Private
Colleges
Serving
Tennessee
C A S E S T A T E M E N T
2021
OPENING LETTER
2021 CASE STATEMENT
01 02 04 08 14 18 22 24 26 TICUA AT A GLANCE ACCESS SUCCESS COLLABORATION IMPACT HALL OF FAME OUR CAMPUSES VITAL STATS1
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!
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.
MEMBER INSTITUTIONS
AT A
GLANCE
SERVING TENNESSEE In 2020, TICUA Member Institutions enrolled 27% of the students in Tennessee and awarded 32% of all higher education degrees in the state.35
LOCATIONS80+
EMPLOYEES20,982
STUDENTS80,334
TICUAPublic Locally Governed Institutions University of Tennessee Community Colleges
19%
19%
30%
32%
DEGREES AWARDED BY SECTOR
2019- 2020
27%
of students
32%
of higher ed degreesNOTE: All data presented in the 2021 Case Statement come from
TICUA’s Fall 2020 Characteristics: The Fact Book of Tennessee’s Independent Colleges and Universities which can
3
OUR
STUDENTS
ARE
DIVERSE
GEOGRAPHICALLYFrom 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
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
A
C
C
ES
ACCESS
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,WHILE INSTITUTIONAL AID CONTINUES TO INCREASE.
TICUA institutions provide the largest portion of student aid.
TO A COLLEGE DEGREE
AND WELL-PAYING JOB
Federal Government Aid State Government Aid TICUA Institutional Aid
10%
11%
7
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
42.5%
of First-time Freshmen RECEIVESOME FORM OF FINANCIAL AID.
93%
In 2020-2021, tuition and fees at TICUA four-year member colleges and universities averaged 26% less than the national average.
GRADUATING DEBT FREE
$37,650
National Average Tuition & Fees
$26,358
Average TICUA Institution Tuition & Fees
12,719
students attending TICUA institutions received a Tennessee Education Lottery scholarship award.7,140
students attending TICUA member campuses received the Tennessee Student Assistance Award. The per-student average yearly award amount was$3,879
.of TICUA undergraduate students GRADUATED
WITH NO DEBT in the 2018-2019 school year.
29% of all undergraduate students (16,463) and
35%
of Tennessee undergraduate students attending TICUA member (10,308) campuses received Federal Pell Grants.IN FALL 2020,
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
S
U
C
CE
S
S
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.
JERRICA COVINGTON Lincoln Memorial University Class of 2021
Sports Management
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
SUCCEED
TICUA GRADUATES
ON TIME
BY GRADUATING
MORE TICUA STUDENTS GRADUATE
ON TIME VS. STATE INSTITUTIONS
GRADUATE WITHIN 4 YEARS
State Institutions TICUA Institutions
53%
52%
32%
GRADUATE WITHIN 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
1 1
ON TIME WITH
HIGH-DEMAND DEGREES WITH CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS TO SOLVE TODAY’S COMPLEX PROBLEMS
TICUA INSTITUTIONS HAVE AWARDED
NEARLY 200,000 DEGREES
IN THE LAST DECADE
TICUA institutions have seen a 26% increase
in degrees awarded in the last decade.
17,127
2010-2011 2019-202020,408
HIGH-DEMAND DEGREES AWARDED BY TICUA INSTITUTIONS
(2015-2020) STEM Education
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Fields of Study Health Professions and Related Programs
13,004 13,216 19,559 22,317
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
»
SOCIAL DISTANCING
»
MESSAGING TO ENCOURAGE STUDENTS
TO BEHAVE RESPONSIBLY
»
EXPANDED MENTAL HEALTH
RESOURCES
»
VIRTUAL CLASSES AND EVENTS
»
ADJUSTED SCHOOL CALENDARS
THESE MEASURES
RESULTED IN LOW
POSITIVITY RATES
ACROSS OUR
CAMPUSES, HELPING
TO KEEP STUDENTS,
FACULTY, AND
STAFF SAFE.
1 3
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 1 3
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
C
O
L
L
A
B
O
R
A
T
IO
N
COLLABORATION
TICUA Member Institutions are a valuable partner to the state of Tennessee.
Independent colleges and universities save taxpayers millions of dollars each year.
I N S T A T E A P P R O P R I A T I O N S E A C H Y E A R B Y A S S I S T I N G S T U D E N T S T O E N R O L L I N T I C U A M E M B E R C A M P U S E S .
$594 MILLION
T E N N E S S E E T A X P A Y E R S S A V E N O D I R E C T S T A T E A P P R O P R I A T I O N SThe state invests less than 5 cents on the dollar
to assist Tennessee students to be educated on a TICUA member campus, yet the independent colleges award more degrees than any other
1 7 N O D I R E C T S T A T E
A P P R O P R I A T I O N S
HELPING MORE STUDENTS COMPLETE THEIR DEGREE
1,000
students transfer to TICUA member institutions from Tennessee communitycolleges each year.
34%
of TICUA undergraduate degrees were awarded to transfer
students in 2019-2020.
*excludes Vanderbilt University
»
20 TICUA institutions participate in the TN Transfer Pathways program, which enables a student to transfer to a 4-year institution without loss of credit or time.»
7 institutions have developed reverse articulation agreements that allow students to complete worktoward an Associate’s degree from a community college while enrolled at a four-year campus.
»
Through partnerships with more 100 high schools across the state, 2,500 students are enrolled in Dual Enrollment courses at TICUA institutions, earning both high school and college credit.TICUA Member Institutions are the leading contributors to the state of Tennessee’s Drive to 55 goal to equip 55% of Tennesseans with a postsecondary degree or certificate by 2025.
32%
OF DEGREES AWARDED IN STATE
27%
OF STUDENT ENROLLMENT IN STATE
TICUA colleges and universities enroll 27% of the total state student enrollment but award 32% of the bachelor degrees in the state.
IMPACT
IN THE STATE OF TENNESSEE
MTSA has been our primary source of recruitment for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists for many years. It is always a pleasure to partner with them and their vision to improve access to high quality advanced practice nurses both in Tennessee and beyond.
DR. BRENT DUNWORTH Department of Anesthesiology Vanderbilt University Medical Center
IM
PA
C
IMPACT
ON OUR STATE’S ECONOMY IN SUPPLYING
A HIGHLY-QUALIFIED WORKFORCE.
TICUA MEMBER INSTITUTIONS
HAVE A DIRECT
OF TICUA STUDENTS ARE
FROM OUT-OF-STATE
49%
»
Many private colleges and universities are the
LARGEST EMPLOYERS
in their
counties and are tied directly to the financial health of their local communities
»
TICUA member institutions together
EMPLOY 20,982 TENNESSEANS
-
forming one of the state’s top-20 largest employers
»
By attracting students from all over
the United States and from around
the world, TICUA member campuses
make Tennessee an
IMPORTER OF
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL
»
Students come here to study and stay to
LIVE, WORK, AND RAISE A FAMILY
IN TENNESSEE
2 1
“Lee University is not only a well-respected, highly accredited institution of higher education in our community, it is an economic driver for our city, county and region. Each year, Lee University
graduates hundreds of degreed professionals, many of whom are
recruited locally to well-paying jobs, who become homeowners and taxpayers and establish themselves as full-time residents of Cleveland,
Tennessee. We are grateful for the tremendous help that Lee University
has on workforce development and its economic impact here in our
community.”
MAYOR KEVIN BROOKS
City of Cleveland, Tennessee Lee University Alumnus
TICUA member institutions produce a highly qualified
workforce that recruits businesses and creates life-long
residents of the region.
The eyes of the world were on Belmont University as they
successfully hosted the final 2020 Presidential Debate in the middle of a pandemic. Belmont was chosen out of six finalists, including the University of Michigan and the University of Notre Dame. The event marks a major milestone for the university.
“It’s good for us. It’s good for Nashville. We want to be
a place where the absolute wonder of the American Democratic process is on display to the whole world”.
DR. BOB FISHER
President, Belmont University
Tennessee’s Independent Colleges and Universities have been home to some of our state’s most distinguished and impressive residents— from Nobel laureates and Pulitzer Prize winners to faith leaders, entrepreneurs, and government leaders.
In 2020, TICUA created the Hall of Fame to honor the distinguished alumni of its 35 member institutions while highlighting their contributions to our state, nation, and world.
2 3
CLASS OF 2020
Congressman John Lewis
American Baptist College
Rebekah Lemley
Aquinas College
Anita Vaughn
Baptist Health Sciences University
R. Milton Johnson
Belmont University
Altha Stewart
Christian Brothers University
Cordell Hull
Cumberland University
David Levering Lewis
Fisk University
John & Rosemary Brown
Freed-Hardeman University Fred Craddock Johnson University Katherine Paterson King University Thornton Meacham Lane College
I was beaten, left bloody and unconscious. But I never became
bitter or hostile, never gave up. I believe that somehow and some way,
if it becomes necessary to use our bodies to help redeem the soul of a nation, then we must do it. Create a society at peace with itself, and lay down the burden of hate and division.
CONGRESSMAN JOHN LEWIS
1940-2020 Paul Conn Lee University James Bishop LeMoyne-Owen College Clayton Hess
Lincoln Memorial University
Michael Adams
Lipscomb University
William Henderson Franklin
Maryville College
John M. Edwards III & Stace D. Dollar
Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia
Del Harris
Milligan University
Jon Meacham
Sewanee: The University of the South
Senator John Boozman
Southern College of Optometry
Scott Niswonger Tusculum University Bob Agee Union University Carlisle Hanna Welch College The inaugural class of the TICUA Hall of
Fame features a diverse and incredibly impressive group of citizens that our institutions have helped prepare. While this is the first class, it will not be our last, as we plan to add TICUA alumni each year moving forward.
2 4 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 21 1 2 3 4 6 8 9 10 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 34 35 31 32 22 20 19 17 16 15 14 13 11 12 18 5 21 7
TICUA
CAMPUSES
2 5 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 21 1 2 3 4 6 8 9 10 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 33 34 35 31 32 22 20 19 17 16 15 14 13 11 12 18 5 21 7 19
1 6,300
ENROLLMENT BY COUNTY
VITAL
STATS
19 13 1 14 7 28 31 4 22 15 10 30 35 8 26 3 32American Baptist College Aquinas College
Baptist Health Sciences University Belmont University
Bethel University Bryan College
Carson-Newman University Christian Brothers University Cumberland University Fisk University Freed-Hardeman University Johnson University King University Lane College Lee University LeMoyne-Owen College Lincoln Memorial University
1924 1961 1912; 1994 1890 1842 1930 1851 1871 1842 1866 1869 1893 1867 1882 1918 1862 1897 58 48 890 8,204 3,966 1,459 2,911 1,922 2,704 911 2,194 1,079 1,746 1,095 654 5,203 4,883 17 13 222 2,211 832 323 763 419 568 83 424 277 776 150 1,025 117 1,485 YEAR FOUNDED ENROLLMENT # OF DEGREES AWARDED
2 7 23 29 18 12 34 2 24 25 6 27 17 33 9 20 11 5 21
Martin Methodist College Maryville College
Meharry Medical College
Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia Milligan University
Rhodes College
Sewanee: The University of the South Southern Adventist University
Southern College of Optometry Tennessee Wesleyan University Trevecca Nazarene University Tusculum University
Union University Vanderbilt University Welch College
William R. Moore College of Technology Williamson College 1870 1819 1876 1950 1866 1848 1857 1892 1932 1857 1901 1794 1823 1873 1942 1909 1998 812 1,072 944 233 1,347 1,856 1,810 2,730 539 1,168 3,968 1,664 3,057 13,537 363 351 72 151 214 261 69 346 414 471 528 124 297 1,094 470 986 3,736 47 22 13 YEAR FOUNDED ENROLLMENT # OF DEGREES AWARDED
This report and other resources
are available online at
TICUA.ORG.
2021
Founded in 1956, the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association
engages Tennessee’s private higher
education institutions to work collaboratively in areas of public policy, cost containment, and professional development to better serve the state and its citizens. We advocate for educational opportunity and freedom of choice in higher education at the state and federal levels, to ensure students are able to attend the college or university that best fits their academic, financial, and career needs.