Texas Southern University

Jaia Smith is putting her graduate studies in English to work this summer in her internship with the National Park Service’s HBCU Internship program. Based in Put-In-Bay, Ohio she is conducting archival and secondary research on African American contributions to the Battle of Lake Erie, collaborating with park historians and staff to ensure historical accuracy.

Her work includes developing and implementing interpretive programming concepts, including pop-up tables, educational materials and presentations.

Jaia plans to work at the intersection of archival studies, African American literary and cultural history and public humanities. As a professor and museum curator, she hopes to ensure Black history is preserved and made accessible. Her ultimate goal is to establish a nonprofit to promote literacy and self-sufficiency.

From exploring the minds of industry leaders to preserving the legacy of a historic HBCU, Texas Southern University School of Communication Professor Vincent Powell is earning recognition for storytelling with purpose.

Powell recently received two Silver Telly Awards for his work directing *The Athena Project* and a thought-provoking trailer for a forthcoming documentary on Bishop College, an HBCU that closed in 1988. The honors add to a growing list of national accolades recognizing filmmakers who use their craft to educate, inspire, and preserve important stories.

"Winning two Silver Telly Awards this year means more than international recognition," Powell said to The Defender. "I'm grateful for the confirmation that the work is landing."

Congratulations to Professor Powell on this remarkable achievement and his continued commitment to impactful storytelling. Keep making us Professor Powell!

This is the year of our Flying Tigers! Texas Southern University is building one of the fastest growing aviation programs in the nation. With the purchase of 12 new aircraft in the fall, the opening of the fleet's new home at the Houston Spaceport in April, and most recently the delivery of its first brand-new twin-engine aircraft, we are positioned to become at top 10 program. Thank you KHOU 11 News and Ilona Carson for having Dr. Fontaine on to talk about the new heights our program continues to achieve. We're just getting started.

TSU aviation program adds new aircraft, expands pathway to airline careers Dr. Terence Fontaine, Director of Aviation at Texas Southern University, explains how TSU's growing fleet and airline partnerships are creating pilot career pathways

As we continue to celebrate the Ocean of Soul's appearance in Vogue Magazine, we remember a Fallen Tiger who did not get the chance to see this moment in print.

Reginald Starks, a rising sophomore trombonist and Emergency Management and Homeland Security major from Jonesboro, Georgia, helped bring the energy, talent, and pride that define the Ocean of Soul. He stood among those who helped tell this story and represented Texas Southern University on an international stage.

Although he did not get the chance to see the images come to life in print, his impact remains. His legacy lives on within this band, our community, and this historic moment.

As these pages are shared with the world, we remember Reginald and the indelible mark he left on the Texas Southern University and Ocean of Soul family.

Forever a Tiger. Forever remembered. Forever Ocean.

Our aviation students are soaring all over the country. This summer, junior Aviation Science Management major Aaron Wilcox is working at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta as a college intern with ATL Workforce Development.

He conducts research on future workforce trends and helps identify the skills needed for careers in aviation and airport operations. Through his internship, he supports stakeholder interviews, analyzes findings, and assists in developing recommendations that help prepare students for the airport workforce of the future.

Aaron aspires to be a wide-body airline pilot for one of the major airlines and operate long haul international flights.

Texas Southern University and renowned educator, Dr. Ruth J. Simmons, announced the establishment of the Nora B. Wilson Endowment and Health Clinic in memory of Dr. Simmons' sister who passed away in May. The endowment will support the work of the Texas Southern University Breast Cancer Screening and Prevention Center.

For giving opportunities, contact Mr. Jeffrey Wallace at [email protected] or Mr. Jeffrey Joseph at [email protected].

Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4eBmyCm

President Crawford's Juneteenth Message

Juneteenth is here and Texas Southern University is right in the middle of the commemorations. Check out Juneteenth calendar.

Lone Star State of Mind.

Shot on location in Texas, the piece titled “Lone Star State of Mind: Snapshots of Texas Today” captures the rhythm, soul, and cultural fabric of the state through the lens of acclaimed photographer Tyler Mitchell and styled by Carlos Nazario for Vogue.

Their journey through Texas began at Texas Southern University, 3100 Cleburne, Houston, TX, where they spent the day with the Ocean of Soul Marching Band, documenting the energy, precision, and spirit that define HBCU performance culture. From campus to community, the project reflects a broader visual story of Texas told through art, fashion, and music.

The full editorial and accompanying documentary chronicle their journey across the state, with the film set to premiere on Vogue’s official YouTube channel.

Print editions of the Summer 2026 issue hit stands tomorrow, Juneteenth. Read the full story at Vogue.com and stay tuned for exclusive video snippets.

Vogue: Vogue
Photographed by: Tyler Mitchell | Tyler Mitchell
Styled by: Carlos Nazario | Carlos Nazario
Head of Editorial Content: Chloe Malle | Chloe Malle 🥐
Global Creative Director: Raul Martinez | Raúl Martinez
Global Casting Director: Morgan Senesi | morgansenesi
Visuals Director: Paige Viti | Paige KV
Sr. Visuals Editor: Kat Costigan | Kathryn Costigan
Hair: Lucas Wilson | lucas wilson
Makeup: Michaela Bosch | Michaela Bosch
Tailor: Happiness Akinola | ｡ 🎀 𝐻𝒶𝓅𝓅𝒾𝓃𝑒𝓈𝓈 𝒜. 🎀 ｡
Produced by: Day Int. | DAY INT.
Local Scout: Lilac Perez | Lilac Perez