By Emmanuel Freeman
NASHVILLE, TN (TSU News Service) – Do you need a professional graduate school portrait photo or an application, but don’t know where to go? Look no further, the Tennessee State University Career Development Center is here for you!
On October 6, the center hosted an opening ceremony for the Iris Booth, an innovative, professional, self-service photo box that allows students, faculty, and staff to take portraits. The TSU is the first historically black university to use the Iris Booth, and one of only six universities in the country with this high-tech facility. It is used by businesses and hospitals in North America, Europe, and Asia.
“This is amazing and groundbreaking as our students now have the opportunity to experience professional photography from the Career Development Center,” said Frank Stevenson, vice president of student affairs and dean of studies. “We are excited to see what this means for our students in the future. It gives them a head start in entering the market. It prepares them and enables them to optimally prepare for potential employment opportunities. ”
Brionika Johnson, a senior business administration graduate, was one of the first students to sit in the booth after cutting the tape for their headshot. She was impressed with the clarity of her photo and the ease of use of the system.
“Students often complain about not getting professional portraits at interviews or at companies,” says Atlanta-based Johnson. “This is another good example of how the Career Development Center helps students prepare for working life.”
Officials say the Iris Booth demonstrates the university’s commitment to engaging and assisting students as they begin or continue their careers. The easy-to-use unit – located in the CDC – uses high quality lighting and allows users to approve or retake photos. It also allows users to crop photos, touch up blemishes, whiten teeth or apply filters, and instantly email digital photos.
“With the Iris Booth we no longer have to find anyone so that you can get a professional picture. We don’t have to hire any more, ”Antoinette Hargrove Duke, director of the Career Development Center, told the students as she thanked the student office management for supporting the idea for the stand.
“Our students deserve this cutting-edge technology,” added Duke. “You no longer have an excuse to be at your best when looking for internships or job interviews.”
Duke also thanked her staff and student management for their support, as well as the TSU furnishings department staff for redesigning the previous office space to accommodate the photo booth.
Derrick Sanders, President of the Student Government Association, thanked the CDC for their support and urged fellow students to use not only the new booth but also the center.
“I just want to say to all of the students that you come here not just to get an overview, but also to take advantage of the resources in this office,” said Sanders. “The headshot is definitely a key piece for the industrial field and life after TSU. But I also encourage you all to get involved in this office. ”
The opening ceremony was also attended by Prof. Rita Fleming, the Dr. Kimberly Triplett, Faculty Senate Chair, represented; Mr. TSU Mark T. Davis, Jr .; Miss TSU Mallory Moore; and Tanya McNeal, Student Ambassador.
Further information on the TSU Career Development Center can be found at https://www.tnstate.edu/careers/.