Welcome to InsideTSU, the weekly newsletter of Texas Southern University!
Research takes center stage at TSU
University hires new leader as VP of Research & Innovation
Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall has been selected as Texas Southern University’s first-ever Vice President of Research and Innovation.

Dr. Penn-Marshall previously served as the Vice President for Research, Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate College at Hampton University, a private HBCU located in Hampton, VA. Her other roles at Hampton University included Assistant Provost for Research and Grantsmanship, Chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, and Director of Student Academic Support Services in the School of Nursing.

“Dr. Penn-Marshall has a proven track record of collaboration and a commitment to research and innovation – most significantly in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM)-focused disciplines,” said TSU President Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young. “Her experience, as both an administrator and faculty member, gives her excellent perspective for her role here at TSU. She has been successful in all aspects of research and innovation, securing and expanding external funding, partnering with top-tier funding agencies, and enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the research process. One of our strategic initiatives focuses on elevating research at TSU, and Dr. Penn-Marshall will be a key component of our ongoing transformation.” 

In Virginia, Dr. Penn-Marshall was actively involved in numerous regional and national grants as well as professional service. She was appointed to the National Council of Graduate Schools (CGS) Advisory Committee on Advocacy and Public Policy for the Council of Graduate Schools and the Board of Directors for the Girl Scout Council of the Colonial Coast. She served as a member of the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy Advisory Board in Hampton Roads and was also affiliated with the Society of STEM Women of Color. She has also served as a co-Principal Investigator for numerous NIH and NSF grants. Additionally, she secured funding for and designed a mobile health unit to provide healthcare to urban, rural, and underserved community members. Dr. Penn-Marshall is well-versed in developing community and industry partnerships.  

“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. Leveraging the talents and skills of our innovative TSU community members, the sky is the absolute limit. Together, we will soar to new heights and solidify our university as a R1 institution that disrupts the status quo while transforming nations.”

Dr. Penn-Marshall earned her B.S. in Biology and M.S. in Biology with a concentration in Environmental Science from Hampton University. She received her Ph.D. in Community Nutrition from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, VA.
Ocean of Soul, director featured in Houston Chronicle profile for Black History Month
The Ocean of Soul and its director, Brian Simmons, were prominently featured in a Houston Chronicle article that profiled the history and legacy of HBCU bands.

View the article here.
Student reporters tell former TSU photographer's story
Earlie Hudnall featured in collaboration with KPRC/Channel 2 & Black History Month
During his 50-plus years with Texas Southern University, photographer Earl Hudnall captured the heart and soul of the university. Last week, aspiring journalists from TSU's School of Communication, under the direction of Professor of Journalism and Assistant Dean Dr. Serbino Sandifer Walker, turned the lens on Hudnall, telling his story that aired on KPRC/Channel 2 during Black History Month.

Journalism student Isaiah Robinson, along with others, researched, wrote and produced the segment on Hudnall, which included stories about the historic moments he covered while working for university. Since retiring from TSU in 2019, he has been honored numerous times for his photography, some of which has found its way to the Smithsonian Institute - not only for its historic significance, but also for his unique photographic style and attention to detail.

Follow our student journalists and their most recent story via Click2Houston. This experience is thanks to an innovative partnership with KPRC for Black History Month, with several students creating content that is being broadcast weekly on the station's news broadcasts, as well as its Click2Houston website.
TSU hosts First Daughter Ashley Biden for gun violence panel discussion
President Biden's daughter, Ashley, was on the TSU campus Saturday moderating a town hall panel discussion on gun violence. The event was sponsored by the Boys and Girls Club of Houston.

Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young (pictured center, with Ashley Biden second from right), welcomed the audience and provided an overview of the transformation taking place at TSU.
The panel discussion, which was held in the College of Education auditorium, covered causes of - and solutions to - the issue, which hits home for Biden, a social worker who has lost numerous students with whom she has worked. Also providing input during the panel was Dr. Howard Henderson, founding director of TSU's Center for Justice Research, U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, HISD Superintendent Millard House II, Houston Police Department Assistant Chief Yasar Bashir, and Harris County Juvenile Probation Deputy Director Henry Gonzales.

To read more about this story, which also appeared in the Houston Chronicle, click on the Boys and Girls Club news release. (photo courtesy of the Boys and Girls Club of Houston)
Business school hosts fast-food entrepreneur
Dallas restauranteur imparts valuable lessons to students
TSU’s Jesse H. Jones School of Business welcomed Dallas-based business mogul Roland Parrish (pictured, center) to speak with students as a part of its entrepreneur speaker series in February. He was an inspiration to the students as they learned about his career journey, tenacity, and leadership principles. Parrish owns 27 McDonalds stores in the Dallas area, serves on several boards and believes in giving back to the community. He surprised the students with $10,000 in scholarships and plans to award more in the future.
TSU to host Essentially Ellington Festival on March 5
On Saturday, March 5, 2022, Texas Southern University hosts the Texas Regional Essentially Ellington Festival. The festival is put on by Jazz Houston, a nonprofit jazz performance and educational outreach organization in Houston, in collaboration with the Jazz Studies area at TSU. The Essentially Ellington Festival features the top high school jazz bands from across the state. These high schools compete to be invited to the national festival held at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York City. 

The evening concert will be held in Sawyer Auditorium at 7 p.m. and features world-renowned artists and members of Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra: Vincent Gardner, Walter Blanding and Rodney Whitaker, accompanied by the TSU Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Brian Perez.

To purchase tickets to the event please visit:

Links:
Guest artists & Jazz at Lincoln Center:

Essentially Ellington:

Jazz Houston 

Jazz at TSU
TMSL hosts premiere of "A Day to Die" and election primary candidate meet-and-greet
On Monday evening, the Thurgood Marshall School of Law hosted a movie premiere of "A Day to Die," which is executive produced by TMSL graduate and Alumni Board president Kevin Murray ('97) and Leo Ohaebosim ('01). The movie stars Bruce Willis, Kevin Dillon, Leon, and Frank Grillo.

Following the premiere, TMSL had a "Meet the 2022 Texas Primary Election Candidates" mixer, which was held on the eve of the March 1 primary election.
A 'sensational' donation thanks to TSU alumni group
The TSU National Alumni Assocation generously donated TSU-branded water bottles to the Sensations dance team. The Sensations perform at numerous competitions and campus events, including many athletic events.
Selling Texans on electric vehicles may be uphill climb, according to TSU/UH survey
Ever more electric vehicles can be spotted these days on the urban roads of Texas. But switching the whole state from gas tanks to batteries is looking like a tough sell.

That is what 2,067 respondents to the Texas Trends Survey, conducted by the Texas Southern University Jordan-Leland School of Public Affairs and the University of Houston Hobby School of Public Affairs, had to say about going electric – now and any time in the future.

Specifically, the survey asked:
  • Do you currently own or lease an electric vehicle?
  • Would you consider buying or leasing an electric vehicle now or in the future?
  • Why would you not consider buying or leasing a vehicle powered only by electricity?
  • What do you think about three potential policies aimed at promoting electric vehicles?

“With a legacy as the nation’s largest energy producer, from both traditional and renewable sources, Texas has potential to lead America’s exploration of alternatives such as electric vehicles. But is the EV movement gaining ground in the state? This survey gives us a glimpse of what Texans are thinking today,” said Carroll Robinson, TSU associate professor of Political Science and co-principal investigator of the TSU National Transportation Security Center of Excellence–Petrochemical Transportation Security.

Among survey respondents, only 11% said they were “very likely” to ever buy or lease a vehicle powered only by electricity in the future, 30% said they would “never” do so. Less than 10% were already driving an electric-powered car, truck or van.

“Dividing along politics, a preference for gas vehicles was cited by almost twice as many Republicans (49%) as Democrats or Independents (28% in each case). Mileage range per charge was a concern of more Republicans and Independents (40% each) than Democrats (29%),” said Michael O. Adams, professor of political science and founding director of the Executive Master of Public Administration program at the Jordan-Leland School of Public Affairs.

About the Survey
See the complete Texas Trends Survey / Electric Vehicles report for clarification on how the electric vehicle is not winning over the Lone Star State – at least not so far. Read also about how opinions vary across gender, race/ethnicity, generation and partisan divides. The survey of 2,067 was conducted Oct. 4-21, 2021, by YouGov for the UH Hobby School of Public Affairs and the TSU Jordan-Leland School of Public Affairs and has a margin of error of +/–2.2% at the 95% confidence level.
Current & prospective vendors encouraged to attend "Doing Business with TSU!" webinar
 
Businesses seeking to do business with Texas Southern University are encouraged to attend a helpful webinar on Thursday, March 10, from 2-4 p.m.
 
This virtual procurement session will cover a range of topics, including vendor registration, bids & RFPs, insurance & indemnification, types of solicitations, and tabulations & awards.
 
There is no cost to attend the webinar, which will be presented and facilitated by members of TSU’s procurement team. There will also be an opportunity for participant questions throughout the webinar.
 
To register for the webinar, click here or scan the accompanying QR code.
Alumnus and digital strategist for Washington airport highlighted for creativity, innovation
TSU alumnus Brian McCoy, the digital strategist for the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, was given a bright spotlight on the final day of Black History Month, with a video profile of his unique talents posted on the organization's website.

McCoy received a M.A. in Mass Communication from TSU's School of Communications in 2012. He served as the National Digital Director for the NAACP prior to joining the airport authority.
Conservationist is caretaker of treasures at Smithsonian National Gallery of Art
LaStarsha McGarity is a TSU alumna on the move! Not only will she soon become the first African American to be awarded a Ph.D. in Historic Preservation and Conservation, she is also currently working at the Smithsonian National Gallery of Art as the Andrew W. Mellon Fellow in object conservation.

McGarity, who earned her B.A. in Fine/Studio Arts from TSU in 2013, was featured in this inspiring profile about her journey from childhood in San Antonio, then to Texas Southern, and eventually to the Smithsonian. Congratulations to McGarity, who wore her TSU-branded shirt for the profile, and also to Dr. Alvia Wardlaw, director of TSU's University Museum as well as McGarity's instructor and mentor at TSU.
United Airlines pilot, TSU grad 'flies high' as he pursues his dreams, mentors others
TSU alumnus and United Airlines pilot Corey Shepherd set a flight path for his career more than 16 years ago when he was an aviation science major. Now, he is living his dream - and also giving back to his community in the process.

Shepherd was featured on Fox26 during its Black History Month series. The story raises awareness about the shortage of African American (and other minority) pilots in the U.S. (photo courtesy of United Airlines)
Beaumont's first-ever female city attorney is TMSL alumna
Sharae Reed recently became the first-ever female city attorney in Beaumont, TX. The hometown girl (Reed is a Beaumont native) was a natural choice after serving - and thriving - in the Beaumont city attorney's office for several years, working her way up the ladder in a variety of roles following her graduation from TSU's Thurgood Marshall School of Law in 2010.

Regarding her achieving a 'first ever' status as a female city attorney, Reed told the Beaumont Enterprise that she hopes her appointment and career will foster more firsts until there aren't any more, noting that women bring a unique perspective into the working world.

Reed started her new job in January 2022, and soon after the Enterprise told her story, which focused on her journey to law school and then to life in the public sector of law. She initially thought she would join the corporate ranks, but the guidance of several mentors led her to her pursue municipal law. Read more about Reed's story here. (photo courtesy of the Beaumont Enterprise)
TSUNAA earns prestigious award
The Texas Southern University National Alumni Association (TSUNAA) was recently honored with a Black Professional Community Organization Award by D-Mars and the Black Professionals Alliance of Houston during an award ceremony held at the Bayou Ce. TSUNAA President Corrie Williams (pictured with award at the ceremony) accepted the award on the Association's behalf. Keith Davis, aka "D-Mars," is also pictured on the far right.
Final home game for seniors, fans approaches
Tigers in action vs. rival PVAMU on Saturday, March 5
The TSU men's and women's basketball teams will close out the regular season at home this weekend when they face Prairie View A&M on Saturday, March 5, at 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. in H&PE Arena. Both teams will advance to the SWAC tournament next week in Birmingham, AL, and both are fighting to be one of the top seeds.
 
All TSU students, faculty and staff receive complimentary admission for this final home game, which will include a special celebration for the outgoing seniors.
2022 football schedule released
Tigers to face North Texas, UTSA on the road; Lincoln University is Homecoming opponent at Durley Stadium
TSU football released its 2022 schedule with five home games, including four at PNC Stadium and an on-campus homecoming contest (against Lincoln University (CA) on Oct. 29, at 2 p.m.

The season kicks off on Labor Day weekend as TSU heads to Prairie View to face Prairie View A&M for the annual Labor Day Classic on Sept. 3. The Tigers then head to the Dallas Metroplex area for the following two weekends as they face North Texas in Denton on Sept. 10, followed by a SWAC contest in Arlington against Southern at Globe Life Park.

Click here to watch the video unveiling of the full 2022 schedule.
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