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Tennessee Tech sends Master of Social Work proposal to full board after grant‑supported planning
Summary
Administration told trustees a new Master of Social Work (MSW) program would be accredited by the Council on Social Work Education, be seeded by $1.8M and $2.8M grants, aim to enroll about 80 students by year five and be self‑supporting after grant support; the committee voted to forward the proposal to the board for approval.
The Academic & Student Affairs Committee voted to forward a proposed Master of Social Work program to the full Tennessee Tech Board of Trustees for approval and placement on the board's regular agenda.
Provost John Lou described the MSW proposal as an action item that grew from grant work. He credited Dr. Steve Sailor and others for securing initial grant funds — $1.8 million followed by approximately $2.8 million — some of which would seed program start‑up costs and support the first three years, after which tuition revenue is expected to sustain the program. The proposed program would require 60 credit hours for students without a social‑work undergraduate degree; students who already hold a BSW could complete an advanced standing pathway (about 30 credit hours). Provost Lou said the program is intended to meet regional workforce demand — particularly in mental health, addiction recovery and family services — and forecast enrollment of about 80 students by year five.
A trustee moved and seconded that the MSW proposal be sent to the full board for approval; Secretary Ray conducted a roll call and the motion passed. Trustees praised the proposal and noted the letters of support and regional workforce need described in the application materials.
The committee's action forwards the proposal for consideration by the full board; the administration will present the full proposal and supporting materials to trustees as part of the board packet.
