The head of Tennessee's largest public college system is resigning — and he's speaking his mind.
After five years as chancellor, John Morgan says he does not want to lead the Tennessee Board of Regents when the state is considering a plan to split off its four-year schools. Morgan has already publicly shown skepticism for that proposal, which the governor touts as a way to give universities more autonomy and community colleges more support.
Last month, Morgan confirmed to reporters that the restructuring ofTBRwas not his idea.
"This is very much the governor's vision of what will help move the state forward," he said.
But his letter announcing an early retirement was more scathing: Morgan calls the plan "unworkable" and says it will "seriously impair" the goals of the state and TBR system. He says he cannot, "in good conscience, continue as chancellor."
In a prepared statement, Gov. Bill Haslam simply praised the chancellor for his work.
"He's served the state in a number of roles since 1976," Haslam wrote, "including serving as deputy governor to Gov. Bredesen and 10 years as the state’s comptroller, and I am grateful to John for his service to Tennessee and wish him all the best."
The Tennessee Board of Regents currently comprises MTSU, Austin Peay, Tennessee Tech, Tennessee State, East Tennessee State and the University of Memphis, along with all of the state's community and technical colleges.
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