Richard Rhoda, executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission.NASHVILLE - After 16 years as executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, Richard G. Rhoda is stepping down at the end of the year.
Gov. Bill Haslam made the announcement in a news release this week.
The agency coordinates functions of the University of Tennessee and Tennessee Board of Regents systems, which collectively consist of nine universities, 13 community colleges and 26 technology centers.
"Rich has dedicated his career to higher education in Tennessee and has served the state well for more than 40 years," Haslam said. "He has been a great partner in our Drive to 55 as we've put a focus on and resources toward more Tennesseans earning a certificate or degree beyond high school."
Haslam said he is grateful for Rhoda's dedication" and hopes Rhoda "will remain engaged in education issues in Tennessee as he moves into this next phase of life."
Rhoda, 64, began his career with the Tennessee Board of Regents as a member of the research staff in 1973. He has served as interim president at Austin Peay State University and Nashville State Community College, vice chancellor and acting chancellor of the board of regents, held several roles with Tennessee State University and served on the faculty at Vanderbilt University.
Rhoda said it has been a "tremendous pleasure" serving THEC and the Tennessee Student Assistance Corp. He also said he's proud of the progress the state is making in higher education.
"I look forward to continue supporting the state's important work to prepare more Tennesseans for the jobs of today and tomorrow," he said.
The higher education commission oversees development of the state's master plan for higher education, makes recommendations to the governor on capital project funding and approves new academic programs at institutions such as the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and Cleveland State.
THEC also evaluates the state's lottery-funded scholarship program and administers state and federal financial assistance programs.