Tennessee State University demands repayment of a nearly $5,000 excess financial aid check issued to a student last year, highlighting systemic financial difficulties within the historically Black university.
Chekesha Ibrahimzakaria’s son, a sophomore at TSU who received a full-ride scholarship, cannot register for spring classes or secure a dorm assignment due to a hold on his account for an unpaid balance of $4,900. That is the same amount he received in an excess financial aid check in the fall of his first year.
“Because they made a mistake, they want my son and others like him to make up for their mistake,” Ibrahimzakaria told News Channel 5 Nashville.
Ibrahimzakaria, who has a long-standing legacy with TSU, expresses disappointment with the institution that holds such significance for her family. “It’s too stressful for the students,” she said, as her son plans to transfer to another university to complete his degree.
An Ongoing Financial Battle
The issue of excessive financial aid payments follows troubling reports from state officials regarding TSU’s financial health. In a recent hearing, the Tennessee Senate Finance Chairman stated that the university faced severe financial challenges, requiring funds earmarked for 2025 to be advanced to support the current school year. Lawmakers warned that continued financial support for payroll was becoming unsustainable.
“The previous president, administration, and trustees operated this university in such a way as literally you are out of money,” Jason Mumpower, the Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury, said during the committee meeting earlier this month. He noted that an infusion of cash from the state was necessary to avoid failing payroll on November 29.
In efforts to address its financial crisis, TSU laid off staff this fall. This move reflects ongoing struggles exacerbated by monthly payroll costs ranging from $18 to $20 million, a surge in enrollment leading to housing shortages, and issues with distributing scholarship funds.
(Sourced from Black Enterprise)