Grants for Greatness

Dr. Emily Murray Creates a Platform for Students to Express their Literary Creativity
By Amauri Barnes

Dr. Emily Murray on right during Sigma Event

Wouldn’t it be nice for everyone who enjoys writing to have an outlet to share their creative vision?
Tennessee State University allows students to display works and express themselves, but Dr. Emily Murray wanted a more intimate platform for students to share their work.  She is working to build a new literary journal for the university.

Murray has been an English professor at TSU since the Fall of 2017. Murray was awarded an Internal Seed Grant of $5000 this fall to invest into the English Department. In addition to the journal, she will use the money to invest in websites, marketing, and student engagement.  Some of the funds will go to Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society as well.   “I am hoping to further build up this society so that students can continue to benefit and take away from this organization for example, their induction ceremonies, graduation, facilitating the meetings,” Murray said.  

Murray emphasized that her primary focus is the Journal. It was very important to her because outside of events or assignments, students of all majors will have a place to express themselves by sharing their writing. These developments will be beneficial by highlighting student voices and concerns.

Be on the lookout in the Spring for this journal. “I am excited to meet students, understand what they’d like. We will assign editorial roles and begin publishing right away,” Murray said. This will be exciting to see in the future, who knows? I may submit a poem for the Literary Arts Journal before I graduate this Spring.   

LLP On Philosophy and Critical Thinking

Engaging Students in how Philosophy is Related to our Everyday Lives
By Amauri Barnes

Dr. Shannon Hayes

Do you know the definition of Philosophy? According to Dr. Shannon Hayes, “Philosophy is many things,
but all above it is an activity that is taking place whenever people are calling into question pre-established traditions, norms, and values: engaging in pursuit of truth and wisdom for their own sake: and turning with openness and curiosity to the mystery of being”.

Philosophy comes from the Ancient Greek words for “love of wisdom.” It is the search for truth based on reason rather than religious teaching. Dr. Hayes has been at TSU since Fall of 2019. Philosophy is a required course for most pre-med students to graduate because Science and Philosophy share the tools of logic, conceptual analysis, and rigorous argumentation.

Philosophy is important on a college campus because it prepares students to be open minded and think logically in the workplace. The impact this course has on students varies, but all are of positive aspects. For some they are introduced to a field of study that speaks to their longstanding questions and concerns. Those students, especially, benefit from working on a minor in philosophy. For others, the experience is one of frustration and confusion, explained Hayes.

Across the board, students have found it engaging and interesting to participate in class discussions related to topics of philosophy. There have not yet been any events, however in the Spring “we look forward to opening the world of philosophy to more students on campus interested in the subject to engage with us,” said Dr. Hayes.

Overall, there are many takeaways in philosophy, but the ones most important to Hayes are quoted in the following: “In Philosophy we engage timeless questions about human existence. What is the meaning of life? What is the nature of reality? What does it mean to be a good person? I hope my students come away from the course knowing that they are and always have been philosophers, and that they have just as much right and responsibility to answer these questions as anyone else.”

That statement from Hayes was beautiful and very impactful. After reading this article. I leave you with one question to answer: whether it’s now or later in life, what is Philosophy to you?

Spring 2024 classes taught by Dr. Hayes:

LLP Helps Students Prepare for Careers through Equality and Diversity
By Amauri Barnes

How aware are you of equality and diversity efforts on your campus? Nationwide, HBCU faculty is comprised of 56% of individuals who identify as African American. This is reflected in Tennessee State University’s population, which has inspired this week’s blog.

Dr. Zeba Shahbaaz

 I was delighted by the opportunity to interview Dr. Zeba Shahbaaz, LLP’s Career Preparedness Committee Chair. It was fun to interview her because she is in fact one of my professors! On November 3rd, Shahbaaz will be cohosting a virtual event via Zoom with Indianapolis Colts’  Mr. Brian Richardson Jr!

This event will teach students about equality and diversity in the workplace. It will help students think about how they will function in the workplace after TSU.  Richardson will cover how his work involves cooperation skills with the ability to adapt to different environments while being comfortable and familiar with others who do not look like him.

There is a lot to consider ahead of Richardson’s talk.  For instance, did you know that there are scholarships dedicated to diversity and equality alone? This event will also prepare students for gathering their professional portfolios while also putting them in position for jobs relative to diversity and equity.

The faculty members that serve on the LLP Career Preparedness Committee hope that students are able takeaway tips on how to sharpen their strategic communication and engage in diversity, inclusion, and equity initiatives within various settings.  Here are the event details: