About the Tennessee Conference
The Purpose of the Tennessee Conference of the AAUP shall be to advance the cause of higher education through encouraging the wider adoption of the professional standards and ideals of the American Association of University Professors; to review and advance the professional and economic status and other interests of the academic profession at institutions of higher learning in Tennessee, specifically including academic freedom, responsibility, and tenure; to consider professional problems involving faculty at institutions of higher learning in Tennessee, and proposals from AAUP members concerning Conference policy; and to assist in the organization of chapters of the American Association of University Professors at institutions of higher learning in Tennessee.
Current Officers
President, Tennessee AAUP Conference: Jessie Hock, Vanderbilt University
jessie.hock@gmail.com
Past President, Tennessee AAUP Conference: Troy Smith, Tennessee Technological University
tdsmith@tntech.edu
Vice President, Historically Black Colleges: Linda White, LeMoyne-Owen College
linda_white@loc.edu
Vice President, Four-Year Public Universities: Todd Freeberg, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
tfreeber@utk.edu
Vice President, Community Colleges: Grant A. Mincy, Pellissippi State Technical Community College
gamincy@pstcc.edu
Vice President, Contingent Faculty: James D. Rodeffer, Pellissippi State Technical Community College
jrodeffer@pstcc.edu
Vice President, Private Universities: Vacant
Secretary: Linda White, LeMoyne-Owen College
linda_white@loc.edu
Treasurer: Dora Estes (retired), adjunct faculty, Nashville State Community College
dorast6@gmail.com
Officer Duties
President's Duties
The President executes the decisions of the Tennessee AAUP Conference and the Executive Committee. They preside at meetings of the Conference and the Executive Committee, and appoint all committees not otherwise provided for. The President is also an ex officio member of all committees and handles the appointment and oversight of committees for the purpose of the organization.
Vice Presidents' Duties
The Vice Presidents represent each category of higher education in the state. In the absence of the President, who shall designate one of the Vice Presidents to act in their stead, the duties are carried out efficiently. The Vice Presidents support the President and lead specifically within their sectors, including four-year public, community colleges, private, HBCU, and contingent faculty categories.
Secretary's Duties
The Secretary records the proceedings of the Tennessee AAUP Conference and the Executive Committee meetings. They maintain a list of the names and addresses of the officers and members of the Conference, which is vital for coordination and transparency within and between chapters across the state.
Tennessee AAUP Foundation
The Tennessee AAUP Foundation was founded by TN Conference members who wished to help other TN AAUP members who might need 'seed' money for legal aid, or help in arranging programs on academic freedom. The Tennessee Foundation is now able to receive tax deductible contributions, having received its tax exempt status.