Tennessee State University is preparing to construct two state-of-the-art buildings dedicated to the College of Agriculture. The announcement follows approval of their design phase by the Tennessee State Building Commission.
With significant 63 million dollars have been investedthese new facilities—the Food and Animal Sciences building and the Environmental Science building—will cover a combined 110,000 square feet. Funding for this ambitious project will come from a mix of federal and state resources that reflect a strong commitment to the development of agricultural education and research.
It coincided with approval Dwayne Tucker‘s first day as the interim president of the university. Tucker expressed his gratitude to the SBC and emphasized the importance of working with state officials to advance future growth initiatives. “On my first day, I am very excited to see the approval of two new buildings for the University by the State Building Commission,” he said. “It also marks the start of our journey to enhance our educational offerings and research opportunities with these state-of-the-art buildings.”
Improving Agricultural Education
The upcoming buildings aim to enhance teaching offerings with state-of-the-art facilities, including 35 faculty offices, 23 research laboratories, 17 teaching laboratories, a multi-purpose room and four classrooms. These innovative facilities are designed to link research and teaching, aligning with TSU’s commitment to advancing the field of agriculture.
Dean of the College of Agriculture Dr. Chandra Reddy hailed this decision as a landmark moment for the university and its students. “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. In terms of research, these buildings will house a Health Center, a Precision Agriculture Center, a Soil Health Center and a Water Management Center,” said Dr. Reddy said.
The new structures, slated for completion in August 2026, will be the largest on campus. They will feature three levels with advanced laboratories, lecture halls, classrooms and co-working spaces. In addition to the new buildings, SBC also approved the creation of TSU’s Organic Agriculture Building.
As TSU embarks on this ambitious project, it is increasing its physical presence and solidifying its role as a leader in agricultural education and research.
