NCAA tournament
Face TAMU-Corpus Christi Tuesday in 'First 4' game
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The TSU men's basketball team is dancing...again! For the second consecutive season the Tigers won the SWAC tournament, earning an automatic bid to the NCAA tournament and 'March Madness' by virtue of its convincing 87-62 victory over Alcorn State in Birmingham, AL, on Saturday. The women's team fell to Southern University in a closely-fought overtime game 78-77 on Thursday, ending its season.
The Tigers now face Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, winners of the Southland Conference tournament, at 5:40 p.m. on Tuesday (to be broadcast live on truTV) in Dayton, OH, as one of the 'First Four' games. The winner will play #1 seed Kansas on Thursday in Forth Worth, TX.
For more information about the Tigers recent success and upcoming matchup, click here.
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Track and field dominates Jet Relays
TSU Relays set for March 18-19
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Both the TSU women's and men's track and field teams won first place at the annual Jet Relays in Lancaster, TX. TSU will host the U.S. Coast Guard 70th Annual TSU Relays on Friday and Saturday, March 18-19, at Alexander Durley Stadium on the TSU campus. Over 70 teams have registered. This year's college division is highlighted with teams from TSU, University of Houston and Sam Houston State. High school teams from Fort Bend, Thurgood Marshall, Summer Creek, Duncanville and Desoto will participate in the high school boy's and girl's division. More information is available online. |
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College of Liberal Arts & Behavioral Sciences |
College of Science, Engineering & Technology: |
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