TBR Chancellor John Morgan’s Statement Regarding Today’s Announcement On Higher Education Governance

Governor Haslam’s announcement today regarding the establishment of separate governing boards for each of the six TBR universities will generate many questions, most of which we do not yet have answers for. With the focus on governance, we hope this effort will have as minimal impact on the faculty and staff at our campuses as possible. As Governor Haslam outlined today, a committee will be created to address the issues necessary to ensure the successful transition process.
 
Over the coming weeks and months, the transition committee will examine the mechanics of how the new higher education structure may work and the impact it will have on the existing system and our institutions. We are committed to being as transparent as possible during this process and keeping everyone apprised as information becomes available.
 
On a personal note, I want to express my support for the leaders of each of our institutions. All of our institutions have their challenges, but each president and director has done a great job of meeting the goals the state has asked of them. I know they will continue to do so, whether as part of the TBR System or an alternative governance structure.
 
Our Board of Regents has done an excellent job of managing a diverse system and has shown a remarkable ability to leverage all the resources of a system to focus on managing the state’s higher education enterprise to meet the state’s needs.
 
We can expect complex and extensive conversations as this process unfolds, but our primary objective is, and will remain, the success of our students, and I ask that we all remain focused on that goal.
 
Thank you for all that you do every day. 
 
Sincerely,
John G. Morgan
Chancellor

Governor Haslam Press Release