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