Section 1: Introduction, Organization, and Principles

1.3 Higher Education in Tennessee

The Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC), created in 1967 by act of the Tennessee General Assembly, is responsible for coordinating and planning all higher education in this state. THEC must approve all new academic programs, centers, or campuses; it reviews budgets, performs long-range planning, and generally ensures that a comprehensive system of higher education is developed to meet the needs of the citizens.