THEC approves new academic programs, two campus master plans and revised FY25‑26 operating budget

At its public meeting, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission voted to approve multiple academic and planning items after committee review.

The commission approved four new academic programs presented as a slate: Middle Tennessee State University's Master of Fine Arts (film and television); Southwest Tennessee Community College's Associate of Applied Science in Artificial Intelligence Technology; Tennessee Technological University's Master of Social Work; and the University of Memphis's Bachelor of Applied Science. Commissioner Almond, chair of the Academics, Access and Student Success Committee, reported that each program had been reviewed and recommended by committee members.

The commission also approved campus master plans recommended by the finance and operations committee. Treasurer Lillard introduced and recommended Pellissippi State's master plan for adoption; later in the meeting the commission approved Columbia State Community College's master plan after discussion about temporary portables at the urban Magnolia Avenue campus. Chancellor Tydings clarified that portables were a temporary transition during remodeling.

Commissioners adopted the revised FY25‑26 operating budget following a finance committee presentation that included a review by Russell Von Zimerman, THEC director of fiscal policy. The operating budget discussion included attention to athletics spending, student athletic fee increases, and the broader goal of aligning revenue and expenses with educational outcomes.

All votes on these items were recorded by roll call in the meeting and announced as carried by the chair.