[{"_1":2,"_112":-5,"_113":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6200086,"mediaKeyId","3819435-256a4df072ef89f11d9d73756b3d846d","parentId",3819435,"title","Tennessee State showcases humanoid and robotic dogs at trustees meeting","audioSeconds",447,"startMs",7985000,"endMs",8432000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3819435-256a4df072ef89f11d9d73756b3d846d&start=7985&end=8432","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3819435-256a4df072ef89f11d9d73756b3d846d/thumbnail_7985000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6200086/Tennessee/Tennessee-State-showcases-humanoid-and-robotic-dogs-at-trustees-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200086-8ce46aa15e60d0f7360e94b4cc7adaa6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771074422&Signature=MSntSUZvPQV4NJA34daPQdZbaAqN0MvOucsKVx1At~GII5f-hfSDLLP751mh02MK3yXfYBYg7wmDoYXokQupkuIZgR1II07EgUa~-CYIefYPGNyS6EAiODtcS5MF-kZNXPircbx73PgEttBfJYuK9pOkhTRaRDy-sjwiTIxiVJvz4Jf73JqCsrSrV~ietVfjSegERubW561cFIhMWDwb7OcjJxa104golmQCB0C7XUtN90vEaeWpoF7OZEhGvrkXZDsp4givF~BWifzgS6Yf~q1fH0jbd~2bG1WeNV9bLWoQrhLbd-fx6XwyZGJ8-KCC8r34Rbl0uNjU-m~udnrgfg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Tennessee State University","date","2025-06-13T20:05:46Z","article","Tennessee State University presented a short technology demonstration Friday showcasing robotic dogs and a humanoid robot as examples of campus work in artificial intelligence, robotics and related STEM fields.

During a special appearance at the committee meeting Dr. Lynn Lee and computer science faculty were credited for the demonstration; the presenters noted the robots were received recently and are being programmed by the SMART team. The speaker announced the robots as a visible example of TSU’s AI and robotics work and invited trustees and campus visitors to view the hardware on campus.

A brief exchange in the meeting included the humanoid speaking, “How can I assist you today? Hello. Tennessee State University Board of Trustees. It’s a pleasure to greet you all.” Trustees and administrators framed the appearance as part of student learning, coding and research opportunities affiliated with the university’s AI work.

University leaders said the robotics equipment supports curriculum, coding creativity and an AI research center; the appearance was described as a recruitment and public‑relations moment to demonstrate campus innovation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","06-13-25 TSU Board of Trustees Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","As part of a special appearance, TSU demonstrated humanoid and robotic dog technology tied to AI and STEM programs; university leaders framed it as an example of campus innovation and student opportunity.","taxTitle","Tennessee State University, Public Universities, School Districts, Tennessee","taxId",79446,"location","Tennessee","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6200089,"Trustees approve sunsetting of low‑producing programs; academic reorganization review deferred",516,4244000,4760000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3819435-256a4df072ef89f11d9d73756b3d846d&start=4244&end=4760","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3819435-256a4df072ef89f11d9d73756b3d846d/thumbnail_4244000.jpg","/articles/6200089/Tennessee/Trustees-approve-sunsetting-of-lowproducing-programs-academic-reorganization-review-deferred","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200089-e0b70141ca0c433efd5782619380f4ac/orig.mp4?Expires=1771074422&Signature=A~61Ujn51mQSC5YR~zUee9f2HHDeLAG5sGRhN4qhd8nlbmO-gXezBtevU2I4oE7m7S1JxNWeRYiC99C00fiDljboFHlVLugIXOmtLBmcWUXz2U5A5~UC-uSElV0C7U-2hixxFuDOk77yR7FdxsQFumEG8qjvtoX3CwLJTIIrj3sInMTdtjk414puGdxW2j-bW8rbYqMs7lQKwYZihYIR4BqMUe0Kc4lqpmOGITFFGOchZzD2SM9XwDjNSnpXSDwDt12~T2w-Mjpc~7TFXcTq~65ZYI32MOEo13V2ObDr6UancyIJK2rakGakrkLTElEyMuVJHZPLpiCXVV6TIHmf~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Student and Academic Affairs Committee and the full Tennessee State University Board of Trustees approved recommendations Friday to close several low‑producing programs, including a proposal to sunset the bachelor of science in dental hygiene, while administrators returned other academic‑restructuring items for further clarification.

Interim academic leaders presented a five‑year review of program enrollments and recommended program closures, teach‑out plans and program consolidations to reduce duplication and align resources. Interim Dean Robbie Melton told trustees the review used a five‑year window and flagged programs with very low enrollment, in some cases one to three students over five years.

“Through this process…we have a recommendation to close low producing programs,” Melton said in presenting the list of proposed sunsets and modifications. The committee voted to recommend the low‑producing program actions to the full board; the full board later approved the closures.

Trustees pressed for details on cost savings, personnel impacts, accreditation and teach‑out arrangements. Melton and finance staff said the overall annualized savings from sunsetting, modifications and reorganizations would be roughly $1.2 million when vacancies and restructuring are taken into account. Dean Melton emphasized that the associate dental hygiene program — which produces practicing dental hygienists — was not being closed and would be enhanced; the bachelor's track was the item targeted for sunsetting.

Administrators also presented a package of academic unit reorganizations and program modifications across multiple colleges (Business, Education, Health Sciences, Liberal Arts, Engineering and Life & Physical Sciences). Those items included departmental consolidations in the College of Business, creation of a standalone BBA in business management from existing concentrations, elevation of a multidisciplinary concentration to a standalone BS and a degree designation change in engineering.

Trustees questioned whether some items were organizational restructures (college/departmental units) rather than academic program modifications that require Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) review. Charlize Anderson, a THEC representative on the call, advised that some items are modifications to existing academic units under THEC policy while others are program changes requiring separate submissions. Because the board packet grouped unit reorganizations and program modifications together, trustees asked administration to separate the actions into clear categories and return them for committee consideration.

The board voted to approve the low‑producing program actions today and to table the remaining academic program modification approvals pending clearer paperwork and process delineation. Trustees asked administration to return within a week with the reorganizations and program changes broken into THEC‑classified categories so the committee could act.","The committee recommended and the full board approved closure and teach‑outs for low‑producing degree programs; broader academic program modifications and reorganizations were discussed at length and tabled for clarification and separate action.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6200096,"Student affairs report: on‑campus GPA, wellness reopening and mental‑health platform usage",257,612000,869000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3819435-256a4df072ef89f11d9d73756b3d846d&start=612&end=869","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3819435-256a4df072ef89f11d9d73756b3d846d/thumbnail_612000.jpg","/articles/6200096/Tennessee/Student-affairs-report-oncampus-GPA-wellness-reopening-and-mentalhealth-platform-usage","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200096-f82455cf74ae7d04dfa21d303a4d33ca/orig.mp4?Expires=1771074422&Signature=oaRXC3A7j~39-vKnS4qqpqCMDr~33U~10dhUOQ6cZpbVZEouw2F8gJHtCuNr415d8K3Ak~frWit9A9IO24w8C2Q0ZXf3TmF2HxFd2wihd5w-hIstgtFnzeSX0sfrJPLlq58BYgyyYH0KOkQIpXq0wciOCwuUfpJdZ6dyNEc9AZeiE59SPIjMf3j3KPCcTT-6LyJEBsbNPPvbIXHdcRUmguqVK-xEhx7Vsg-5mwCFsZkcJnX2-Bbva7Zg8InC9RDy56MsDMzqnlgJ-mumyKAUfKTZOygUXt2fS8ZK~3DDC-F5b9oGOsPNb3CuhwevQftxBFJbrqIey4NzyRE3HufBug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tennessee State University’s student affairs leaders told trustees Friday that residential students posted a 3.16 average GPA this past year and that the division sponsored 122 programs across cultural, health, wellness and service learning categories.

In a highlights presentation Dr. Goldman noted milestones for campus life and student services. “In residence life and housing this past year, we had a, average GPA for our residents of a 3.16,” she said, adding that housing programs aim to provide a holistic residential experience beyond accommodation.

Administration reported the campus wellness center had a grand reopening on April 9 with upgraded equipment. The university implemented TimelyCare, a tele‑mental‑health platform, in January; Dr. Goldman said 657 students registered on the platform and 134 had used counseling services, with 17 psychiatric appointments scheduled through the system.

Other student life highlights included competitive successes — the cheer team’s high placement at the 2025 NCAA College Nationals in Daytona Beach and a student choir that won the HBCU Choir of the Year People’s Choice Award. Jane Sexton was named interim director of the Aristocrat Bands and Dwight Pope was introduced as director of cheer and dance.

Administrators also noted a decline in new international student I‑20s: the university issued 138 I‑20s for admitted students in fall 2024 but had issued only 42 I‑20s in a later cycle and reported issuing 10 to date for the current cycle. Dr. Goldman said embassy interview scheduling and visa appointment delays have reduced international matriculation.

Trustees asked several follow‑up questions about international graduate students and the impact on research capacity; Dr. Goldman said graduate admissions and international processing are handled by a separate office and that graduate recruitment and local MOUs will be needed to help admitted international students complete visa steps.

The division said student engagement remains a priority, with new student orientation registrations and campus‑based programming used as indicators of yield and retention work moving into the summer months.","Student affairs presented residential GPA, programming totals, wellness center reopening and early usage numbers for a telehealth counseling platform.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6200101,"Tennessee State outlines multi-pronged recruitment push as freshman confirmations lag",709,579000,1288000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3819435-256a4df072ef89f11d9d73756b3d846d&start=579&end=1288","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3819435-256a4df072ef89f11d9d73756b3d846d/thumbnail_579000.jpg","/articles/6200101/Tennessee/Tennessee-State-outlines-multi-pronged-recruitment-push-as-freshman-confirmations-lag","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6200101-a37c1dd751a10af997199d8381aaed48/orig.mp4?Expires=1771074422&Signature=loJM3x3nQp58aHDhDqS9B2~c8HRL75Gc~mTssXB4CRowoDavWVEtQBx5yQj-wxEILYaEs-yuEnpdSl~ObReAc13x3F11tX2qQW8k9JEMdwksvDJuGsgZ9Ld8r~nGkPvL6MHtolk2KH~HqQLFtZ5iHaE24AagRWnpiepAL8VpbwKJL4SfsWzKc2ZkVezsi4tKN4Za1STZwezuMrqs48PqhduXiHkeaB~coTeuIWwUsfeyw-8tHjF3ZmNa75Un2y-jee7EjsjTQA3i0wqrY6mRqfYTW-6tRrK4kseyckFWWnmiZnu2BohHCHJCNfuPijdMU-d2YvpeNBe2vN1igQznjA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Tennessee State University officials told trustees Friday that the university is preparing for a smaller incoming freshman class while stepping up efforts to convert admitted and confirmed students into arrivals.

The Student and Academic Affairs Committee heard an update from Dr. Goldman and outside enrollment consultant Ken Anselman outlining current confirmations, conversion efforts and new systems the university is implementing to improve recruitment and communications.

The university reported 1,094 enrollment confirmations for first-time freshmen two months before the fall term, though officials cautioned that confirmations at TSU are “soft” because the university does not require a deposit. Ken Anselman of RHB/Strata Information Group (SIG) said, “we were at 1,094, and those are enrollment confirmations. Those are students who have said yes.” He and staff said historical patterns indicate only about 50–65% of confirmations translate to students present at the end of term.

Dr. Goldman and SIG projected a wide range for the fall class: a best-case scenario near the university’s five‑year target of 968 freshmen and a downside scenario nearer to 700. Trustee Tarver asked whether the 968 target aligned with the five‑year pro forma; board materials show that target in the pro forma but administrators said current headwinds are pushing projections downward.

Administration laid out several near‑term steps designed to improve yield. Those include implementing the Slate CRM to centralize recruitment communications, simplifying scholarship packages with Alvarez & Marsal, running a “You Belong at TSU” social campaign and targeted, alumni‑led meet‑and‑greets in key markets (Memphis, Atlanta, Chicago). Dr. Goldman said the university had 461 students registered for new‑student orientation “as of yesterday.”

Officials also described operational limitations that have hampered outreach: the current admissions/communications platform cannot reliably track open rates, clicks or deliver texts, and staff numbers for recruitment had been small until recent hires. Campbell‑style outreach — student ambassadors making personal calls and alumni hosting local events — produced immediate spikes in registration this month, administrators said.

Ken Anselman emphasized the national enrollment headwinds and the need for systems: “We’re in the process of putting in place a new CRM, called Slate…that will allow us to do a much better job projecting what the class actually looks like.” He added that the university’s Banner data required clean‑up and that better CRM and marketing will improve conversion in future cycles.

Trustees pressed for more granular reporting: sources of applications (direct TSU application, Common Black College Application, etc.), state and out‑of‑state breakdowns, the number of transfer applicants and the share of confirmed students who are likely to enroll. Administrators said some data exist in the current systems but that Slate will provide clearer source attribution and conversion tracking beginning in August.

The university also reported stronger transfer confirmations, with more than 250 transfer students confirmed for fall; officials said transfer yield is “tracking well ahead of 2023 but behind 2024.”

University leaders framed the enrollment outlook as manageable but urgent: the current recruitment cycle’s results will affect the operating budget but administrators said the slate of reforms (CRM, simplified scholarship matrix, targeted marketing and alumni engagement) is intended to stabilize and then rebuild the pipeline over multiple cycles.","University leaders told trustees they expect a smaller incoming freshman class and described new CRM, marketing and alumni strategies to convert admitted students into enrolled students.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Tennessee State showcases humanoid and robotic dogs at trustees meeting

Trustees approve sunsetting of low‑producing programs; academic reorganization review deferred

Student affairs report: on‑campus GPA, wellness reopening and mental‑health platform usage

Tennessee State outlines multi-pronged recruitment push as freshman confirmations lag