Tennessee State University students, alumni and leaders were prominently represented throughout the 2026 National Urban League Conference as thousands of business executives, elected officials, educators, entrepreneurs and community advocates gathered in Nashville.

The six-day conference at Music City Center focused on economic opportunity, education and community empowerment. As Nashville’s only public historically Black college and university, TSU participated in activities ranging from youth leadership development to national recognition of its alumni.

One of the university’s largest roles came when TSU welcomed more than 300 middle and high school students to campus for the National Urban League Youth Leadership Summit.

Students explored academic programs, experienced campus life and participated in leadership activities designed to prepare them for college and future careers.

“Opening our campus to the National Urban League Youth Leadership Summit reflects who we are as an institution,” TSU President Dwayne Tucker said. “We want every student who visits TSU to see that higher education is within reach and that this university is a place where leadership is cultivated and futures are transformed.”

The conference also brought national recognition to a member of the TSU community.

During the National Urban League Women of Power Awards Luncheon, TSU Director of Alumni Relations Debbie Howard was among seven women honored for leadership and service.

“It’s such a privilege to be recognized for the work that you absolutely love to do,” Howard told attendees.

Howard dedicated the recognition to the university and her colleagues.

“Working at an HBCU, your work is never complete at the end of the day,” she said. “TSU, I dedicate this award to you as well. Thank you, National Urban League, for seeing me and valuing the work that I do in this space.”

TSU alumni could be found throughout the conference in leadership positions spanning business, government and community organizations.

LaKeisha Pickett, chief financial officer of the Urban League of Middle Tennessee and a 2003 TSU mathematics graduate, said seeing fellow alumni at the national gathering demonstrated the university’s continuing influence.

“Seeing TSU alumni here at this national conference is exciting because it shows that TSU poured into us the desire to give back to our communities, to think, work and serve just like our motto,” Pickett said.

She also pointed to TSU’s decision to host the Youth Leadership Summit as an example of investing in the next generation.

“We’re constantly pouring into our kids because we want them to come right behind us,” Pickett said. “We’re building the next generation while building legacy.”

That connection between education and service could also be seen among TSU’s younger alumni.

Jalen Edwards, a 2024 graduate, now works as a program manager with the Urban League after initially joining the organization as an intern.

“All the things TSU teaches us, take that in, hold on to it, and go out there and be the best version of yourself that you can,” Edwards said.

Edwards said the conference also gave him an opportunity to connect with executives and other professionals who looked like him while gaining experience that could help advance his career.

A number of other prominent TSU alumni participated in the conference, including: Tennessee State Rep. Harold Love, Jr.; Wells Fargo Executive Vice President Georgette ‘Gigi’ Dixon; Nissan executive and Urban League of Middle Tennessee Board Chair Chandra Vassar; AARP Tennessee State Director Mia McNeil; and Criminal Court Clerk Howard Gentry.

Alumni served as speakers, panelists and community leaders during the week, illustrating TSU’s reach across corporate America, government and civic organizations.

The university’s presence wasn’t limited to panels and professional development.

TSU’s Grammy Award-winning Aristocrat of Bands performed during the Chairman’s Reception, bringing one of the university’s most celebrated traditions before a national audience.

From middle and high school students getting an introduction to college life to recent graduates beginning their careers and veteran alumni occupying senior leadership positions, TSU’s involvement in the National Urban League Conference provided a broad look at the university’s connection to Nashville and the wider Black professional community.

For Pickett, that presence reflected something larger than a single conference.

“Everything was learned from TSU,” she said. “I praise my alma mater for preparing me to be in these spaces.”/