Task Force Members:

Co-Chairs
Dr. Ric Hovda, Dean, College of Education, University of Memphis (6/2006-4/2007)

Dr. Hal Knight, Dean, College of Education, East Tennessee State University

Dr. Bob Rider, Dean, College of Education, University of Tennessee-Knoxville (4/2007-present)

Organization Representatives

State Board of Education
Dr. Gary Nixon, Executive Director

State Department of Education
Dr. Connie J. Smith, Executive Director, Office of Innovation, Improvement, and Accountability

Tennessee Higher Education Commission
Dr. Linda Bradley, Associate Executive Director of Academic Affairs

Tennessee School Boards Association
Ms. Tammy Grissom, Executive Director

Tennessee Association of School Superintendents
Dr. Tim Fite, President

Tennessee Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals
Ms. Teresa Dennis, Principal, Ruby Major Elementary School

Tennessee Association of Secondary School Principals
Ms. Cheryl Hickman, Principal, Carter High School

Tennessee Business Roundtable
Ms. Ellen Thornton, Executive Director

Tennessee Legislature
The Honorable Jim Tracy, Senator, Tennessee General Assembly

Tennessee Board of Regents
Dr. Paula Myrick Short, Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
Dr. Kay Clark, Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs

Specialized Representatives

Deans, Colleges of Arts and Sciences
Dr. Jack Armistead, Tennessee Technological University

Assessment/Evaluation
Dr. Rick J. Short, Middle Tennessee State University

National Board Certified Teachers
Dr. Lisa L. Barron, Pleasant View Elementary School

New Teachers
Ms. Loleta Bryant, Cameron Middle School

University Faculty Members
Dr. Kandi Hill-Clarke, University of Memphis

Finance
Dr. Bob Adams, Tennessee Board of Regents