At the Friday, September 20 meeting of the TSU Board of Trustees many issues were addressed in a three hour, 15 minute open session. Among them the Interim President, Dr. Ronald A. Johnson, spoke to explain what in his perspective were the issues and how his administration plans to address them in what he calls the TCI Financial Action Plan.
One attendee said the following day, in retrospect, “Yesterday was tough. Yesterday was heartbreaking. Yesterday was alarming.”
“The financial state of the University was the focus of the meeting,” echoed another attendee. “The heartbreaking moment came hearing why we’re losing so many students every year. I think all of us can admit we experienced financial aid issues and we all know the horrendous customer service issues that have plagued us since way back when. However, to hear that students feel they don’t belong is hard to digest. Regardless of whether you agreed with the directions the University took or who was in leadership—your love for TSU never changed.
“My heart goes out to those 6300 students who don’t know the Tennessee State that we all know and love. TSU became my home away from home for me. I gained relationships to this day that have become lifetime family.”
The finger pointing and blame game was addressed by another attendee, who said, “It would have been more beneficial to discuss the current state of affairs rather than focusing on the perceived mismanagement of another administration. This approach would have led to more productive conversations and potential solutions.
“If yesterday didn’t strike something in you other than shade and finger pointing…something is wrong! When you show up for Homecoming in a few weeks or you step on campus—greet a student or two. Show them support and love. If you can help them—help them! Show them what Tennessee State is and will always be… FAMILY!”
The entire open session can be viewed online at: https:// www.youtube.com/live/iZgcaCX2NJU?si=Tzebjgc3UkqPGRBO.
