By Alexis Clark
Tennessee State University hosted the state’s FBI Collegiate Academy for a second year, providing students with an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at federal careers and agency operations.
Nearly 40 students across various majors participated in an in-depth look into the agency’s operations and federal careers. Panels and sessions covered crime scene investigation, intelligence analysis, crisis negotiation, cyber and digital forensics, community awareness, and crisis management. The program concluded with resume and interview workshops led by FBI experts, where students received a certificate of completion for their participation.
Launched in 2022, TSU made history as Tennessee’s first institution to host an FBI Collegiate Academy, marking an ongoing partnership with the Bureau to connect students with federal career pathways.
Among the TSU students was Andreya Boles, a freshman from Memphis majoring in psychology with a minor in criminal justice, who saw the academy as a step toward her goal of becoming a behavioral analyst. “The academy has been really engaging,” Boles said. “There’s so much information here, and it’s making me more comfortable networking and following up to explore opportunities with the FBI.”
She added that the academy represents a valuable connection for both TSU and its students, fostering career prospects within the FBI. Fellow participant Kolby Jones, a criminal justice sophomore from Maryland, echoed her sentiments, highlighting the academy’s role in career readiness. “I can use my skill set, apply it, and excel,” said Jones, who hopes to join the SWAT team after graduation. “These new influences and partnerships are creating even more opportunities for HBCU students.”
This year’s academy opened with warm welcomes from Dr. Rodney Stanley, Interim Dean of the College of Public Service, Dr. Robbie K. Melton, Interim Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Kimberly Triplett, Professor and Coordinator of the Public Service Program; and Dr. Samantha Morgan-Curtis, Dean of the College of Liberal Arts. Special Agent in Charge (SAC) Joe Carrico of the FBI’s Tennessee office and Public Affairs Officer Elizabeth Clement Webb also greeted the students, emphasizing the importance of their involvement in this program.
Dr. Stanley spoke about the academy’s significance, noting it as another opportunity to bring impactful resources to campus and support students interested in law enforcement careers. “This program provides an invaluable chance for students interested in law enforcement careers to engage directly with active FBI agents who will be leading the sessions,” Stanley said.
“The FBI is looking to hire students from a wide range of disciplines due to the rise in cybercrime, bioterrorism, money laundering, and other complex challenges.” This year’s cohort saw how majors like urban studies, computer science, biology, and accounting are all fields that are instrumental in today’s fight against crime.
Special Agent in Charge Carrico noted that the academy aims to introduce the FBI to students at the collegiate level while working to diversify the agency’s workforce and skill set. “We anticipate continuing this strong relationship,” Carrico said. “We purposely come to a lot of our HBCU partners … to present the Collegiate Academy because we’ll get applications from the general universities often very commonly, but we’re wanting to mirror the society we serve.”
The FBI Collegiate Academy at TSU offered students engaging, hands-on sessions, including interactive crime scene investigations and special presentations from Crisis Negotiation and SWAT team members. By hosting the academy, TSU has given its students a platform to explore federal careers and connect with professionals who are working to make a difference in the Nashville community and beyond.