NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The 2026 Tennessee legislative session officially got underway on Jan. 13, with higher education leaders signaling a strong focus on workforce development, student access, and student success across the state. The Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) says it is eager to collaborate with state lawmakers as priorities take shape for the year ahead.
TBR oversees Tennessee’s 13 community colleges and 23 Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology (TCATs), serving as the state’s largest public higher education system. Officials say recent, generational investments by Gov. Bill Lee and the General Assembly have significantly expanded access to career-focused education and industry-recognized credentials.
“These investments are helping Tennesseans gain the skills employers are actively seeking,” TBR leaders noted, adding that capital improvements at community colleges remain a top priority to ensure campuses can continue meeting workforce demands statewide.
Emphasis on High-Demand Industries - As lawmakers debate policy and funding during the session, TBR is highlighting several high-growth industry sectors, including nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, aviation, and the ceramic tile industry. The goal is to align academic programs more closely with workforce needs, expand enrollment in high-demand fields, and open new pathways to employment for students.
One major area of focus is nuclear energy workforce development. Chancellor Flora W. Tydings and Nuclear Workforce Lead Strategist Teresa Duncan recently discussed these efforts during NewsChannel 5’s “State of the Workforce” series, alongside Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development representatives.
Tennessee’s community colleges and TCATs are actively recruiting students for nuclear-related careers, offering training in fields such as welding, electrical engineering, chemistry, mechatronics, truck driving, and electrical maintenance. Programs range from short-term credentials lasting as little as six weeks to associate degrees completed within two years.
Several institutions have developed specialized nuclear programs in collaboration with industry partners, including nuclear power engineering, nuclear technology, and chemical radiation technology. TCATs also support the nuclear sector by preparing students for supporting roles in construction, machining, HVAC, plumbing, and logistics.
Record Growth at Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology - Beyond nuclear energy, TCATs are reporting historic growth. During Academic Year 2024–25, TCATs conferred a record 8,309 diplomas and certificates, surpassing a previous high set nearly 15 years ago. Enrollment reached 51,230 students, a 14 percent increase over the prior year and a dramatic rise from just over 29,000 students five years earlier.
Enrollment growth has continued into the current academic year, with fall registrations up 13 percent compared to Fall 2024. Officials say much of the increase is driven by a surge in high school students participating in dual-enrollment programs, which are up 20 percent year over year.
When combined with community college enrollment, the TBR system served approximately 153,000 individual students during Academic Year 2024–25. TBR Executive Vice Chancellor for Policy and Strategy Dr. Russ Deaton said the numbers reflect success in the system’s open-access mission and its role in workforce and community development.
Board Actions and New Academic Programs - During its most recent quarterly meeting, the Board of Regents approved search criteria for the next presidents of Cleveland State Community College and TCAT Oneida/Huntsville, following recent leadership transitions at both institutions.
The board also approved a new Associate of Applied Science degree in Artificial Intelligence Technology at Southwest Tennessee Community College — the first program of its kind in the state. The degree is designed to address growing demand for AI-skilled workers across healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, cybersecurity, and business sectors, with the program expected to launch in Fall 2026.
Additional actions included revised institutional budgets reflecting updated enrollment and tuition projections, recognition of former Regent Shane Hooper, faculty emeriti designations, and reports on fundraising, strategic planning metrics, and statewide initiatives to simplify college admissions.
As the legislative session continues, TBR officials say they remain focused on strengthening pathways from education to employment, supporting economic growth, and expanding opportunity for students across Tennessee.
