Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR)

THEC is proud to share our latest data exploring fall 2025 enrollment data! 📈 This fall’s enrollment data show strong gains across Tennessee institutions, with growth observed in every sector.    Key Findings Include:  ➡️ Sector Growth: Community colleges reported a 4.6% increase in headcount, while universities grew 2.0%. Graduate student headcount enrollment is the only category to see a decline. ➡️ Community College Highlights: Jackson State Community College posted the largest headcount growth at 16.6%, followed by Nashville State Community College (9.0%) and Columbia State Community College (8.4%). ➡️ University Highlights: The University of Tennessee Southern led university enrollment growth in headcount with an 8.2% increase, followed by the University of Tennessee at Martin (8.0%) and Austin Peay State University (7.1%).   “The enrollment gains we are seeing this fall are a promising sign for Tennessee’s higher education pipeline,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director. “As more Tennesseans begin or return to college, we are strengthening our state’s foundation for workforce readiness and future economic growth." Read the full press release and discover more about the report here: https://lnkd.in/gfbUx3hN  

No applications. No essays. No fees. ✅ You’re already admitted to colleges and TCATs in Tennessee with TN Direct Admissions. https://lnkd.in/eMYzUq7q #TNDirectAdmissions

🎙️ New Podcast Episode! Join us as Vice Chancellor Heidi Leming sits down with TCAT Hartsville President Mae Wright and Jackson State Community College President Carol Rothstein to reflect on their leadership journeys, the impact they’ve made and their hopes for the future. Inspired by The Way of Tea and Justice by Becca Stevens, this series dives into themes of compassion, leadership and community—all through the lens of women leaders in higher education. 🎧 Listen now: www.tbr.edu/bookshelf

Congratulations to our very own, Vice Chancellor Jothany Reed!

Happy first day of fall 🍂 The new season also marks the beginning of new opportunities, growth and discovery. One of our favorite things about fall is welcoming our students as they arrive on campus for the first time! 🍁 What's your favorite part about the fall season?

We believe that every student deserves the opportunity to pursue a higher education.🎓 College credentials open doors to career advancement and increased earning potential. On this #WhyApplyDay, take the first step toward your future and apply to one of Tennessee's TCATs or community colleges: https://bit.ly/4g6U8Rj

Thank you to Roane State Community College and Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Knoxville for hosting our September Quarterly Board Meeting this week. We were honored to be among the first to meet in the new, state-of-the-art Knox Regional Health Science Education Center! Throughout our meetings, we heard inspiring reports on student success and workforce development, highlighting the incredible work happening at Tennessee's TCATs and community colleges. To learn more about the positive reports from our meeting, read the full press release: https://bit.ly/4nd7PB1

Today I was fortunate to hold a conversation about workforce training and apprenticeship at Nashville State Community College. Innovative workforce training models are the only way we will respond to the fast-paced labor market and provide opportunities for more folks to upskill into a family-sustaining career. Thank you to President Shanna Jackson and President Garrett for your leadership in this space. I am also thankful to David Mansouri and Hanna Naum-Stoian, M.Ed. for providing important policy considerations to ensure Tennessee’s economy works for all.

Sept. 17, 1787: The U.S. Constitution was signed, establishing the framework for American democracy that endures today. Tennessee's TCATs and community colleges honor this legacy through partnerships that strengthen civic engagement and provide service-learning opportunities for students. Together, we inspire future leaders to build stronger communities and create lasting impact. #ConstitutionDay #USConstitution

Big news from the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) AI Learning Collaborative! We are excited to announce the successful launch of Phase I of the AI Communities of Practice (CoPs) across the Tennessee Board of Regents system. These CoPs bring together faculty and staff from across our 13 community colleges and 24 technical colleges to collaborate on AI integration in teaching, learning, and daily operations. Phase I launched 10-September includes CoPs focused on: -Instructional Support and Student Services -Faculty in STEM and Technical Fields -Faculty in Health and Human Services -Faculty in Humanities and Arts Together, these groups will serve as innovation hubs learning together by testing tools, sharing strategies, and providing feedback to shape systemwide pilots, policies, and professional development. Most importantly, this work ensures our students gain the AI literacy and durable skills needed for success in today’s workforce. This is just the beginning. Phase II will expand into additional areas such as Business and Applied Professions, Tech and Infrastructure, Workforce and Strategic Programs, and Academic Leadership. Thank you to the trailblazers who stepped forward to be part of this inaugural group. Your boldness and collaboration will benefit the entire TBR system -- especially our students. #AIinEducation #TBR #HigherEdAI #CommunitiesOfPractice