UNIVERSITY NEWS University Board members named by Governor

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MTSUNews.com:

Gov. Haslam announces local governing board

Middle Tennessee State University’s governing board is one of six to be appointed by the governor, a result of the governor’s FOCUS Act passed by the General Assembly earlier this year.

The appointees to the MTSU board are:

• Andrew Adams, former chairman and CEO of National Healthcare Corporation.
• J.B. Baker, owner and CEO of Sprint Logistics.
• Pete Delay, executive in Forterra Building Products’ Nashville office.
• Darrell Freeman Sr., executive chairman of Zycron Inc.
• Joey Jacobs, chairman and CEO of Acadia Healthcare Company.
• Chris Karbowiak, executive vice president, chief administrative officer and chief risk officer of Bridgestone Americas Inc.
• Stephen Smith, board chairman of Haury & Smith Contractors Inc.
• Pamela Wright, founder, owner and CEO of Wright Travel.

“There is incredible momentum around Tennessee’s college enrollment rate, which increased to a historic high of 62.5 percent in 2015. With Tennessee Promise and Tennessee Reconnect we’ve been successful in increasing access to higher education, but as we change the conversation and culture of expectations in our state we have to ensure our colleges and universities are supported in their efforts to create student success,” Haslam said.

“These six local governing boards will provide more focused support to the institutions as we continue the Drive to 55, our push to have 55 percent of Tennesseans with a degree or credential by 2025,” Haslam added.

MTSU President Sidney A. McPhee said, “I am thrilled and very excited by the nominations put forward by Governor Haslam for the Board of Trustees for Middle Tennessee State University. I am very familiar with our nominees, and know well the broad range of experience and expertise they would be able to offer our university. We are honored that these outstanding citizens have allowed the governor to put their names forward for service to our university and the communities we serve.”

For a PDF version of expanded bios about the appointees, click here.

 

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W. Andrew Adams
W. Andrew “Andy” Adams is the former chairman and CEO of National Healthcare Corporation and previous CEO of both National Health Investors, Inc. and National Health Realty, Inc. He serves on the Board of Directors of Lipscomb University, SunTrust Bank, and Boy Scouts of America. Mr. Adams holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in business administration, both from Middle Tennessee State University.


J.B. Baker
J.B. Baker is CEO and owner of Sprint Logistics. He attended Martin Junior College and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University. He is the former owner and chairman of the board for Volunteer Express and Associated Companies, having worked at the company for 30 years. He has served on a number of professional and civic boards, including Martin Methodist College, Goodwill Industries, Saint Thomas Hospital Health Services Fund, and the Nashville Symphony.


Pete Delay
Pete Delay leads the Nashville office of Forterra Building Products and was most recently president and owner of Sherman-Dixie Concrete Industries, Inc. Mr. Delay previously served on the Board of Trustees of the University of the South and as chairman of the Montgomery Bell Academy Annual Fund.


Darrell Freeman, Sr.
Darrell Freeman, Sr. is the executive chairman of Zycron, Inc., an information technology services and solutions firm based in Nashville. He served on the Tennessee Board of Regents as well as a number of boards and committees in Middle Tennessee. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University.


Joey A. Jacobs
Joey A. Jacobs is the chairman and CEO of Acadia Healthcare Company. With prior postings in Hospital Corporation of America’s Tennessee Division and Psychiatric Solutions, Inc., Middle Tennessee State University awarded him the Jennings A. Jones Champion of Free Enterprise Award in 2013. He is highly involved in Middle Tennessee and serves on the board of the Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt. Mr. Jacobs received his bachelor’s degree from Middle Tennessee State University.


Chris Karbowiak
Christine Karbowiak is executive vice president, chief administrative officer, and chief risk officer of Bridgestone Americas, Inc. She is active in community organizations and has served on the boards of the Tennessee State Museum Foundation, Japan America Society of Tennessee, Tennessee Business Roundtable, and Franklin American Music City Bowl. A resident of Nashville, she holds a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and a law degree from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.


Stephen B. Smith
Stephen B. Smith is chair of the board of Haury & Smith Contractors, Inc. He has served on the board of the Metropolitan Nashville Planning Commission, the Regional Transit Authority, and chaired the Board of Directors of Metropolitan Nashville Parks and Recreation. He graduated from Middle Tennessee State University and was awarded the Jennings Jones Champion of Free Enterprise Award in 2010.


Pamela J. Wright
Pamela J. Wright is CEO, owner, and founder of Wright Travel. A native of Lebanon, Tennessee, she was an employee of the State of Tennessee in the Department of Corrections before opening her first travel agency. The agency has since grown to 28 offices spanning seven states. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Middle Tennessee State University.

 

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nashvillepublicradio:

New Board Is Heavy On Business Pros, While TTU Gets An Astronaut Alum

 

[RowdyAlumni]

Solid list of leaders.