PULASKI, TN — The University of Tennessee Southern is entering a new chapter in its history following approval from the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees to establish the institution’s first two academic colleges.
The newly approved structure creates the College of Arts and Sciences and the College of Professional Studies. The university is also adding the Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development, expanding its ability to provide educational and professional-development opportunities beyond traditional degree programs.
The reorganization represents a significant milestone for UT Southern, which is located in Pulaski and serves students from throughout southern Middle Tennessee and surrounding areas. Organizing the university’s academic programs into colleges is expected to provide a clearer administrative structure while supporting future growth and program development.
Two inaugural deans have been selected to lead the new colleges.
Dr. Jessica Conrad has been named dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, while Dr. Daniel McMasters will serve as dean of the College of Professional Studies.
As the founding deans, Conrad and McMasters will oversee the academic departments within their respective colleges and help guide the development of the university’s new organizational structure.
The College of Arts and Sciences will include:
- The Department of Humanities and Social Sciences
- The Department of Mathematics and Sciences
- The Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development
The College of Professional Studies will include:
- The Department of Education
- The Department of Criminal Justice
- The Department of Nursing and Health Sciences
- The Department of Business
The College of Arts and Sciences brings together programs focused on the humanities, social sciences, mathematics and natural sciences. These areas provide much of the university’s liberal arts and foundational academic instruction.
The College of Professional Studies will house programs designed to prepare students for careers in education, law enforcement, healthcare and business. The new college combines several of UT Southern’s career-focused academic departments under one administrative unit.
The addition of the Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development also strengthens the university’s connection with employers, working professionals and community members seeking additional training or educational opportunities.
Continuing education and workforce-development programs can help address regional employment needs by providing professional certifications, specialized instruction and opportunities for workers to develop new skills. Specific programs and offerings through the new center were not included in the initial announcement.
The establishment of the two colleges is the latest step in UT Southern’s development as part of the statewide University of Tennessee System.
The Pulaski institution officially became the University of Tennessee Southern in 2021, becoming the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. The university was previously known as Martin Methodist College.
The newly approved academic structure is expected to give individual programs greater identity while allowing university leaders to coordinate resources, faculty and long-term planning within each college.
Additional information regarding the transition, future academic offerings and the Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development is expected to be announced by UT Southern as the new structure is implemented.
