NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Members of the House Democratic Caucus are announcing their support for Tennessee State University as bills have been introduced that could impact the HBCU.
Two bills were introduced that could impact the university — SB 1596 and SB 2109. House Democrats said they could dissolve the university's Board of Trustees and replace it with a new one picked by Governor Bill Lee.
SB 1596 extended the termination date of the TSU Board of Trustees and is specific to the university, but SB 2109 is farther reaching and could impact universities across the state. It would transfer the governance of any state university board to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission if a state university board ceases to exist.
“Many of the recommendations that were made by the Comptroller for corrective measures have already been implemented by this board. They should be able to continue the work that they’ve started,” said House Democratic Caucus Vice-Chair Harold Love (D - Nashville). “Churning over the board at the same time as a presidential search is underway could affect the candidate pool and have detrimental effects both in the immediate future and long-term.”
TSU is currently searching for a new university president months after former President Glenda Clover announced she was retiring.
Previously the university said it was working with lawmakers on a multi-year extension of the board. It also said it was cooperating with forensic auditors, meeting biweekly to make sure TSU is responding to requests from auditors.
“The institution wants to ensure that legislators appreciate the impact any legislation affecting the institution’s governance structure may have on the university’s ability to attract top-notch candidates for this crucially important position, maintain avenues for student success, continue to facilitate and enhance relationships with the business community, and avoid causing irreparable harm to Tennessee State University’s national reputation,” TSU said. “Additionally, TSU continues to engage in constructive dialogue with lawmakers regarding the historic underfunding of the university.”