MILLIGAN, Tenn. (Oct. 16, 2025) – Milligan University hosted a Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities (TICUA) legislative breakfast on Thursday morning.
The event was organized to further strengthen relationships between TICUA members in our region and leaders in state government. Representatives from Milligan, King University, Tusculum University and Bryan College attended along with elected officials, including state senators Rusty Crowe and Bobby Harshbarger and state representatives Renea Jones and David Hawk.
In his opening remarks, Milligan President Stephen Waers reflected on the many ways independent colleges in the state of Tennessee benefit residents, communities and businesses.
“Our schools are vital members of the communities in which they sit,” Waers said. “We are often significant employers, our graduates frequently form the backbone of local workforces and our campuses are deeply engaged in service to our communities. I think with a number of the schools in this room, you saw that pretty distinctly in the wake of Helene, the way our schools rallied to serve those in our region who most needed help.”
Crowe and Jones briefed representatives from the TICUA member institutions in attendance on some of the progress that was made in advancing the cause of higher education during the most recent legislative session. They also expressed their appreciation for the ways TICUA member schools benefit our region.
Cameron Conn, president of TICUA, presented data showing the positive economic impact created by the work being done on the campuses of 34 member institutions across the state and thanked the elected officials in attendance for helping create an environment where independent colleges and universities can thrive in Tennessee.
“I really appreciate the elected officials being here today,” Conn said. “We really appreciate your service to the state. We know you signed up for this job because you care about our state and you care about crafting policy.”
TICUA was established to promote better cooperation among private institutions throughout the state of Tennessee. TICUA is governed by a board of directors comprised of member college presidents and corporate and civic leaders from across the state.