About Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University (TSU), founded in 1912 as the Tennessee A&I State Normal School for Teachers, is a public historically Black land-grant university located in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. It evolved into a comprehensive university in 1951 and is renowned for its commitment to academic excellence, particularly in serving underrepresented communities. As one of the largest HBCUs in the nation, TSU offers over 77 undergraduate and graduate programs across eight colleges, including standout departments in Engineering, Business, Education, Health Sciences, Agriculture, and Urban Studies. The university's mission emphasizes access to quality education, research innovation, and community engagement, with key achievements including producing numerous Fulbright scholars, NASA collaborators, and leaders in STEM fields. TSU's main campus spans 903 acres in Nashville, with additional sites for agricultural research. For more details, visit the Tennessee State University Website. Explore related opportunities in Academic Jobs in United States, Academic Jobs in Tennessee, and Academic Jobs in Nashville.
TSU has a rich history tied to civil rights and education equity, with alumni including notable figures like Glenda Glover, the university's president, and Keyshia Cole. The institution boasts a diverse student body of over 9,000, focusing on holistic development through athletics, Greek life, and cultural events. In recent years, TSU has invested heavily in research infrastructure, securing grants from the National Science Foundation and Department of Defense for projects in cybersecurity, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture. This positions TSU as a leader in addressing urban challenges and fostering innovation. Academics and job seekers can find professor ratings through Rate My Professor, helping to identify top educators. For those interested in higher education jobs Tennessee State University, the university's emphasis on interdisciplinary research and community impact makes it an attractive destination.
The university's strategic location in Nashville, known as Music City, provides unique opportunities for collaborations in arts, healthcare, and technology sectors. TSU's College of Engineering, for instance, is accredited by ABET and offers programs in civil, electrical, and mechanical engineering, with strong ties to industry partners like Boeing and Nissan. In education, TSU prepares future teachers through rigorous programs aligned with state standards, contributing to Tennessee's workforce development. Health sciences programs address public health disparities, particularly in African American communities, with research centers focused on cancer and diabetes. Overall, Tennessee State University stands as a pillar of academic opportunity, blending tradition with forward-thinking initiatives to empower students and faculty alike.
Explore careers and resources at Tennessee State University via Higher Ed Jobs, where you can filter for faculty jobs Tennessee State University and academic careers Tennessee State University.
Faculty Job Opportunities at Tennessee State University
Faculty job opportunities at Tennessee State University are abundant, reflecting the institution's growth in high-demand areas such as STEM, education, and health sciences. According to recent trends from sources like the Chronicle of Higher Education and university reports, TSU is expanding its faculty in engineering and technology fields, with a focus on cybersecurity and data science due to Nashville's booming tech scene. Professor positions Tennessee State University often include tenure-track roles in the College of Engineering, where research on sustainable energy and urban infrastructure is prioritized. Lecturer roles Tennessee State University are prevalent in the College of Liberal Arts, covering subjects like history and communications, while research jobs Tennessee State University thrive in agriculture and environmental sciences, supported by land-grant funding.
Salary ranges for 2025, based on data from Glassdoor, PayScale, and university disclosures, show Assistant Professors earning $65,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on department and experience. Associate Professors can expect $80,000 to $110,000, with Full Professors ranging from $100,000 to $140,000, particularly in high-demand fields like nursing and business. These figures are competitive within Tennessee, factoring in cost-of-living adjustments for Nashville. Benefits include health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development funds. For those seeking academic careers at Tennessee State University, opportunities in health sciences are rising, with roles in public health research addressing community needs. Explore these through Higher Ed Jobs filtered by Tennessee State University.
Job trends indicate a 10-15% increase in hiring for diversity-focused positions, aligning with TSU's HBCU status. Faculty in the College of Business might engage in entrepreneurship programs, while education roles emphasize teacher preparation for urban schools. To apply, candidates should highlight research alignment with TSU's strategic plan, which emphasizes innovation and equity. Rate professors Tennessee State University on Rate My Professor to understand departmental cultures. With Nashville's vibrant economy, including partnerships with Vanderbilt and local industries, TSU offers a dynamic environment for higher education jobs Tennessee State University.
Specific examples include Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering, focusing on robotics, or Lecturer in Nursing, with clinical partnerships. Research Fellows in Urban Studies contribute to policy research on housing and transportation. Salaries Tennessee State University academia are influenced by grants, with STEM faculty often securing additional funding. For more on faculty jobs Tennessee State University, visit Faculty Jobs and Lecturer Jobs.
Assistant Professor in Engineering 💼
Focus on innovative research at Tennessee State University.
Lecturer in Education 🎓
Shape future educators in Nashville.
Research Fellow in Health Sciences 🔬
Advance public health initiatives.
Associate Professor in Business 📊
Drive entrepreneurship programs.
Why Work at Tennessee State University
Working at Tennessee State University offers a rewarding blend of academic rigor, community impact, and professional growth in a supportive HBCU environment. Faculty benefit from research opportunities funded by federal grants, such as those from NSF and NIH, focusing on areas like biotechnology and urban agriculture. Career prospects are enhanced by TSU's location in Nashville, providing collaborations with tech firms and healthcare providers. Unique benefits include tuition remission for dependents, sabbaticals, and diversity initiatives that foster inclusive workplaces. Academic careers Tennessee State University are appealing for those passionate about equity, with strong tenure support and mentorship programs. Explore why via Higher Ed Career Advice.
TSU's commitment to innovation is evident in its research centers, like the Center for Biomedical Research, offering faculty cutting-edge facilities. Salaries Tennessee State University academia are competitive, with additional perks like housing assistance in vibrant Nashville. The university's emphasis on work-life balance, through flexible scheduling and wellness programs, makes it ideal for long-term careers.
Salary Guide for Faculty at Tennessee State University
The salary guide for faculty at Tennessee State University reflects a range influenced by rank, department, experience, and location in Nashville, Tennessee. Based on 2025 projections from sources like the AAUP Faculty Salary Survey and university data, average salaries are competitive within public HBCUs. Assistant Professors typically earn $65,000 to $85,000, with higher ranges in STEM fields like engineering due to grant funding. Associate Professors see $80,000 to $110,000, factoring in tenure and research output, while Full Professors command $100,000 to $140,000, especially in health sciences where demand is high. Location plays a role, with Nashville's cost of living (index around 95) making these salaries stretch further compared to coastal cities. Experience adds 5-10% per promotion, and departments like Business offer bonuses for industry consultations.
Factors affecting pay include publication records, teaching loads, and administrative duties. For instance, faculty in the College of Education might start lower at $60,000 but gain through state-funded incentives for teacher training. In contrast, engineering professors benefit from industry partnerships, boosting salaries to $90,000+ for mid-career roles. Compared to national averages (AAUP reports $88,000 for public universities), TSU offers value through benefits like 403(b) plans and health coverage. For detailed comparisons, visit Professor Salaries and University Salaries. Salaries Tennessee State University academia are poised for growth with planned budget increases for 2025.
Additional considerations include merit raises (2-4% annually) and summer teaching stipends ($5,000-$10,000). Women and minority faculty may access equity adjustments. Overall, TSU provides a stable financial foundation for academic careers, with opportunities for supplemental income through grants and consulting.
| Rank | Average Salary 📊 | Department High 📍 |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $65,000 - $85,000 | Engineering: $80,000+ |
| Associate Professor | $80,000 - $110,000 | Health Sciences: $100,000+ |
| Full Professor | $100,000 - $140,000 | Business: $120,000+ |
Rate My Professor: Top Educators at Tennessee State University
Discover top educators at Tennessee State University through Rate My Professor on AcademicJobs.com. This platform helps students and academics evaluate teaching quality, with ratings based on clarity, helpfulness, and difficulty. Professor ratings Tennessee State University highlight excellence in programs like engineering and education, aiding course selection and recognizing faculty impact.
Dr. Chandra Reddy - Agriculture
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Expert in sustainable farming.
Dr. Veronica Johnson - Psychology
Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐ - Engaging lectures on mental health.
Prof. Michael Bertrand - History
Rating: 4.9/5 ⭐ - Insightful on civil rights.
Dr. Lonnie Sharpe - Engineering
Rating: 4.6/5 ⭐ - Innovative in civil engineering.
Dr. Baqer Al-Rubaie - Business
Rating: 4.8/5 ⭐ - Practical business strategies.
Prof. Stephanie Kelly - Education
Rating: 4.7/5 ⭐ - Inspiring teacher training.
Career Progression at Tennessee State University
Career progression at Tennessee State University follows a structured path from adjunct to tenured professor, with salaries increasing by rank. Entry-level Assistant Professors advance to Associate after 5-7 years with strong research and teaching, earning promotions via tenure committees. Research funding from sources like NSF supports progression, particularly in STEM. Professional development includes workshops and sabbaticals. Learn more at Higher Ed Career Advice.
TSU's strengths in urban studies offer unique paths, with faculty often leading community projects for advancement.
Research and Innovation at Tennessee State University
Research at Tennessee State University focuses on biotechnology, cybersecurity, and sustainable agriculture, with centers like the Cooperative Extension Program. Trends for 2025 include AI applications in health disparities, funded by over $20 million in grants. Collaborations with NASA and local industries drive innovation. Explore Research Jobs.
Opportunities abound in interdisciplinary projects, enhancing academic careers Tennessee State University.
Resources for Tennessee State University Academics
- Professional development workshops on grant writing 💼
- Faculty unions for advocacy and benefits
- Health and retirement plans tailored for academics
- Access to research libraries and labs 🔬
Student Life and Perspectives at Tennessee State University
Student life at Tennessee State University is vibrant, with clubs, athletics, and cultural events in Nashville. Programs in engineering and arts lead to strong career outcomes. Use Rate My Professor for professor selection.
Resources include career services and scholarships for academic success.
