The Commission

About THEC/TSAC: Formed in 1967, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission is the state’s higher education coordinating board and is responsible for an array of duties under TCA 49-7-202:

  • Administration of the outcomes-based funding formula
  • Approval of all new academic degree programs
  • Development of the state master plan for higher education
  • Serving as the hub for postsecondary data analysis and research
  • Authorization and regulation of proprietary institutions
  • Serving as the state approving agency for veteran education benefits

Board Composition: The Commission is composed of nine voting members appointed from the general public, each serving six-year terms and representing the Grand Divisions of the State equally. Of these nine members, three are appointed by the General Assembly and six are appointed by the Governor. The state Constitutional Officers (Comptroller of the Treasury, State Treasurer, and Secretary of State)  serve as ex-officio voting members. Additionally, one voting student member serves a one-year term and the Executive Director of the State Board of Education serves as an ex-officio non-voting member.


Image of Tara Scarlett, Chair Nashville, Middle TN

Tara Scarlett

Chair
Nashville (Middle Tennessee)

Image of Tre Hargett Vice-Chair Secretary of State, Constitutional Officer

Tre Hargett

Vice-Chair
Secretary of State, Constitutional Officer

Image of Mike Ragsdale, Vice Chair Dandridge, East TN

Mike Ragsdale

Vice-Chair
Dandridge (East Tennessee)

Image of Whitney Allmon, Secretary Dyersburg West TN

Whitney Allmon

Secretary
Dyersburg (West Tennessee)

Image of Jimmy Matlock, Lenoir City, East TN

Jimmy Matlock

Lenoir City
East Tennessee

Image of Gadson W. Perry, Memphis, West TN

Gadson W. Perry

Memphis
West Tennessee

Image of John Rader, Nashville, Middle TN

John Rader

Nashville
Middle Tennessee

Image of Dr. Robert Smith,  Franklin, Middle TN

Dr. Robert Smith

Franklin
Middle Tennessee

Image of Vernon Stafford, Jr, Collierville, West TN

Vernon Stafford, Jr.

Collierville
West Tennessee

Image of Charles Wood, Chattanooga, EastTN

Charles Wood

Chattanooga
East Tennessee

Image of David H. Lillard, Jr , State Treasurer Constitutional Officer

David H. Lillard, Jr.

State Treasurer
Constitutional Officer

Image of Jason E. Mumpower, State Comptroller Constitutional Officer

Jason E. Mumpower

State Comptroller
Constitutional Officer

Image of Skylar Brackett, Student Member, East TN State University

Skylar Brackett

Student Member,
East TN State University

Image of Dr. Sara Heyburn Morrison, Executive Director, State Board of Education Non-voting ex-officio

Dr. Sara Heyburn Morrison

Executive Director, State Board of Education
Non-voting ex-officio