KYLE MURPHYStaff Writer

Tennessee State University has announced its three finalists to potentially become the university’s next president, which includes current president at Motlow State Community College.

The finalists are Dr. Charles Gibbs, CEO of nonprofit organization 100 Black Men of America, Inc.; Dr. William E. Hudson, Vice President for Student Affairs at Florida A&M University; and Dr. Michael Torrence, President of Motlow State Community College.

Following the announcement of current TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover’s retirement in August 2023, the TSU Board of Trustees announced in September of its search to find Glover’s successor.

“The search will be comprehensive in nature, involve the TSU community’s input, and will lead to the Board’s appointment of the next President of TSU,” TSU officials said in a statement.

The board unveiled a projected timeline of the presidential search process, including the appointment of its search committee in November. The search committee consisted of 30 members ranching from members of TSU’s faculty to community members and U.S. Congressman Mark Green.

The search officially began in December 2023 and by March the committee had found its three finalists. After the finalists were announced, TSU officials said all three finalists would participate in an open forum with students, faculty, staff, university leadership and other members of the TSU community.

“The on-campus Open Forums will allow the TSU community an opportunity to meet the candidates and learn about their individual visions, perspectives, and qualifications to serve as the next TSU President,” TSU officials said. “These meetings will also allow TSU the opportunity to showcase its campus, students, faculty, staff, alumni and other members of the TSU community to the candidates.”

The open forums began on Wednesday, March 27, and concluded on Friday, March 29, where Torrance, Hudson and Gibbs each had their respective forums. For each forum, candidates met with three groups consisting of either TSU students, TSU faculty and staff and the rest of the community and alumni.

The TSU Board of Trustees are expected announce and appoint a new president in April.