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THEC seeks $1.3M for Advise TN, $335M annual capital-maintenance target and flags lottery risk
Summary
Tennessee Higher Education Commission Executive Director Steven Gentile asked the committee to fund recurring and capital priorities, including $1.3 million for Advise TN and a $335 million annual capital‑maintenance target, and warned lottery revenue may decline.
Steven Gentile, executive director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), told the Finance, Ways and Means Committee on March 18 that sustained investment in higher education remains a priority as enrollment and dual‑enrollment measures rise.
“Last year we were number one in the country for FAFSA completion,” Gentile said, summarizing national rankings and enrollment growth. He added Tennessee led the nation in several measures and emphasized the state’s increases in dual enrollment and TCAT dual-enrollment participation.
Why it matters
Gentile detailed THEC’s budget priorities, focusing on two areas: agency‑level requests and systemwide higher education funding. The commission asked the legislature to add $1.3 million in recurring funds to Advise TN, a program that embeds counselors in underserved high schools. Gentile said the program has produced “upwards of 10%” increases in college enrollment…
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