Tennessee State University, through its legacy as an HBCU and land grant institution, transforms lives, prepares a diverse population of leaders, and contributes to economic and community development by providing affordable and accessible educational programs at various degree levels promoting academic excellence through scholarly inquiry, teaching, research, lifelong learning, and public service.

Tennessee State University aspires to be the premier public urban, comprehensive institution achieving prominence through innovation and instruction, research, creativity, and service with the dissemination of knowledge and information.

The University places emphasis on learning everyday, making excellence a habit, thinking beyond the obvious and serving everyone it encounters.