Jared Gott, of Henderson, has been selected as a member of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) 2024-2025 Executive Leadership Institute Class.
TICUA is proud to announce the start of its 2024-25 Executive Leadership Institute (ELI), bringing together 19 accomplished senior leaders from private and independent colleges across the state. Now in its eighth year, this nine-month program is recognized for its role in developing the next generation of higher education executives.
Reflecting on her own experience as an ELI participant, TICUA President Cameron Conn shared, “Having been a part of the 2023 ELI cohort, I know firsthand the transformative impact this program can have. It’s an opportunity for senior leaders to engage deeply with the challenges and opportunities facing our campuses today, and I’m excited to see this year’s Fellows take on that journey.”
Participants, known as Pressnell Fellows, are carefully selected by their respective college or university presidents to engage in this comprehensive leadership development experience.
The program offers an in-depth exploration of critical areas in higher education management, including Board Development, Strategic Planning, Advocacy, Student Success, Faculty Development, Communications, Finance, Leadership Transition and other key issues. Throughout the year, Fellows will collaborate with TICUA member presidents and subject matter experts to address real-world challenges through data-driven decision-making and collaborative strategies.
Over the years, ELI has become a significant stepping stone for many in Tennessee’s higher education landscape. Alumni have advanced to leadership positions, including presidencies at Johnson University, Bryan College, Lee University, Bethel University, and now, even TICUA itself.
Meet the 2024-25 Pressnell Fellows:
Alescia Bethea, Executive Vice President, Interim Program Administrator- Middle Tennessee School of Anesthesia
Reggie Blair, VP of Enrollment Services - Cumberland University
Robert Carr, Provost and VP Academic Affairs - Fisk University
Jared Gott, Assistant Dean of Emerging and Innovative Programs - Freed-Hardeman University
Tina Hodges, Director of Recruitment and Admissions - Bethel University
Robert Key, Vice President for Business and Financial Services - Carson-Newman University
Christy McDonald Slavick, Interim Director, Clayton Center for the Arts - Maryville College
Kelsey Metz, Dean, School of Business - Lincoln Memorial University
Laura Morrow, Director of Center for Teaching and Learning - Lipscomb University
Alan Ramirez, Associate Provost and Dean of Admission and Financial Aid - The University of the South
Wilbur Reid, Vice President for Campus Services - Johnson University
D’Angelo Taylor, Vice President of Hope Unity and Belonging - Belmont University
Jason Thead, Director of Institutional Research and Assessment, Board Professional - King University
Ray Van Neste, Vice President for University Ministries and Dean of the School of Theology and Missions - Union University
Lisa Vesser, Dean of Health Sciences - Tennessee Wesleyan University
Keaton Walkine, Director of Campus Operations & Facilities - American Baptist College
Dr. Elizabeth Williams, Dean of Allied Health - Baptist Health Sciences University
Josh Winskie, Assistant Controller - Trevecca Nazarene University
Josh York, Vice President for Operations - Lee University
