
Braxton Simpson, Tennessee State University- c/o 2021, Agricultural Science w/ concentration in Agribusiness

Where are you from? Who introduced you to HBCUs?*
I am a native of Atlanta, Georgia! I was introduced to HBCU’s at a very young age, as my parents are alumni of Alabama A&M University.

Why did you choose an HBCU over a pwi?*
I chose my HBCU, The ILLUSTRIOUS TENNESSEE STATE UNIVERSITY, because I wanted to be emerged in my culture! I wanted the opportunity to learn from, and work with all types of Black people, from all walks of life! Also, Tennessee State University is amongst the top schools who specialize in Agriculture.

What is the story of your "experience" at Your HBCU given its heralded status as a stellar and prestigious institution?*
Being at Tennessee State University, has definitely taught me about the importance of learning to be “comfortable being uncomfortable!” TSU’s staff and students have encouraged me to push my limits, and to venture out of my comfort zone!
In one year alone, I have conducted award winning research, served as the 2017-2018 Miss Freshman, served as Miss Minorities in Agriculture, became not only a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.—but a member of the International Mass Committee, chartered the first collegiate chapter under the National Women In Agriculture Association—Tiger Women In Agriculture, and l serve as the second Student Trustee In TSU history!
"First time" experiences at your HBCU?*
Attending my HBCU, has been the very first time I have been surrounded by so many influential black people, who’s sole purpose is success! From Dr. Glover, TSU’s president and Alpha Kappa Alpha’s International President, to Bishop Joseph Walker who has helped me tremendously with learning how to serve as the student trustee on the Board of Trustees.
Who are the professors that have impacted your life in and out of the classroom? How did they do that?*
Dr. De’Etra Young! She is solely invested in my success, and she has pushed me to be the best version of myself since my first day at TSU!
In one year alone, Dr. Young has helped me land a 3 year paid internship with a Fortune 500 company, introduced me to microbiology research, believed in my dream of chartering Tiger Women In Agriculture, granted me opportunities to travel the country to learn about Agriculture, and sending me scholarships that will help keep me in school! I am forever grateful for her!
Dr. Young genuinely believes my success is her success, and I don’t know where I would be if it weren’t for her love and support!
What is your major? and Why did you choose it?
I am an Agricultural Science major, with a concentration in Agribusiness! I have always been an entrepreneur, and I have always been passionate about feeding people who can’t feed themselves! By the year 2050, we will be tasked with feeding 9 billion people with less land and less water! I am excited about the opportunity to work towards feeding the world in which we live!
What to date has been your proudest moment @ Your HBCU?
My proudest moment at TSU, was having the opportunity to take part in the groundbreaking of 4 new facilities on campus. We just broke ground on two new residence halls, a new Health Sciences building, and a new Alumni Welcome Center! These groundbreakings were monumental for our university!
Are you a member of a sorority?
Yes! I am a member of the Awesomely Sophisticated Alpha Psi Chapter, of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Incorporated!
I also serve as a member of the International Mass Committee!
Entrepreneur? Tell us about your business.
I have 4 businesses.
1. Girls Got Game- Female Athletic Apparel company designed to promote femininity in male dominated sports.
2. Black Girls United- High School mentoring organization.
3. Underground Apparel- Black Pride Apparel Company
4. Zero Gravity- Middle School Mentroing program.
Category : Student
Comments
Tennessee State University

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Students: 9,027
Under Graduates: 7,073
Post Graduates: 1,954 - Athletics: Tennessee State University competes in the NCAA's Division I Football Championship Subdivision and is a member of the Ohio Valley Conference. Tennessee State is the only Division I HBCU school who is not a member of the MEAC or SWAC. Tennessee State University offers Basketball, Football, Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, Track and Field, Softball, and Volleyball.
- Notable Alumni: U. L. "Rip" Gooch - Commercial Pilot (20,000+ hours) and Certified Flight Instructor; FAA-Designated Flight Examiner; Owner/President, Aero Services, Inc., Wichita, Kansas; regional distributor (Kansas and adjacent), Mooney Aircraft; Member, Wichita Airport Authority; Member, Aviation Advisory Committee, Kansas Dept. of Transportation; 1993 Kansas Governor's Aviation Honor Award; Inductee, Black Aviation Hall of Fame; Civil rights activist; Commissioner, Kansas Commission on Civil Rights;** Xernona Clayton - 1952 - Civil rights activist** Young Buck - Hip hop star** Oprah Winfrey - 1987 - Talk show host/actress/entrepreneur** Lee Summers - 1980 - Broadway Original Dreamgirls/actor/writer** Mark Funkhouser - Former mayor of Kansas City, Missouri** Harvey Johnson, Jr. - Mayor of Jackson, Mississippi** Dr. C. O. Simpkins, Sr. - Dentist in Shreveport, civil rights activist, and member of the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1992 to 1996** A C Wharton - Mayor of Memphis, Tennessee** Dorothy McClendon - American microbiologist who developed methods to protect stored goods, notably fuel, from degradation due to biological agents**. Chandra Cheeseborough - Olympic runner; gold and silver medalist** Robert Covington - 2013 - NBA Basketball Player** Sean Foley - Golf instructor to PGA Tour players** Ryan Fann - Paralympic Runner** Wilma Rudolph - Olympic runner; first woman to win three gold medals in a single Olympics**
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Website: http://www.tnstate.edu/
- Click here to view on Wikipedia