Tennessee State University Welcomes Newly Appointed Board of Regents Leader on Student Affairs

Dr. Heidi Leming, assistant vice chancellor of Student Affairs for the Tennessee Board of Regents, speaks with members of the TSU Student Affairs division about her new role and how she can be an advocate for the institutions she serves. (photo by John Cross, TSU Media Relations)

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (TSU News Service) – Making TSU her first stop at a system four-year institution, newly appointed assistant vice chancellor of Student Affairs for the Tennessee Board of Regents today met with University officials and toured student facilities on campus.

Dr. Heidi Leming, the first person to hold the newly created position in the TBR, was received by Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dr. Mark Hardy, and Dr. Cheryl Green, assistant vice president for Student Affairs. She also held brief talks with the Executive Vice President for Administration, Jane Jackson; the Interim Vice President for Enrollment Management and Student Support Services, Dr. John Cade; and Cynthia Brooks, vice president for Business and Finance.

“We are particularly pleased that the Tennessee Board of Regents has seen the need to appoint someone with the special role to advocate for students,” said Dr. Hardy, as he welcomed the new TBR official on behalf of TSU President Glenda Glover, who was away on travel. “We have a very cordial and fine relationship with people at the TBR, and we are glad for the leadership you will provide that directly affects our students.”

Leming, who earned a doctorate in higher education from the University of Georgia, joined the TBR recently. Since then, she has been visiting community colleges in the system.

Prior to coming to the TBR, she served in student affairs roles at institutions across the nation, including stops at Austin Peay State University, the University of Memphis, Moorhead State University and Virginia Tech. She also worked in the office of student affairs with the University System of Georgia.

“Dr. Leming comes well prepared to advocate on our behalf,” said Green. “We are excited that she comes with so much understanding of what we do, and we are confident that her experience at the University System of Georgia will be valuable in her new role.”

Earlier, Leming, a native of Rapid City, North Dakota, met in Dr. Green’s office with the deans and directors of the Division of Student Affairs to acquaint them with her new role.

“I view my role as an advocate,” she said. “I want to be a resource and to make sure your views are heard. Our objective is to hear from you and know the challenges you face and what kind of support we can give you to meet those challenges.”

The TSU student affairs staff expressed many concerns, primarily the inconsistency in services and resources among TBR institutions and how it affects recruitment and student success.

For instance, the group addressed inadequate and poor services in student housing, recreational and wellness facilities compared to the same services at other system institutions.

“I understand your challenges and I am passionate about working with you through those challenges,” Leming said. “One of our major goals as I take on this role is to see how we can bring about consistency across all of our institutions when it comes to student services.”

In other areas, the group discussed issues involving the Complete College Tennessee Act, sexual harassment and assault on college campuses, diversity and globalization, grant initiatives that provide funding for some student services, and resources in developing and maintaining data on student activities, among others.

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