Thriving in a Pandemic

Despite a terrible tornado, enforced lockdowns, and pandemic isolation, TSU faculty, staff, and students found ways to prosper.

By JOAN KITE

Fall Semester 2021 is here highlighting the re-emergence and return of students, staff, and faculty to the College campus.

Still, the terrible events of 2020 in Nashville, that began with a tornado that tore up the College’s research farm, segued into a global pandemic forcing everyone into isolation and lockdown, and ended with a Christmas Day explosion in downtown Nashville, did not deter huge strides that the College made in its endeavors.

Students and professors adapted quickly to online classes and Zoom meetings. Professors used uninterrupted work at home to churn out a record number of funded research proposals. Administration spent hours every week planning the restoration on the Farm while continuing to monitor and maintain health standards so the College community remained safe.

“We are a resilient institution and have always dealt with scant resources and infrastructure,” said Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture. “Fortunately, our faculty and staff are very innovative and entrepreneurial, and we are making lemonade out of lemons!”

The pandemic has proven to be a time when professors can hone their focus on research, publishing and grant applications. All has gone well.

According to the College’s End of the Year Report dated Summer of 2021, “the College obtained 68 competitive grants totaling $20,288,344.” In addition, faculty from the College of Agriculture “published 132 articles in peer-reviewed journals. Of these publications, 61 had students as senior authors, 20 included students as junior authors, and 51 were faculty publications.

Professors cited the ability to work in solitude without interruption enhancing concentration and focus.

New research grants include: • Professor Dr. Karla Addesso’s $6 million NIFA grant to lead a team of researchers and graduate

In April of 2021, heavy rains hit Nashville causing the Cumberland River to crest and flood The Farm. The Farm’s Dexter cattle were temporarily stranded from the main grounds by flood waters filled with carp and other fish. Photo by Joan Kite

THRIVING, Turn to page 36

College of Agriculture Farm Superintendent Eddie Williams and Dr. Chandra Reddy, dean of the College of Agriculture, survey the construction site at the Farm where five hoop houses are being erected to provide researchers with greenhouses to temporarily replace those destroyed by the tornado that struck in March of 2020. Photo by Dharma Pitchay

One of the many damaged greenhouses at the Farm destroyed by the tornado during March of 2020. Photo by Joan Kite