The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) has announced the appointment of Dr. Robert M. Smith to the Commission. Dr. Smith was officially appointed by Governor Bill Lee in early November and is expected to bring his extensive experience in higher education, public policy, and leadership to the role.
Dr. Smith is recognized for his leadership in higher education, having served as president emeritus of Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania and chancellor emeritus of the University of Tennessee at Martin. He also previously held the position of Interim Executive Director of THEC, where he played a crucial role in maintaining the agency’s stability and success during a transitional period.
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According to Dr. Steven Gentile, Executive Director of THEC, “Dr. Smith’s leadership and vision will be invaluable as we continue to support Tennessee’s colleges and universities.” Dr. Gentile emphasized Smith’s deep understanding of the state’s higher education landscape and his commitment to improving educational opportunities for all Tennesseans as critical factors in meeting future challenges and opportunities.
In his role on the Commission, Dr. Smith will be instrumental in advising on policy decisions and initiatives that support students and the Tennessee higher education system. He attended his first THEC commission meeting in this capacity on November 7, 2024.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission was established in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly. Its mission is to develop, implement, and evaluate postsecondary education policies and programs in the state, with a focus on increasing the number of Tennesseans who hold a postsecondary credential.
For more information, you can contact Jessie Greene at Jessie.Greene@tn.gov or visit the Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s website through this link.
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