NASHVILLE, Tenn. —The Tennessee Government Operations Joint Evaluation Committee voted unanimously on Wednesday, June 17, to recommend extension of the Middle Tennessee State University Board of Trustees for another four years.

Board Chair Stephen B. Smith and President Sidney A. McPhee appeared before lawmakers for a sunset hearing, during which the committee reviews and approves the continued operation of state-funded agencies, programs and boards. Leaders from MTSU, University of Memphis and East Tennessee State University each outlined goals and achievements by their boards and institutions.

Smith, in his testimony to the committee, delivered these points on behalf of MTSU’s Board:

• “Since its creation under the FOCUS Act, the MTSU Board of Trustees has provided local, responsive governance aligned with state priorities.”

• “The Board takes seriously its responsibility to set tuition, approve budgets, and ensure accountability for institutional performance.”

• “Local governance has allowed MTSU to be nimble and strategic — expanding academic programs, responding to workforce needs, and supporting enrollment growth.”

• “The Board remains focused on financial management, student success, and responsible stewardship of state resources. Stability in governance is critical to maintaining this progress and continuing to meet the needs of students, employers, and taxpayers.”

McPhee, in his remarks, said MTSU’s Board “has played an essential role in helping us remain responsive, accountable and aligned with state priorities.” Other points made by McPhee:

• “MTSU is not only an institution of higher learning — we are a critical talent pipeline, an economic engine, and a partner in Tennessee’s continued growth.”

• “MTSU is proud to serve as a major driver of opportunity and economic growth for our state. Today, we enroll more than 20,000 students and remain the largest locally governed institution in Tennessee.”

• “Our impact goes far beyond enrollment. Our graduates power Tennessee’s economy — producing more than $15 billion in annual business revenue statewide and strengthening communities in every region.”

• “We are especially proud that most of our graduates stay in Tennessee — adding to the workforce, paying taxes, starting businesses, and contributing to their communities.”

• “Each year, we produce thousands of new graduates and work intentionally to align our academic programs with the evolving needs of business and industry across this state. Our history of responsiveness to the State’s needs has led us to create a wide array of programs that directly meet employers’ demands and expectations.”

For more information about the MTSU Board of Trustees, visit https://mtsu.edu/bot. 

— Andrew Oppmann ([email protected])