Tennessee Tech board approves new architecture degree program
The Board of Trustees at Tennessee Tech University unanimously approved a proposal for a new Bachelor of Architecture degree program during its quarterly meeting on June 25.
The 154-credit-hour program will include instruction in architectural design, history and theory, building structures and environmental systems, project and site planning, and professional responsibilities and standards, among other competencies.
The proposal is backed by job outlook studies projecting an 18% increase in demand for architects across Tennessee from 2020 to 2030, driven in part by the state's continued population growth.
"An academic program at Tennessee Tech University in architecture would support the increasing demand for architects, architectural managers and related architecture employees," the university's written proposal states. "According to the THEC [Tennessee Higher Education Commission] Supply and Demand Report, architectural and engineering managers are in high demand in the Northern Middle, Upper Cumberland and East regions of Tennessee."
The proposed degree program is also supported by letters from community partners, including Habitat for Humanity of the Upper Cumberland, Upland Design Group and local architectural firm AEI.
University leaders hope to launch the program in fall 2027, pending final approval by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.
In other board news:
Appointment of new Chief Safety Officer: Trustees approved the creation of a new Campus Safety Unit, which will encompass the University Police Department, Environmental Health & Safety Office and Emergency Management. The unit will be led by newly appointed Chief Safety Officer Bob Crabtree, a 30-year law enforcement veteran who most recently served as chief deputy with the Putnam County Sheriff's Department and previously served as a task force officer with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Crabtree's appointment becomes effective July 17.
Enrollment update: Vice President for Enrollment and Communication Karen Lykins briefed trustees on the university’s fall 2026 enrollment efforts, reporting that the university’s current enrollment headcount progression is trending ahead of this time last year. Lykins also noted that the university set a new record in degrees awarded for the 2025-2026 academic year. Tech conferred degrees to 2,644 students across summer, fall and spring semesters – an increase of more than 10% over the previous year.
Athletics update: Director of Athletics Casey Fox briefed trustees on recent successes within Tennessee Tech's NCAA Division I athletics program, including its $2.59 million athletics fundraising haul during the 2025-2026 academic year – more than double the previous year’s total. Fox noted that Tech student-athletes earned a composite GPA of 3.47 during the spring 2026 semester and continue to graduate at rates exceeding the overall university average. He also highlighted the university's upcoming July 1 transition to the Southern Conference, concluding a 75-year membership in the Ohio Valley Conference.
Provost's report: Interim Provost John Liu delivered a report to the board's Academic and Student Affairs Committee highlighting the university's recent reaffirmation of accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). Tech earned the distinction of its second consecutive reaccreditation with full compliance and zero recommendations. Liu also highlighted the growing scholarly output of Tech faculty, students, and staff, noting more than a 600% increase in productions, a 300% increase in exhibits, and a 225% increase in published books from 2024 to 2025.
Tuition and fee adjustment: Trustees approved a modest 4.3% tuition increase for the 2026-27 academic year, consistent with increases adopted by several peer institutions across the state, along with a new $100-per-semester student transportation fee. The fee replaces the current optional parking fee structure of up to $130 per semester, saving most students $60 annually. The flat fee will support construction of a new 814-space parking garage while also helping fund the university's shuttle service and other transportation infrastructure.
Student recognition: Trustees recognized Tennessee Tech's Student Orientation Assistant (SOA) program by hearing remarks from current SOAs Steven Valencia and Emily Johnson. Valencia is a rising sophomore mechanical engineering major from Smyrna, while Johnson is a sophomore civil engineering major from Franklin. SOAs welcome incoming freshmen throughout the summer during Tech's Student Orientation, Advisement and Registration (SOAR) events and play an important role in helping new students feel welcomed and supported as they begin their college experience.
Recognition of departing trustees: Trustees recognized departing board members Barry “Butch” Wilmore, who has served on the board since its formation, and Braxton Westbrook, who completed a one-year term as student trustee.
Materials from today's meeting, including video of the Board of Trustees meeting, will be available at www.tntech.edu/board. The board's next meeting is scheduled for Sept. 24, 2026.