NASHVILLE) — State Representative Martin Daniel (R-Knoxville) is calling for Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam to swiftly appoint an additional Knox County resident to the University of Tennessee Board.
The move comes after State Senators Thursday rejected four of the governor’s appointees to the new board and a fifth didn’t even receive a vote to advance in the process.
Under the passage of House Bill 2115, also known as the University of Tennessee Focus Act, the current board will be reduced from 27 members to 12. In addition to 10 gubernatorial appointees, the new board will also consist of the Commissioner of Agriculture and a non-voting student member.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is the flagship institution in the statewide system. Because of its location, Representative Daniel, a UT graduate, knows that input from persons who reside in Knox County is critical to its future success.
“I believe we need persons on the Board who know Knox County and the city of Knoxville. As the Knoxville campus is by far the largest campus of the University of Tennessee system, naturally, the Board of Trustees should have proportionately heavier representation from Knox County. This ensures that the University is in touch with the tastes and values of our community”, said Representative Daniel. “That is why I am urging Governor Haslam to quickly appoint at least one additional member who has this qualification.”
Currently, five other appointees have advanced in the process. All must receive confirmation from both the House and Senate before they are officially able to serve. These appointments are effective July 1, 2018.
Martin Daniel lives in Knoxville and represents House District 18, which encompasses West Knoxville, including Cedar Bluff, West Hills, Deane Hill, Rocky Hill, Ridgedale, and Pleasant Ridge. He is a double graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (B.S. 1980; M.B.A. 1982). He was elected in 2014 and is currently in his second term as State Representative. Daniel can be reached by email at [email protected] or by calling (615) 741-2287.
