Our Commission had a busy week! On Wednesday, Commissioners participated in a work session facilitated by NCHEMS, followed by an exciting tour of Tennessee State University’s campus with President Dwayne Tucker. We wrapped up Thursday with a productive and successful Commission meeting — continuing our work to strengthen higher education for all Tennesseans. #HigherEducation #Tennessee #THEC #StudentSuccess
Tennessee Higher Education Commission/Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC)
Higher Education
Nashville, Tennessee 1,841 followers
Relentlessly focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans with a postsecondary credential.
About us
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission was created in 1967 by the Tennessee General Assembly to achieve coordination and foster unity with regard to higher education in the state. The Commission coordinates and provides guidance to the institutions governed by the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees, the six locally-governed state universities, and the community colleges, and colleges of applied technology governed by the Tennessee Board of Regents. There are currently nine public universities, two special purpose institutes, 13 community colleges, and 27 colleges of applied technology in Tennessee that serve approximately 250,000 students. The Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (TSAC) was created by the Tennessee General Assembly in 1974 as a non-profit corporation with the merging of the Tennessee Educational Loan Corporation and the Tennessee Tuition Grant Program. TSAC administers over 20 different state student financial aid programs, including the HOPE scholarship, Tennessee Promise, Tennessee Reconnect, Tennessee Student Assistance Award, and the Dual Enrollment grant. TSAC's main goal is to increase awareness and participation in the financial aid programs, the agency conducts financial aid outreach and training to students and staff at every high school and postsecondary institution in the state. Staff also consult with postsecondary financial aid offices to improve program effectiveness, compliance, and efficiency.
- Website
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https://www.tn.gov/thec
External link for Tennessee Higher Education Commission/Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC)
- Industry
- Higher Education
- Company size
- 51-200 employees
- Headquarters
- Nashville, Tennessee
- Type
- Government Agency
- Founded
- 1967
Locations
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Primary
Get directions
312 Rosa L Parks Blvd
9th Floor
Nashville, Tennessee 37243, US
Employees at Tennessee Higher Education Commission/Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC)
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Julie Roberts
Chief Academic Officer at Tennessee Higher Education Commission
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Brian Douglas
Associate Director Student Information System at Tennessee Higher Education Commission
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Duane Gregg
Project Director at the TN Higher Education Commission Doctor of Education - The University of Memphis
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Louis Hanemann
TN Higher Education Commission
Updates
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TN Direct Admissions is piloting a new way for Tennessee’s Class of 2026 to get into college! Faster acceptance. Fewer barriers. #TNDirectAdmissions takes the stress out of going to college. Thanks Higher Ed Dive for highlighting this exciting step forward for Tennessee students and their path to college. https://lnkd.in/gykMAF3c
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Join us for the THEC Summer Commission Meeting tomorrow! We'll be discussing key initiatives and updates that impact students, institutions, and the future of higher education in Tennessee. 📅 Date: Thursday, August 7 🕘 Time: 9:00 AM CT 📍 Stream Here: https://lnkd.in/gKDAYADy #HigherEd #Tennessee #EducationPolicy #THEC #CollegeAccess #StudentSuccess #CommissionMeeting
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TN Direct Admissions offers TN’s Class of 2026 automatic acceptance to participating colleges—no long applications or fees, plus early access to financial aid info for select students. Hear from THEC’s Dr. Steven Gentile on WKRN News 2: https://lnkd.in/e7Ud-ZzP
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🎓 The TN Promise application is now OPEN for the Class of 2026! 🎓 TN Promise has helped over 250,000 Tennessee students attend college tuition-free since its launch. This nationally recognized program is a key part of our state’s commitment to expanding access to higher education. The Class of 2026 can now apply for tuition-free college through the TN Promise program—whether pursuing an associate degree or technical training, high school seniors can take the next step in their education journey. 🗓 Apply by November 3, 2025 💻 Apply Now at CollegeforTN.org/tnpromise “TN Promise is a game-changer—it removes the financial barrier to higher education and opens doors for every student in Tennessee,” said Dr. Steven Gentile, THEC Executive Director. See more in our full release: https://lnkd.in/g2bXdtje Let’s make higher education accessible for all. Help spread the word! #TNPROMISE #CollegeForTN #HigherEd #TennesseeEducation #TuitionFreeCollege #ClassOf2026
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Tennessee is now among the first states with automatic college admissions—and the first to link it with state-supported & merit-based financial aid. Through #TNDirectAdmissions, 41K students will get acceptance letters this fall—no forms, no fees, just a clear path to college. Thanks Forbes! https://lnkd.in/e3JQ-MRY
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A special thank you to Tennessee State University for hosting the #TNDirectAdmissions launch event and being part of this game-changing initiative! Your partnership is helping open more doors to college for Tennessee students.
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📢 It’s official: College admissions just got easier in Tennessee! Through TN Direct Admissions, eligible high school seniors will receive automatic offers from participating public & private colleges and TCATs—no application, no fees, no guesswork. Helping more Tennessee students take the next step after high school. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/esPbDDA2 #TNDirectAdmit
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Happening soon! Tune in at 11AM CT for the live launch of #TNDirectAdmissions. Discover how Tennessee is making it easier for students to take the next step after high school. Don’t miss it! 🎦 https://lnkd.in/ew5CX5BR
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🎉 Big congratulations to our very own Amanda Klafehn for receiving the David L. Wright Memorial Award from the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association (SHEEO)! Amanda’s leadership and dedication to student success have made a lasting impact in Tennessee and beyond. We’re proud to see her work recognized on a national stage. 👏 Read more in our latest release: https://lnkd.in/gsBpfD9F
🎉 RELEASE: SHEEO Announces 2025 Excellence Awards Recipients: https://bit.ly/4lTXA3h • The Exceptional Leader Award recipient is Dr. James Purcell, Executive Director of the Alabama Commission on Higher Education. • The Exceptional Agency Award goes to the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education. • The David L. Wright Memorial Award recipient is Amanda Klafehn, Chief Strategy Officer at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission/Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation (THEC/TSAC). Congratulations to our award winners! SHEEO also recognized outgoing Executive Committee Board Chair Clayton Christian, Commissioner of Higher Education, the Montana University System. Thank you for your service, Clayton Christian.
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