The Tennessee Board of Regents

The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR), established in 1972, is the governing body for Tennessee's public community and technical colleges. It is one of the nation's largest systems of public higher education, overseeing 46 institutions. This includes 13 community colleges and 24 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs), serving over 110,000 students annually.

TBR's mission is to provide accessible, high-quality education and training that meets the diverse needs of Tennessee's residents and workforce. The system offers programs ranging from associate degrees and certificates to specialized technical training. These programs prepare students for successful careers in various fields.

Financial Support Programs

TBR administers several scholarship and grant programs designed to support students financially.

• The Tennessee Promise is a "last dollar" scholarship and mentoring program covering tuition and mandatory fees for recent high school graduates.
• Tennessee Reconnect helps adults return to college to earn a degree or certificate.
• The Tennessee HOPE Scholarship Program assists recent high school graduates.
• The Wilder-Naifeh Technical Skills Grants provide up to $2,000 annually for full-time enrollment in technical colleges.

Locations

TBR's member institutions are located across Tennessee, providing educational opportunities in 90 of the state's 95 counties. This vast network includes campuses in major cities and smaller communities alike.

• Nashville, TN, USA
• Memphis, TN, USA

This distribution reflects TBR's commitment to offering statewide access to higher education.

Governance

The system is governed by a 19-member board, which includes lay citizens, faculty, and student representatives. Ex-officio members such as the Governor of Tennessee and the Commissioner of Education also participate. This diverse structure ensures policies align with the needs of students, educators, and the community.

Through its comprehensive programs, financial support, and statewide presence, The Tennessee Board of Regents plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of Tennessee's workforce and economy.