Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Honor Alumni in the Inaugural Class of the TICUA Hal

Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Honor Alumni in the Inaugural Class of the TICUA Hall of Fame

Appeared in: Tennessee Tribune 

NASHVILLE, TN — Congressman John Lewis, a 1961 graduate of American Baptist College, was selected for the Inaugural Class of the TICUA Hall of Fame.

The Congressman was selected for this honor before his passing in July 2020.

Tennessee’s Independent Colleges and Universities have helped shape some of our nation’s most distinguished and impressive citizens – from Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners to faith leaders, entrepreneurs, and elected officials. 

 The Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) created the TICUA Hall of Fame to honor the distinguished alumni of its 35 member institutions while highlighting their contributions to our state, nation, and world.

“The inaugural class of the TICUA Hall of Fame features a diverse and incredibly impressive group of citizens that our institutions have helped prepare,” said TICUA President Claude Pressnell, “While you will recognize many of the names, all of these alumni have made significant contributions worth learning about. We are proud to be able to give them just a small portion of the recognition they deserve.” 

“John Lewis came to American Baptist College at just 17- years-old. He credited his education at American Baptist College for helping to mold him into the passionate leader he became,” said Forrest E. Harris, Sr., President of American Baptist College. “There is no better time to honor Lewis’ life and legacy and we are grateful TICUA is recognizing his indelible contributions to our country.”

TICUA engages Tennessee’s private, non-profit colleges and universities to work collaboratively in areas of public policy, cost containment, and professional development to serve better the State and its citizens.  TICUA membership includes 35 member institutions comprised of four-year colleges and universities and professional colleges. In fall 2019, TICUA member colleges and universities throughout the State enrolled over 81,000 students and employed over 20,000 faculty and staff.