Board committee approves Dr. Katie Akens as interim vice president for student affairs

The executive committee of the Tennessee Technological University Board of Trustees on a roll call approved President ODM's recommendation to appoint Dr. Katie Akens as interim vice president for student affairs.

President ODM told trustees that the university had relied on a prior interim appointee, Mark Bernett, and recommended Dr. Akens to lead student affairs while the university continues a national search for a permanent replacement. Dr. Akens, who the president said has about 20 years in higher education and currently serves as dean of students and director of student activities and campus life, said the division would focus on "student engagement, student well‑being, and just overall student success." She also said the office plans to "enhance our efforts to support our student organizations, our fraternity and sorority life groups and our student government association," and pointed trustees to an upcoming mental‑health briefing from a colleague.

Trustee Harper moved to approve the appointment and Trustee Lowry seconded; Secretary Ray recorded the roll call in which the voting members present recorded aye votes and the motion passed. Trustees asked logistical questions about whether the interim appointment would require full‑board confirmation; presenters said they would confirm that procedural detail prior to the board meeting but that, if required, the appointment could be forwarded to the full board.

The committee adjourned the executive portion and moved into the Academic & Student Affairs agenda with Dr. Akens introduced to trustees and university leaders.

The committee action sends the interim appointment forward as approved by the executive committee; if full‑board confirmation is required the administration indicated it would place the item on the board's regular agenda.