Tennessee Board of Examiners for Architects and Engineers Announces 2026 Grant Recipients
NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) announces that the state Board of Examiners for Architects and Engineers has awarded $400,000 in grants to 19 programs at 13 Tennessee universities for 2026.
Through funding provided by the Board’s Grants to Higher Education Program, eligible public and private universities applied for grant funds that can be used to purchase computers that could be utilized by students, laboratory or instructional equipment, library resources, or to pay intern development program fees or examination fees for students in accredited architecture, engineering, landscape architecture, and interior design programs.
“As technology rapidly changes, Tennessee’s universities must keep pace in order to ensure that the next generation of architects, engineers, and other licensed design professionals are adequately prepared for tomorrow’s challenges,” said Board Chair Frank Wagster. “The Board’s grant program helps provide the resources necessary to build a stronger Tennessee while continuing to attract the best and brightest talent.”
Since 2009, the Board has provided grant funding through its revenues or reserve funds to universities through the appropriations bill. The 2025 Public Acts, Chapter 530, Section 7, Item 50, is available here.
The Board of Examiners for Architects and Engineers is part of TDCI's Division of Regulatory Boards, which licenses and regulates over 357,000 Tennesseans in their professions and businesses through 26 regulatory programs including the Tennessee Real Estate Commission, Cosmetology & Barber Examiners Board, the Detection Services Licensing Program, the Board for Licensing Contractors, and more.
“The Board is dedicated to upholding the state’s licensing standards in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of Tennesseans,” said Board Executive Director Glenn Kopchak. “The Board’s grant program helps provide valuable programs, training, and equipment for future professionals who will call Tennessee home.”
The 13 universities receiving the grant funding in 2025 represent Tennessee’s three Grand Divisions. They include:
West Tennessee: The University of Memphis, Christian Brothers University, Union University, and the University of Tennessee-Martin.
Middle Tennessee: Belmont University, Vanderbilt University, Middle Tennessee State University, Tennessee Tech University, Tennessee State University, and Lipscomb University.
East Tennessee: The University of Tennessee-Knoxville, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, and East Tennessee State University.
Through the Board, the state sets standards for the education, experience, and performance of those who wish to practice these professions. Tennessee has over 23,000 design professionals who are licensed by the Board. Any person who uses the title of architect, engineer, landscape architect, or interior designer or advertises to provide those services in Tennessee, must be appropriately licensed.
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