Sundblad Selected for TBR Chancellor’s Fellowship 2025–26 Class

Dr. Michael Sundblad, dean of the School of Arts and Humanities at Nashville State Community College, has been selected for the inaugural class of the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) Chancellor’s Fellowship. He is one of ten faculty and staff members chosen from community and technical colleges across the state.

“Leadership development is one of our major responsibilities to ensure the success of our students in the years ahead, and I’m confident that members of this first class will light the path for the ones to follow – as Maxine Smith did in so many ways,” said TBR Chancellor Flora W. Tydings.

The Chancellor’s Fellowship is the first of three new leadership development programs under the TBR’s Maxine Smith Leadership Series. This initiative aims to cultivate leadership talent among senior administrators across the system. Two additional programs—the Emerging Leaders Fellowship and the Faculty Innovation Fellowship—will launch later.

“I am proud that Dr. Sundblad has been recognized for his leadership, vision, and commitment to student success. His participation not only honors his contributions to Nashville State but also strengthens its role in continuing to shape the future of higher education in Tennessee,” said Dr. Jo Williams, vice president of academic affairs and workforce development at Nashville State.

The inaugural fellowship class will begin in June with an orientation session. Monthly sessions will continue throughout the 2025–26 academic year.

Members of the Chancellor’s Fellowship Class of 2025-26 are:

• Stephanie Barham – Northeast State Community College
• Corey Campbell – Cleveland State Community College
• James "Jamie" Frakes – Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest
• Daniel Inghram – Dyersburg State Community College
• Sherria King – Southwest Tennessee Community College
• Karen Larson – Tennessee College of Applied Technology Jackson
• Kelli Roach – Chattanooga State Community College
• Elizabeth Ross – Pellissippi State Community College
• Michael Sundblad – Nashville State Community College
• Jennifer Wright – Tennessee College of Applied Technology McMinnville

Maxine Smith was a member of the Tennessee Board of Regents from 1996 to 2006 and a pioneering figure in the pursuit of educational opportunity.