Tennessee State University President emphasizes leadership commitment during historic commencement speech

Tennessee State University (TSU) celebrated its 2025 Spring Commencement on May 3, marking a significant milestone for its graduate students. The ceremony was highlighted by the inspiring address from the university's president, who emphasized the importance of leadership, commitment, and service.

In his first commencement speech, the president reflected on the hard work and dedication of the graduates, acknowledging the challenges they faced during their academic journeys. He praised their perseverance, stating, “You made it through long papers, complex research, and probably one or two crises in your life.” He encouraged graduates to recognize that their degrees symbolize not just personal achievement but also a responsibility to lead and serve their communities.

The president outlined three guiding principles for the graduates: think, work, and serve. He urged them to think critically and envision a better future, emphasizing that true leadership requires clarity of purpose. “If you don’t decide what you stand for, someone else will,” he warned, highlighting the need for intentionality in their future endeavors.

He also stressed the value of hard work, reminding graduates that their journey does not end with graduation. “The really important work has just started,” he said, encouraging them to build lives and careers that make a difference. He quoted TSU alum Ed Temple, stating, “Success draws success,” reinforcing the idea that consistent effort leads to greater achievements.

Finally, the president underscored the importance of service, asserting that education is a selfless act meant to benefit not only oneself but also the broader community. He shared his own journey to leadership, emphasizing that serving others is at the heart of true leadership.

As the ceremony concluded, graduates left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to apply their knowledge and skills for the greater good, ready to take on the challenges of the future.