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Tennessee State University experienced a staggering 50 percent drop in first-time freshman enrollment this fall compared to last year, as well as a 23 percent decline in enrollment over all, The Tennessean reported.
The historically Black university’s enrollment fell more sharply than any of the state’s public colleges and universities, according to recent data released by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
Tennessee State has already had its share of troubles this year. Tennessee governor Bill Lee signed legislation, advanced by Republican state lawmakers, to vacate and replace the university’s Board of Trustees this spring. Lawmakers in favor of the move argued the financially struggling institution needed fresh leadership, but campus leaders countered that the university’s woes stem from chronic underfunding. The university’s former president, Glenda Glover, also retired in June.
Ronald A. Johnson, Tennessee State University’s interim president, told The Tennessean that addressing enrollment declines is a priority for the institution. Johnson was appointed by the new board and has since announced belt-tightening measures, including hiring and spending freezes on nonessential expenses.
“At TSU, we are actively analyzing the factors contributing to the decline and have already begun to take steps to address them,” Johnson said in a statement to The Tennessean. “In the coming days and weeks, we will be rolling out targeted initiatives as part of our comprehensive Trajectory Change Initiative, and we look forward to engaging with the larger TSU community as we work to stabilize and strengthen our enrollment.”