In A Bid To Up Their Recruiting Game, TSU Breaks Ground On Four New Buildings

In an effort to make its facilities more competitive, Tennessee State University broke ground Thursday on two new buildings — bringing its total number of groundbreakings to four in less than a week.

The updates come with a big price tag: The two new residence halls, a health sciences building and an alumni welcome center will cost more $100 million combined.

But TSU President Glenda Glover says they’re needed to attract and support students.

“We’re looking at how we’re going to recruit at a different level and how we’re going to ensure that students are successful in every realm,” she says.

TSU hasn’t built new dorms in over two decades, and although designs for the buildings are still pending approval from the state, Glover says they’ll be selling points for new potential students.

Another key addition is the school’s planned Health Science Building. The department is currently spread over five different buildings across its two Nashville campuses. Glover says that’s led to TSU losing students.

The groundbreaking for all these projects is timed to coincide with homecoming week, a time when former students return to campus — and are asked to donate to their alma mater. Glover says the groundbreakings are a way to show alumni where their money is going.