Black Athletes in the Spotlight: HBCU Sports & Local Highlights
- Jennifer Bell named interim director of athletics, effective immediately, to lead department during internal review.
- Mikki Allen placed on administrative leave Thursday after concerns were raised by six coaches.
- Tennessee State conducting internal review of athletics leadership, communication and operations.
- Jennifer Bell brings over three decades at Tennessee State, including roles in compliance, student services and academic support.
- Jennifer Bell joined Tennessee State in 1991 as assistant women's basketball coach under Teresa Phillips, coaching for 11 years.
Tennessee State University has turned to a Tigers legend to lead its athletics department.
Jennifer Bell was named interim director of athletics on Friday, effective immediately, elevating the longtime administrator as the school continues an internal investigation involving previous athletics director Mikki Allen.
Bell will oversee all aspects of the program after Allen was placed on administrative leave Thursday following concerns raised by six coaches and an ensuing review of the department’s leadership, communication and operations.
What to know about Jennifer Bell
Bell brings more than three decades of experience at Tennessee State to the role. She currently serves as Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director for Student-Athlete Services and Senior Woman Administrator and has spent much of her career working in compliance, student services and academic support.
Bell joined Tennessee State Athletics in 1991 as an assistant women’s basketball coach under Teresa Phillips and spent 11 years in coaching before moving into administration.
TSU said her background and institutional knowledge make her well suited to guide the department during the transition.
Allen had served as TSU’s athletic director since 2020 before being placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
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