Tennessee State University is gearing up to construct two state-of-the-art buildings dedicated to its College of Agriculture. The announcement comes following the approval of their design phase by the Tennessee State Building Commission.
With a significant investment of $63 million, these new facilities—a Food and Animal Science building and an Environmental Science building—will encompass a combined area of 110,000 square feet. Funding for this ambitious project will come from a mix of federal and state resources, reflecting a strong commitment to advancing agricultural education and research.
The approval coincided with Dwayne Tucker‘s first day as the university’s interim president. Tucker expressed his gratitude to the SBC and emphasized the importance of collaboration with state officials in driving future growth initiatives. “I am excited, on my first day, to see two new buildings approved for the University by the State Building Commission,” he said. “It also marks the beginning of our journey to enhance educational offerings and research capabilities with these state-of-the-art buildings.”
Enhancing Agricultural Education
The forthcoming buildings aim to bolster educational offerings with modern amenities, including 35 faculty offices, 23 research laboratories, 17 teaching labs, a multipurpose room, and four classrooms. These innovative facilities are designed to bridge research and instruction, aligning with TSU’s dedication to advancing the field of agriculture.
Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture, praised the decision as a landmark moment for the university and its students. “From a teaching perspective, we will have the most modern teaching labs there. Agriculture is a very skill-based profession, not just a theoretical one, so the teaching labs will help us to provide experiential learning for students. Research wise these buildings will accommodate One Health Center, Precision Agriculture Center, Soil Health Center, and a Water Management Center,” Dr. Reddy stated.
The new structures, set for completion in August 2026, will be the largest on campus. They will feature three levels with cutting-edge laboratories, lecture halls, classrooms, and collaborative workspaces. In addition to the new buildings, the SBC also approved the establishment of TSU’s Organic Agriculture Building.
As TSU embarks on this ambitious project, it enhances its physical presence and solidifies its role as a leader in agricultural education and research.