From the Chattanoogan: Lee University has selected Lorinda Roberts, vice president for Student Success, to develop leadership skills and prepare for future executive roles by participating in the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association Executive Leadership Institute.
"Now in its ninth year, the nine-month program is recognized for its role in developing next generation of higher education executives," officials said.
Dr. Roberts is among 24 senior leaders from private and independent colleges across the state the TICUA announced for the Executive Leadership Institute.
“The Executive Leadership Institute remains the most transformative professional development experience TICUA offers Tennessee higher education,” said TICUA President Dr. Cameron Conn. “Each year, it cultivates thoughtful, mission-driven leaders—it even played a significant role in my own leadership journey. I’m thrilled to welcome this new class of Fellows as they begin a year of growth, collaboration and discovery.”
Officials said, "Participants, known as Pressnell Fellows in honor of TICUA’s longtime former president Dr. Claude Pressnell, are carefully selected by their respective college or university presidents to engage in this comprehensive leadership development experience.
"The program offers an in-depth exploration of critical areas in higher education management, including Board Development, Strategic Planning, Advocacy, Student Success, Faculty Development, Communications, Finance, Leadership Transition and other key issues. Throughout the year, fellows will collaborate with TICUA member presidents and subject matter experts to address real-world challenges through data-driven decision-making and collaborative strategies.
"Over the years, the ELI program has become a significant stepping stone for many in Tennessee’s higher education landscape. ELI alumni have advanced to major leadership positions, including presidencies at Johnson University, Bryan College, Lee University, Bethel University and TICUA."
"Now in its ninth year, the nine-month program is recognized for its role in developing next generation of higher education executives," officials said.
Dr. Roberts is among 24 senior leaders from private and independent colleges across the state the TICUA announced for the Executive Leadership Institute.
“The Executive Leadership Institute remains the most transformative professional development experience TICUA offers Tennessee higher education,” said TICUA President Dr. Cameron Conn. “Each year, it cultivates thoughtful, mission-driven leaders—it even played a significant role in my own leadership journey. I’m thrilled to welcome this new class of Fellows as they begin a year of growth, collaboration and discovery.”
Officials said, "Participants, known as Pressnell Fellows in honor of TICUA’s longtime former president Dr. Claude Pressnell, are carefully selected by their respective college or university presidents to engage in this comprehensive leadership development experience.
"The program offers an in-depth exploration of critical areas in higher education management, including Board Development, Strategic Planning, Advocacy, Student Success, Faculty Development, Communications, Finance, Leadership Transition and other key issues. Throughout the year, fellows will collaborate with TICUA member presidents and subject matter experts to address real-world challenges through data-driven decision-making and collaborative strategies.
"Over the years, the ELI program has become a significant stepping stone for many in Tennessee’s higher education landscape. ELI alumni have advanced to major leadership positions, including presidencies at Johnson University, Bryan College, Lee University, Bethel University and TICUA."
Posted in Local News
Recent
Tennessee residents may soon vote to ban state property tax forever
January 15th, 2026
Tennessee Sandhill Crane Festival to celebrate 35th anniversary January 17-18
January 15th, 2026
Human remains found in wooded area near Etowah
January 15th, 2026
McMinn Co. High School placed on temporary lockdown following "concerning comment" made by student
January 14th, 2026
Small plane crashes in Polk County Tuesday
January 14th, 2026
Archive
2026
January
Cleveland man among two arrested after biker gang stabbing in TazewellTennessee sees fewer deadly crashes, Georgia sees more holiday traffic deaths2 women, 2 children found dead in Waverly home during welfare checkFormer TN Rep. Robin Smith seeks probation in federal mail fraud caseBradley County Commission meeting recapTDOT temporarily closing lanes along I-75 in Bradley, McMinn Counties"She admitted her mistakes": Former TN Rep. Robin Smith's pardon attorney fighting for presidential probationHundreds of DUI arrests in TN ended with no drugs or alcohol detected, TBI reportsBradley Co. Schools to begin training on weapons detection systems, aimed at enhancing campus safetyCleveland City Schools announces leadership transitions after 2026 school yearMulti-vehicle crash on I-75 South Tuesday afternoonAthens man receives one of the longest sentences in TN history in child sex abuse caseJenkins Deli to close after nearly 50 years in businessPolk County receives $500,000 Tennessee Historic Development Grant for courthouseGun found in student's car at McMinn Co. High; juvenile chargedCleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks delivers State of the City addressCleveland State announces Community First AwardsMotorcyclist killed in crash on Ooltewah Georgetown Rd. Sunday morningLake Winnie gets new operator; set to begin in 2026 seasonTennessee’s unemployment rate decreases in NovemberBradley County Commission meeting recapCleveland City Council meeting recapCleveland State presidential search advisory committee appointed; public forum set for WednesdaySmall plane crashes in Polk County TuesdayMcMinn Co. High School placed on temporary lockdown following "concerning comment" made by studentCleveland City School Board meeting recapHuman remains found in wooded area near EtowahTennessee Sandhill Crane Festival to celebrate 35th anniversary January 17-18Tennessee residents may soon vote to ban state property tax forever
2025
January
Motorcycle driver killed in single-vehicle crashTBI investigating deadly deputy-involved shooting at local Publix locationDriver rams New Year's revelers in New Orleans, killing at least 10. FBI investigating as 'act of terrorism'TVA winter prep, saving energy tipsLakesite man arrested, arson and possession of Molotov cocktailUPDATE: Car that veered over side of East Brow Road still unrecoveredCold weather car preparationNew Tennessee license requirement for certain state residentsDog helps save North Chattanooga family from early morning fireLee University mourns passing of veteran faculty, Coach Kay McDanielCleveland City Board of Education meeting recapBradley County Commission meeting recapBradley Trustee's Office receives positive state audit for 2023-2024 fiscal yearDownload Mix 104.1 App for winter weather updatesTDOT preparing Tennessee Valley for possible winter weather this weekBonnaroo Music & Arts Festival Unveils 2025 LineupCohutta mobile home fire kills grandmother, mother, and young childrenCar crashes into Etowah Nutrition storeSerious car crash on Highway 153 Thursday eveningFood City in Cleveland celebrating Grand Opening of pharmacyTEMA holds media briefing to discuss winter storm preparationsRecent snowfall helps HCSO arrest wanted fugitive from GeorgiaCleveland State's Mark E. Smith Performance Center Grand Opening to be held on WednesdayMan arrested for shooting at family playing in snowSearch warrant reveals multiple containers of fentanyl, Sweetwater man arrestedCleveland City Council meeting recapBradley County Commission meeting recapLocal state senator coauthors bill to ban electronic devices in Tennessee classroomsOpponents of Governor Bill Lee's school voucher bill holding rally in Hamilton CountyWater main break shuts down part of Shallowford Rd. for 24-hours46-year-old woman killed in crash on Apison PikeWoman & man found dead after shooting in Rhea Co. WednesdayLee University to honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.Bradley County School Board meeting recapCleveland Mayor Kevin Brooks delivers State of the City addressTwo TN lawmakers agree to sponsor bill to change state's statute of limitations on some privacy lawsPOST Commission approves deal allowing Grundy Co. Sheriff to keep certificationDalton man arrested after shooting at woman, SWAT standoffTrump taps former TN education commissioner Penny Schwinn as next US Deputy Secretary of EducationCPD investigates pedestrian killed on Highway 153; truck slams into TDOT vehicle on sceneGarden Plaza hosts Warming Hearts Coat DriveHamilton County woman fighting to get husband out of prisonLee University's Presidential Concert Series to present Alan Wyatt Jazz EnsembleSweetwater woman arrested and charged with murder and elderly abuseBradley County deputies arrest suspect in attempted burglary at CBD storeJason Chen sentenced to life in prison without parole for murder of Jasmine PaceSettlement reached in Family Dollar Stores rodent-infested products investigation in TNCleveland City Schools Board of Education opposes Gov. Lee's Education Freedom ActBradley County Commission meeting recapVolkswagen offers new proposal to UAWNashville high school student fatally shoots one student and himself in school cafeteriaTVA sets new power demand record on very cold dayGov. Lee comments on Freedom Education Act, illegal immigrationCleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce hosts 99th Annual DinnerTennessee ends 2024 with unemployment rate below U.S. rateTN Gov. Lee to deliver seventh State of the State Address on Feb. 10State report reveals how traffic control worker on I-75 between Ooltewah & Cleveland diedLee University Encore Art Show to open TuesdayMuch-loved BCSO K-9 Joker diesEx-husband of local realtor charged with first-degree murder MondayBradley County Commission work session recapSpecial session to decide on Tennessee voucher bill is underwayCity of Cleveland addresses KKK flyers circulating in Cleveland and ChattanoogaCleveland man charged with first degree and felony murder pleads not guiltySen. Adam Lowe announces $2.9M site development grant for Spring BranchChattanooga business owner Rick Davis charged with passing worthless checksPassenger jet with 64 aboard collides with Army helicopter while landing at Reagan Airport near DCUPDATE: Case against Harrison man accused of shooting at family playing in snow sent to grand juryEducation Freedom Act passes both chambers of the Tennessee legislatureTwo crashes in Bradley Co. delay traffic while helicopter lands
