Tennessee State University receives grant to establish endowed professorship
The new endowed professorship in sustainability will benefit students through the development of leadership skills in environmental sustainability.
Tennessee State University has received a $500,000 grant to establish an endowed professorship in sustainability. The matching grant comes from the Southern Company Foundation as part of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Sustainable Communities Initiative, which itself is a collaborative effort of INROADS, the United Negro College Fund, and the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
According to an article on Tennessee State University’s website, Dwayne Tucker, the university’s president, was quoted as saying of the grant, “This investment from Southern Company, through the HBCU SCI initiative, reflects a partnership that began at a critical time for Tennessee State University and has never wavered. Their commitment to establishing an endowed professorship in sustainability not only strengthens our academic mission but also positions our students and faculty to lead in solving the environmental challenges of the future.”
Four HBCUs have been selected for this funding, including Tennessee State University. The endowed professorship will, over the next four years, help provide resources and training for approximately 120 students. Within one year, the university will launch a new sustainability program as an interdisciplinary minor.
Dr. Lin Li, who serves as the dean of the College of Engineering, said, “We are deeply grateful to Southern Company, through the HBCU CI initiative, for this transformative $500,000 investment. This funding will enable us to build a program that prepares students across the university to lead in energy and sustainability. By launching this program as an accessible minor, we will equip a diverse cohort of students with the knowledge and skills needed to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time.”
Dr. Erik Schmeller, who serves as the interim provost and vice president of Academic Affairs, said, “This investment marks a major advancement in Tennessee State University’s commitment to academic excellence in high-impact fields. With support from Southern Company through the HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative, this endowed professorship will strengthen faculty leadership, drive interdisciplinary innovation, and prepare our students to lead in addressing critical environmental challenges.”
Tiffany Callaway Farrell, who serves as the vice president of operations at Atlanta Gas and Light and Chattanooga Gas, a Southern Company subsidiary, added her thoughts, saying, “Today marks a powerful investment in the future of sustainability, innovation, and student success. Through the HBCU Sustainable Communities Initiative, we are proud to support this endowed professorship at TSU, an investment that will expand access, reduce financial barriers, and prepare students to lead in the rapidly evolving energy landscape. This partnership reflects our deep commitment to HBCUs and our belief that institutions like TSU play a critical role in shaping a more sustainable and equitable future.”
For more information about Tennessee State University, visit the school’s website.