USN connects Middle Tennesseans with higher education opportunities

High school students from throughout Middle Tennessee came to USN on Saturday, August 24 for Nashville’s HBCU Fair. See photos from the fair here.
By Ian Dinkins, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

For the third consecutive year, University School of Nashville hosted Nashville’s HBCU Fair, offering a unique and invaluable opportunity for Middle Tennessee high school students from public, private, and charter schools and their families. This year’s event attracted an impressive turnout, once again highlighting the significant role historically Black colleges and universities play in shaping the future of aspiring students.

On a bright and bustling day at USN, attendees gathered to engage directly with admissions officers and administrators from a diverse array of HBCUs across the country. The fair served as a platform for students to explore higher education options, gain insights into each institution's unique offerings, and even receive acceptance offers from some colleges.

The impressive roster of participating HBCUs included renowned institutions such as Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University, Alcorn State University, American Baptist College, Clark Atlanta University, Fisk University, Jackson State University, Morehouse College, Norfolk State University, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, North Carolina Central University, Spelman College, Tennessee State University, Tougaloo College, and Tuskegee University. 

The fair began with a welcome from USN Student Council President and Black Student Union President Asauda Radford ’25.

“You don’t have the opportunity to hear from so many different HBCUs at once, so I’m grateful that USN put this together for us,“ said Radford. “There are so many HBCUs with unique experiences and programs. Having them in one room really evens things out and gives students the chance to see some of the differences between schools.”

A standout of this year’s fair was the opportunity for parents and families to gain expert advice on navigating the college admissions process. College admissions officers Tim Fields and Shereem Herndon-Brown, authors of “The Guide to College for Black Families,” returned to the fair to deliver an enlightening keynote address for parents. Their presentation offered invaluable guidance on preparing for higher education, addressing both academic and financial considerations that are crucial for families.

“A lot of the time, parents and students have contrasting questions about college,” said Roderick White, USN Director of Diversity and Community Life. “While students may be concerned with campus life and majors, parents are usually more concerned with price and admission requirements, so giving both groups a chance to have their questions answered was critical.”

Fields’ and Herndon-Brown’s presences were particularly impactful. They provided a wealth of knowledge and practical strategies to help families make informed decisions about college. Their book, widely regarded as a comprehensive resource for parents navigating the admissions process, helped demystify the college application process and highlighted strategies for securing scholarships and financial aid.

The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, The Urban League, and Big Brothers Big Sisters partnered with USN to leverage additional community contacts and ensure as many Nashvillians as possible knew about the fair. 

While many USN students were in attendance, students from throughout the region came to the school to learn about the educational opportunities at HBCUs. See photos from the event here.

The fair’s success is a testament to USN’s commitment to supporting educational opportunities and fostering a strong community connection. By facilitating direct interactions between students and HBCU representatives, the event underscores the importance of accessibility and personalized guidance in the college selection process.
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University School of Nashville models the best educational practices. In an environment that represents the cultural and ethnic composition of Metropolitan Nashville, USN fosters each student’s intellectual, artistic, and athletic potential, valuing and inspiring integrity, creative expression, a love of learning, and the pursuit of excellence.