by Alexis Clark
Tennessee State University on March 28 celebrated its best and brightest at the 12th annual Spring Honors Convocation. More than 2,800 students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements and overall success.
Themed ‘Achieving Academic Excellence Against the Odds,’ the event celebrated 61 years of honors excellence and showcased the remarkable accomplishments of TSU students across all disciplines. The convocation spotlighted distinguished undergraduates from every college, including top graduating Honors seniors, outstanding honor society members, Dean’s List students, and President’s List honorees.
Dr. Coreen Jackson, dean of the Honors College, emphasized the importance of celebrating more than six decades of excellence.
“Through dedication and perseverance, these students have remained committed and focused on their path toward academic success,” Jackson said. “They have distinguished themselves through scholarship, research, service, and high achievement. The world has been the grateful beneficiary of the seeds of academic excellence planted right here at Tennessee State University.”
Among the honorees, more than 50 students achieved President’s List status, maintaining a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA throughout their time at TSU.
TSU junior Courtney Caldwell, of Locust Grove, Georgia, received the Dr. McDonald Williams Highest rising Senior Award, named after the first Honors Program director. A psychology major with a minor in communication, Caldwell has maintained a 4.0 GPA since her sophomore year of high school.
“It feels great being honored,” Caldwell said, expressing gratitude to the Honors College for the recognition. She credited her success to maintaining a healthy academic and social balance.
“If you can balance your time with family, friends, rest, and eating well, it all aligns with becoming a scholar.”
Mulbah Guilavogui, a first-year sophomore studying biology with a pre-med concentration, also has a 4.0 GPA and aspires to become a dermatologist. Guilavogui appreciated the ceremony’s acknowledgment of academic excellence across campus. “As a scholar and a member of the Aristocrat of Bands, I’m proud of myself,” he said. He added that witnessing so many students achieve their goals was inspiring. “That’s the biggest reason why I love my HBCU. They continue to honor those who are putting in the work.”
Dakasha Winton, chair of the TSU Board of Trustees and senior vice president and chief government relations officer for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, served as the distinguished guest speaker. A TSU alumna who graduated cum laude, Winton went on to earn her law degree from the University of Memphis.
“The most important relationship you should have is the relationship with yourself,” Winton told the students during the event. “When you have a healthy, positive relationship with yourself, you’re better equipped to build and maintain beautiful relationships with others.”
She encouraged students to balance dreams with reality and emphasized self-awareness, financial literacy, and building a solid foundation beyond academics.
“Don’t ever underestimate the power of consistency,” she said. “You are the future leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the world. May your achievements inspire others as you continue to shine bright.”
TSU President Dwayne Tucker, along with administrators, college deans, and other university leaders, joined in celebrating the students’ academic success.
Among this year’s honorees were 822 current members of the Honors College, representing majors from all eight colleges within the university. This group included Dr. Levi Watkins, Jr. Institute Scholars; Miss TSU Chandler Holt; Mister and Miss Honors College, Calvin Pickett, Jr. and My’ria Wilbert; and SGA President Chrishonda O’Quinn, who received an Outstanding Leadership Award.
To qualify for admission to Honors College students must have a minimum ACT score of 25 or SAT score of 1220, along with a high school GPA of 3.4 or higher. Current TSU students must earn a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or above to apply.
This year, 115 Honors seniors will graduate and be recognized with a gold Honors stole during the commencement ceremony.
The convocation also celebrated academic excellence through musical performances by TSU’s Saxophone Quartet and the University Meistersingers.
