About

Message from our Director of Athletics

Dr. Mikki Allen

Renewing the Standard of Athletic Excellence

It is an exciting time to be part of the Big Blue Family, as I'm proud to introduce an organized and structured fundraising platform in which proud alumni, friends, fans and corporations can invest in the future success of Tennessee State Athletics.

Tennessee State Athletics is one of the most storied HBCU athletic programs in the history of collegiate sports.

The forward trajectory of TSU's legacy in athletics will continue in earnest with the launch of the Tennessee State Athletic Fund and your support of these 5 key areas, (1) annual scholarship support, (2) sport-specific giving, (3) facility enhancement, (4) student-athlete development and (5) endowment and planned giving.

By becoming a member of the Tennessee State Athletic Fund (TSAF) you have the opportunity to provide the financial resources necessary to make this vision a reality.

The Tennessee State Athletic Fund seeks to generate philanthropic support that will provide championship level resources and a world-class experience for 230+ student-athletes that take pride in competing for Tennessee State University.

As you read through the website and consider making a gift, please know your support is appreciated and truly makes an impact on the lives of Tiger student-athletes who represent our great university.

The TSU brand is powerful and individuals that are products of the institution include some of the most successful HBCU graduates nationwide. Through a partnership with this loyal alumni base, corporate partners and Big Blue fans, TOGETHER we will foster a new era of creativity, innovation and equip our student-athletes with the resources necessary to consistently compete for OVC and NCAA National Championships.

If you have any questions, please contact the Tennessee State Athletic Fund Office at (615)963-ROAR or tsuathleticfund@gmail.com.

For the 200-plus TSU student-athletes competing in 15 varsity sports, Tennessee State Athletic Fund support is the foundation for providing a championship collegiate experience, which is unparalleled to any other in the nation.

Mission

Tennessee State Athletic Fund (TSAF) is the official fundraising arm for Tennessee State Athletics dedicated to providing the financial resources necessary for student-athletes to receive a championship level educational and athletic experience.

The Blueprint for Championship Level Success

Core Initiatives

To construct and renovate practice and game-day facilities that will attract elite student-athletes
To secure the competitive resources necessary for student-athletes at TSU to compete for championships
To increase fan engagement and improve the overall game-day experience for athletic donors, fans and alumni
To engage the Big Blue Family—including alumni, the student body, campus faculty/staff and the entire Nashville community
To enhance the profile of TSU Athletics' game-day venues that will ultimately lead to creating revenue opportunities for the University at large
To provide first-class academic resources and career development programs that will promote the holistic development for student-athletes at Tennessee State University

Executing these core initiatives is essential for the future success of Tennessee State Athletics.

Subscribe to be a member of the TSAF now and receive exclusive membership benefits!

Please contact tsuathleticfund@gmail.com for questions regarding setting up your annual membership.

Meet the Team

Compliance

Donors and Fans Cannot Recruit for Tennessee State

Contact
- Not permissible for donors to have any type of contact with prospective student-athletes (individuals in high school or junior/community college), including while on campus for an official or unofficial visit.
Skyboxes and Suites
- Not permissible for donors to invite high school coaches or prospective student-athletes/family members of prospective student-athletes to their suite (excluding immediate family of donors).

Permissible Activities

Continuing pre-existing (prior to high school) relationships provided no recruiting takes place
Attending athletics events provided no recruitment or contact with prospects, their family, friends, or coaches/teachers takes place
Providing funds to an athletics program in the donor's community, provided:
- Donor is acting independent of Tennessee State
- Funds are distributed through the organization hosting the activity
- The funds are not earmarked for a specific prospect

Donor Interactions with Student-Athletes and Recruits

Not permissible for donors to provide ANYTHING to the following groups of people:
- Student-athletes (except occasional meals approved by compliance)
- Family members and friends of student-athletes
- Prospective student-athletes (individuals in high school or junior/community college)
- Family members and friends of individuals in high school or junior/community college
Violation examples include, but are not limited to:
- Money, loans, discounts/deals, gifts, gift cards, tickets, apparel
- Meals (except occasional meals to student-athletes approved by compliance), transportation, lodging, use of vehicles
- Suite access; or Private membership access to golf clubs, gyms, spas, etc.

If you have questions about what is in compliance with NCAA rules and regulations, please contact Jennifer Bell, Associate AD for Compliance.