Tennessee Higher Education Commission THEC

Overview

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) is the state's primary coordinating agency for public higher education. Established in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly, THEC's mission is to increase the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary credential by enhancing access, affordability, and quality across the state's higher education institutions. The Commission is responsible for developing and implementing policies that support student success and workforce development, ensuring that Tennessee's higher education system meets the evolving needs of its residents and economy.

History and Legal Framework

Created under Tennessee Code Annotated § 49-7-202, THEC was formed to achieve coordination and foster unity within the state's higher education system. The Commission oversees institutions governed by both the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees and the Tennessee Board of Regents, which includes state universities, community colleges, and colleges of applied technology. Its responsibilities encompass approving new academic degree programs, administering the outcomes-based funding formula, developing the state master plan for higher education, and serving as the hub for postsecondary data analysis and research.

Mission, Vision, and Objectives in Higher Education

THEC's mission is to increase the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary credential. This goal is pursued through:

• Innovating for student access and success.
• Creating a policy environment conducive to increased degree attainment.
• Protecting students and consumers.

The Commission aims to build a strong higher education landscape that provides opportunities for all individuals to pursue high-quality education and high-value credentials, thereby enhancing the state's economic competitiveness and workforce readiness.

Governance, Structure, and Independence

THEC is governed by a board composed of nine voting members appointed from the general public, each serving six-year terms and representing Tennessee's three Grand Divisions equally. The board includes the three state constitutional officers (Secretary of State, State Treasurer, and Comptroller of the Treasury), two student commissioners serving staggered two-year terms, and the executive director of the State Board of Education as a nonvoting member. This structure ensures broad representation and independent oversight of higher education policies and initiatives in Tennessee.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation in Higher Education

While THEC does not directly accredit institutions, it plays a critical role in ensuring quality in higher education through:

• Approval of new academic degree programs and centers.
• Administration of the outcomes-based funding formula that ties state funding to institutional performance metrics.
• Development and implementation of the state master plan for higher education, which includes goals for access, affordability, and quality.
• Serving as the state approving agency for veteran education benefits.

Additionally, THEC facilitates the Tennessee Accreditation Network (TAN), a group of accreditation liaisons representing higher education institutions across the state, dedicated to improving academic quality, accountability, and self and peer evaluation processes.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

THEC collaborates with various national and regional organizations to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education. It is a member of the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA), which facilitates interstate cooperation in the regulation of distance education programs. Through these affiliations, THEC engages in mutual learning, shares best practices, and contributes to the development of standards that support student success and institutional effectiveness.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

THEC continues to influence higher education in Tennessee through initiatives such as:

• Implementing the Tennessee Promise program, which offers tuition-free access to community or technical colleges, thereby increasing college enrollment among high school graduates.
• Launching the "Student First" college access program, which guarantees automatic college admissions and personalized financial aid information for students, particularly focusing on reducing entry barriers for low- and middle-income families.
• Releasing the annual Tennessee Higher Education Fact Book, which provides data on access, efficiency, productivity, and quality in public higher education, informing policy decisions and institutional planning.

Looking forward, THEC aims to expand its impact by accrediting a broader range of programs, including those in emerging fields and alternative certification pathways, thereby contributing to the development of a diverse and highly qualified educator workforce.

Summary

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission is a key institution in the regulation and oversight of higher education in Tennessee. Through its governance structure, accreditation processes, and international collaborations, THEC ensures that higher education institutions maintain high standards of quality and relevance. Its continued efforts contribute to the development of a robust and globally competitive higher education system in Tennessee.

FAQs

• What is the Tennessee Higher Education Commission?

  The Tennessee Higher Education Commission is the state's primary coordinating agency for public higher education, responsible for developing and implementing policies that support student success and workforce development.

• When was THEC established?

  THEC was established in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly to achieve coordination and foster unity within the state's higher education system.

• What are THEC's main functions?

  THEC's main functions include approving new academic degree programs, administering the outcomes-based funding formula, developing the state master plan for higher education, and serving as the state approving agency for veteran education benefits.

• How does THEC ensure quality in higher education?

  THEC ensures quality by approving new academic programs, administering performance-based funding, and facilitating the Tennessee Accreditation Network to improve academic quality and accountability.

• Does THEC collaborate with international organizations?

  Yes, THEC collaborates with national and regional organizations such as NC-SARA to enhance the quality and accessibility of higher education through interstate cooperation.

Organization Name

Tennessee Higher Education Commission

Acronym

THEC

Year of Establishment

1/01/1967

Control Type

Public

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

Local or Regional

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

404 James Robertson Parkway, Suite 1900
Nashville
37243 Tennessee United States

Phone

+1 (615) 741 3605

Fax

+1 (615) 741 6230

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

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Wikipedia Article

Tennessee Higher Education Commission's Wikipedia article

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