NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – President Glenda Glover is making sure qualified students have full access to opportunities at Tennessee State University.
She has initiated a "Presidential Scholars' Reception" program to meet with high school graduating seniors in their communities and offer them scholarships to attend TSU.
The university's Office of Admissions and Recruitment works closely with high school counselors to identify high-achieving students to receive the scholarships based on grade point average and ACT/SAT test scores.
On March 13, Glover offered scholarships to several students during a reception at the President's Residence on campus for students and their parents. Two more scholars' receptions are scheduled this month in Sandy Springs, Georgia, on March 22, and another in Hoover, Alabama, on March 28.
The scholarship tour is just one of several initiatives aimed at attracting the best, qualified students, as the institution raises its admission standards. Last May, Tennessee State implemented the "250-Mile Radius Rate," a program that offers discounted tuition rates of nearly 40 percent for students in counties in nearby states within 250 miles of Nashville.
Dr. John Cade, TSU's vice president for Enrollment Management and Student Services, said the plan helps boost the university's effort to recruit out-of-state students, a breadbasket for Tennessee State.
She said, as an HBCU, Tennessee State has always opened its doors to all students, even those rejected by other institutions. But she said the university has shifted its focus "exclusively" to student success.
In October, Glover announced a hike in admission standards, while enhancing student success initiatives to increase retention and graduation rates.
Beginning this fall, all students must have a 2.5 GPA and a 19 on the ACT for admission to TSU. The previous admission scores were 2.25 or a 19 on the ACT for in-state students, and a 2.5 or 19 ACT for out-of-state students.