TN higher-ed reform debate

The KNS reports that, with another round of state budgeting just ahead, the debate about combining postsecondary governance institutions in the state is moving along, with more discussion about quality of education, as well as about operations, throughput of students, etc.

TN academics for consolidation

The AP reports the majority of TN universities' faculty members are in favor of integrating into a single higher-ed admin system the campuses currently controlled by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Related VNC item on Frist and Bredesen education initiatives here.

Bredesen eyeing higher-ed reform

The TFP reports that the University of Tennessee trustees are concerned about poor communication and micromanagement of campuses beyond Knoxville. That may serve to whet the appetite of Gov. Phil Bredesen, who has said he will make reform of Tennessee's higher-education system a priority for the balance of his Administration. Earlier this week, among other appointments, he named two prominent Democrats, Charles Bone (at left) of Bone McAllister Norton law firm to the board of Tennessee Higher Education Commission and Cookeville vet Steve Copeland, to the Tennessee Board of Regents. The Bredesen appointments release is here. The KNS reported Aug. 26 that business leaders meeting in Knoxville were critical of higher ed, and called for private-sector support of increased funding.