Inaugural Faculty Innovation Fellowship class announced

TBR-The College System of Tennessee announces the three faculty members who comprise the inaugural Faculty Innovation Fellowship class, part of the Tennessee Board of Regents’ Maxine Smith Leadership Series.

The Faculty Innovation Fellowship provides a year-long opportunity for faculty members to develop a research-backed student success innovation. Fellows will work with the TBR Office of Policy and Strategy to analyze student outcomes data and develop a pilot project aligned with campus goals.

Members of the Faculty Innovation Fellowship Class of 2026 are:

• Dr. April Crenshaw, associate professor of mathematics at Chattanooga State Community College
• Leah Frauendienst, associate professor of mathematics at Volunteer State Community College
• Dr. Tabetha Garman, associate professor of history at Northeast State Community College

The faculty members begin their work this month, in collaboration with TBR research mentors. They will also have opportunities for professional development, peer collaboration, and feedback on systemwide student success strategies.

The Faculty Innovation Fellowship is the second of three fellowship programs to launch in the Maxine Smith Leadership Series, a set of initiatives aimed at cultivating leadership and supporting student success in Tennessee’s public higher education system.  The first program in the series, the Chancellor’s Fellowship, launched in April 2025 with 10 members from across the community and technical college system. The third, the Emerging Leaders Fellowship, will be announced later.

“We’re excited to announce the members of this first Faculty Innovation Fellowship class,” said TBR Chancellor Flora W. Tydings. “Student success is the first half of our mission statement and this program is designed to encourage research based innovation toward that goal. I’m confident in that these three distinguished faculty members will do outstanding work and pave the way for future classes in the program.”

Named in honor of the late Maxine Smith, a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents from 1996 to 2006 and a pioneering figure in the pursuit of educational opportunity, the overall series seeks to equip emerging and established leaders with the knowledge and skills essential for successful leadership in Tennessee higher education.

More information on the Maxine Smith Leadership Series can be found here: Maxine Smith Leadership Series | Tennessee Board of Regents.