In a move aimed at bolstering Tennessee State University’s (TSU) governance, Governor Bill Lee has stacked the deck with a selection of alumni who bring diverse experiences to the table. Yesterday, following legislation passed by the General Assembly, Lee put his signature on SB1596 and followed up by naming eight new trustees to TSU's Board. All appointees are former students of the institution, a fact that Lee believes ties them closer to the university's mission and future.

"Tennessee State University is a remarkable institution and my administration, in partnership with the General Assembly, is committed to ensuring students are being served," Gov. Lee announced, having signed the bill. Among the selected are top execs and community leaders, from bank presidents to government counsel. They are charged with charting the course for TSU, in conjunction with its administrators and students, to solidify its reputation as a leading school.

The newly-appointed trustees are Trevia Chatman, who holds the presidency at Bank of America in Memphis, and Jeffery Norfleet, the Provost and Vice President for Administration at Shorter College. Marquita Qualls, the founder and principal of Entropia Consulting, has also accepted the trusteeship, along with Terica Smith, currently serving as Deputy Mayor and Director of Human Resources for Madison County. The roster of appointees includes Charles Traughber, who brings his legal expertise from the Division of Real Estate at Bridgestone Americas.

Completing the list of new trustees are Dwayne Tucker, CEO at LEAD Public Schools; Kevin Williams, the president and chief at GAA Manufacturing; and Dakasha Winton, a high-flying exec as the Senior Vice President and Chief Government Relations Officer at BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee. The appointees' combined experiences span several key sectors, suggesting a holistic approach to administration and advocacy for TSU under their tenure.

The appointments signify a push by Gov. Lee's administration to prioritize higher education and, in particular, strengthen TSU's administrative body with graduates intimately familiar with its culture and legacy. According to the official press release, the governor's office is poised to ensure TSU continues to shine as a bastion of higher learning and opportunity for its students, now invigorated by the guidance of its alumni.