Maxine Smith Fellows Program

The Maxine Smith Fellows program is a professional development opportunity for faculty, staff, and administrators at TBR colleges and Tennessee Locally Governed Universities.  The Maxine Smith Fellows program goal is to increase diversity, particularly with regards to race and ethnicity, in the faculty and senior leadership ranks in Tennessee public higher education. The program is cohort-based and provides professional development and training, mentoring, and collaborative-based project opportunities.

The program is named for Maxine A. Smith, a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents from 1994 – 2006. Ms. Smith was instrumental in the desegregation of public schools in the city of Memphis and worked tirelessly to ensure equal access to educational opportunities at all levels. Her connection with TBR spanned from denial of her application to matriculate at Memphis State University to her devotion to equity and student success during her 12 years as a regent.

The program timing and cohort composition may be based on specific program, project, or research needs. Participants are selected from individuals who have been nominated by their institutional presidents.