News Summary
Former Governor Bill Haslam has been appointed to the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees by House Speaker Cameron Sexton. This appointment expands the board’s membership, allowing Haslam to bring his extensive leadership experience to the role. His background includes serving as Mayor of Knoxville and governor, and he is currently involved in numerous business and community initiatives. The board also makes significant leadership decisions amidst challenges at Tennessee State University, where a new interim president has been named as well.
Nashville, TN – Former Governor Bill Haslam has been appointed to the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees by Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton. This new appointment is significant as it comes alongside the implementation of a recent state law that expands the board’s membership from 12 to 14 members, necessitating the selection of two members by the speaker of each legislative chamber.
The Board of Trustees governs the University of Tennessee system, which includes five campuses across the state. Bill Haslam’s extensive background in leadership positions, including his tenure as Mayor of Knoxville from 2003 to 2011 and his role as the 49th governor of Tennessee from 2011 to 2019, positions him as a knowledgeable addition to the board. In his post-gubernatorial career, Haslam has also taken part in the “You Might Be Right” podcast through the Howard Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
Beyond his political roles, Haslam has a notable business background, having served as president of Pilot Corporation from 1995 to 1999. He is currently on the cusp of becoming the majority owner of the Nashville Predators and is spearheading efforts to establish a WNBA franchise in Nashville. With a reported net worth of $5.1 billion, Haslam and his family have made substantial contributions to the University of Tennessee, leading to the renaming of the Haslam College of Business in 2014 and the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music last year.
Following Haslam’s appointment, Randy Boyd, President of the UT System, expressed support for his commitment to education and workforce development initiatives, including programs such as Tennessee Promise and Drive to 55. Furthermore, the UT Board of Trustees has made additional leadership decisions, approving Lori Mann Bruce as the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, effective June 30, and Melinda S. Arnold as chancellor of the University of Tennessee Southern, starting July 1. Boyd commended both Bruce and Arnold for their proven records in innovation and promoting student success.
This leadership overhaul comes amidst ongoing challenges at Tennessee State University (TSU), which recently appointed Dwayne Tucker as interim president. Tucker, who has a background as a board member and CEO of LEAD Public Schools, will fulfill this role without a salary until June 30. TSU is navigating financial hurdles, including a significant housing shortage that has necessitated an allocation of $13 million to provide external accommodations for students.
Concerns regarding TSU’s financial management have been highlighted in recent audits, although a forensic audit concluded that no fraud was detected. However, the review did emphasize ongoing difficulties related to the university’s leadership and administrative practices. In the backdrop of these issues, state lawmakers have also vacated the TSU Board of Trustees to facilitate a fresh start and improve governance. This has led to a suspension of an imminent presidential search, with the board pledging to appoint a new permanent president after the interim period concludes.
Broader scrutiny concerning the funding and governance of historically Black colleges and universities in Tennessee has intensified, particularly in light of TSU’s challenges and the attention drawn by recent leadership changes. The state has approved $250 million to address historical underfunding issues at these institutions, underscoring the importance of effective management and accountability in higher education.
As the University of Tennessee and TSU navigate these transitions, Bill Haslam’s appointment to the Board of Trustees stands out as a pivotal moment, heralding a potentially positive shift for higher education in Tennessee.
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Additional Resources
- WATE: Bill Haslam Appointed to UT Board of Trustees
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee
- Knox News: Bill Haslam Appointment
- Google Search: Bill Haslam
- Tennessean: TSU Financial Issues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Higher Education
- WBIR: Bill Haslam on Board of Trustees
- Google News: Tennessee State University
