Frank L. Watson Jr. appointed by Speaker Harwell to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission
NASHVILLE – Tennessee Speaker of the House Beth Harwell (R-Nashville) has appointed Frank L. Watson Jr. of Memphis to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. Watson is senior counsel in the Memphis office of Baker Donelson, concentrating his practice on commercial litigation, commodities, securities law, and taxes.
“Frank Watson is uniquely qualified to serve on the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, and I believe the commission will benefit from his voice and expertise,” said Speaker Harwell. “I am grateful that he accepted this appointment, and have full confidence that he, along with the rest of the commission, will lead the way for Tennessee’s higher education system.”
Mr. Watson has served as a director of Sparks Companies, Inc., RBM Acquisition Company, which acquired Saks, Inc., and was on the original board of Federal Express. As senior counsel for Baker Donelson’s Memphis office, Mr. Watson has represented banking clients and successfully defended physician hospital organizations. Mr. Watson has been a proponent of establishing innovative Clerkship/Residency programs for law students involving a partnership with Law Schools, Lawyers and businesses and the utilization of Social Impact Bonds or Pay For Success Bonds to fund educational projects.
“I am honored Speaker Harwell has appointed me to the Tennessee Higher Education Commission,” said Watson. “I am excited to be a major asset in improving the higher education system and contributing to the success of Tennessee’s students,” he added.
The Tennessee Higher Education Commission is relentlessly focused on increasing the number of Tennesseans with a post-secondary credential. They pursue this goal by innovating student access and success, creating a policy environment conducive to increased degree attainment, and protecting students and consumers.
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