Dr. Robbie Melton

Dr. Robbie Melton

Dr. Robbie Melton Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs and Vice President for Technology & Innovation and is a tenured professor at Tennessee State University. Dr. Melton serves as a global researcher and international consultant for Emerging IOE (“The Internet of Everything”) Smart Mobile Technology of mobile devices, smart phone-tablets, wearables, smart gadgets and tools, and mixed reality of VR and AR. She formerly served as the Associate Vice Chancellor for Emerging Technologies for the Tennessee Board of Regents and the primary developer and chief administrator for the system-wide Regents Online Degree Programs. Her tributes include 2019 USDLA Hall of Fame, 2018, Distinguished Women of Legend, 2017 OLC Leadership, 2016, WCET Life Time Achievement, 2014 Top 30 Technologists, 2013 Apple Distinguished Educator, 2012 Top Fifty Technology Innovator; and 2012 WOW EdTechnology Awards. She was a featured speaker at the UNESCO Mobile Learning Symposium. She is known as an ‘Appologist’, for her extensive research of best practices with mobile devices (smartphone, tablets, wearables, and the creation of a Mobile App Resource Center). Currently serving as the UNICEF Teacher Education Technology Trainer for the Country of Malawi (Africa) in the use of mobile devices with limited internet and power.

Dr. Deborah Chisom

Dr. Deborah Chisom

Dr. Deborah Chisom serves as the Assistant Vice President at the Avon Williams Off-Campus Site. She is a proud "True Blue TSU Alum," having earned four degrees from the university: a Bachelor of Science (B.S.), a Master's in Educational Leadership (M.Ed.), an Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership (Ed.D.).
Dr. Chisom oversees various initiatives, including Academic eSports, Open Educational Resources (OER), HBCU C2, Continuing Education, eTiger Podcast, and TSU Alumni Connect. She works under the leadership of Dr. Robbie Melton, the Vice President for SMART Global Technologies Innovation Strategies and Provost for Academic Affairs.


"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X
Dr. Chisom embodies this quote through her dedication to education and innovation. She is passionate about helping students reach their full potential and preparing them for the future.

Dr. Robert Hassell

Dr. Robert Hassell

Dr. Robert O'Keefe Hassell is the Senior Executive Director of the Immersive Technology Division and Tennessee State University SMART Technology and Innovation Center. A native of Lebanon, Tennessee, he attended Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 2007 with a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English. Dr. Hassell then pursued graduate studies at Tennessee State University, obtaining a Master's in Education (M.Ed.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Education Technology. Subsequently, he earned a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Curriculum Planning from the Department of Teaching and Learning at Tennessee State University. True to his Education Technology background, he is also a Certified Apple Teacher.


Dr. Hassell is a leader in integrating cutting-edge technology and artificial intelligence into educational practices, focusing on augmenting teaching and learning experiences. He is dedicated to training faculty, staff, and students in leveraging these advanced tools to enhance educational outcomes and prepare for the future of education.

Dr. Quinetta Crawford-Bartley

Dr. Quinetta Crawford-Bartley

Dr. Quinetta Crawford-Bartley is a proud three-time alum and current Director of Faculty Training/Events Management/SMART Technology at Tennessee State University. After serving as the Deputy Fire Marshal for the Nashville Fire Department for 28 years, she returned to her alma mater to orchestrate events, harness the power of SMART technology, and shape the minds of brilliant students. She is a passionate advocate for education and technology, and believes that every student deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential. Under her leadership, the Faculty Training/Events Management/SMART Technology department has become a hub of innovation and collaboration, supporting faculty development, enhancing student learning, and promoting the use of technology in the classroom. Dr. Crawford-Bartley is a role model for students and faculty alike, and a testament to the power of education, perseverance, and dedication.

Mr. Marcus Horton

Mr. Marcus Horton

Marcus Horton is an esteemed Academic Technology Coach at the SMART Innovation Technology Center located at Tennessee State University. Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Marcus brings a wealth of expertise in various fields such as graphic design, creativity, training, and development. In his current capacity, Marcus conducts monthly sessions for students, staff, and faculty to enhance their technology application skills in higher education. The extensive sessions cover a wide range of topics, including the essentials of the Apple ecosystem and efficient learning techniques for Microsoft and Google Artificial Intelligence. Marcus is a highly valued asset to the Tennessee State University community, and his proficiency offers significant benefits to all part

Mr. Bryson Scott

Mr. Bryson Scott

Bryson Scott is a Technology Coach at Tennessee State University with a passion for helping students and educators thrive in the digital age. In his current role, Bryson works with students, faculty, and staff to help them use technology to enhance their teaching, learning, and research. He also provides training and support on a wide range of technology topics, such as learning management systems, video conferencing, and presentation software.

Bryson is passionate about helping students and educators reach their full potential, and he believes that technology can play a vital role in achieving this goal. He is also committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and strives to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all learners. Bryson is always looking for new ways to use technology to improve education.