Civil and Environmental Engineering Chairperson David Huddleston and History Chairperson Jeff Roberts are representing TTU in the first Regents Academic Leadership Institute, a year-long program sponsored by the Tennessee Board of Regents.

David Huddleston

The purpose of the institute is to enhance the leadership skills of department chairpersons, addressing key higher education issues common to colleges and universities in order to improve efficiency and support throughout the TBR system.

“I think this program will be a good opportunity for participants to both grow as individuals and receive positive professional development,” says Huddleston.

Roberts agrees, saying, “I’ve been very impressed with this program so far. My own experiences have all been very positive.”

Jeff Roberts

Participants meet quarterly to address subjects of importance and use case studies and simulations to assist with analyzing issues faced by administrators in Tennessee higher education. They also select a mentor from their home institution with whom they work to address issues of individual importance to the campus.

Presidents of each TBR institution nominate potential institute participants, and each class has a minimum of one representative from each of the 13 community colleges and two from each of the six universities in the TBR system.

Paula Myrick Short, the TBR’s vice chancellor for Academic Affairs, initiated the program, and it is directed by Treva Berryman, the TBR’s associate vice chancellor for Academic Affairs.