Tennessee State University announced Monday that it has received $250 million in funding from the state to be used on campus-wide infrastructure updates.
The funding comes after a report by the Office of Legislative Budget Analysis showed that Tennessee had underfunded TSU for decades and may owe the university between roughly $150-500 Million in back-funding.
According to the university, it is the largest one-time investment to a historically black university by a state.
TSU President Glenda Glover says the funding will cover expenses for upgrades to several academic and student services buildings.
“We are excited to share with you our plans for using this historic funding that will assist with TSU’s continued growth and campus development as we provide students with the best academic environment possible,” Glover said according to a news release. “This will allow us to enhance our campus for further sustainability as we continue our service to our students” she added.
Six buildings on campus will see improvements, including Boswell Science Complex, Davis Humanities Bldg., Elliott Hall, Jackson Hall, Harold Love, Sr. (LRC), and McCord Hall. “These were just six of the more challenging buildings that we have,” TSU Associate Vice President for Administration Curtis Johnson told WSMV4.
According to Nashville Now Next, Some of the major improvements include grounds enhancements, renovations to residence hall bathrooms, multiple roof replacements & repairs, and electrical, low voltage, and HVAC system upgrades.
“This is a start of a multi-year project to make sure we invest in facilities at Tennessee State University. If we are providing a high-quality education, we must provide the facilities that are state of the art,”
– State Rep. Harold Love Jr., D-Nashville
Unfortunately, the funding will not go toward housing due to restrictions from the state.
TSU is currently facing a surge in enrollment resulting in a lack of housing for students on campus.
Frank Stevenson, TSU Associate Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students, told WSMV4 that the university has created a new project to help remedy the housing issue.
“We have a project now that will create 1,000 new beds on campus and we’re trying to move that as quickly as possible. We’re trying to get on the calendar for the State Building Commission. As soon as we get on that calendar, hopefully in the next month or so, we’ll move forward and expedite that project.”
The 1,000-bed housing project still has to be approved and could take a couple of years to do so.
According to, Nashville Now Next TSU is also in the process of developing another new residence hall.
