Hall of Fame: Warren Payne | King University King University alum Warren Payne, a Knoxville native, graduated in 1969 with a degree in Business and Economics. A standout basketball player, he scored over 1,000 points and holds a top 10 record for offensive rebounds. Payne began

Southern Adventist University plays a vital role in Collegedale's workforce. For decades, McKee Foods has hired skilled graduates from Southern Adventist University to fit roles in every facet of the company. This well-built partnership is rooted in the shared value of committing

Hall of Fame: Dr. Claude Pressnell, Jr. | Vanderbilt University Vanderbilt alum and previous TICUA President Dr. Claude Pressnell, Jr. has dedicated nearly 40 years to advancing higher education. Earning his Doctor of Education in Higher Education Leadership from Vanderbilt, Dr.

TICUA institutions are driving local economies through education. Across Tennessee, private colleges are employing over 21,000 Tennesseans - forming one of the state's largest employers.

Sewanee: The University of the South empowers students to explore, grow, and lead. Ellen Woodward, a graduate of the Class of 2025, shares how early research opportunities and strong supportive mentors shaped her as a researcher, presenter and person. Learn more about how TICUA

Hall of Fame: David A. Sampson | Lipscomb University Lipscomb alum David A. Sampson is the president and CEO of the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA). With over two decades of leadership, he has successfully navigated critical issues like the COVID-19

Proven Success! 🎓 Over the course of the past decade, TICUA institutions have awarded 200,000+ degrees—associate, bachelor's, master's, doctoral, and first professional degrees—all leading to the strengthening of Tennessee's workforce and future.

Hall of Fame: Dr. Milton Sewell | Freed-Hardeman U Freed-Hardeman University alumn Dr. Milton Sewell has dedicated his life to advancing higher education and community service. Beginning his journey as a student in the 1960s, he became a transformative leader in various

TICUA is excited to announce the 24 accomplished senior leaders from the private and independent colleges across the state participating in the Executive Leadership Institute class of 2026! ticua.org/page/eliclasso… 2025-26 ELI Fellows: Sharon Brawner Belmont University Keith Herris

Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Derrick Jackson for being appointed the 11th president of American Baptist College! TICUA is excited to welcome our newest member institution president.

We’re #hiring! The Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) is seeking a Director of Government Relations to support advocacy efforts at the Tennessee General Assembly and advance the work of private higher education across our state. This role will

Union University alum Dr. Carla D. Sanderson has significantly contributed to nursing education and healthcare leadership. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing in 1981, she joined Union’s faculty, eventually serving in posts as Dean of the School of Nursing, Provost,

Hall of Fame: Claire Tucker | Tennessee Wesleyan Claire Tucker, a Tennessee Wesleyan alumnus and visionary leader in the banking industry, served as CEO and Founding President of CapStar Bank, where she spearheaded its remarkable growth into a $3B financial institution. Under her

A student at LeMoyne-Owen College described their time as invaluable, saying, "From scholarships that ease financial burdens to relationships with mentors who genuinely invest in my growth, my campus has provided endless opportunities." LeMoyne-Owen College allowed this student

The past year brought major changes to the FAFSA and financial aid process, and we are especially grateful for the dedication of financial aid professionals across Tennessee’s private colleges and universities. In honor of #FinancialAidDay, be sure to thank the incredible

Hall of Fame: Dr. Russell T. Wigginton Jr. | Rhodes College Dr. Russell T. Wigginton Jr. has been a transformative force in education and civil rights throughout his career. A proud alumnus of Rhodes College, Dr. Wigginton began his professional journey as a history professor,

Hall of Fame: Dr. Russell T. Wigginton Jr. | Rhodes College Dr. Russell T. Wigginton Jr. has been a transformative force in education and civil rights throughout his career. A proud alumnus of Rhodes College, Dr. Wigginton began his professional journey as a history professor,

TICUA works with Tennessee's 34 private colleges and universities to expand access for students of all backgrounds. These institutions are dedicated to increasing education access. As of recent, 17% of degrees were awarded to students 25+, 31% of undergraduates are students of

Let's all welcome Dr. Keith Harris as the next president of Freed-Hardeman University!

Thank you to Lee University for hosting Session 3 of TICUA’s Executive Leadership Institute. Fellows spent the day deepening their understanding of financial management and the critical role it plays in leading our independent colleges and universities. Lee showed incredible