Dr. Garland has served as a role model to Tusculum students, faculty, and staff with the principle of civic engagement that is embedded in the university’s mission. He hired ten college presidents as chancellor and CEO of the Tennessee Board of Regents for five years.

His extensive career also includes 20 years of service in the Tennessee Senate—15 years as minority leader, one year as interim president of Tusculum University, and two terms as chair of the Tusculum Board of Trustees.

Dr. Garland always maintained his connection to Greeneville, his home community, as a board member and senior adviser to the Niswonger Foundation. He has also profoundly impacted Tusculum, founding and serving as chair of the Tusculum Institute of Public Leadership and Policy. He served as chair of the university’s $10 million bicentennial fundraising campaign and as one of three co-chairs of the library expansion and renovation. He now serves as a life trustee. Tusculum’s affection and respect for Dr. Garland has been ever-present.

In addition to the interim presidency, Tusculum bestowed on Dr. Garland an honorary Doctor of Law degree in 1986, and then in 2002 presented him with the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor the university presents.

One of the most lasting ways Tusculum recognized his achievements and legacy is by naming the university’s library after him in 2008.