COOKEVILLE –Two new graduate-level academic programs were approved by the Tennessee Tech Board of Trustees today, along with the appointment of an interim vice president for research and economic development, among other matters.
New Programs
The two new programs, a master’s in engineering management, and a doctorate in counseling and supervision, are both designed for adult learners to meet state and national workforce needs.
The master of science in engineering management is a fully online, interdisciplinary program offered collaboratively by the College of Engineering and the College of Business. The degree is designed to provide early career engineering and related professionals with leadership and management knowledge and technical skills. The focus of the program is on the management of technology-oriented projects, people and organizations, combining applied business knowledge with best practices in engineering. Pending final approval by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, the program is slated to start Fall 2019.
The Ph.D. in counseling and supervision will provide advanced education opportunities for counselor and future counselor educators in an accredited, regionally accessible program in order to expand and enhance the mental health services offered in the Upper Cumberland area and throughout Tennessee. The program will provide currently licensed or licensure-eligible mental health professionals and school guidance counselors with instruction in advanced therapeutic techniques. Pending final approval by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, the program is slated to start Fall 2020.
President’s Compensation
The board approved a 2 percent increase to President Phil Oldham’s salary, along with a $60,000 one-time bonus in recognition of his successful efforts in obtaining additional recurring funds through the state’s legislative process.
New interim vice president for research and economic development
Harvill Eaton was approved as the interim vice president for research and economic development, effective Oct. 1. Eaton earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering science from Tennessee Tech, and holds a Ph.D. in materials science from Vanderbilt University. He has an extensive background in higher education, most recently as president of Cumberland University. He served as the vice chancellor for research at Louisiana State University, and during his time as LSU’s vice chancellor, externally funded research projects grew by $25 million.
The vacancy is due to the retirement of the current vice president, effective Sept. 30.
In other matters brought before the board:
The board heard from Tech’s Industrial Assessment Center, which was recently honored with the 2018 Center of Excellence award by the U.S. Department of Energy.
The board approved various board and university policies, including policies on access to public records and student immunizations.
University Advancement and Enrollment Management provided updates on fundraising and enrollment numbers, along with future plans.
The board heard a report from a university ad hoc committee that is developing a five-year strategic financial plan for the university.
The board approved sending two small building projects to the State Building Commission: a 2,600 square foot vehicular engineering shop building, and a 1,200 square foot agricultural engineering technology shop. Both buildings will be funded entirely by Tennessee Tech.
Materials from today’s meeting and the webcast of the full board meeting are available at the board’s website, www.tntech.edu/board.
The board’s next meeting is Dec. 6, 2018.
