Texas Southern University to sunset dental hygiene bachelor’s and merge engineering programs

In a pivotal meeting held on June 13, 2025, the Tennessee State University (TSU) Board of Trustees engaged in significant discussions regarding the restructuring of academic programs aimed at enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness. The atmosphere was charged with a sense of urgency as board members deliberated on the future of several low-performing programs, including the Bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene and the Master’s in Computer Information Systems Engineering.

The board proposed to sunset the Bachelor’s program in Dental Hygiene, a decision that was not taken lightly. Dr. Milton, a key figure in the discussions, emphasized that this move was part of a broader strategy to streamline offerings and improve resource allocation. “We are not closing the associate program at all,” he clarified, reassuring stakeholders that the foundational training for dental hygienists would continue. Instead, the bachelor’s program, which had seen a decline in graduates, would be phased out, allowing for a more focused approach to education in this field.

In a related move, the Master’s in Computer Information Systems Engineering will be merged into a more comprehensive engineering master’s program. This decision is expected to create a more robust curriculum that better serves the needs of students and the job market. The anticipated annual cost savings from these modifications are projected to be around $1.2 million, a figure that reflects the university's commitment to financial sustainability while enhancing academic offerings.

Trustees raised concerns about the implications of these changes on faculty and staff. Dr. Milton reassured them that the restructuring would not lead to significant job losses. Instead, the realignment aims to strengthen existing faculty roles by consolidating programs and addressing vacancies. “This gives us some more robust strength in these departments,” he noted, highlighting the collaborative efforts made to gather input from faculty and students throughout the decision-making process.

The meeting also touched on the reorganization of the College of Business, where departments are being streamlined from four to three. This change aims to balance student enrollment across departments, ensuring that faculty workloads are equitable and that students receive adequate support. The rationale behind this restructuring was supported by faculty votes, indicating a collective agreement on the need for change.

As the board concluded its discussions, the focus remained on the future implications of these decisions. The restructuring is not merely about cutting costs; it is about reimagining how TSU can better serve its students and the community. With a commitment to enhancing educational quality and operational efficiency, the board's actions signal a transformative period for Tennessee State University, one that aims to align academic offerings with the evolving demands of the workforce.