Many states are passing "free" college plans, and policymakers at both the state and federal level continue to debate the merits of national "free college" or "debt-free college" proposals, also known as Promise programs. Both federal and state "free" college proposals are geared toward a policy objective of…

In this brief report on higher education in the state, the Tennessee Higher Education Commission recommends that: (1) the state continue to increase college opportunities and provide higher education for the same percentage of youth as the national average by 1975; (2) public institutions be prepared to cope with vast increases in enrollment; (3)…

This study examined distance education at Tennessee Board of Regents institutions of higher education. Both four-year and two-year institutions were surveyed via electronic mail. Thirty-five percent of the surveys were returned. The results indicated that all responding institutions were involved in distance education, specifically to reach…

Three key political decisions made in Tennessee higher education that have brought about major changes in structure and have implications for the future are discussed. The decisions are: creation of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) in 1967, the creation of the State Board of Regents (SBR) in 1972, and the establishment of the…

In two separate articles, this report compared indicators of performance-funding programs for 2-year and 4-year public colleges in eight states. It examined indicators accepted or proposed in Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, South Carolina, and Tennessee. It was found that states had as many as 37 and as few as 9…

This master plan for higher education in Tennessee sketches a framework for the continued improvement of postsecondary institutions and emphasizes the critical links between higher education and other components of the state. A set of principles and achievement targets undergirding the master plan are outlined. Specific action is called for in…