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.
Tara Scarlett
Chair Nashville (Middle Tennessee)
Whitney Allmon
Dyersburg West Tennessee
Jimmy Matlock
Lenoir City East Tennessee
Will Perry
Memphis West Tennessee
John Rader
Nashville Middle Tennessee
Mike Ragsdale
Dandridge East Tennessee
Vernon Stafford, Jr.
Vice Chair West Collierville (West Tennessee)
Matt Van Epps
Nashville MIddle Tennessee
Charles Wood
Chattanooga East Tennessee
Tre Hargett
Secretary of State Constitutional Officer
Jason E. Mumpower
State Comptroller Constitutional Officer
David H. Lillard, Jr.
State Treasurer Constitutional Officer
Dr. Sara Heyburn Morrison
Executive Director, State Board of Education Non-voting ex-officio
Commission Meetings

The schedule and agenda for upcoming Commission meetings, as well as meeting materials once they become available.