Tennessee State University welcomed nearly 2,000 new students to campus during a high-energy move-in week, marking a significant enrollment rebound for the historically Black university.

Music filled the areas surrounding residence halls as students and their families arrived with suitcases, boxes and other belongings. Faculty, staff, alumni, student-athletes and other volunteers helped incoming students settle into their new homes ahead of the start of classes.

For many freshmen, arriving at TSU represented the fulfillment of a longtime goal and an opportunity to experience the culture and community of an HBCU.

Twin siblings Troy and Troynesha Akins, graduates of Nashville’s McGavock High School, were among the students moving into Wilson Hall with help from their family.

“I chose Tennessee State University because of the strong sense of community and the opportunity to be part of an HBCU,” said Troynesha, who plans to study education. “I’m excited to study education, become a teacher, and one day make a positive difference in the lives of children.”

Troy, who will major in business marketing, said attending college alongside his sister makes the experience even more meaningful.

“Coming to Tennessee State University is about being part of a community where I can meet new people, grow, and enjoy the HBCU experience,” he said. “We’ve been together our whole lives, and now we get to take this next step together.”

Cybersecurity major Benjamin Bass also moved into Wilson Hall. Bass said his connection to TSU began years ago when he toured the university as an elementary school student. His uncle attended TSU, and his brother is a graduate.

“I’ve loved TSU since I toured here in elementary school,” Bass said. “Now I’m coming here to study cybersecurity, and I’m ready to do big things.”

TSU President Dwayne Tucker joined volunteers throughout move-in, driving a golf cart across campus to transport students, parents and luggage to residence halls.

“Our goal today and every day is to make sure our students and their families feel supported the moment they set foot on campus,” Tucker said. “Seeing the energy, the enthusiasm, and the massive turnout shows that Tennessee State University is moving forward in a powerful way.”

Alumni, faculty, staff, upperclassmen, student-athletes and coaches also helped students move into residence halls. Corporate partners including Coca-Cola, the Tennessee Titans, Bank of America and Regions Bank provided food, beverages and giveaways during the summer heat.

Students were able to receive room keys, identification cards and parking permits and activate meal plans as part of the university’s on-boarding process.

The move-in activities began Aug. 11 with first-time freshmen, followed by continuing, transfer and readmitted students. New students were formally welcomed during Freshman Convocation at Kean Hall on Aug. 14.

The number of new students represents a notable turnaround for the university.

TSU initially projected between 1,600 and 1,800 incoming freshmen and transfer students for the fall semester, compared with about 500 new students last year. By the beginning of move-in, university officials said nearly 2,000 new students had registered.

Dr. Eric Stokes, vice president of Enrollment Management, credited the increase to a university-wide recruitment effort supported by Tucker, alumni, faculty and staff.

“It truly is a blessing to be where we are today,” Stokes said. “The president always says, ‘What a difference a year makes,’ and I think it starts with his leadership.”

Stokes said the university focused heavily on new student enrollment and customer service.

“All those things combined, along with God’s grace, have brought us to where we are today, with nearly 2,000 new students registered,” he said.

Dr. Bridgett Golman, vice president of Student Affairs, worked with housing and student activities teams throughout the week to coordinate check-in centers, registration stations and other services.

The excitement continued as students moved into Boyd, Epps and Hale halls.

At Epps Hall, Herman and Laverne Perry of Memphis helped their granddaughter, LanDin Boyce, move into her new home.

“Coming to college, especially at TSU, is a major break for her, and we are glad to see her have this experience,” Herman Perry said.

At Boyd Hall, twin brothers Xavier and Cameron Jackson prepared to begin their college experience together. Xavier plans to study health sciences, while Cameron will major in dental hygiene.

“TSU is kind of in the blood,” Cameron said. “I have family members who went here, so it was like I had to come here. I’m ready to try something new, experience college life and make it further in life.”

For TSU, the arrival of nearly 2,000 new students provides an encouraging start to the academic year and a visible sign of the university’s efforts to rebuild enrollment.

As Tucker told students and families during move-in, the turnout reflects a university moving forward—with a new generation of Big Blue Tigers now calling TSU home.