The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) has announced that the state Board of Examiners for Architects and Engineers will award grants totaling $400,000 to 19 programs across 13 Tennessee universities in 2025. The funding is part of the Board’s Grants to Higher Education Program, which supports the acquisition of necessary resources for students in accredited programs of architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and interior design.
Jason Carder, Board Chair, highlighted the importance of these grants in preparing students for future challenges, emphasizing the Board’s mission to regulate design professionals within the state. Since 2009, these grants have been distributed through appropriations from Board revenues or reserve funds, as outlined in the 2024 Public Acts, Chapter 966, Section 6, Item 46.
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Reid Witcher, Assistant Commissioner for Regulatory Boards at TDCI, stressed the role of these grants in developing a skilled workforce, ensuring that all 324,000 licensees meet educational standards. The grant recipients include universities from Tennessee’s three Grand Divisions: West Tennessee (University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University, Union University, and University of Tennessee-Martin), Middle Tennessee (Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Tech University, Tennessee State University, and Lipscomb University), and East Tennessee (University of Tennessee-Knoxville, University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, and East Tennessee State University).
The Board maintains standards for education and practice in these professions, with over 20,000 licensed design professionals in Tennessee. Licensing is mandatory for anyone using professional titles or advertising services in this field within the state.
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East Tennessee Road Construction and Closures
The Tennessee Department of Transportation has issued an update on road construction activities and closures occurring from January 2-8, 2025, across East Tennessee. Key areas affected include temporary lane closures in Anderson, Blount, Campbell, and Claiborne counties; bridge work and storm damage repairs in Carter, Cocke, and Greene counties; and various construction projects in Knox, Loudon, Monroe, Morgan, Sullivan, Unicoi, Union, and Washington counties. Motorists are advised to be cautious and check the TDOT SmartWay website for detailed updates and alternate routes.