In October 2011, when I first met Gov. Bill Haslam, at a Books from Birth fundraiser (long before I joined The Tennessean), he told me that his goal was to […]
Author Archive | anlinares
Excitement, angst remain for Tennessee Promise
Last in a year-long series. Confidence has always come easily for Tahj Turnley. For almost a year, the 18-year-old has told The Tennessean about his ambitious plans to become a mechanical […]
Next goal for Haslam: Put more adults in college
As Tennessee Promise reaches the end of its first full year, Gov. Bill Haslam is turning toward a new college challenge that he said would be even more complicated. In January the state will launch […]
Haslam says community colleges spurred new plan
By Richard Locker of The Commercial Appeal NASHVILLE — Gov. Bill Haslam told members of the Tennessee Board of Regents on Thursday that his plan to carve out TBR’s six […]
Promise Provides Enrollment Boost
Tennessee Promise drives dramatic increases in freshman enrollments at the state’s two-year institutions. by Ashley A. Smith In Tennessee, officials now have a clearer picture of the impact of the […]

Incoming freshmen take state up on promise of education
Brian Wilson, The Daily News Journal MURFREESBORO – Caitlin James sees the Tennessee Promise as a pathway to becoming the first college graduate in her family. Her road may take her […]
Haslam touts free-tuition program for Tennessee adults
Lucas Johnson II, Associated Press, Knoxville News Sentinel CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Gov. Bill Haslam on Tuesday continued touting his free-tuition plan for Tennessee adults as well as announced equipment grants […]
Colleges work now so TN Promise students succeed later
Adam Tamburin , The Tennessean Tennessee Promise is bringing changes to every corner of the state. Volunteer State Community College in Sumner County is hiring four “completion advisers,” a new role […]
10,700+ apply for tuition-free technical college
Adam Tamburin, The Tennessean More than 10,700 adults have applied to take advantage of a state grant that would send them to technical college tuition-free, exceeding initial estimates by more […]
Online Tenn. university surpasses 2,000 students
Jane Roberts, The Memphis Commercial Appeal WGU Tennessee, the nonprofit, online university that is part of Gov. Bill Haslam’s Drive to 55 Initiative, has enrolled more than 2,000 adults in […]