More than 1,300 freshmen moved into residence halls at Tennessee State University (TSU) recently. According to the historically Black college and university, the recent intake is the biggest enrollment increase seen in five years.

“It is a historical moment for us to see so many first-year students and returning students,” President Glenda Glover told TSU News Service. “We are glad that we have arrived at such a monumental place in TSU’s history. We can assure all parents that their children are in good hands.”

Despite the pandemic, officials said the university will be fully operational for the fall 2021-22 academic year, with continued enforcement of federal and state health and safety regulations, TSU said.

“Today begins the journey for one of the largest classes in the history of the university,” said  Terrence Izzard, associate vice president for Admissions and Recruitment. “We know they will leave a legacy here at TSU.”

Churches, vendors, and TSU partners like Fifth Third Bank, Turner Construction, the Army National Guard, Predators, Regions Bank, and American Job Center, set up tents and tables to give out snacks.

TSU News Service said the high enrollment posed an unprecedented demand for housing, but the university said it had completed nearly 97 percent of requests, and all students would have housing by the beginning of classes on August 16.