Client
Tennessee State University

Client Industry
Education · Athletics · Student Affairs · Broadcasting

Services
Creative Direction · Marketing Strategy · Branded Environment · Print + Digital Collateral · Event Production · Merchandise Design

Brief
Founded in 1912, Tennessee State University (TSU) is the only state-funded historically Black university in Tennessee — a proud institution known for academic excellence, athletic heritage, and deep community impact.

My creative journey with TSU spanned multiple chapters: from 2014–2017, I served as Marketing Manager for the university’s radio station, leading promotional strategy and content production for major campus events. From 2018–2019, while pursuing my master’s degree, I served as a Graduate Assistant within the Division of Student Activities, overseeing creative direction and marketing for student programming, university events, and visual communications across departments.

What We Did
During my time with Tennessee State University, I led creative and marketing initiatives that amplified school pride, modernized its visual identity, and deepened community engagement.

• Branded Environment: Designed and executed the official TSU Basketball Court redesign, transforming the athletic space into a bold, iconic environment that celebrated the university’s legacy.

• Event Production: Produced and directed the “Salute to Greatness” gala — an annual event honoring NFL players from TSU — which successfully raised over $50,000 in support of student scholarships and institutional initiatives.

• Creative Direction for Student Affairs: Designed and developed event flyers, campaigns, and marketing materials for all divisions within Student Affairs, including the Counseling Center, Student Activities, and leadership programs.

• Radio + Live Event Marketing: As Marketing Manager for TSU Radio (2014–2017), I led promotional campaigns, produced video content, and executed large-scale event marketing for major concerts featuring artists such as Young Dolph, Young Thug, Dvsn, and Future during Homecoming Week.

• Licensed Merchandise Design: Became an officially licensed TSU merchandise creator, producing collections of apparel — from custom tanks and tees to shorts and accessories — that blended campus culture with premium design.

• Strategic Marketing Support: Developed creative marketing strategies that strengthened engagement between the university, student body, and broader Nashville community, helping position TSU as a forward-facing institution rooted in legacy and innovation.

Result
Through design, strategy, and storytelling, I helped Tennessee State University reimagine how it connected with students, alumni, and supporters.
From the basketball court to the concert stage, every project reinforced TSU’s commitment to excellence and community.

The Salute to Greatness event achieved record fundraising success. The branded environments and apparel lines expanded visibility and pride.
And across every creative touchpoint — print, digital, and experiential — TSU’s story was told with clarity, culture, and legacy at its core.