Why I Chose Tennessee State University: Merging Knowledge for Sustainable Change
When I, at 61 years young, chose to pursue my Master of Public Administration (MPA) at Tennessee State University, I wasn’t just looking for another degree—I was looking for a way to merge all my passions into one sustainable, transformative opportunity. My journey has always been about more than just academics; it has been about creating real, tangible change in how we approach food, equity, and economic development.
At TSU, I found the space to connect the dots between public administration, sociology, criminal justice, economic policy, and sustainable agriculture—disciplines that are often viewed in isolation but are, in reality, deeply interconnected. I saw how food could serve as the nexus for social and economic transformation, and how the right policy frameworks, economic models, and sustainable agricultural practices could dismantle systemic barriers in marginalized communities.
In today’s political climate, with a federal administration that is reshaping policies on food access, economic equity, and climate resilience, the work I do is more critical than ever. Food insecurity is rising, rural economies are being left behind, and social safety nets are under constant strain. Now is the time for bold, innovative solutions that don't just patch the problem but transform the system—solutions that ensure economic sustainability, environmental responsibility, and social justice.
That’s why I chose to take my vision further by using the Public Benefit Corporation (PBC) model—an innovative structure that blends the mission-driven focus of a nonprofit with the sustainability and scalability of a business. Through Ebony Tree Farms, I’m building an ecosystem where Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) doesn’t just feed people but creates jobs, restores dignity to returning citizens, and fuels local economies in rural and underserved communities.
Tennessee State University has given me the academic foundation, policy insight, and leadership skills to make this vision a reality. It has reinforced that real change happens at the intersection of knowledge and action—where public administration meets economic innovation, and where food is more than just sustenance but a catalyst for empowerment and justice.
This is why I chose TSU—not just for the education, but for the opportunity to redefine what’s possible. Because when we shift the way we think about food as the starting point for equity and economic transformation, we don’t just change communities—we change the world.
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