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Tennessee Technological University executive committee approves two senior leadership appointments
Summary
At a virtual meeting, the university's executive committee unanimously approved Dr. Katie Akens as vice president for student affairs and Dr. Mickey Lour as provost and vice president for academic affairs; both appointments were recommended by President Dr. ODM after national searches.
The Tennessee Technological University executive committee voted unanimously at a virtual meeting to approve two presidential appointments, elevating Dr. Katie Akens to vice president for student affairs and Dr. Mickey Lour to provost and vice president for academic affairs.
President Dr. ODM told trustees the appointments followed extensive national searches and stressed fit and experience in recommending both candidates. "Sometimes you find the right person right in your backyard," Dr. ODM said in presenting Dr. Akens. The committee then moved and approved each nomination by roll-call vote.
Why it matters: The executive committee is responsible, under the university's policy framework, for approving appointments that report directly to the president. The decisions fill vacancies for senior leadership in student affairs and academic affairs and set leadership priorities the university says will advance student engagement and institutional momentum.
What the committee approved
Dr. Katie Akens: President Dr. ODM described Akens as a long-serving internal candidate with about 20 years of experience in student affairs and recommended her for the vice president for student affairs role. In brief remarks, Dr. Akens said she was "very, very excited" to lead the division, to "enhance student life and student engagement on campus" and to support student well-being through counseling and health services. The committee approved the president's request by unanimous roll call (Trustee Harper, Trustee Lowry, Trustee Rose voted yes).
Dr. Mickey Lour: Dr. ODM presented Dr. Mickey Lour as the leading candidate from an extensive national search, citing prior experience at Purdue University, Southern Illinois (Carbondale), and Arkansas State and noting a planned July 1 start date if approved. Dr. Lour told trustees he was "humbled" and looked forward to "hitting the ground running." The committee approved the appointment by unanimous roll call (Trustee Harper, Trustee Lowry, Trustee Rose voted yes).
Discussion and concerns: During the provost discussion a committee member said the choice "felt a little . . . tricky" and added, "I think there may have been some strings pulled," while also expressing excitement about the hire. A different trustee responded that they had served on the search committee, described the candidate pool as strong and voiced support for the selection. President Dr. ODM characterized the final decisions as matters of timing and fit for the university's current priorities.
Votes at a glance
- Motion to determine necessity for electronic participation (citing "Tennessee code annotated 844108B3" and "tech policy 005"): motion passed on roll call (Trustee Harper - yes; Trustee Lowry - yes; Trustee Rose - yes). - Motion to appoint Dr. Katie Akens, vice president for student affairs: approved unanimously (Trustee Harper - yes; Trustee Lowry - yes; Trustee Rose - yes). - Motion to appoint Dr. Mickey Lour, provost and vice president for academic affairs: approved unanimously (Trustee Harper - yes; Trustee Lowry - yes; Trustee Rose - yes).
What trustees said
President Dr. ODM: Presented both nominees and emphasized fit, leadership experience and the results of the national searches. "Sometimes you find the right person right in your backyard," he said.
Dr. Katie Akens (nominee): Said she was grateful for the opportunity to lead student affairs and intends to focus on student engagement and well-being.
Dr. Mickey Lour (nominee): Said he was honored and looks forward to working with faculty and staff to build on existing momentum, with an expected start date of July 1.
Next steps and context: The executive committee's approvals complete the committee-level portion of the appointments process described at the meeting. Trustees closed the session with congratulatory remarks to both appointees and adjourned. The meeting record cites the legal provision and internal policy used to authorize remote participation during the session.
Sources: Virtual executive committee meeting transcript and roll-call votes.
