The Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) is proud to announce the start of its 2025-26 Executive Leadership Institute (ELI), bringing together 24 accomplished senior leaders from private and independent colleges across the state. Among those named is Justin Rogers, of Henderson. Now in its ninth year, this nine-month program is recognized for its role in developing the next generation of higher education executives.
“The Executive Leadership Institute remains the most transformative professional development experience TICUA offers Tennessee higher education,” said TICUA President Dr. Cameron Conn. “Each year, it cultivates thoughtful, mission-driven leaders—it even played a significant role in my own leadership journey. I’m thrilled to welcome this new class of Fellows as they begin a year of growth, collaboration, and discovery.”
Meet the 2025-26 Pressnell Fellows:
Sharon Brawner Belmont University; Keith Herris - Bethel University; Jeremy Deal - Bryan College; Tori Knight - Carson-Newman University; Ryan Flickinger - Christian Brothers University; Courtney Wheeler Biggs - Cumberland University; Natara Garvin - Fisk University; Justin Rogers - Freed-Hardeman University; Andrew Frazier - Johnson University; Ashley Hartless - King University; Anthony Williams - Lane College; Lorinda Roberts - Lee University; Tara Dunn-Ross - LeMoyne-Owen College; Debra Moyers - Lincoln Memorial University; Jason Huddleston - Lipscomb University; Kelly Leonard - Maryville College; Parker Oliver - Sewanee: The University of the South; Ellen Hostetler - Southern Adventist University; Scott Ensor - Southern College of Optometry; Lacey Weese - Tennessee Wesleyan University; Aaron Hall - Trevecca Nazarene University; David Cook - Tusculum University; Catherine Kwasigroh - Union University; Elizabeth Boyd - Vanderbilt University. (https://ticua.org/page/eliclassof2026)
Participants, known as Pressnell Fellows in honor of TICUA’s longtime former president Dr. Claude Pressnell, 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, the ELI program has become a significant stepping stone for many in Tennessee’s higher education landscape. ELI alumni have advanced to major leadership positions, including presidencies at Johnson University, Bryan College, Lee University, Bethel University, and TICUA.
