TICUA Executive Leadership Institute Prepares the Next Generation of Higher-Ed Leaders

Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association

Nashville, Tennessee

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 6, 2024

Contact: Jasa West

Jwest@crispcomm.com

TICUA Executive Leadership Institute 

Prepares the Next Generation of Higher-Ed Leaders

The Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association Proudly Presents the 2024-25 Executive Leadership Institute Class

NASHVILLE, TN – The Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) is proud to announce the start of its 2024-25 Executive Leadership Institute (ELI), bringing together 19 accomplished senior leaders from private and independent colleges across the state. Now in its eighth year, this nine-month program is recognized for its role in developing the next generation of higher education executives.

Reflecting on her own experience as an ELI participant, TICUA President Cameron Conn shared, “Having been a part of the 2023 ELI cohort, I know firsthand the transformative impact this program can have. It’s an opportunity for senior leaders to engage deeply with the challenges and opportunities facing our campuses today, and I’m excited to see this year’s Fellows take on that journey.”

Participants, known as Pressnell Fellows, are carefully selected by their respective college or university presidents to engage in this comprehensive leadership development experience.

The program offers an in-depth exploration of critical areas in higher education management, including Board Development, Strategic Planning, Advocacy, Student Success, Faculty Development, Communications, Finance, Leadership Transition and other key issues. Throughout the year, Fellows will collaborate with TICUA member presidents and subject matter experts to address real-world challenges through data-driven decision-making and collaborative strategies.

Over the years, ELI has become a significant stepping stone for many in Tennessee’s higher education landscape. Alumni have advanced to leadership positions, including presidencies at Johnson University, Bryan College, Lee University, Bethel University, and now, even TICUA itself.

Meet the 2024-25 Pressnell Fellows:

Alescia Bethea, Executive Vice President, Interim Program Administrator- Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia

Reggie Blair, VP of Enrollment Services - Cumberland University

Robert Carr, Provost and VP Academic Affairs - Fisk University

Jared Gott, Assistant Dean of Emerging and Innovative Programs - Freed-Hardeman University

Tina Hodges, Director of Recruitment and Admissions - Bethel University

Robert Key, Vice President for Business and Financial Services - Carson-Newman University

Christy McDonald Slavick, Interim Director, Clayton Center for the Arts - Maryville College

Kelsey Metz, Dean, School of Business - Lincoln Memorial University

Laura Morrow, Director of Center for Teaching and Learning - Lipscomb University

Alan Ramirez, Associate Provost and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid The University of the South

Wilbur Reid, Vice President for Campus Services - Johnson University

D'Angelo Taylor, Vice President of Hope Unity and Belonging - Belmont University

Jason Thead, Director of Institutional Research and Assessment, Board Professional - King University

Ray Van Neste, Vice President for University Ministries and Dean of the School of Theology and Missions - Union University

Lisa Vesser, Dean of Health Sciences - Tennessee Wesleyan University

Keaton Walkine, Director of Campus Operations & Facilities - American Baptist College

Dr. Elizabeth Williams, Dean of Allied Health - Baptist Health Sciences University

Josh Winskie, Assistant Controller - Trevecca Nazarene University

Josh York, Vice President for Operations - Lee University

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ABOUT TICUA: 

TICUA engages Tennessee's 34 private, non-profit colleges and universities to work collaboratively in areas of public policy, cost containment, and professional development to better serve the state and its citizens. In fall 2023, TICUA member colleges and universities throughout the state enrolled more than 77,000 students and employed more than 20,000 faculty and staff. For more information about TICUA, please visit our website at www.ticua.org.