The 2024 TSUNAA National Convention

Event Details

Hello Tigers,

The biennial Texas Southern University National Alumni Association Convention is set to take place beginning Thursday, July 25 at the Le Meridien Hotel in New Orleans, LA. This year's theme is Striving for Excellence in All We Do. Alumnus Justin Lee has happily accepted the task of being the 2024 Convention Chair and I am grateful for his leadership and for his committee as I know they will make this a stellar weekend.

A foundational component of TSUNAA, the convention brings together alumni from around the country for an inspirational weekend to recharge your Tiger spirit as you hear from university leaders, faculty, staff and business experts.

This year's convention will provide you with the opportunity to hear from the new president, as well as engage in discussions regarding many issues that are facing our great university. In addition to hearing from the university, we will discuss TSUNAA's future plans for our organization as well as for the university.

While the convention is a platform for us to have conversation and vote on ways to best aid the university, it is also an opportunity for us to celebrate TSU and the amazing alumni it produces. New Orleans is the perfect background for fun, frolic, and fellowship, and we have planned a magnificent experience just for you.

I look forward to seeing all of our alumni in July.

Go Tigers!

Corrie Williams '02

2022-26 President, TSUNAA

Agenda

July 24, 2024
July 25, 2024
July 26, 2024
July 27, 2024
July 28, 2024

July 24, 2024

Main Schedule

6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Executive Board Dinner

General Session

No Scheduled items for this day

Speakers

James Crawford

President at Texas Southern University

Dr. Carl Goodman

Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Texas Southern University

Dr. Kevin Granger

Vice President Intercollegiate Athletics at Texas Southern University

Cris Dishman

Head Football Coach at Texas

Dr. James White

Vice President-Governmental Affairs and Civic Engagement at Texas Southern University

Brian Simmons

Director of the Ocean of Soul Marching Band at Texas Southern University

Dr. Brian Armstrong

Executive Director of Outreach Services at Texas Southern University

Yvette Barker

Interim Assistant Vice President of Student Life & Engagement at Texas Southern Universituy

Dr. Raijanel Crockem

Associate Vice President- Institutional Assessment at Texas Southern University

Shekira Dennis

Political Strategist/Managing Partner at Next Wave Strategies

Donald Greer

Vice President at Texas Southern University National Alumni Association, Inc.

Chris Harvey

Senior Advisor to the Mayor of Little Rock at Little Rock, Arkansas

Jolanda Jones

Texas State Representative for House District 147

Wendell King

Program Chair at Texas Southern University National Alumni Association, Inc.

Dr. Michelle Penn-Marshall

Vice President for Research and Innovation at Texas Southern University

Corrie Williams

President at Texas Southern University National Alumni Association, Inc.

An experienced leader, Crawford served in the United States Navy for more than 30 years, retiring as a Vice Admiral and its 43rd Judge Advocate General (JAG). He has served as the head of the Naval Legal Service Command, legal counsel to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and commander of NATO Rule of Law Field Support, Afghanistan. Crawford served under six Presidents and was Lead Counsel for the principal military advisor to Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama. He was a trusted voice for the National Security Council, the Homeland Security Council, and Secretaries of Defense Robert M. Gates and Leon Panetta. As the Judge Advocate General of the Navy, Crawford led nearly 2,400 judge advocates, enlisted employees, and civilian employees of the Navy’s global legal organization. He is the recipient of numerous military awards, including two Distinguished Service Medals.

“It is an honor and privilege to serve as Texas Southern University’s 14th president, and I thank the Board of Regents for entrusting me with this momentous responsibility,” said Crawford. “As I step into this role, I am eager to further the University’s mission of ensuring our students are prepared for their next chapters as lifelong learners, engaged citizens and creative leaders in their communities. TSU has all the tools necessary to be a powerful force in Texas higher education and beyond, and I look forward to leading the charge toward the University’s next chapter.”

Crawford holds a Juris Doctorate from the University of North Carolina, a Master of Laws degree in ocean and coastal law from the University of Miami, a Master of Arts in National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College, and a bachelor’s degree from Belmont Abbey College. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have 16-year-old twin sons.

A two-time NFL Pro-Bowl selection, Dishman comes to TSU after 13 successful years in the NFL and 19 years of coaching experience at the collegiate and professional levels. After earning a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice from Purdue University, he was drafted by the Houston Oilers in 1988. Dishman played spent eight years with the Oilers, two years with the Washington Commanders and Kansas City Chiefs, his final season with the Minnesota Vikings.
He has coached defenses at the professional, collegiate, and prep levels. He entered coaching as the Defensive Back Coach for the NFL Europe's Berlin Thunder. He was a Defensive Back Intern for the Oakland Raiders (2005 and 2007), the Miami Dolphins (2006), and Arizona Cardinals (2017). From 2006-2008, he served as the Defensive Coordinator (Secondary) at Menlo College (NCAA Division III). He also served as the Assistant Defensive Back Coach for the San Diego Chargers (2008-2013). During his time with the Chargers, the passing defense improved from 31st in the NFL to 1st. His spent the 2015-2016 season as Safeties Coach at Baylor University. Dishman spent a season as the Defensive Back Coach of the Montreal Alouettes (CFL) before returning to the college ranks as Defensive Back Coach at McNeese State University. He was also the Defensive Back Coach of the XFL's New York Guardians (2019-2020), and he coached some of the top high school prospects as Defensive Coordinator of prep powerhouse IMG Academy.

Dr. White represented District 19 in the Texas House of Representatives from 2011 to 2022. His time in the House included serving as Chair and Vice Chair of the House Corrections Committee and Chairman of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Public Safety.
Dr. White will serve as liaison between the University and federal, state, and local elected and appointed officials and other institutions and organizations and coordinate special projects and activities to enhance understanding of and foster commitments to the University’s legislative funding priorities. He will also develop and implement an ongoing legislative strategic plan and represent TSU in a leadership capacity on the national, state, and local levels of policy-making boards, committees, and industry organizations.

Mr. Brian Simmons is the Director of The Ocean of Soul Marching Band and an instructor in the TSU Music Department.

The TSU band was founded in 1945 by Mr. Allen E. Norton. The Ocean of Soul, affectionately known as the 9th Wonder of the World, was founded by Mr. Benjamin J. Butler II in 1969. The Ocean of Soul has performed at numerous high-profile events, including Super Bowl XXXVIII, the 2013 NBA All-Star Game Pregame Concert and the 2018 NCAA Final Four. Most recently, the Ocean was featured in the 2021 Netflix series High on the Hog.

Notable parade performances include the 2014 NFL Hall of Fame Induction Parade, the 2017 Houston Astros World Series Victory Parade, the HEB Thanksgiving Day Parade and the Krewe of Endymion Mardi Gras Parade. In addition, the Ocean has performed with celebrities, award shows, movie premieres and several musical performances for various NBA, MLB and NFL teams. You can always catch the Ocean on select TSU televised home football and basketball games during the school year. The band consists of more than 200 students majoring in different disciplines, all of whom rehearse and perform as part of a year-round program.

Documents

Life Member Luncheon Program.pdf

Sponsors and Partners

Exhibitors

Healthcare

Alternative Community Services Inc. of Greater Houston

Apparel

HBCU Only

Donecia's Crafts

TSUNAA Store

Food

J'Nelly Savory Delights

Not Too Fancy Bakery

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Life Member Registration

Member Price$325

Recent Graduate Registration

Member Price$325

Chapter, General, Associate Member Registration

Member Price$350

Non-Member Registration

Public Price$375

Welcome Reception

2024 TSUNAA National Convention Welcome Reception

Public Price$30

Life Member Luncheon

Public Price$85

Diner En Bordeaux

Public Price$150

Excellence in Achievement Awards Gala

Public Price$125

Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise

Sunday Jazz Brunch Cruise on the Steamboat Natchez

Public Price$78

Souvenir Book Ads

Public Price$100

Public Price$200

Vendor Registration

Public Price$125

Texas Southern University National Alumni Association (TSUNAA)

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Event Details