Courtesy of Tennessee State University
Tennessee State University is proud to announce its continued commitment as a leading land-grant institution that plans to expand its physical footprint through the construction of two new College of Agriculture buildings.
The Tennessee State Building Commission (SBC) has approved the design phase for the $63 million, 110,000-square-foot Food and Animal Science building and Environmental Science building. The upcoming project is a combination of federal and state funding to the university.
The SBC’s decision coincided with Dwayne Tucker’s first day on the job as TSU’s new interim president. Interim President Tucker expressed his gratitude for the commission’s approval and emphasized the importance of working with the state on future capital projects.
“On my first day, I am excited to see two new buildings approved for the University by the State Building Commission,” said Tucker. “These buildings symbolize the future development of the University despite our current financial situation. Today’s events also demonstrate the State government’s continued confidence in TSU and continued support for our future. It also marks the beginning of our journey to enhance our educational offerings and research opportunities with these modern buildings.
The new buildings will have at least 35 faculty offices, 23 research labs, 17 teaching labs, a multipurpose room and four classrooms. These facilities are designed to create a unique link between research and instruction, supporting TSU’s mission to advance the agricultural sciences.
Dean of the College of Agriculture Dr. Chandra Reddy said the decision is a good day for the university and the college.
“This is a great opportunity for TSU and our students,” said Dean Reddy. “From the teaching point of view, we will have the most modern teaching laboratories there. Agriculture is a very skill-based profession and not just theoretical, so teaching labs will help us provide hands-on learning for students. From a research perspective, these buildings will house the One Health Center, the Center for Precision Agriculture, the Center for Soil Health and the Center for Water Management.
The expected move-in date for the new buildings is August 2026. They will be the largest on campus and will have a lower level along with the first and second floors and will house research laboratories, teaching laboratories, laboratory support facilities, lecture halls, classrooms, offices, collaborative work space and ancillary facilities. The SBC also approved TSU’s Organic Agriculture Building from its consent agenda.
