Welcome to InsideTSU, the weekly newsletter of Texas Southern University!
Monday, October 24, 2022

SPECIAL HOMECOMING EDITION!
It's time for Homecoming!
Weeklong schedule of events brings Tiger Nation together for parade, pep rallies, parties, pigskin and more
Texas Southern University is hosting a week of Homecoming 2022 activities. The festivities kicked off with the second annual midnight breakfast (along with fireworks!) held on Sunday night for all current students. 

Other events during this year’s annual Homecoming festivities include a pep rally, Homecoming concert, and the 20th Annual Tiger Paw Scholarship Golf Classic. 
The week of events will culminate on Saturday, October 29, with the Homecoming parade, tailgates, and football game vs. Lincoln University (California) in Alexander Durley Stadium. The game begins at 2 p.m. This year’s parade will begin at Cleburne and Tierwester, and due to construction, the route is slightly different from previous years. It will end at Blodgett and Live Oak.
All Homecoming events – at the request of TSU students and alumni – will be held on campus unless otherwise noted.

For all things Homecoming 2022, including the up-to-date schedule of events, click here.
TSU President Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young enjoys the Midnight Breakfast with Tiger students.
TSU students kick off Homecoming 2022 with the Midnight Breakfast and after party, which included fireworks.
Matriculation Convocation paints portrait of a graduate
Journey to Commencement celebrated
Texas Southern University celebrated all freshman and sophomore students during a Matriculation Convocation held in Sawyer Auditorium.

“Today is a celebration of the commitment we’ve made to ourselves, to those who love us, and to those who look up to us,” said TSU President Lesia L. Crumpton-Young during her convocation address. “When you graduate and someone asks you ‘What is a matriculation convocation?’ you can tell them it’s a celebration of your journey.”

Every freshman and sophomore in attendance received a special gift to acknowledge where they are on the journey and that they will wear on graduation day. Freshman received cords. Sophomores received tassels to be worn with their graduation caps. During the convocation, Acting Provost Dr. Lilian B. Poats also explained, with the help of a student model (TSU doctoral student Morgan Utsey-Williams, pictured above) the portrait of a graduate wearing the cord and tassel, as well as the stole and graduation medallion that junior and senior students receive, respectively.
President Crumpton-Young encouraged students to persevere through the hard work required to reach graduation, citing nothing worth having ever comes easy.

“It’s a celebration of things to come. It honors you, the commitment you’ve made, and it helps to remind you of the work that you will have to do. Yes, you will have to do some work along this journey. Earning that college degree, while it is a wonderful achievement, will not come easy,” she said.

SGA President Dexter Maryland (pictured above at podium) shared a special word of encouragement especially for students who are the first in their family to attend college.

“I believe you are more than capable of defying the odds set against you,” Maryland said. I challenge you all to raise the standard for yourself. I know you can complete your degree in four years. In order to do that, you have to lock in to the journey you’re taking to secure a successful future. I’m challenging you to unlock that faith within yourself to be the best version of you and matriculate through your college experience.”

See additional photos from the Matriculation Convocation below and via TSU flickr.
KTSU platform pulls record number of listeners in September
KTSU 90.9 FM The Choice broke a record in September 2022 with more than 700,000 listeners combined through terrestrial and streaming platforms.
 
The record number includes listeners from around the country, beyond the Houston region, with listeners streaming KTSU from Dallas, Austin, Los Angeles, Atlanta, New Orleans, Chicago, Washington D.C., and additional major markets.
 
“For 50 years, KTSU has been a pillar in the Houston community from a broadcast perspective, but thanks to strategic enhancements to our technology and programming, we are now able to reach people all over the country,” said General Manager Ernest Walker. “The station continues to evolve to meet the growing needs of its ever-expanding audience and to seize every opportunity created by the changing landscape of the radio and broadcast industry. That more than 700,000 people turned to KTSU platforms is a testament to the variety, quality, and consistency of our programming. We believe it’s just as noteworthy that this accomplishment was achieved in spite of the station wattage being significantly less than other stations in the market.”
 
KTSU is the number one public radio station on any HBCU campus across the country. When it first hit the air in 1973 with 10 watts of power, it became the first African-American FM station on Houston’s airwaves. The station has grown to 18,500 watts, serving as a source of entertainment, as well as news and public affairs information that ensures listeners know what’s happening in the community around them. KTSU is also a training platform for students enrolled in Texas Southern University’s School of Communication. In 2019, the station launched KTSU2 “The Voice,” a student-run streaming radio platform. In 2020, KTSU expanded further with the launch of “The Vibe,” a digital and innovative Urban Alternative station offering the latest in Hip Hop, R&B, and Neo-Soul on the FM dial and through 24-hour streaming.
“We look forward to serving the community through current and new platforms still to come,” said Melinda Spaulding, Vice President for University Advancement and Communications. “We’re proud of the KTSU team as they’ve expanded by adding KTSU News: The Source, along with other programming to truly be the choice for listeners. Through innovation and creative programming, KTSU is truly becoming one of the trailblazers for Black public radio stations in America. And we will continue to enhance our content with programs that impact the communities we serve powered by the wonderful talent and support at Texas Southern University.” 

KTSU is a member-supported station. It also receives support from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. For more information on KTSU 90.9 The Choice and The Vibe, visit https://ktsuradio.com/.
COPHS celebrates Breast Cancer Awareness
On Wednesday, Oct 25, the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences presents "We Roar Against Breast Cancer" from 4-8 p.m. in the on the TSU campus. The event is sponsored by the Community Engagement Core and the TSU Breast Cancer Screening & Prevention Center.

This event will feature an interactive educational seminar, outreach, panel discussion, and a Walk Against Cancer on TSU's historic Tiger Walk. It also launches the University's Breast Cancer Treatment Assistance Fundraiser program. There will be door prizes, vendor exhibits and light refreshments.

TSU leaders, faculty, staff, students, community members, faith leaders, community leaders, health advocates, elected officials and researchers are invited to attend any or all of the event planned.

Attendees can join in person or virtually via Zoom. Click here to pre-register.
TSU celebrates 95 years of Excellence in Achievement
Anniversary celebration is opportunity to give back to Tiger Nation
Texas Southern University is celebrating its 95th Anniversary! Graduates have served at all levels, from community grassroots organizations to the highest citadels of government. Texas Southern has prepared students to make a difference using their education to uplift and reform wherever and whenever change is needed. Throughout the past 95 years, the University has never lost sight of its goal to educate and prepare future leaders who contribute to the state, nation, and world.

Our past has strengthened and prepared us for unprecedented and exciting opportunities. Under the leadership of the 13th President, Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young, the University is primed and ready to take on many new challenges and never thought of opportunities to launch Texas Southern into a new realm.

We thank you for your past support and invite you to continue with us on this transformational journey. Make your 95th Anniversary donation a monthly gift. Join the list of supporters who will be acknowledged throughout the year in our 95th Anniversary Transformational Giving Circle. Help us celebrate our 95th Anniversary and invest in the future of Texas Southern University.
"TSU in the News" snapshot:

TSU/UH survey reveals significant insurance availability and coverage gaps in Texas (October 20):

TSU among HBCUs partnering with IBM to address cybersecurity issues (October 17-18):

Dr. Robert Bullard provides perspective on lack of safe drinking water and its impact on minorities, published in the Marshall News Messenger (October 17):

TSU, Aflac partner on $200,000 grant for health disparity research (October 17):
Dr. Howard Henderson co-authors research on trauma-informed understanding of firearm decision-making among black adolescents (October 2022):

New TSU, UH poll examines 'Texas trends' on immigration (October 16):
Chase event brings TSU students Back to the Yard for financial literacy (October 17):
S&P Global initiates scholarship program with TSU (October 13):
Houston Style Magazine profiles TSU in its 95th anniversary year (September 29):
Distinguished TSU professor Dr. Robert Bullard receives honorary doctorate from University of Johannesburg
Dr. Robert D. Bullard, Distinguished Professor of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy in the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs at Texas Southern University, is among six luminaries who were conferred with Honorary Doctorates from the  University of Johannesburg. 

Included in the group of six recipients are two Nobel Prize laureates – one in Literature (2021) and another in Chemistry (2013). This prestigious honor was presented during the 2022 Summer commencement ceremony on Friday, Oct 14, at the Sanlam Auditorium, Auckland Park, Kingsway Campus in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

For the complete story, click here.
Criminal justice, immigration are focus of latestTSU, UH "Texas Trends" survey
A survey released by TSU and the University of Houston found areas of agreement within two of the hottest political topics in the state — criminal justice and immigration. Though, wide separations were revealed, too, in the latest Texas Trends report by TSU's Barbara Jordan–Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs and the UH Hobby School of Public Affairs. Those differences were especially sharp when comparing responses by ideology, race and generation.

“When asked if they trust their community law enforcement, almost half of the survey’s Black survey respondents said ‘no.’ To the same question, more than two-thirds of white respondents said ‘yes.’ When we examined by ideology, the highest levels of trust in local law enforcement came from the survey’s conservatives,” said Michael O. Adams, founding director of the Executive Master of Public Administration Program and professor of political science and public administration at TSU.

Considering immigration, a majority supported adding more immigration judges and courts to ease backlogs of immigration cases (65.9% agreed) and expediting court hearings for asylum seekers to reduce wait times (64.3% supported).

Differences were sparked along ideology on whether asylum status in the U.S. should be tougher to obtain. More than half of survey participants who described themselves as conservative (59.5%) or very conservative (69.8%) said it should. Those who describe themselves as liberal (22.5%) or very liberal (20.2%) reflected the opposite view.

For the full report, click here.
Live from New York, it's...
Megan Thee Stallion (and TSU)!
TSU alumna Megan Thee Stallion (aka Megan Pete, pictured above with President Crumpton-Young during the Fall 2021 Commencement) hosted NBC's Saturday Night Live last week, and she gave a shout-out to her alma mater during the opening monologue.

She also mentioned that she is putting her degree in Health Administration to use by creating a website for those impacted by mental health issues.

“Finishing college while pursuing a rap career is not easy, and I did that while putting out song after song and going on a world tour,” Megan said. "I got my degree in Health Administration because I've always wanted to help the people in my community. That's why I launched my website that provides access to resources for people who are struggling with their mental health."

Click the video link below to view Megan's SNL monologue:
Spring/Summer '22 newsletter: Barbara Jordan/ Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs
Click here or on the graphic above to view the Spring/Summer 2022 newsletter for the Barbara Jordan/Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs.
New library database trial available for students, faculty & staff
The TSU Library Learning Center has arranged for a new library database that will be available until December 9, 2022, for all TSU faculty, students and staff.

Click here or on the graphic above to access the listing of databases being made available by O'Reilly.
TIGER DAY set for prospective students
Oct. 28 is filled with activities for future Tigers
The Texas Southern University Division of Enrollment & Student Success is hosting a Tiger Day for prospective junior and senior high school students, and transfer students on Friday, October 28, 2022. This is an opportunity to learn about the admissions process, how to apply for scholarships, student activities, the history of the University, and more. The event will give prospective students a snapshot of what life is like as a TSU student.
 
Activities include:
  • Campus tour
  • Admission and financial aid/scholarship presentations
  • Academic department showcases
  • Campus organization displays
  • And much more!

To register, click here for the registration form.
TSU alumna fights against pollution in Harris County
Latrice Babin, who earned both a bachelor's degree (Biology, 1992) and doctorate (Chemistry/Environmental Toxicology, 2008) has served as the Executive Director of Harris County Pollution Control Services since 2019.

Babin was recently profiled by Community Impact magazine, focusing on her career path, what Pollution Control Services does, her future goals for the department, and tackling pollution issues countywide.
 
To read Babin's interview with Community Impact, click here.
Former TSU golfer-turned-pro selected for Nike Yardrunner campaign
Amber Kuykendall, who starred for the TSU golf team and graduated with a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 2019, has been selected for the latest Nike Yardrunners class, representing TSU in the process. Kuykendall is also pursuing professional golfing on the Women's All Pro Tour (WAPT).

To honor the rich tradition, history, and contributions of HBCUs and their alums on international sport and culture, Nike Yardrunners was established in 2020. The program, which Nike HBCU graduates started, gives teams at Nike the chance to collaborate with HBCU trailblazers and community creatives to produce motivational storytelling and acts of generosity with and for the community.

To read more about Kuykendall and the latest Nike Yardrunner campaign, click here.

Photo courtesy of Nike.
Law firm hires TSU law school alumna to run Dallas office
LOAR PLLC, a fast-growing, woman-owned, personal injury law firm with offices in Austin, Waco, and Dallas/Fort Worth, has been looking for top legal talent that shares its passion for investing in the community. It found it in TSU's Thurgood Marshall School of Law graduate Mikeyia Dawkins.

Dawkins, who graduated from TMSL in 2015, is an experienced litigator and trial attorney representing clients in civil disputes. She began her career as an Assistant District Attorney where she built significant litigation experience. Dawkins switched from criminal to civil and spent the next five years working on personal injury cases on the defense side, including working for Farmers Insurance, where she handled more than 1,000 personal injury cases, and successfully first-chaired more than 35 jury trials.

While she excels in the courtroom, Dawkins understands that trial is not the only way to resolve an issue for her clients, and she also uses her extensive experience to negotiate settlements when it is beneficial to her clients. Mikeyia has consistently been a leader in her community. She is a member of the JL Turner African American Lawyers Association, and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She is an advocate for justice and enjoys volunteering in her community individually and with associated organizations, where she is always advocating for those who are unable to do so for themselves.

To read more about Dawkins, click here.

Photo courtesy of Nike.
TSU spoils Alcorn State's homecoming
Tigers seek their own Homecoming victory
TSU used all three phases of football to earn its first win over Alcorn State since 2011 and first in Spinks-Casem Stadium since 2010 as they spoiled another homecoming by a 34-27 margin. The Tigers improved to 3-2 in SWAC play as they return home for a non-conference Homecoming contest versus Lincoln (CA) University. The game kicks off at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Durley Stadium.
 
Punt returner Chaunzavia Lewis set the Tigers up early as he picked up a punt near his own endzone and found a seam for a 49-yard return to the Alcorn State 44. The offense rewarded him for his efforts as Andrew Body had a big 18-yard run on third down, which set up an 18-yard touchdown pass to A.J. Bennett. Curtis Falkenburg nailed the PAT as the Tigers claimed an early 7-0 lead.

For more details on the victory over Alcorn State, click here.
Tiger soccer looks for championship finish
TSU soccer will finish the regular season with a key home match as the Tigers (4-2-2 in SWAC play) look to finish strong in the SWAC West standings. Ayana Noel (pictured above, center) is TSU's leading goal scorer so far this season.

The Tigers play Friday, Oct. 28, at 7 p.m. against rival Prairie View A&M. The SWAC tournament takes place Nov. 3-6 at PVAMU. This past weekend, the Tigers came away with a 1-1 draw against Southern University, followed by a tough 2-0 defeat at the hands of Jackson State.

For more information on Texas Southern University Soccer, follow on Twitter (@TXSOTigers), Instagram (@TXSOTigers), and like on Facebook.

Click here to read more about Tiger soccer.
Cross country concludes fall regular season
The TSU men's cross country team had its final tune-up before next week's SWAC Championship as it participated at the Arturo Barrios Invitational in Bryan, Texas.
 
Albert Norman was the top finisher for TSU in the 8k course as he ran a personal best 8k time of 25:23.8. Jose Gonzalez finished second on the team in a time of 25:59.1 followed by Dan Lerma, Brandon Washington, Mark Lerma, Enrique Mendez and Brian Martinez.
 
TSU is back in action this week at the 2022 SWAC Cross Country Championship in Tallahassee, Fla.

Click here to read more about Tiger men's cross country.
Volleyball team nets another road win
The TSU women's volleyball team put together its first winning streak of the season after a thrilling 3-1 win over Southern last week.
 
TSU battled back from a 12-8 set one deficit with an 11-7 surge to flip the lead and close out the set 25-19.
 
TSU led 6-5 to open set two but Southern answered with a 9-0 run to jump out to a 14-6 lead. Cordero Moreno answered with a kill and an ace to spark a TSU run which also saw Danielle Lilley add three kills to get within 15-13. Southern scored four of the next five points and eventually won set two 25-22.
 
TSU led set three from start to finish and played solid defense despite several late SU charges, and it closed the deal with a 7-1 run to win 25-17.

For the match, Lilley had 14 kills followed by 11 from Cordero Moreno and nine from Chapman. Lilley also had four aces while Chenise Cook added four blocks followed by three from Lilley. Dallas Balanay Flores had 33 assists while Scroggins finished 17 digs and 16 from Cordero Moreno.
TSU, which improved to 3-5 in SWAC play, is back in action on Monday, Oct. 24, against Prairie View A&M. Due to the ongoing renovation of the gym floor inside the H&PE Arena, the match will be played inside Delmar Fieldhouse in Houston. The facility is located at 2020 Mangum Rd., which is at the corner of Highway 290 and Loop 610. Next Monday is also Pink Night and Alumni Night for the program.

Click here to read more about Tiger volleyball.