Tennessee House Bill HJR0168

Tennessee 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/6/25
• Refer: 2/10/25
• Refer: 3/11/25
• Engrossed: 3/17/25
• Enrolled: 3/19/25
• Passed: 3/25/25

Caption

A RESOLUTION to confirm the appointment of Donnie Smith to the board of trustees of the University of Tennessee.

Summary

House Joint Resolution 168 confirms Governor Bill Lee’s appointment of Donnie Smith to the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees for a term ending June 30, 2030. The resolution recites the statutory framework governing the UT board and notes that gubernatorial appointees must be confirmed by joint resolution of the General Assembly. The measure is a personnel confirmation rather than a policy change. It does not amend the Tennessee Code or create new duties for the university; instead, it gives legislative approval to a single board appointment under existing law. The resolution also highlights Smith’s background as a former CEO of Foster Farms and Tyson Foods and his prior philanthropic support for UT, particularly in sustainable agriculture.

Impact

The bill’s effect is limited to confirming one member of the University of Tennessee’s governing board, thereby completing the appointment process required by Tennessee Code Annotated sections 49-9-201 and 49-9-202. It affects the composition of the UT Board of Trustees but does not alter higher education statutes, university governance rules, or state funding provisions. Its practical impact is on board leadership and oversight of the university system.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been broadly supported and noncontroversial. It passed the House Education Committee 17-0 and later cleared the House on the consent calendar by a 92-0 vote, indicating strong bipartisan agreement and little to no opposition. The absence of committee discussion transcripts also suggests the appointment was treated as routine.

Contention

There is no notable recorded contention in the available materials. The only substantive consideration reflected in the resolution is whether Donnie Smith’s professional background and prior support for UT make him a qualified and beneficial trustee. Because the vote was unanimous at both committee and floor stages, no opposing arguments or disputed issues are evident in the record provided.