Texas Southern University
Members of the Texas Southern University community will honor Juneteenth at several events throughout the month on campus and in the Houston region. Juneteenth celebrates the day that slaves in Galveston, TX, were notified of their freedom. On June 19, 1865, General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston and announced the end of slavery. However, this news came almost two and a half years after the signing of the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863. Texas Southern University alumnus and former state representative, the late Al Edwards (’66), initiated legislation to establish Juneteenth as a holiday in Texas. As a freshman state representative, Edwards, commonly known as “Mr. Juneteenth,” introduced the holiday under House Bill 1016. This year, the Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs is commemorating Juneteenth by launching the TSU Juneteenth Statewide Calendar and Website. This website will be a resource for Juneteenth events around the state of Texas, and to share events year-round that honor the Juneteenth spirit. A list of Juneteenth events either sponsored by or involving Texas Southern University is below: Emancipation Conversations Talk: Policing Communities of ColorTuesday, June 14, 2022, 6-9 p.m., at Emancipation Park (sponsored by the Emancipation Park Conservancy) Founding Director of TSU’s Center for Justice Research, Dr. Howard Henderson, joins Harris County Court #15 Judge Tonya Jones, PJ Floyd (brother of the late George Floyd), and Emancipation Park Conservancy Director of Programs and Strategic Partnerships, Dr. Whitney Threadcraft, to discuss policing and the current state of our communities. Register here for this event. Juneteenth – Freedom Work (in-person and virtual discussion)Friday, June 17, 2022; 8:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Hudspeth Auditorium, Rice University Join the Texas Southern University National Alumni Association, the Prairie View A&M University National Alumni Association, and the Rice University Association of Rice Alumni to celebrate Juneteenth with three panels exploring ideas and questions central to the holiday. For additional information: https://diversity.rice.edu/juneteenth In Person: Hudspeth Auditorium, Glasscock School of Continuing StudiesTickets are free and required for the in-person event. Reserve a seat here: https://bit.ly/3GikKN9 Online via Zoom: Register here: https://bit.ly/3lODb2y Juneteenth HBCU Virtual Career Fair Friday, June 17, 2022; 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Virtual The TSU Career Center has partnered with the PVAMU Career Center, as well as the TSU and PVAMU national alumni associations, and will host a Juneteenth HBCU Virtual Career on Friday, June 17, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Participants will use the virtual platform Handshake to access the event. Click here to register for the event. Contact TSU Career Services at 713-313-7541 for more information. Juneteenth Holiday Social Friday, June 17, 2022, 5-11 p.m.; Buffalo Soldiers Museum, (3816 Caroline St., Houston, TX 77004) Leveraging the power of the Black Professional Alliance and HBCU alumni, this event connects you with urban professionals and young millennials celebrating the Juneteenth weekend. Chubb Rock will perform during the event. For more information, click here. Mayor Turner’s 9th Annual Acres Homes Juneteenth ParadeSaturday, June 18, 2022, 10 a.m.-noon; Acres Homes Multi-Service Center (6719 W. Montgomery) KTSU 90.9FM will emcee the parade as the official radio sponsor of the 9th Annual Acres Homes Juneteenth Parade, hosted by Mayor Sylvester Turner. For more information, click here. “TSU Juneteenth Statewide Calendar”Saturday, June 18, 2022, 4-5 p.m. (Reception), 5-7 p.m. (Roundtable Discussion) This is an inaugural launching of the Juneteenth Texas Statewide Calendar & Website. This inaugural launch event will be an annual Juneteenth celebration. This will be a hybrid event. The reception will be followed by a roundtable discussion. The panelists for the roundtable discussion are State Rep. Ron Reynolds, David Lee Edwards (Rep. Al Edwards’ brother), and several others. Dr. Merline Pitre (Houston Historical Society, former TSU professor of history, and noted author) will speak briefly before the roundtable discussion. The inaugural launching of the Juneteenth Texas Statewide Calendar & Website is in honor of the legislation spearheaded by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee and passed by 46th U.S. President Joe Biden. It is also in honor of State Representative Al Edwards who sponsored House Bill 1016 in the 66th Texas Legislature making Juneteenth an official holiday in the state of Texas in 1980. This holiday commemorates the end of slavery. TSU embraces Juneteenth and calls for all HBCUs – in Texas and around the country – to join us in making Juneteenth monumental, painting a picture that will forever stun the American public and the world. Emancipation Park 150th Juneteenth Celebration, presented by Kinder FoundationSaturday, June 18, and Sunday, June 19, 2022, 4-10 p.m. each day KTSU 90.9FM hosts the main stage at Emancipation Park’s 150th Juneteenth Celebration, presented by Kinder Foundation, which will be the largest event in the Park’s history. This once in a lifetime occasion highlights the Park’s legacy and sets the stage for the next 150 years. Live performances by the Isley Brothers, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Kool and the Gang, and Sheila E. The celebration opens on Saturday with a ceremony acknowledging Juneteenth and Emancipation Park’s history. Throughout the day attendees will have access to local vendors, interactive kid zones and much more. Click here for more information. Juneteenth: The Journey to FreedomSunday, June 19, 8:30-11 p.m., Miller Outdoor Theatre Join with official radio partner KTSU 90.9FM for a brilliant performance filled with dramatic visuals, live music, narrations, and dance that tells the story of African Americans from 1865 to today and their journey to the celebration of freedom. Presented in partnership with Miller Outdoor Theatre, Houston First and City of Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner. Additionally, this performance will be livestreamed. You can choose to watch it on the Miller Outdoor Theater website here, the YouTube Channel here, or Facebook here! “The Sound of Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration”Saturday, June 25, 2022, 3 p.m. Dr. Jason Oby, Chairman of the Texas Southern University Department of Music, has curated an exciting program for the Houston Ebony Opera Guild’s next concert. Serving as the finale for our region’s 2022 observance of Juneteenth, the program is entitled “The Sound of Freedom: A Juneteenth Celebration.” The program will feature art songs and arrangements of African American spirituals by contemporary and pioneering composers renowned for their work in those genres. Dr. Gwendolyn Alfred, soprano and coordinator of the voice faculty will
The Jesse H. Jones School of Business at Texas Southern University has received renewed accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International). The organization’s peer-review team delivered a rigorous evaluation that included checking strategic management and innovation, and the academic engagement of students and faculty. The AACSB accreditation for TSU’s business degree programs is for five years. “Texas Southern recognizes the tireless commitment of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni who create an atmosphere that continues to enhance the scholarship and research within the Jesse H. Jones School of Business,” said TSU President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young. “This reaffirmation of the school’s accreditation is further evidence of the innovative and transformative work that prepares students for the successful careers of today after matriculating and graduating from our esteemed University.” TSU made history in 1968 as the first Historically Black College/University (HBCU) to achieve AACSB accreditation status. The University offers degrees in business administration, accounting, finance, management, marketing, and management information systems. In its letter informing the school of the accreditation decision, AACSB highlighted several commendations and best practices that demonstrate leadership and high-quality continuous improvement in management education, calling the depth and breadth of commitment of the Business Advisory Council highly enviable. AACSB also noted the creation of the Future Bankers Leadership Program as exemplary. “Our goal in the Jesse H. Jones School of Business is to provide high-quality instruction in high-demand concentrations that is matched with high-quality experiential learning and networking opportunities that prepare our students to be successful after graduation,” said Dean David Yen. “We are pleased at this reaffirmation. We also remain resolute in our commitment to continued improvement, as our students deserve nothing less.” Accreditation means the school will continue to be associated with the highest standards in business education, a status earned by less than five percent of the world’s business schools. The school’s graduates have moved on to leadership roles in major corporations throughout the world, including a range of business, non-profit, and governmental organizations. “Texas Southern is proud of its School of Business and the hard work the faculty, staff, students, and alumni have done that resulted in this accreditation renewal,” said Dr. Lillian B. Poats, acting provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “This ensures the school’s ability to educate more bright young minds who will serve and lead in the Houston region, the state of Texas, and across the nation.” The next on-site continuous improvement review from AACSB occurs in 2026-2027.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has appointed eight student regents to their respective universities, including Texas Southern University, for terms set to expire on May 31, 2023. Keonne McClain of Houston, who is pursuing a doctorate in Educational Administration at TSU, was appointed by Gov. Abbott. McClain has been an elementary school teacher with Pasadena ISD for the past nine years, serving at Burnett Elementary School. She received an Associate of Arts degree from Houston Community College in 2010, a B.S. in Education from the University of Houston in 2013, followed by a M.S. in Educational Management from the University of Houston Clear Lake in 2016. McClain has also earned a Texas Principal Certification. McClain officially took office on Wednesday, June 1, 2022, and attended her first Board of Regents meeting on Friday, June 10.
Texas Southern University and NASA Johnson Space Center signed a Space Act Agreement that will expand opportunities for education, workforce development, and research. Under the agreement, TSU and NASA will work collaboratively to facilitate joint research, technology transfer, technology development, and educational and outreach initiatives. The overarching goal is to create a sustained pipeline of diverse talent for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) careers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center and the surrounding companies that provide support for its operations. “This Space Act Agreement is an embodiment of Texas Southern University’s commitment to its guiding principles of innovation, transformation, and disruption,” said TSU President Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young. “This partnership will make a difference in the lives of our students and faculty. As the University continues to work tirelessly to provide opportunities for students and achieve unprecedented success at an accelerated pace, it is our belief that this partnership can be a model for other HBCUs throughout the country in changing the landscape of engineering and other STEM disciplines. “ As part of the agreement, TSU will host the NASA Technology Infusion Road Tour in September 2022. During this event, faculty and students will have the opportunity to showcase their research capabilities and speak directly with federal agency representatives from around the country. TSU faculty will also have the opportunity to engage with NASA’s Small Business Innovative Research/Small Business Technology Transfer Program directors and participate in prime contractor briefings. “NASA’s Johnson Space Center has a long history of working with colleges and universities since the early days of the Mercury, Gemini, and Apollo programs to help us achieve our human spaceflight missions,” said Vanessa Wyche, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. “We are eager to partner and collaborate with Texas Southern University in vital research and technology development initiatives that will enable us to meet our nation’s exploration goals and advance human spaceflight as we work to land the first woman and first person of color on the moon under Artemis.” In addition, NASA-JSC will host a one-day Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) Innovation and Tech Transfer Idea Competition for TSU students. This was established to develop new ideas for commercialization by seeking concept papers/business plans for multidisciplinary student teams at minority-serving institutions.
Megan Pete, a.k.a. Megan Thee Stallion, was one of 843 graduates who crossed the stage during TSU’s Winter Commencement on Saturday, December 11, 2021, in the Health & Physical Education Arena. The university held two ceremonies – one at 9:30 a.m. and a second at 12:30 p.m. – to recognize and celebrate students who have persevered through portions of three academic years dealing with COVID, matriculating with bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and professional degrees. These students were part of the safe “Return to Tiger Land” for in-person classes with the Fall 2021 semester, following several semesters impacted by the pandemic. TSU President Dr. Lesia Crumpton-Young, who recently completed her first 100 days in office, shared her dream for her first class of graduates– a dream inspired by Martin Luther King’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech. “As we celebrate their achievement, we also welcome them into Tiger Nation as alumni across the globe. I am confident that our graduates are prepared to transform the world through knowledge and experiences gained at TSU,” she said. The winter class boasted 595 undergraduate degrees, 187 graduate degrees, 16 Doctor of Pharmacy degrees, and 45 Juris Doctor degrees from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. TSU’s morning (9:30 a.m.) ceremony included graduates from the College of Education, School of Communication, Barbara Jordan-Mickey Leland School of Public Affairs, Jesse H. Jones School of Business, and the Thurgood Marshall School of Law. Megan particpated in the afternoon (12:30 p.m.) ceremony, which included graduates from the College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences, and the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Congratulations to all the graduates! As an added bonus, Megan was honored in a special ceremony where she received Congressional recognition from the Honorable Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee.
Shaquille O’Neal’s daughter, Amirah O’Neal, is following in her brother’s footsteps in committing to an HBCU, specifically Texas Southern University. Shaqir O’Neal, 18, announced his commitment to TSU earlier this year. Amirah is leaving Louisiana State University (LSU) and made an Instagram post announcing her decision with a short caption. “I see the doubt in they faces, they didn’t think I would make it,” the caption read. Related Article: ‘Changing the Narrative’: Shaq’s son commits to TSU According to LSU, Amirah averaged 17.2 points per game during the 2018-2019 season. She is also a two-time All-state honoree and also earned honors at the 2019 MaxPreps California All-State Girls Team. Amirah will be coached by TSU’s Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, who is considered one of the greatest women’s basketball players of all time. Under Coach Cooper-Dyke, the Texas Southern University women’s basketball team finished 20-10 during the 2019-2020 season and was headed to the SWAC championships before COVID-19 hit. Amirah is joining a growing roster of new athletes choosing to commit to HBCUs. We can only hope that this trend continues. Welcome to the Tiger Family Amirah!
Texas Southern University has named Mr. Brian Simmons as the new Director of The Ocean of Soul Marching Band and an instructor in the Music Department. He will step into this new role on Monday, July 5th, 2021. “It is an honor to join the TSU Family. Texas Southern has always been a respected rival of mine. I am excited to work with a program with so much history both in the band and HBCU world,’” said Brian Simmons. “I look to honor the rich history and traditions of the “Ocean of Soul” while incorporating new and innovative ideas. Fans and alumni can expect to see what the band is known for as we rise to the next level. Ultimately, it will be the same Ocean, just a new wave!” The TSU band was founded in 1945 by Mr. Allen E. Norton. The Ocean of Soul, affectionately known as the 9th Wonder of the World, was founded by Mr. Benjamin J. Butler II in 1969. The Ocean of Soul has performed at numerous high-profile events, including Super Bowl XXXVIII, the 2013 NBA All-Star Game Pregame Concert, and the 2018 NCAA Final Four. Most recently, the Ocean was featured in the 2021 Netflix series High on the Hog. Notable parade performances include the 2014 NFL Hall of Fame Induction Parade, the 2017 Houston Astros World Series Victory Parade, the HEB Thanksgiving Day Parade, and the Krewe of Endymion Mardi Gras Parade. In addition, the Ocean has performed with celebrities, award shows, movie premieres, and several musical performances for various NBA, MLB, and NFL teams. You can always catch the Ocean on select TSU televised home football and basketball games during the school year. The band consists of more than 200 students majoring in different disciplines, all of whom rehearse and perform as part of a year-round program. Mr. Simmons will be the 5th Director of The Ocean of Soul and succeeds Dr. Darryl Singleton. “The College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences welcomes Mr. Simmons to TSU, to the Ocean of Soul, and to the Music Department. I would like to thank all members of the search committee for moving us to this point,” Needha Boutte-Queen, Dean College of Liberal Arts and Behavioral Sciences. “We are thrilled that Mr. Simmons accepted this opportunity to lead the historic Ocean into the future. His talents are widely known and will help propel the Ocean of Soul to new heights.” A native of New Orleans, LA, Mr. Simmons earned a Bachelor of Music and Master of Educational Leadership from Southern University. He also serves as an adjudicator and clinician to middle and high school bands nationwide. In addition, Mr. Simmons is an exceptional euphonium and trombone player. He is also a prolific arranger and educator respected throughout the country. He has received many awards and critical acclaim for his performances and arrangements. Mr. Simmons was appointed Director of Bands and Director of Fine Arts at the Louisiana Leadership Institute (LLI) by Louisiana Senator Cleo Fields. In January 2021, Simmons led LLI as they were selected to participate in the Inauguration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. Mr. Simmons was inducted into the Southern University Alumni Federation: 40 Under 40. He has also participated in the HBCU National Band Directors Consortium, Music Educators National Conference, and Louisiana Music Educators Association. He is a member of Mu Phi Epsilon, Kappa Kappa Psi National Honorary Band Fraternity, and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
The Texas Southern University Board of Regents unanimously selected Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young as TSU’s 13th president following today’s vote of confirmation. Dr. Crumpton-Young will assume her role at TSU on July 1. “Dr. Crumpton-Young is the leader TSU needs to usher in a new era of greatness. Her vision for TSU will shift our graduates forward on the path toward even greater academic excellence,” said Albert H. Myres, Sr., chairman of TSU’s Board of Regents. Dr. Crumpton-Young – an established senior administrator, executive and tireless advocate for students – was chosen as the sole finalist following a nationwide search. She will succeed Kenneth Huewitt, who served as TSU’s interim president since April 2020. “The Board of Regents wishes to thank Ken Huewitt for his outstanding service to the University. Ken was asked to step up during a critical and difficult time at TSU. His steady presence and leadership helped us navigate the pandemic, reaccreditation and the legislative session. We look forward to Ken co-chairing our Presidential Transition Team with Regent Stephanie Nellons-Paige,” Chairman Myres said. After the vote, Dr. Crumpton-Young said, “This is a very special time, and I’m reminded of something that my late mother said to me frequently as a child—’You were born to serve.’ As president of TSU, I am fully committed to working tirelessly with our regents, students, faculty, staff, alumni, elected officials and industry partners. Together, we will transform lives by providing an outstanding educational experience.” Dr. Crumpton-Young has a distinguished career in higher education, including her most recent post as provost and senior vice president for academic affairs and chief academic officer at Morgan State University in Baltimore, Maryland. A native of Texas, Dr. Crumpton-Young’s academic career includes teaching and senior leadership posts at Tennessee State University, University of Central Florida, Texas A&M University and Mississippi State University. She served as program director in the Education and Human Resource Directorate of the National Science Foundation and received the U.S. Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM) from President Barack Obama in 2010. Dr. Crumpton-Young ushered in an new era at Morgan State University after instituting her three core principles: –Innovation – engineering strong, forward-looking academic pathways that give students every critical tool needed to excel. –Disruption – interrupting the status quo to engage and uplift the university and the community at large. –Transformation – increasing the velocity of learning and attainment with a focus on elevating the thirst for knowledge. Her leadership at Morgan State led to an increase in cutting-edge research, scholarship and creative activity. She initiated new hiring strategies to diversify faculty, introduced and broadened participation in high-demand academic fields and led initiatives to obtain seven-figure transformative gifts to support student and faculty success, and increased diversity, equity and inclusion. Dr. Crumpton-Young earned a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree and a doctorate degree in industrial engineering from Texas A&M University, and a Master of Business Administration from Tennessee State University. She holds the distinction of being the first African-American woman to receive a Ph.D. in engineering.
The Texas Southern University Board of Regents named Dr. Lesia L. Crumpton-Young as the sole finalist for the position of President of Texas Southern University. A confirmation vote by the Regents will occur at the next board meeting on June 17, 2021. The transition team will be lead by Regent Stephanie Nellons-Paige and Interim President Kenneth Huewitt. “Dr. Crumpton-Young is an experienced University leader and tireless advocate for students. Her impeccable credentials made her standout among the candidates. She brings with her an exciting and bold vision for Texas Southern University that aligns with the goals set forth by the Board of Regents,” said TSU Board of Regents Chairman Albert H. Myres, Sr. Myres thanked the Presidential Search Committee, chaired by Regent Marc Carter, who narrowed the list of candidates for president to three finalists who were invited to Houston for interviews. Crumpton-Young will replace Huewitt, who has served in the role since April 2020. “I’m honored to be considered by the full Texas Southern University Board of Regents as the sole finalist for the next president,” said Crumpton-Young. “TSU is a vibrant and treasured institution filled with legacy, excellence and promise. It will be an honor and privilege to serve.” Crumpton-Young has served as the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Chief Academic Officer at Morgan State University since 2019. Previously, she served at Tennessee State University in several roles including, Vice President for Research and Institutional Advancement and Chief Research Officer and Associate Vice President of Academic Affairs for Research and Sponsored Programs and Chief Research Officer. Prior to her role at Tennessee State University, she served as Associate Provost of Undergraduate Studies at Texas A&M University, Program Director in the Education and Human Resource Directorate of the National Science Foundation and Associate Dean of Engineering at Mississippi State University. In those roles, she initiated new hiring strategies to diversify University faculty and garnered seven-figure monetary gifts to fund student scholarships, research, and support Diversity Equity and Inclusion as well as student and faculty success. She received her Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering, Master of Science in Industrial Engineering and Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering from Texas A&M University. In addition, Crumpton-Young holds a Master of Business Administration from Tennessee State University.
Benjamin Crump, attorney, civil rights leader and author, will address graduates at Texas Southern University’s Spring 2021 Commencement. The ceremonies will take place at 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at Alexander Durley Stadium. Renowned civil rights attorney Crump is the founder and principal owner of Ben Crump Law and has established himself as one of the nation’s foremost lawyers and advocates for social justice. Crump’s tireless advocacy has led to legislation preventing excessive force and developing implicit bias training and policies. He has represented families in several high-profile civil rights cases including, Trayvon Martin, Michael Brown as well as the residents of Flint, Michigan, who were affected by the Flint River’s poisonous water. Crump also represented nine of the 13 black women who were victims in the Holtzclaw Oklahoma City Police rape case in 2015 and worked on the precedent-setting U.S. Supreme Court case involving excessive police force against Houstonian Robbie Tolan in 2008. “Ben Crump exemplifies moral courage. Throughout his career, he has spoken truth to power, reminding us of the impact that a single voice can have,” said TSU Interim President Ken Huewitt. “As our graduates prepare to make their difference in the world, I have no doubt they will find both strength and inspiration in his words.” Crump is the President of the National Civil Rights Trial Lawyers Association and previously served as President of the National Bar Association. He was the first African-American to chair the Florida State University College of Law Board of Directors and currently serves on the Innocence Project Board of Directors. Crump is the founder and director of the Benjamin Crump Social Justice Institute. “Commencement is a special celebration of commitment, hard work and learning,” said TSU Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs and Research Dr. Kendall T. Harris. “I am so proud of our students and excited for the wisdom Attorney Crump will share that will help them make significant changes and impact on their communities, the nation and the world.” Among dozens of accomplishments, Crump has been recognized with the NAACP Thurgood Marshall Award, the SCLC Martin Luther King Servant Leader Award, the American Association for Justice Johnnie Cochran Award, and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated Eleanor Roosevelt Medallion for Service. Crump graduated from Florida State University and received his law degree from FSU College of Law. He is a frequent contributor to Huffington Post Black Voices, CNN, and USA Today.
