After graduating from Southern Adventist University in 1987, Bob Jimenez began his career in the arts as director of public relations for Opera Orlando in 1989, raising funds for his own salary to make it work. His innovative and self-starting talents were quickly recognized, and he became the manager of public affairs at Walt Disney World. From there, he took on the role of administrative director of marketing and public relations for AdventHealth, one of the nation’s largest faith-based healthcare systems.

Twenty years ago, Cox Enterprises in Atlanta, Georgia, invited Jimenez to join their corporate team, and he has been impacting corporate culture ever since. Serving as the senior vice president of corporate affairs, Jimenez is responsible for leading corporate communication for the 2004 privatization of Cox Communications, the largest transaction of its kind at the time. His passion for people led him to co-found and direct the Cox Employee Relief Fund, which has given more than $13 million dollars to Cox employees in need.

Jimenez has been honored for his life-long leadership by several influential organizations. In 2007, Hispanic Business magazine named Jimenez one of the 100 Most Influential Hispanics in America, and since 2018, he’s been named one of the 50 Most Influential Latinos in Georgia by the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

Speaker Beth Harwell is an esteemed alumna of Lipscomb University, where the mission is to be a Christ-centered community that prepares learners for purposeful lives. She has personified this mission by working to improve the lives of others through her years of dedicated service to the State of Tennessee.

Speaker Harwell served in the Tennessee House of Representatives for 30 years, with the last six years of her term as Tennessee’s first female speaker of the house. During her time in office, Speaker Harwell committed herself to making a difference in Tennessee through public service and was known for her willingness to collaborate with her colleagues on both sides of the political aisle.

Under her leadership, the Tennessee House of Representatives balanced the budget each year without a single tax increase. She also shepherded Governor Bill Haslam’s Tennessee Promise initiative through the house to successful adoption and implementation.

Since leaving the Tennessee General Assembly, Speaker Harwell has continued to lead in the classroom as a Distinguished Visiting Professor in Political Science at Middle Tennessee State University and was nominated and confirmed to the Tennessee Valley Authority Board of Directors in 2020, serving through May 2024.

Although he may not have known it at the time, Dr. Greer’s undergraduate years at Milligan University would set him on a course that would define his career. After graduating from Milligan in 1985, he went on to earn an MBA from East Tennessee State University and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Tennessee - Knoxville.

In 1994, Dr. Greer returned to his first collegiate home. He joined Milligan as a professor of economics and business administration. He was the university’s vice president for institutional advancement from 2006 until 2011. He has now served as president since 2011.

During his 30-year tenure at Milligan, Dr. Greer has mentored countless students and advanced the university’s academic mission through the addition or revision of 25 academic programs, an academic restructuring, 10 successful institutional and program accreditation processes, the renaming of Milligan College to Milligan University in 2020, and much more.

Under Dr. Greer’s leadership, Milligan has achieved several years of record enrollment while maintaining high academic profiles, retention and graduation rates, and he has led the institution in raising nearly $70 million for the “Forward Ever” campaign and more than $34 million as part of the university’s current “On Mission” campaign. These campaigns have assisted with updating, expanding, and enhancing the campus from 195 acres to more than 355 acres.

Sewanee Connects River City Company With Incredible Interns

“River City Company has been tremendously grateful for the partnership between our non-profit organization and Sewanee in connecting us with incredible interns. As a small organization, the interns have supported key projects including advancing our ability to spur economic development and to host dynamic/inclusive programming in downtown Chattanooga. We provide real-world experience to the interns preparing them for future careers in the areas of marketing, communication, business, and economic development. It is truly a win-win for us, our community, the students, and Sewanee.”

- Dawn Hjelseth, Vice President of Marketing & Communication, River City Company

Rusty Gaston lives out the values of Belmont University by proving himself to be a determined, ambitious, and hardworking individual who seizes every opportunity. Growing up in Texas, he didn’t know anyone in the music industry. However, he didn’t let that stop him.

Gaston first moved to Nashville in 1996 to attend Belmont University. In his early college days, he began cold-calling companies and asking questions to get his first internship at a music publishing company. He began his career at SmithHaven Music, where he secured artist deals. Eventually, top producer Byron Gallimore tapped him to run his publishing company, Song Garden.

Now, as CEO of Sony Music Publishing Nashville, he is associated with more than 50 No. 1 and award-winning hits. He leads all creative operations at the company, including signing new songwriters and developing strategies to promote the Nashville catalog.

Gaston is a longtime volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters Middle TN, a member of the Country Music Association, and a board member for both Belmont University and the Academy of Country Music. He was recently named Billboard Magazine’s Country Power Players 2023 Executive of the Year.

TICUA INSTITUTIONS PROVIDE THE MOST AID FOR THEIR STUDENTS

Source: TICUA

Did you know that TICUA Institutions provided the largest portion of student aid for its students? Nearly ALL first-time freshmen received some form of aid for the 2022-2023 school year.

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.

Dr. Jeff Foster dedicated his career to improving healthcare access in rural Tennessee, focusing on enhancing optometry's role as primary eye care providers. Graduating from the Southern College of Optometry in 1981, he joined Vision Source in Newport, making significant contributions to the field.

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Dr. Foster played a crucial role in expanding the scope of optometric practice as the former legislative chair of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians. Having held leadership positions—including former president of the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians, the Tennessee Academy of Optometry, and chair of the Tennessee Board of Examiners in Optometry—Dr. Foster received many prestigious awards, such as the Tennessee Association of Optometric Physicians (TAOP) Young Optometrist of the Year in 1984, Optometrist of the Year in 1986, and Optometrist of the Decade in 2014.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Foster demonstrated a strong commitment to community leadership in Newport. Active in various organizations, he served on the Courtesy/Consultative Staff of Tennova Newport Medical Center until his passing from COVID-19 in August 2020.

Dr. Foster exemplified the ethos of service encouraged by the Southern College of Optometry and now joins fellow outstanding alumni in the TICUA Hall of Fame.

Born in Rose Hill, Virginia, Autry O.V. "Pete" DeBusk received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Lincoln Memorial University in 1965 and began a career in pharmaceutical sales, developing his first company—Pete DeBusk and Associates—in 1970. Never forgetting where he came from, he continues to look back and ask how to make life better in Appalachia and beyond.

In 1973, DeBusk patented his first orthopedic product, a boot to protect plaster casts, founding STAT Medical. As founder and chairman of DeRoyal Industries, Inc., now a global medical product leader, he expanded from one room in Fountain City to 21 facilities in six countries with 2,000+ employees. He also focused much of his time on his alma mater, Lincoln Memorial University (LMU), becoming board chairman in 2000. DeBusk envisioned an Ivy League model for LMU, with a third undergraduates and two-thirds in graduate or professional programs.

Under his leadership, LMU founded the LMU-DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007, gaining full accreditation before its inaugural class graduated in May 2011. DeBusk guided LMU's expansion, adding LMU Duncan School of Law, LMU School of Medical Sciences, LMU College of Veterinary Medicine, and terminal degrees, including Doctor of Education, Doctor of Nursing Practice, and Doctor of Business Administration. LMU continues DeBusk's vision with the LMU College of Dental Medicine and LMU School of Engineering, which opened in 2022.

DeBusk has received numerous awards and honors, including KnoxBiz's Health Care Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award, East Tennessean of the Year, Healthy Tennessee Eagle Award, Great Smoky Mountain Philanthropist of the Year, and Knoxville Chamber's Leadership Award. DeBusk has also received two honorary doctorate degrees from LMU, another honorary doctorate from the International Hall of Fame, and has now been inducted into the TICUA Hall of Fame!

TICUA COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES HAVE LOWER TUITION AND FEES!

Sources: TICUA Tuition and Fees Survey, College Board Trends in College Pricing 2023

In the 2023-2024 academic year, tuition and fees at TICUA four-year member colleges and universities averaged 30% less than the private institution national average ($29,112 compared to $41,540.

From its inception, Johnson University has educated students for Christian ministry in local congregations. L.D. Campbell embodies the best qualities of effective church leadership: a gifted communicator, deeply compassionate pastor, and skilled leader and administrator. As an alumnus, he has inspired and mentored many students in ministry. As a board member, he has continued to cultivate and steward the core values of Johnson University.

Campbell, a Hampton, Tennessee native, graduated from Johnson Bible College in 1965, serving as junior and senior class president. He led First Church of Christ in Burlington, Kentucky, for over 38 years, overseeing remarkable growth in attendance, facilities, and outreach. As Pastor Emeritus, he remains a revered figure.

Campbell received an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Johnson Bible College in 2011, and he actively contributed to the university's board of trustees for nearly four decades, including several years as chairman. He also served as a trustee for the Mountain Mission School in Grundy, Virginia. He's taught at Cincinnati Christian University and Haus Edelweiss in Vienna, Austria, and was a visiting scholar/preacher for the 1996 annual lectures on preaching at Johnson University. In 2003, Campbell and his wife Joyce received the Distinguished Alumni Award, and in 2010, he was named a visiting Eubanks Fellow. Now, he joins other outstanding alumni from our 34 Tennessee colleges and universities in the TICUA Hall of Fame!

Bethel University is Essential to Huntingdon Special School District

“Quality teachers are a necessity for preparing our students to improve local communities. Bethel University is essential for us because of its efforts to produce future educators who are grounded in effective pedagogy and are capable of fostering relationships with their students that inspire them to promote positive change in society. We value our relationship with Bethel University as they are instrumental in strengthening the teacher pipeline.”

- Dr. Jonathan Kee, Director of Schools, Huntingdon Special School District

Melvoid Benson grew up when domesticity, motherhood, and homemaking were regarded as the only proper and fulfilling roles for a woman. Despite many challenges, including pushback from those who said women were not suited for or capable of earning a college degree, Benson earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lane College in 1951.

From there, Benson moved to North Kingstown, Rhode Island, in 1964, where she taught school for the Town of North Kingstown for over thirty years before retiring.

She then went on to serve seven terms in the Rhode Island State Legislature and was the first African-American woman elected to the Rhode Island General Assembly, where she served as a state representative from 1990 until 2004.

Two days after Melvoid Benson's passing on June 11, 2016, President Barack Obama signed legislation sponsored by Congressman James R. Langevin (D-RI) and U.S. Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) designating the United States Postal Service facility located at 7715 Post Road in North Kingstown, Rhode Island, as the Melvoid J. Benson Post Office Building.

“This dedication is symbolic of Mel’s lasting influence on the town where she taught and served with distinction,” Sen. Whitehouse said. “I’m proud that the Melvoid J. Benson Post Office will stand as a reminder to the next generation of North Kingstown residents of Mel’s trailblazing spirit and her commitment to education and social justice.”

TICUA Colleges & Universities Award The Most Degrees In The State

Source: TICUA

TICUA colleges and universities award 32% of the degrees in the state but receive only 27% of state student aid.

Known as the “Jewel in King University’s crown,” Jewel Bell served with the university for seven straight decades before retiring at the age of 93—but she will forever be considered part of the president’s team.

Bell came to King in 1952, and what was initially expected to be a two-week housekeeper job in the women’s residence hall became a permanent position after former President R.T.L. Liston asked her to stay. While her office shifted locations in the following decades, her role as the “Voice of King” has never changed.

During the civil rights era, Bell’s son became the first African-American student to attend King. Following suit, Bell took classes as her work and personal duties allowed. She also served on the Bristol City PTA council and was the first African-American PTA council president.

Bell has been—and continues to be—recognized through the establishment of the Jewel H. Bell scholarship at King, as the recipient of the university’s first Lifetime Service Award and the school’s first honorary alumna, with a street that bears her name on the Bristol campus, Board of Trustees emerita status, a Doctor of Humane Letters, and now, as 2023 Hall of Fame Inductee!