Hankal Hall and Queen Washington Building

This building once housed a cat named Momma! It was also the home of TSU’s most beloved dorm mother, Edna Rose Hankal. Constructed in 1957, the university opened Hankal Hall as a residence hall for women. Edna Rose Hankal was the head residence counselor and Dean of Women. She was a Fisk University graduate and former school teacher in Chattanooga before coming to Tennessee A&I where she served as an English professor and dorm supervisor. She was beloved by students—both men and women—during her many years here. In 1958, the yearbook stated: “It is only fitting that the dorm be named Hankal Hall and she and Momma (the cat) should be its chief residents.” Today Hankal Hall is the home of TSU administrative offices and parking services.

Just past Hankal Hall is the Queen Washington Health Services Building also designed by the renowned architecture firm McKissack and McKissack. Queen Washington, a native of Memphis, Tennessee, first came to Tennessee A&I in 1945 as a clerk for the P.E. department. Two years later, she became the head nurse at the university and administrative assistant to the Director of Health Services. This facility was the student health center at the university until 2016. The building maintained an infirmary ward, health clinic, doctor’s office, and nurse’s office. Today the Queen Washington Building houses the Tennessee State University Police Department.

Go back to the sidewalk intersection with Goodwill Manor and turn LEFT to reach the Gentry Center.