THEC committee approves ETSU and UT Institute of Agriculture master plans

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission’s committee approved two institutional master plans: East Tennessee State University’s campus master plan and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) master plan.

ETSU’s presentation (led by SmithGroup principal Lauren Enlady) described a two‑year, inclusive process that identified near‑term needs—275–300 new student beds over 10 years, renovation opportunities (including Brown Hall), capacity for growth in engineering and health professions, parking optimization and long‑term opportunities such as a health science corridor and town–gown enhancements. Staff emphasized security, pedestrian circulation, and bundling renovation projects to address deferred maintenance.

UTIA’s master plan (presented by Doctor Keith Carver and Jessica Leonard of Ayers Saint‑Gross) documented planning across 28 entities statewide (18 agricultural research centers, 4‑H centers, extension offices and other holdings totaling more than 21,000 acres). The plan prioritizes renewal of aging facilities, housing repairs for residential program sites, risk mitigation for research and animal operations, bundling smaller projects to create implementable capital packages, and stewardship of land assets.

Both master plans were moved and approved by roll call. Commissioners praised the inclusive planning processes and asked staff to coordinate security and strategic planning statewide.

Next steps: Institutions will proceed with implementation steps and capital planning consistent with THEC guidance and state appropriation timelines.