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The College of Public Service at Tennessee State University |
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We in the College of Public Service appreciate, respect, and value every single student in our degree programs. As the Spring 2020 semester, one we'll never forget, comes to a conclusion, we offer the messages below from the faculty, staff, and College leadership.
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From the Dean's DeskIt is my hope that this message reaches you at a safe and healthy time in your life. We have all arrived at the conclusion of the Spring 2020 semester, which is unlike any semester any of us have experienced. Before you complete your final exams, submit your final papers, and transition into the Summer, I wanted to ensure that you directly heard from as many faculty and staff members as possible in the College of Public Service. I speak on behalf of the entire College when I express how proud we are of having you as a student in our ONE OF OUR programs! Your determination, adaptability, flexibility, and willingness to adjust to a new mode of instruction in a fast-paced transition is beyond impressive – those are qualities that will guide you to success during your entire career!
Like you and so many other people in our country and beyond, I have been working from home since mid-March. I am doing my best to follow the statewide “stay-at-home” order, being mindful of social distancing, and washing my hands regularly throughout the day. My wife works at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and two of my three sons are medical doctors, so I am directly aware of the anxiety and fear that this pandemic generates. However, I am also aware of the hope, courage, compassion, and humility that we must each embrace to guide us through this experience.
I have been on a university campus for over 40 years as a student, professor, and administrator. Never in those 40 years did I think we would have a spring semester where there were no students on campus. Quite honestly, it just does not feel right. I miss witnessing that unique energy that arrives as Winter transitions to Spring on TSU’s campus, the sound of the crowd cheering on our athletic teams, and the students visiting the College offices to seek guidance and plan next steps. In the week ahead, I will miss the hundreds of students and family members that are celebrated during commencement – there are few things I enjoy as much as experiencing the sense of accomplishment that every student earns and expresses on graduation day!
To all students, I know the transition from face-to-face, in-person learning to online learning has likely been more difficult than you may have anticipated. You picked Tennessee State University’s College of Public Service because of the exceptional education you knew you would receive from the best faculty in their disciplines. For those who chose on-ground courses, you wanted to be in a classroom environment where students are actively engaged in class discussions and where you are empowered to think critically about the world around you. Changing to online and remote learning has been hard; I get it. However, working together we have succeeded in that transition!
The transition has also been challenging for the CPS faculty to shift their mindset to online and remote instruction. Like you, they value the interactions in the classroom, and they miss the face-to-face conversations. They miss you, their students, coming into a classroom laughing, and leaving knowing you learned something new that day. Like you, they have had to navigate unfamiliar territory to continue to provide high levels of academic engagement. I have had direct conversations with every single faculty member during the past months, and in each of those conversations they were unified in expressing one important fact – how amazed they are by their students’ continued commitment to excellence during these uncertain times.
These are challenging times for all of us and so much is unknown. None of us has ever experienced anything like COVID-19. Yes, we will get past the coronavirus. I know that we will come out stronger and wiser as a result of the “stay-at-home” order and the unexpected turns in the road this journey will take. Until then, be mindful of your fellow students that have lost jobs, or families struggling with how to pay rent or purchase food and necessities, or families that have had to close their business because they are not considered essential at this time. The concept of allowing each other a little more “grace” and compassion is more important now than ever. Our unified commitment to service to assure that the lives of all are better off has a profound meaning and mission like never before! We educate leaders who care and are compassionate to others.
The main purpose of this message is to let you know that I am thinking of you, hoping and praying that every one of you and your loved ones are healthy and safe. So many of you are on my mind daily. If you’re graduating this semester, do not hesitate to reach out for any form of guidance, a letter of recommendation, or just to chat. If you will be continuing the journey to your degree in the coming semesters, then know that we are steadfast in our commitment to ensure that you have the best experience in our courses and programs and that you complete your degree in a timely manner.
Please take care of yourselves, your loved ones, and anyone else that may need assistance in your communities.
Dr. Michael Harris
Dean and Professor, College of Public Service
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Chair, Department of Social Work & Urban Studies
First, I hope each and every one of you is doing the best you can during this unprecedented time in our collective history. Your safety and the well-being of you and your loved ones is the number one priority for all of us at the College of Public Service.
We are all committed to ensuring these next few months are a continued time of academic enrichment. The mission of the College of Public Service is especially important during times of national crisis as our government, nonprofit, healthcare, and policy professionals are seeking to provide solutions on day-to-day basis. Solutions to healthcare and medical problems are the number one focus and social workers are on the front lines assisting families who are struggling with the disease and its impacts. Moreover, social workers are providing services to individuals and families struggling economically, advocating for prisoners impacted by the disease, and participating in tele-health consultations for persons facing increased mental health concerns. Social workers are also essential to school systems seeking to maintain access to food, safety, and technology for students. Urban studies professionals working for local governments and nonprofits are working on stimulus programs and policies including the changing unemployment landscape. Urban studies professionals are also working at the nation's overburdened food banks and overwhelmed community-based organizations providing aid to neighborhoods. Urban studies professionals are also essential to the planning departments of governments across the nation as cities and states adjust policies to face the new during and post-COVID realities.
CPS alumni are at the core of society's fight against the disease. As you continue on this educational journey, please know that all of us at CPS are here to help you as you prepare for a world that needs you and your professions more than ever.
My continued thoughts are with each of you. Let's do our best to support one another and come out of this even more committed to the work of serving America's communities.
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Chair, Department of Public Administration
We are in the process of finishing one of the most challenging semesters in my academic career and I want to personally thank all of you for weathering this public health crisis in an effort to complete the semester.
We understand the many obstacles that were placed before you this semester and the faculty and staff appreciate your hard work. I congratulate all of you for your persistence and dedication, and together we will continue to overcome the many challenges facing us in the next few semesters.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns regarding your progress through our program(s) as we all work towards overcoming this major juncture facing our family, friends and communities.
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Executive Administrator to the Dean & College Coordinator
Congratulations on persevering, adapting and excelling despite the challenges of this semester. Good Luck on your finals this week. You Made It!!
I leave you with these words, "ABILITY is what your capable of doing. MOTIVATION determines what you do. ATTITUDE determines how well you do it” – Lou Holtz.
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Interim Program Director and Assistant Professor, Social Work
May you have strength to advocate for social justice and the needs of our most vulnerable.
May you always be surrounded by a supportive community.
May you remain true to yourself, as an authentic, healthy, and whole person.
May you have joy as you do the important work of transforming individuals and communities.
May you attend to your own well-being as you care for others.
May you carry on the Tennessee State University Social Work tradition of practicing cultural humility and nurturing relationships.
We wish you peace as you continue your professional journey.
We appreciate your endurance during the transition!
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Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration
The conclusion of this semester is a time I know you have been anticipating - for some, many years. Many of you will be earning your undergraduate degrees; for others, this will mark the culmination of your graduate degree journey. For all of you, though, I am fully aware that the COVID-19 global public health crisis has caused a disruption in this semester, as well as anxiety and concern. As you’ve seen and experienced, the College of Public Service’s foremost priority is the health and safety of every member of our community.
I know that many of you have successfully navigated challenging situations in the past, and while this one is certainly both historic and unique, I am confident that we will be a resilient community and that each of you will not only persevere, but learn from this experience. Indeed, we all will learn much from this extraordinary challenge.
Remain steadfast, as I am, in the knowledge that your education and the relationships you made, the learning you achieved, and the experiences you had during your time here in the College of Public Service, including this final semester, will serve you well in the years to come.
You are a Public Service Tiger for Life!
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Assistant Professor, Social Work Program
Earning your degree is remarkable in and of itself, and doing so in a pandemic is truly an accomplishment! I am very proud of each and every one of you for staying the course and not allowing anything to stop you from completing this goal. I trust that as you all move forward you will be strong, competent professionals doing good work in the world. I am happy that I was able to support you in this journey!
Congratulations Class of 2020!
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Associate Professor, Department of Public Administration
I want to wish all our students health and peace in these times of uncertainty. One lesson I *think* I've learned through all of this is that public administration matters. We need robust systems to manage crises. We need clever, critical thinkers to lead public agencies with resolve on society's behalf. So, keep pushing. Stay focused. During this time, I've been comforted by a victim of COVID19 - John Prine. He sang, "that's the way that the world goes 'round, you're up one day and the next you're down, It's half an inch of water and you think you're gonna drown, That's the way the world goes 'round." Granted, it's more than 1/2 an inch of water, but you get crux of it.
Between now and the eventual return to "normal," I look forward to hearing your stories and learning from you online. Please reach out if I can assist you as we move towards the Fall.
Stay Strong!
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Associate Professor, Urban Studies Program
As the end of the semester comes to a close, I would like to say that I am proud of you all for staying the course during this challenging time of the coronavirus pandemic. For those of you who will be graduating this spring, I wish you well in all of your endeavors. Know that you will be stepping into a different world then once before, but that you will be that agent of change that the world needs during these trying times. Please remember that you are the best and the brightest as you continue to serve as a public servant. I wish you all well and continue to stay the course and pursue all of your dreams the sky is the limit.
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Assistant Professor, Department of Public Administration
I have been touched and humbled as I witness how each one of you has worked hard in classes and assignments, showing not only discipline and perseverance, but also a strong commitment to the public. The field of Public Administration places wonderful challenges and demands on all of us and the most important is to provide high quality services to the people, while aiming to strengthen the public good. I have seen this reflected in your writing and analyses during the last months when our city has faced emergency recovery and as the world continues to fight a pandemic that is taking a toll on all of us. I feel honored to be teaching courses in our College at this historic time because it gives me the opportunity in engaging in conversation with you, the frontline tackling these issues. Thank you so much! Please know that we are thinking of you and we are happy to provide the support you need to keep thriving. Receive our appreciation and best wishes for you and your families to stay safe in these challenging times.
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Professor, Department of Public Administration
I hope you and your loved ones are safe and in good health. I understand how the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have impacted your learning experience this spring term. I greatly appreciate and thank each and you for your dedication and commitment to completing your courses during this challenging period. Thank you for your courage and resiliency!
I wish you and your family health and safety.
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Associate Professor, Department of Public Administration
Each of us has been affected in many ways by the pandemic so far, and changes are still to come: but throughout this difficult period, I have felt so fortunate in working with you. As students, your decision to continue advancing your knowledge and skills -- even as you face new challenges at work, take care of your families, and serve others in many ways -- is inspiring. Uncertainty will continue, and that can cause anxiety, but it also holds the possibility of transformation. If our commitment to effective and equitable public service persists, if our connection to our neighbors deepens, if our ability to perceive what is important sharpens, then our communities will emerge stronger. As students in the fields of public service, and as graduates, you are appreciated and you are needed.
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