Name: Charles A. Anderson III
Major: English
HBCU: Tennessee State University (TSU)
Q: What makes your HBCU unique?
The largest thing that makes my HBCU unique is that you can go from being just a face in the crowd to an impactful individual almost overnight. This applies to not only on campus but also to the global community. On campus you can go from being a kid that goes to class to the SGA president if you network and work hard. In everyday life you see TSU alumni going on to impact their world everyday.
Q: What are some mythbusters you would like to share with the world about your HBCU?
The biggest myth I would like to bust would be the myth that Tennessee State isn’t a “major” HBCU. TSU may not play in the other majorly black conferences, such as the MEAC or the SWAC, but the tradition still runs just as strong, if not stronger, in Nashville, Tennessee. TSU is major!
Q: Who’s your favorite notable alumni of your HBCU and why?
My favorite notable alumni changes a lot, but right now I would have to go with the music producer Key Wane. Key Wane left TSU not to long ago and already has Grammys at such a young age. The early success he had in his field inspires and drives me to want to be successful too.
Q: How did your HBCU shape you as a person?
Tennessee State shaped me to be secure and steadfast in my convictions and beliefs. The environment at TSU is one that shapes you to be a thinker, but you have to be strong enough to stand by yourself with your ideas. Even if you’re alone.
Q: How did your HBCU prepare you for the world?
TSU has prepared me for the world by helping to teach me to think beyond the first level. Teaching me to always be an active thinker. TSU taught me that life, in some ways, is a game of chess. You always have to be thinking ahead.
Q: What do you love about your HBCU the most?
What I love about my HBCU the most is that TSU is the best known, yet least known HBCU and has had an enormous impact on the world. Tennessee State is not usually the first HBCU that one thinks of. TSU is not Howard, FAMU, Spelman, or Morehouse, but the tradition and history is just as strong
