The State of Higher Education in Tennessee

Talking with Steven Gentile, Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), offered me a much clearer perspective on the complex yet essential role that higher education plays across Tennessee. Steven’s insights into THEC’s role, their focus on workforce alignment, and the challenges they face in supporting students and institutions gave me a deeper understanding of the true scope of his work—and why it matters. Here are a few of my key takeaways from our conversation.

Understanding THEC’s Role in Shaping Tennessee's Educational Landscape

One of the first things Steven did was break down the mission of THEC. He explained that THEC is much more than a coordinating body for higher education. Beyond approving academic programs and managing state-funded financial aid, THEC has a significant responsibility in making sure that Tennessee’s educational institutions meet real-world workforce demands. This involves everything from aligning degree programs with high-demand careers to working with public, nonprofit, and proprietary institutions to ensure that the programs they offer actually provide value to students.

Steven’s focus on “valued credentials” was especially interesting to me. Rather than promoting education for education’s sake, THEC’s role is about guiding students into programs that provide skills that are marketable and practical in today’s economy. It’s a way of supporting both Tennessee’s workforce and students’ career success.

Financial Aid and Access: Making Higher Education Affordable

Tennessee’s leadership in making college affordable is something I’ve heard about before, but Steven added depth to my understanding. Tennessee Promise, which offers tuition-free community college, was the first program of its kind in the U.S. This initiative, along with Tennessee Reconnect, allows both recent high school graduates and adults to access tuition-free postsecondary education. According to Steven, these programs have significantly increased college enrollment and decreased student debt.

The unique part of these initiatives is that they’re funded through lottery dollars, which has allowed the state to create an endowment for long-term sustainability. These efforts have helped Tennessee build a reputation for access and affordability in higher education, particularly for non-traditional students who might have struggled to attend college otherwise.

The Challenge of On-Time Completion

One of the surprising things Steven shared was the struggle for students to graduate on time. While many states track graduation rates over six years, he believes we should shift focus to the four-year mark for students who start full-time. Currently, fewer than half of Tennessee’s students graduate within four years—a number that has been slowly increasing, but still needs attention.

Steven was passionate about addressing this issue and wants to help institutions identify what’s holding students back. Whether it’s financial limitations, the need for flexible class schedules, or challenges with credit transfers, he emphasized that THEC is committed to finding solutions that help students finish on time. I could see how improving on-time graduation rates could directly reduce the cost burden for students and their families, while also helping students enter the workforce sooner.

Expanding Pathways Beyond the Traditional Four-Year Degree

Steven and I discussed a trend we’re both seeing more of: the cultural shift toward recognizing that a four-year college experience isn’t the right path for everyone. With Tennessee’s strong network of technical and community colleges, students can pursue certificates and associate degrees in high-demand fields like plumbing, welding, and healthcare. These career-focused programs open doors to well-paying jobs and help fill critical workforce gaps. I could tell that Steven is a big advocate for programs like these, which offer practical skills and solid career opportunities without requiring a traditional four-year degree.

One thing that stood out was the supply-demand report that THEC and other state agencies produce each year, which identifies areas where Tennessee has significant workforce needs. This report helps educational institutions tailor their offerings to match what’s in demand, making sure graduates have the skills employers are looking for. To me, it highlighted THEC’s role in making higher education responsive to real-world needs.

Changing Perceptions of Higher Education

One of the broader challenges Steven talked about was the public perception of higher education. He acknowledged that many people are questioning whether college is “worth it,” especially given rising tuition and the prevalence of student debt. Steven emphasized that while the financial return on investment is important, so is the broader role that education plays in shaping civic-minded, critical thinkers.

He referenced UT Knoxville’s Baker Center and the work they’re doing to foster meaningful dialogue on challenging topics. Programs like this remind us that higher education isn’t just about job training; it’s also about building communities and fostering discussion around complex social issues. This dual focus on practical and civic value seems like an area where THEC can make a lasting impact.

Supporting Students Early: The Power of Dual Enrollment

Another standout from our conversation was Tennessee’s dual enrollment initiative, which allows high school students to earn college credits. This program has expanded to allow students as young as ninth grade to start earning vocational or academic credits, creating a clear and affordable path from high school to a degree or technical certificate. It’s an approach that could benefit so many families, especially those who may not have considered alternative pathways like vocational training or technical college.

As someone who frequently hears from parents looking for ways to support their children’s ambitions—whether in traditional academics or technical fields—I could see how dual enrollment has the potential to transform career pathways in Tennessee. It’s one more way THEC is working to make education flexible and accessible for all.

Streamlining and Strengthening Program Approval

Steven also talked about THEC’s role in approving new academic programs—a process that ensures new degrees and certificates align with workforce needs and avoid unnecessary duplication. This level of oversight is crucial, but Steven admits that it can lead to red tape. In response, THEC is actively working to make this process faster and more efficient, reducing the time required to approve a new program from over a year to as little as six months. For fields like AI and technology, where industry needs can change rapidly, this streamlined process could be essential to keeping Tennessee competitive.

Similarly, he shared the work THEC is doing to eliminate obstacles in the Tennessee Transfer Pathways program, which allows students to transfer credits from community colleges to four-year universities. By removing unnecessary requirements and “asterisks” in the transfer process, THEC is helping students avoid extra costs and delays.

Final Takeaways

Overall, my conversation with Steven Gentile gave me a much richer understanding of Tennessee’s approach to higher education. What struck me most was his dedication to creating practical pathways for every type of student, whether that means a four-year degree, an associate degree, or a vocational certificate. It’s clear that THEC is working hard to make education not only accessible but also meaningful for students from every background.

Steven’s focus on the public’s perception of higher education, his commitment to on-time graduation, and his drive to align educational programs with workforce needs all demonstrate the kind of forward-thinking leadership that can reshape the future of Tennessee’s higher education landscape.