2021 CASE STATEMENT PrivateColleges ServingTennessee 2021 CASE STATEMENT

OPENING LETTER 01

TICUA AT A GLANCE 02

ACCESS 04

SUCCESS 08

COLLABORATION 14

IMPACT 18

HALL OF FAME 22

OUR CAMPUSES 24

VITAL STATS 26 Preparing the Next Generation of Leaders to Impact our World

While we have all faced numerous challenges over the last year, I continue to be amazed at the resilience, energy, and enthusiasm of the tens of thousands of students, faculty and staff at our 35 TICUA member institutions.

Despite all that our campuses have faced, I believe we are stronger, more versatile, thoughtful, and aware than ever before.

As you will see throughout this report, TICUA member institutions are succeeding in preparing the next generation of leaders for the challenges of today and tomorrow. Now more than ever, we see the value of a liberal arts education in developing problem solvers, critical thinkers, and moral leaders.

TICUA remains a committed partner in our state’s higher education system to mold and educate these future leaders. TICUA member institutions continue to award more degrees than any other higher education system in the state and graduate students at faster rates. This ultimately saves the taxpayer money and contributes greatly to our state’s workforce and economy.

But as we look ahead, we also are taking time to reflect on our past. We introduced the TICUA Hall of Fame in 2020 and it could not have come at a better time. The alumni selected for the Class of 2020 are a perfect example of the impact our institutions can have on students and society. Through the Hall of Fame, we can see how these outstanding leaders used their education to truly change the world.

We appreciate you taking the time to celebrate our TICUA member institutions and seeing how they are increasing access and student success, and collaborating with state partners to make an incredible impact on our state, nation, and world.

Thank you for your leadership in this important work!

Claude Pressnell 1 AT A GLANCE

TICUA works with Tennessee’s 35 private colleges and universities to collaborate in areas of public policy, cost containment, and professional development to better serve the state and advocate for educational opportunities for its citizens.

SERVING TENNESSEE 35 In 2020, TICUA Member Institutions enrolled 27% of MEMBER the students in Tennessee INSTITUTIONS and awarded 32% of all higher education degrees in the state. 80+ LOCATIONS 27% 32% of students of higher 20,982 ed degrees EMPLOYEES

80,334 DEGREES AWARDED BY SECTOR 2019- 2020 STUDENTS

TICUA 32%

NOTE: All data presented in the 2021 Case Statement come from Public Locally Governed Institutions 30% TICUA’s Fall 2020 Characteristics: The Fact Book of Tennessee’s Independent University of Tennessee Colleges and Universities which can 19% found at www.ticua.org. Community Colleges 19%

2 OUR STUDENTS ARE DIVERSE

GEOGRAPHICALLY From every county in the state, every state in the nation, 150+ nations

ETHNICALLY 30% of undergraduates are students of color

IN AGE 26% of degrees were awarded to adults 25+

INCOME 35% of Tennessee undergraduate students received the Federal Pell Grant award

3 TICUA INSTITUTIONS OFFER ACCESS TO STUDENTS OF ALL BACKGROUNDS

As a first-generation college student from a low- income background, I wasn’t sure Vanderbilt was an option for me. But resources and support from the university, like the Opportunity Vanderbilt program, have given me this opportunity. The college application process can be lonely, but being at Vanderbilt with access to so many resources has made me feel supported and confident in my abilities.

ALLISON POWELL

Vanderbilt University Class of 2021 Cognitive Studies and Neuroscience

4 ACCESS TO A COLLEGE DEGREE ACCESS AND WELL-PAYING JOB

EXPANDING OPPORTUNITY TICUA institutions make up 13 of the top 15 schools in Tennessee with the highest percentage of Pell-eligible, low- income students enrolled.

GOVERNMENT AID REMAINS STAGNANT, Federal Government Aid 10% WHILE INSTITUTIONAL AID CONTINUES TO INCREASE. State Government Aid 11% TICUA institutions provide the largest portion of student aid. TICUA Institutional Aid 79%

6 GRADUATING DEBT FREE

In 2020-2021, tuition and fees at TICUA four-year member colleges IN FALL 2020, and universities averaged 26% less than the national average. 12,719 students attending TICUA institutions received a Tennessee Education Lottery scholarship award. 42.5% 93%

7,140 students attending TICUA of TICUA undergraduate of First-time Freshmen member campuses received the students GRADUATED RECEIVE SOME FORM Tennessee Student Assistance Award. WITH NO DEBT in the OF FINANCIAL AID. 2018-2019 school year. The per-student average yearly award amount was $3,879.

29% of all undergraduate students (16,463) and 35% of Tennessee undergraduate students attending TICUA member (10,308) campuses $37,650 $26,358 received Federal Pell Grants. National Average Average TICUA Institution Tuition & Fees Tuition & Fees

Cumberland University gave me the opportunity to come to the U.S. to have a better education and more opportunities for my future.

JESSICA HERNANDEZ Class of 2021 7 SUCCESS TICUA STUDENTS CONSISTENTLY OUTPERFORM THEIR PEERS

Getting to know my professors has been invaluable to my success at Trevecca. Professors here really care about me as a person and want to watch me succeed.

BRYCE WAHY Trevecca University Class of 2021 Psychology

8 SUCCESS JERRICA COVINGTON Lincoln Memorial University Class of 2021 Sports Management Lincoln Memorial University has University Memorial Lincoln to tools of with a lot me provided make As sure I succeed. a part the of Services program, Support Student advisor and mentor with my I meet make sure am I to on every week goals. academic withtrack my BRANDON MADSEN, SRNA MADSEN, BRANDON Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia Class of 2020 Doctor Nurse of Anesthesia Practice Degree Candidate Baptist College while being a busy father of five, I have needed needed I have five, of a busy father being while I am forever assistance. fair share of my I encouragement and support the for grateful Middle at everyone from receive continuously Anesthesia. of School Tennessee Attending a demanding graduate program program graduate demanding a Attending Class of 2022 andBible Theology DOMINISHA BLACK DOMINISHA American has been instrumental to my growth, my instrumental to has been both College Baptist American ABC has an amazing program and personally. and professionally as well. community the but students, the helping just in not believes TICUA GRADUATES SUCCEED BY GRADUATING ON TIME

62%

52% 53%

MORE TICUA STUDENTS GRADUATE ON TIME VS. STATE INSTITUTIONS 32%

State Institutions TICUA Institutions

GRADUATE WITHIN GRADUATE WITHIN 4 YEARS 6 YEARS

We are educating the problem solvers of the future at , where students learn to integrate critical thinking and analysis with their future life’s work. The careers of the future – many of which are still unknown – will require adaptable learners who can navigate ambiguity and change, all within a diverse global marketplace. Through our innovative ‘Maryville College Works’ program, career readiness is blended seamlessly into the academic curriculum through significant practical experiences such as internships, volunteer opportunities, and research projects.

DR. BRYAN F. COKER President, Maryville College 10 ON TIME WITH HIGH- WITH CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS TO DEMAND DEGREES SOLVE TODAY’S COMPLEX PROBLEMS

TICUA INSTITUTIONS HAVE AWARDED NEARLY 200,000 DEGREES IN THE LAST DECADE

TICUA institutions have seen a 26% increase 17,127 20,408 in degrees awarded in the last decade. 2010-2011 2019-2020

HIGH-DEMAND DEGREES AWARDED BY TICUA INSTITUTIONS (2015-2020)

STEM 13,004

Education 13,216

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Fields of Study 19,559

Health Professions and Related Programs 22,317

11 SUCCESS IN A PANDEMIC

COVID-19 brought many firsts for our campuses when it turned the world upside down in early 2020. But despite the many challenges the virus brought and continues to bring, our campuses pivoted to continue providing the best possible education for our students.

Health officials working with TICUA member institutions commended our campuses for the great work they have done in managing the pandemic and its impact on overall campus safety. It started by investing millions in new safety protocols and swiftly implementing the following changes:

» MASK MANDATES

» CONTACT TRACING THESE MEASURES » SOCIAL DISTANCING RESULTED IN LOW » MESSAGING TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS POSITIVITY RATES TO BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY ACROSS OUR » EXPANDED MENTAL HEALTH CAMPUSES, HELPING RESOURCES TO KEEP STUDENTS, » VIRTUAL CLASSES AND EVENTS FACULT Y, AND STAFF SAFE. » ADJUSTED SCHOOL CALENDARS

12 This is the biggest challenge we’ve had since the second World War…and we’re not asking them to storm the beaches of Normandy. Our focus was, make this our proudest moment.

CHANCELLOR DANIEL DIERMEIER

All the professors are so energized to teach. And not just that, but they care. They want to know almost everything about you, and they will work with you by your side.

JADELYNNE GREEN Class of 2021 Social Work

13 COLLABORATION TICUA IS A STRONG STATE PARTNER

Bethel University has been an economic, academic, and cultural anchor in the McKenzie and Carroll County community since 1842. In addition to Tennessee residents, the school attracts students from across the globe who participate in the performing arts and the many sports programs. The partnership between Bethel University and the City of McKenzie grows each year in so many areas and creates a win-win for all of us.

MAYOR JILL HOLLAND City of McKenzie

14 COLLABORATION COLLABORATION TICUA Member Institutions are a valuable partner to the state of Tennessee. Independent colleges and universities save taxpayers millions of dollars each year.

TENNESSEE TAXPAYERS SAVE $594 MILLION IN STATE APPROPRIATIONS EACH YEAR BY ASSISTING STUDENTS TO ENROLL IN TICUA MEMBER CAMPUSES.

The state invests less than 5 cents on the dollar to assist Tennessee students to be educated on a TICUA member campus, yet the independent NO DIRECT STATE colleges award more degrees than any other APPROPRIATIONS higher education sector in the state.

16 TICUA Member Institutions are the leading contributors to the state of Tennessee’s Drive to 55 goal to equip 55% of Tennesseans with a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2025.

TICUA colleges and universities enroll 27% of 32% OF DEGREES AWARDED IN STATE the total state student enrollment but award 32% of the bachelor degrees in the state. 27% OF STUDENT ENROLLMENT IN STATE

HELPING MORE STUDENTS COMPLETE THEIR DEGREE

students transfer to TICUA of TICUA undergraduate degrees member institutions from were awarded to transfer Tennessee community students in 2019-2020. 1,000 colleges each year. 34% *excludes Vanderbilt University

» 20 TICUA institutions participate in the TN Transfer Pathways program, which enables a student to NO DIRECT STATE transfer to a 4-year institution without loss of credit or time. APPROPRIATIONS » 7 institutions have developed reverse articulation agreements that allow students to complete work toward an Associate’s degree from a community college while enrolled at a four-year campus.

» Through partnerships with more 100 high schools across the state, 2,500 students are enrolled in Dual Enrollment courses at TICUA institutions, earning both high school and college credit.

17 IMPACT IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE

MTSA has been our primary source of recruitment for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists for many years. It is always a pleasure to partner with them and their vision to improve access to high quality advanced practice nurses both in Tennessee and beyond.

DR. BRENT DUNWORTH Department of Anesthesiology Vanderbilt University Medical Center

18 IMPACT TICUA MEMBER INSTITUTIONS HAVE A DIRECT IMPACT ON OUR STATE’S ECONOMY IN SUPPLYING A HIGHLY-QUALIFIED WORKFORCE.

» By attracting students from all over the and from around the world, TICUA member campuses make Tennessee an IMPORTER OF 49% INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL

» Students come here to study and stay to LIVE, WORK, AND RAISE A FAMILY OF TICUA STUDENTS ARE IN TENNESSEE FROM OUT-OF-STATE

» Many private colleges and universities are the LARGEST EMPLOYERS in their counties and are tied directly to the financial health of their local communities

» TICUA member institutions together EMPLOY 20,982 TENNESSEANS - forming one of the state’s top-20 largest employers

20 TICUA member institutions produce a highly qualified workforce that recruits businesses and creates life-long residents of the region.

The eyes of the world were on as they successfully hosted the final 2020 “ is not only a Presidential Debate in the middle of a well-respected, highly accredited pandemic. Belmont was chosen out of institution of higher education in six finalists, including the University of Michigan and the University of our community, it is an economic Notre Dame. The event marks a major driver for our city, county and milestone for the university. region. Each year, Lee University graduates hundreds of degreed professionals, many of whom are recruited locally to well-paying jobs, who become homeowners and “It’s good for us. It’s good taxpayers and establish themselves for Nashville. We want to be as full-time residents of Cleveland, a place where the absolute Tennessee. We are grateful for the wonder of the American tremendous help that Lee University Democratic process is on has on workforce development and display to the whole world”. its economic impact here in our DR. BOB FISHER community.” President, Belmont University MAYOR KEVIN BROOKS City of Cleveland, Tennessee Lee University Alumnus 21 Tennessee’s Independent Colleges and Universities have been home to some of our state’s most distinguished and impressive residents— from Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners to faith leaders, entrepreneurs, and government leaders.

In 2020, TICUA created the Hall of Fame to honor the distinguished alumni of its 35 member institutions while highlighting their contributions to our state, nation, and world.

22 I was beaten, left bloody and The inaugural class of the TICUA Hall of unconscious. But I never became Fame features a diverse and incredibly bitter or hostile, never gave up. I impressive group of citizens that our believe that somehow and some way, institutions have helped prepare. While if it becomes necessary to use our this is the first class, it will not be our bodies to help redeem the soul of a last, as we plan to add TICUA alumni nation, then we must do it. Create a each year moving forward. society at peace with itself, and lay down the burden of hate and division.

CONGRESSMAN CLASS OF 2020 1940-2020

Congressman John Lewis Paul Conn American Baptist College Lee University Rebekah Lemley James Bishop Aquinas College LeMoyne-Owen College Anita Vaughn Clayton Hess Baptist Health Sciences University Lincoln Memorial University R. Milton Johnson Michael Adams Belmont University Altha Stewart William Henderson Franklin Christian Brothers University Maryville College Cordell Hull John M. Edwards III & Stace D. Dollar Cumberland University Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia David Levering Lewis Del Harris John & Rosemary Brown Jon Meacham Freed-Hardeman University Sewanee: The University of the South Fred Craddock Senator John Boozman Southern College of Optometry Katherine Paterson Scott Niswonger Thornton Meacham Bob Agee Union University Carlisle Hanna

23 TICUA

12 14 16 CAMPUSES 17 19 21

13 20 31 15 18 32 35 22 11 7 11 35 32 1

12 13 34 2 14 15 16 22 17 18 19 33 7 31 3 21 20 30 34

33 4 29 8 9 28 5 10 30 27 1 2 3 29 25 4 5 24 23 26 6 28

6 8 24 27 9 10 23 25 26

24

19 12 14 16 17 19 21

13 20 31 15 18 32 35 22 11 7 11 35 32 1

12 13 34 2 14 15 16 22 17 18 19 33 7 31 3 21 20 30 34

33 4 29 8 9 28 5 10 30 27 1 2 3 29 25 ENROLLMENT BY COUNTY 4 5 24 23 26 1 6,300 6 28 Primary Location Satellite Location

6 8 24 27 9 10 23 25 26

25

19 VITAL YEAR FOUNDED ENROLLMENT # OF DEGREES STATS AWARDED 19 American Baptist College 1924 58 17

13 Aquinas College 1961 48 13

1 Baptist Health Sciences University 1912; 1994 890 222

14 Belmont University 1890 8,204 2,211

7 Bethel University 1842 3,966 832

28 1930 1,459 323

31 Carson-Newman University 1851 2,911 763

4 Christian Brothers University 1871 1,922 419

22 Cumberland University 1842 2,704 568

15 Fisk University 1866 911 83

10 Freed-Hardeman University 1869 2,194 424

30 Johnson University 1893 1,079 277

35 King University 1867 1,746 776

8 Lane College 1882 1,095 150

26 Lee University 1918 654 1,025

3 LeMoyne-Owen College 1862 5,203 117

32 Lincoln Memorial University 1897 4,883 1,485

16 Lipscomb University 1891 4,884 1,361 26 YEAR FOUNDED ENROLLMENT # OF DEGREES AWARDED

23 Martin Methodist College 1870 812 151

29 Maryville College 1819 1,072 214

18 1876 944 261

12 Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia 1950 233 69

34 Milligan University 1866 1,347 346

2 1848 1,856 414

24 Sewanee: The University of the South 1857 1,810 471

25 Southern Adventist University 1892 2,730 528

6 Southern College of Optometry 1932 539 124

27 Tennessee Wesleyan University 1857 1,168 297

17 Trevecca Nazarene University 1901 3,968 1,094

33 Tusculum University 1794 1,664 470

9 Union University 1823 3,057 986

20 Vanderbilt University 1873 13,537 3,736

11 Welch College 1942 363 47

5 William R. Moore College of Technology 1909 351 22

21 1998 72 13

27 This report and other resources are available online at TICUA.ORG.

28 29 Thank you to our TICUA Collegium Members.

Founded in 1956, the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association engages Tennessee’s private higher education institutions to work collaboratively in areas of public policy, cost containment, and professional development to better serve the state and its citizens. We advocate for educational opportunity and freedom of choice in higher education at the state and federal levels, to ensure students are able to attend the college or university that best fits their academic, financial, and career needs. 2021 www.ticua.org