Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover speaks to members of the media following her appointment as the next president of Tennessee State University. Glover received unanimous approval from the Tennessee Board of Regents to lead the institution beginning January 2, 2013. (photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)
NASHVILLE (TSU News Service) – Saying, “I am glad to be home,” with a visible show of excitement, Dr. Glenda Baskin Glover Tuesday accepted a new role in her long education career becoming the eighth president of Tennessee State University, the school she graduated from nearly 38 years ago.
“I am truly honored and excited about returning to my alma mater, Tennessee State University, in this monumental leadership role,” Glover said in a packed room in the Chancellor’s office, after the Tennessee Board of Regents voted unanimously to name her president of TSU. “It is indeed a privilege to be selected as president of such a historic institution that has enriched the lives of so many students, and empowered thousands of families and communities, and still continues to do so today.”
Currently the dean of the College Business at Jackson State University in Jackson, Miss., Glover, who takes over Jan. 2, 2013, becomes the first full-time female president of the 100-year-old institution. She replaces Dr. Portia Holmes Shields who, as interim president for the last two years, was the first female to ever lead the University.
Surrounded by family members including her husband, Charles Glover I; son Dr. Charles Glover II; and daughter attorney Candace Glover, the new TSU leader received thunderous applause from a room full of members and staff of the TBR, including Chancellor John Morgan and members of the media, after being informed of her selection.
Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam, who along with some other members of TBR voted by way of a teleconference, chimed in with words of congratulations and best wishes for the new TSU president.
“Dr. Glover is an excellent choice to lead Tennessee State University,” said Gov. Haslam, who is also chairman of the Board of Regents. “TSU is a critical piece of what we are doing in Tennessee and I think Dr. Glover will be a critical piece of the puzzle to move TSU ahead. She understands the challenges facing the University, and she has a real passion for developing outstanding leaders for the future.”
Glover’s appointment followed a recommendation by Chancellor Morgan pending Tuesday’s TBR vote. She was one of four finalists chosen by a Presidential Search Advisory Committee from 86 applicants, following a nationwide search that began last May.
In recommending Glover, the Chancellor said the long-time educator has outstanding credentials and impressive leadership skills.
“Her experience as a faculty member, campus administrator and an engaged member of the civic and business communities will serve TSU and the entire region well,” Morgan said. “She is an accomplished professional in many ways. But most of all, she is committed to the success of TSU’s students, and I believe she will help the institution continue to grow and move forward on a path toward accomplishing its goals.”
At Jackson State, where Glover has served as Dean of the College of Business for 18 years, President Carolyn Myers praised her work.
“Dr. Glover has been an invaluable asset to Jackson State University, not only exemplifying excellence in her field, but inspiring that same excellence in our students, faculty and staff,” Meyers said. “Tennessee State University is fortunate to have her at its helm.”
A 1974 graduate of Tennessee State and a native of Memphis, Glover earned her bachelor’s degree in math, an MBA from Clark Atlanta University, a J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center and a Ph.D. from George Washington University in business economics and policy. She has worked as a certified public accountant, attorney and professor before becoming a dean at Jackson State University.
Glover also has chaired the accounting department at Howard University and worked as an accountant with Arthur Anderson & Co. in Washington, D.C.
At Jackson State, Glover obtained the university’s first endowed chair, lead a successful $5 million fundraising initiative, and spearheaded the implementation of online learning programs, developed a cost-reduction plan and implemented internal fiscal accountability measures.
In her presentation to the campus community during her October appearance with the other three finalists, Glover pledged to initiate a capital campaign to raise funds, which she said Tuesday will be one of her immediate priorities.
“I intend to call on the business community and ensure an open line of communication with alumni, our campus community and all who are interested in Tennessee State University,” she said. “I will work hard every day to make sure we have a university that is reputable, that is professional and meets the needs of our students.”