Fisk University, Nashville

Fisk University, established in 1866 as a historically black institution, holds a significant place in history. The renowned Fisk Jubilee Singers, initially a group of students, emerged during a crucial period when the university faced financial challenges. Their performances aimed to raise funds to rescue the school from financial turmoil. Thanks to their successful fundraising tours, the iconic Jubilee Hall was constructed, now recognized as a National Historic Landmark. Fisk University's 40-acre (160,000 square meters) campus is also designated as a historic district on the National Register of Historic Places.

In 1930, Fisk achieved a milestone by becoming the first African-American institution to receive accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Subsequently, the university secured accreditations for specialized programs. In 1952, Fisk made history again by being the first predominantly black college to earn a Phi Beta Kappa charter. This achievement led to the establishment of the Delta of Tennessee Chapter of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society, which inducted its inaugural student members on April 4, 1953.

On March 12, 2008, the Metro Council of Nashville designated March 19 as Fisk University Day in recognition of its exceptional academic achievements. Notably, Jubilee Hall, recently restored, stands as the oldest and most distinctive example of Victorian architecture on the 40-acre Fisk campus. The university also houses a valuable music literature collection established by the prominent figure of the Harlem Renaissance, Carl Van Vechten.

Fisk University boasts an impressive track record of academic excellence, particularly in producing African American graduates who go on to earn doctoral degrees in the natural sciences.