Nonsports: Haslam announcement expected to include new governing board for U of M
- Thread starter MidTnBlues
- Start date
That's what happens when you have "University of" in front of your name, instead of being anchored with "state university"
From the article...."Haslam is expected to establish a transitional committee that would work out details of the restructuring and a timetable. The largest Board of Regents universities — Memphis and Middle Tennessee State University — would likely get their own governing boards first, with benchmarks established for the other four — Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University and Tennessee Tech University — to eventually follow."
Sounds to me like we're getting lumped in with Memphis State on this one. (As you know I do agree, however, our name needs to be changed.)
My understanding is that we are getting our own as well. Am I wrong in that?
Haslam is expected to establish a transitional committee that would work out details of the restructuring and a timetable. The largest Board of Regents universities — Memphis and Middle Tennessee State University — would likely get their own governing boards first, with benchmarks established for the other four — Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University and Tennessee Tech University — to eventually follow.
Haslam is expected to establish a transitional committee that would work out details of the restructuring and a timetable. The largest Board of Regents universities — Memphis and Middle Tennessee State University — would likely get their own governing boards first, with benchmarks established for the other four — Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University and Tennessee Tech University — to eventually follow.
A positive step toward UMT and the growth of the university. I'm a firm believer that the universities individual stakeholders (faculty, staff, and alumni) have the best vision for the university.
At some point, I would like to see the each 4 year state school to have their own board, while the community college system in the state would share a board. All institutions would then work within the THEC for funds, building plans, etc.
forgive my knee jerk reaction to this... maybe we can get a name change after all, and i'm not talking about a decrepit old building in the middle of the campus.
excerpt:
...Haslam is expected to establish a transitional committee that would work out details of the restructuring and a timetable. The largest Board of Regents universities — Memphis and Middle Tennessee State University — would likely get their own governing boards first, with benchmarks established for the other four — Austin Peay State University, East Tennessee State University, Tennessee State University and Tennessee Tech University — to eventually follow.....
Well it remains to be seen. I just hope the governor would not be filling a MT board with his utk buddies. A board would need to be almost all MT alumns as far as I am concerned and only those that don't spend their money and their weekends in Knoxville.
this is quite exciting... its the sink or swim approach to university eductaion. The State gives away two years of JUCO... its time for the cream to rise to the top and provide landing grounds for those kids who take this route.
No more free money to institutions that cannot pull their own weight... if they cant operate, they will likely merge and/or be underfunded until they dissolve.
TSU is the obvious issue here... and maybe Austin Peay... The rest of the schools provide regional education for the State. And many have specalities the others do not. I would not be surprised if MTSU becomes TSU and has two campuses on in Murfreesboro and the other in Nashville (in the distant future).
No more free money to institutions that cannot pull their own weight... if they cant operate, they will likely merge and/or be underfunded until they dissolve.
TSU is the obvious issue here... and maybe Austin Peay... The rest of the schools provide regional education for the State. And many have specalities the others do not. I would not be surprised if MTSU becomes TSU and has two campuses on in Murfreesboro and the other in Nashville (in the distant future).
Could be good, could be bad; But IMHO this will do little to actually "help" MT get where most of us want to see our university go. Hope I'm wrong but the state will still hold the purse strings. More than this change in organization MT needs political clout - something we've been missing for a couple of decades.
Would this be a bad thing? I mean, TSU and MTSU combined I think could probably provide a pretty good counterweight to UTK. Not to mention a boost of our sports teams. It was be an easy way to get some advanced programs attached without having to duplicate or expand unnecessarily. Seems far-fetched though.
I'm not sure what any of this really will mean or of anything will come to fruition (name change, professional schools, etc), but everyone here and everyone on TOS seems to think its a positive, so I guess it's good news.
I got to wondering if we had had a separate board back at the time when the utk president was campaigning bumping his capital bldg requests in front of MT's long delayed Science Building which was at the top of the list, if we would still be waiting for funding....
There are just as many if not more concerns with a MT board, inadequately established and implemented, than the current system...
DNJ:
Haslam announces restructure of TN's public colleges
...In a statement released soon after the announcement, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said the new plan had the potential to transform his university.
"The proposal advanced today by the governor is truly bold and potentially transformational for MTSU and our sister institutions in the Tennessee Board of Regents system," McPhee said. "We look forward to learning and exploring opportunities it could provide in support of our mission to ensure student success and provide more graduates for the state's workforce."
The change will create local boards for the six public universities outside of the UT system: Austin Peay, MTSU, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Tech University,East Tennessee State University and the University of Memphis.
Under the new plan, the TBR will "continue to provide key administrative support to the six state universities," according to a statement from Haslam's office. Haslam also said the change will give the Board of Regents "concentrated focus" on challenges at community and technical colleges.
A transition task force will be created to guide formation of separate boards.....
Haslam announces restructure of TN's public colleges
...In a statement released soon after the announcement, MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said the new plan had the potential to transform his university.
"The proposal advanced today by the governor is truly bold and potentially transformational for MTSU and our sister institutions in the Tennessee Board of Regents system," McPhee said. "We look forward to learning and exploring opportunities it could provide in support of our mission to ensure student success and provide more graduates for the state's workforce."
The change will create local boards for the six public universities outside of the UT system: Austin Peay, MTSU, Tennessee State University, Tennessee Tech University,East Tennessee State University and the University of Memphis.
Under the new plan, the TBR will "continue to provide key administrative support to the six state universities," according to a statement from Haslam's office. Haslam also said the change will give the Board of Regents "concentrated focus" on challenges at community and technical colleges.
A transition task force will be created to guide formation of separate boards.....
I would not jump to quickly to think this will be better. It could in fact marginalize us even more. Caution recommended.
Understandably, a cautious approach is smart when any sort of politics is involved. With that qualifier noted, on to the pressing issues.
Perhaps the biggest issue, this just may be the chance in a lifetime for our generation to effect any real significant change at our alma mater. As for myself and similarly minded others, this just might provide a shot at some of the real changes in vision, leadership, and direction for the university where there have been so many problems. Now is not the time to sit back and wait to see what happens. If any of us dedicated MTSU alums know anybody with any say in state govt, this is the time to speak up, advocate, and lobby for MTSU, er, just maybe, UMT.
Since today is the first that I have heard anything about this, I acknowledge I could be missing a lot of information. In the couple/few articles I've read, a little political breakdown.
Instant unprepared responses from Memphis and MT seem optimistic and hopeful for positive changes. APSU and TSU did not seem to like to hear of this upcoming development in state administration of higher ed. TSU flat out refused to comment. Translation, over represented in TBR TSU & APSU are now afraid their worst fears are coming true. While schools such as Memphis and MT see this as an opportunity for good change and growth, APSU and TSU don't seem to share that attitude. With APSU and TSU and the TBR, funding and decisions kept APSU and TSU on similarly even ground with MT and Memphis. It's not even about their growth, it's about them holding back MT and Memphis from pulling away from AP and TSU through TBR funding and decisions. TSU, that place would have been run into the ground by the string of administrators had it not been TBR bailing them out. Guess who lost resources to support a dysfunctional TSU admin. Yep, you know the answer.
It looks like Haslem already has this worked out with the legislature with some new higher ed success act. My initial response is that MT people must get a hold of state reps/senators who have a dog in the race. Starting with local reps around MT, bill sponsors, and committee members. This just might be a chance to get a new university name written into this massive higher education overall act. That way, a name change would be locked in up front. No lingering for years waiting to see if McPhee will suddenly find interest in the idea. If there is momentum for this bill like I suspect, this is when amendments get thrown into these bills to satisfy the constituency.
Beyond the initial legislation, it does look like it will open up MT for more legitimate govt in the long run. Just maybe, that will include academic upgrades, grad programs, and hopefully professional schools in addition to PhD research. I would like to see a run at a name change on the front end instead of waiting for slow govt to move on the backend.
Folks, now is the time to contact your reps in state govt. Loyal dedicated MT people need to be placed on the new board that oversees MT. It also just maybe the time to try to get the name change thrown into the legislation. I have found the local state reps and senators to be really responsive to reasonable knowledgeable requests for action regarding legislation.
Perhaps the biggest issue, this just may be the chance in a lifetime for our generation to effect any real significant change at our alma mater. As for myself and similarly minded others, this just might provide a shot at some of the real changes in vision, leadership, and direction for the university where there have been so many problems. Now is not the time to sit back and wait to see what happens. If any of us dedicated MTSU alums know anybody with any say in state govt, this is the time to speak up, advocate, and lobby for MTSU, er, just maybe, UMT.
Since today is the first that I have heard anything about this, I acknowledge I could be missing a lot of information. In the couple/few articles I've read, a little political breakdown.
Instant unprepared responses from Memphis and MT seem optimistic and hopeful for positive changes. APSU and TSU did not seem to like to hear of this upcoming development in state administration of higher ed. TSU flat out refused to comment. Translation, over represented in TBR TSU & APSU are now afraid their worst fears are coming true. While schools such as Memphis and MT see this as an opportunity for good change and growth, APSU and TSU don't seem to share that attitude. With APSU and TSU and the TBR, funding and decisions kept APSU and TSU on similarly even ground with MT and Memphis. It's not even about their growth, it's about them holding back MT and Memphis from pulling away from AP and TSU through TBR funding and decisions. TSU, that place would have been run into the ground by the string of administrators had it not been TBR bailing them out. Guess who lost resources to support a dysfunctional TSU admin. Yep, you know the answer.
It looks like Haslem already has this worked out with the legislature with some new higher ed success act. My initial response is that MT people must get a hold of state reps/senators who have a dog in the race. Starting with local reps around MT, bill sponsors, and committee members. This just might be a chance to get a new university name written into this massive higher education overall act. That way, a name change would be locked in up front. No lingering for years waiting to see if McPhee will suddenly find interest in the idea. If there is momentum for this bill like I suspect, this is when amendments get thrown into these bills to satisfy the constituency.
Beyond the initial legislation, it does look like it will open up MT for more legitimate govt in the long run. Just maybe, that will include academic upgrades, grad programs, and hopefully professional schools in addition to PhD research. I would like to see a run at a name change on the front end instead of waiting for slow govt to move on the backend.
Folks, now is the time to contact your reps in state govt. Loyal dedicated MT people need to be placed on the new board that oversees MT. It also just maybe the time to try to get the name change thrown into the legislation. I have found the local state reps and senators to be really responsive to reasonable knowledgeable requests for action regarding legislation.
If us MTSU alum, students, and univ community sit around and do nothing during this time of huge change, then our apathetic sorry behinds just might end up further marginalized.
With governance moved closer to MT with more independence and local autonomy, this is likely a real chance to make a move for some real huge great changes if we all are willing to fight and work for it. Like any opportunity, it's all about what you do with it.
TSU's refusal to comment speaks volumes about what this could mean for TSU and MTSU.
Here are my random thoughts.
- I just don't see TSU and MTSU ever combining to one University and the reason is TSU is an historically black college, this is very important to them. They will lose that identify, in today's PC world I just don't see this happening
- The state is going to be dealing with FEWER dollars in the future. Its not efficient for a state to have multiple colleges doing similar things. So there will be no professional schools at MT beyond what we have.
- MT doesn't not have a donor base to privately fund a bunch of new stuff, why would our alumni base rise up now?
- Lastly, we don't have a leader who is willing to go against the tide.
This is just moving chairs around with no real impact. My thoughts, I have been wrong before
- I just don't see TSU and MTSU ever combining to one University and the reason is TSU is an historically black college, this is very important to them. They will lose that identify, in today's PC world I just don't see this happening
- The state is going to be dealing with FEWER dollars in the future. Its not efficient for a state to have multiple colleges doing similar things. So there will be no professional schools at MT beyond what we have.
- MT doesn't not have a donor base to privately fund a bunch of new stuff, why would our alumni base rise up now?
- Lastly, we don't have a leader who is willing to go against the tide.
This is just moving chairs around with no real impact. My thoughts, I have been wrong before
The closure of the state's only public HBCU would be horrible PR for the state and the politicians. In short, TSU isn't going anywhere.
However, the removal of the Geir lawsuit restrictions, the proposed changes will remove hurdles which have previously prevented MT from maximizing institutional potential.
Based on existing facilities, I've included a list programs MT could add
Doctor of Nursing Practice - No public school based in Middle Tennessee currently offers the DNP. Middle Tennessee is home to several large hospitals and several healthcare organizations are based in the area. Peer institutions (like WKU) offer the degree. MT currently offers a MS in Nursing Practice
Doctor of Nurse Anesthesia - I am not aware of a public school based in Middle Tennessee offers this degree. Union University (Jackson) and UT Health Science Center in Memphis offer this degree.
Master of Healthcare Administration - MT currently offers a certificate in the field, but a MHA would reach the executives at many of the hospitals based in the region.
PhD in History - No public school in Middle Tennessee offers a PhD in history. While the department currently offers a MA and PhD in Public History, the existing facilities, faculty, and coursework make adding a PhD in History easy.
BS / MS in Engineering - While MT already offers a BS in Engineering Technology, adding BS in Mechanical Engineering, BS in Chemical Engineering, BS in Electrical Engineering, and BS in Civil Engineering MAY be possible using existing faculty in the Physics, Chemistry, and Computer Science department. The school would likely need to make improvements in facilities in order to attract top level faculty, research, and grants, but these degrees should be offered, given the number of auto and tech related companies based in the Nashville area.
EdD in Education - MT's roots are in teacher education. Expanded autonomy should allow the school to expand their EdD offerings, and perhaps move the degrees entirely online to reach teachers throughout the region.
MT's independence may also allow the school to expand the online degree offerings. Outside of the RODP, there are very few programs (graduate especially) that can be completed entirely online. As I understand it, Fall 2015 was the first semester the MTSU MBA could be completed entirely online. 2015! Schools across the nation have been offering this degree entirely online for 5+ years.
With TTU and TSU, both with engineering depts, within a few miles I just don't see MT ever having a "real" (Engineering Tech doesn't count) engineering program. Stranger things have happened but I think it would be a hard sell to taxpayers and especially the anti-tax zealots in state government at this time.
Engineering would be the hardest sell.
Here's a thought. TN is in the bottom third in lawyers per capita. Is this the time MT "buys out" Nashville School of Law
I think we should adopt the Louisiana nomenclature and have TSU at Nashville and TSU at Murfreesboro.
the law school, the fashion school in Franklin and starting a dentistry school in the midstate would be the way to go.
I think we should adopt the Louisiana nomenclature and have TSU at Nashville and TSU at Murfreesboro.
Tennessean:
NAACP has concerns over higher education restructuring
excerpt:
...The proposed plan led a group of Tennessee State University supporters, mainly students, to pack into the House Government Operations Committee meeting room last week and voice their opposition in 90 minutes of conversation before the committee voted to endorse the plan.
NAACP Nashville Branch president Ludye N. Wallace said the purpose of the Monday meeting was to gather information and to get answers as to how the legislation specifically relates to TSU.
Glover was expected to give remarks to those in attendance about how she believed the restructuring would affect the university and to share her own concerns.
But when Glover arrived, she said she did not realize media would be in attendance and said she would give a brief statement and address the group after the media left.
Glover said she would consult with her media representative about making remarks, then told those in attendance that something had come up at the university and she needed to leave immediately.
“As far as I know, I was going to be asked some questions about the FOCUS Act,” Glover said in media briefing after leaving the meeting. “I can tell you that in just a word, TSU has some concerns about the FOCUS Act. We’ve been working with the governor, with his office, trying to make sure that the bill is fair for TSU.....
NAACP has concerns over higher education restructuring
excerpt:
...The proposed plan led a group of Tennessee State University supporters, mainly students, to pack into the House Government Operations Committee meeting room last week and voice their opposition in 90 minutes of conversation before the committee voted to endorse the plan.
NAACP Nashville Branch president Ludye N. Wallace said the purpose of the Monday meeting was to gather information and to get answers as to how the legislation specifically relates to TSU.
Glover was expected to give remarks to those in attendance about how she believed the restructuring would affect the university and to share her own concerns.
But when Glover arrived, she said she did not realize media would be in attendance and said she would give a brief statement and address the group after the media left.
Glover said she would consult with her media representative about making remarks, then told those in attendance that something had come up at the university and she needed to leave immediately.
“As far as I know, I was going to be asked some questions about the FOCUS Act,” Glover said in media briefing after leaving the meeting. “I can tell you that in just a word, TSU has some concerns about the FOCUS Act. We’ve been working with the governor, with his office, trying to make sure that the bill is fair for TSU.....
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