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Press Release

NASHVILLE, TN - August 16, 2024 - Governor Bill Lee recently announced the appointment of five distinguished individuals to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC).

The new members attended their first THEC quarterly commission meeting on August 15, 2024.

These new commissioners bring a wealth of experience and knowledge that will further enhance the commission's mission to increase the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary credential and create a cohesive higher education enterprise in the state.

The newly appointed members are:

Gadson William Perry, West Tennessee
John Rader, Middle Tennessee
Matt Van Epps, Middle Tennessee
Mike Ragsdale, East Tennessee
Charles Wood, East Tennessee

"We are thrilled to welcome these five outstanding individuals to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission," said Dr. Steven Gentile, Executive Director of THEC. "Their diverse backgrounds and shared commitment to improving educational access and outcomes will be instrumental as we continue to advance our goal of strengthening the value of higher education and increasing postsecondary attainment across the state."

The new commissioners will guide the agency in developing policies and initiatives that support students, Tennesseans, and the Tennessee higher education system.

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The Tennessee Higher Education Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly. The Commission develops, implements, evaluates postsecondary education policies and programs in Tennessee while coordinating the state's systems of higher education, and is relentlessly focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary credential.