Mission:

Tennessee State University, an Historically Black College/University (HBCU), fosters scholarly inquiry and research, lifelong learning, and a commitment to service.

Vision:

Tennessee State University aspires to achieve national and international prominence, building on its heritage and preparing leaders for a global society.

Values:

Tennessee State University maintains the following core values:

Excellence

Learning

Accountability

Integrity

Shared governance

Diversity

Service

History:

TSU was originally organized as the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal School in 1909 and began serving students on June 19, 1912. Its status was raised to a four-year teachers' college in 1922, and two years later it was renamed the Agricultural and Industrial State Normal College. After another five years, "Normal" was dropped from its name.

It was elevated to university status in 1951, renamed the Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial University, and got full-fledged land-grant university status by the Tennessee State Board of Education in 1958. Since 1972, it has been operated under the auspices of the Tennessee Board of Regents.

Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University has grown dramatically from a small college to two campuses: the 500-acre main campus and the downtown Avon Williams campus, which is located in the heart of Nashville near the State Capitol. The diverse student population of more than 9,000 represents 46 states and 45 countries. TSU has been listed for 11 consecutive years in the U.S. News & World Report “Guide to America’s Best Colleges.”

Tennessee State University is a comprehensive, urban, coeducational land-grant university offering 45 bachelor’s degrees and 24 master degrees. Doctoral programs include biological sciences, psychology, public administration, computer information systems engineering, administration and supervision and curriculum and instruction.

About Us:

Tennessee State University, located in Nashville, is a major, comprehensive urban land-grant institution offering 45 bachelor's degrees and 24 master's degrees. Doctoral degrees are offered in seven areas: biological sciences, psychology, public administration, curriculum and instruction, administration and supervision, and computer information systems engineering and physical therapy. Founded in 1912, the university has been listed for the past thirteen years in the U.S. News & World Report "Guide to America's Best Colleges."

Tennessee State competes in Division I of the NCAA with the exception of men's football (I-AA). Programs are available for men in Basketball, Football, Golf, Tennis, and track and field. Programs are available for women in Basketball, Softball, Tennis, Track and Field, and Volleyball.