The Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) is proud to announce the latest class of its annual Hall of Fame. The 2026 inductees are a diverse group of individuals whose work has made a lasting impact in Tennessee and worldwide.

     This year’s class features Tennessee trailblazers whose accomplishments span civil rights, the arts, healthcare, higher education, athletics, business, journalism and ministry. Together, the 25 honorees demonstrate the enduring impact of Tennessee’s private, non-profit colleges and universities through careers defined by leadership, service, faith and purpose.

    The Hall of Fame recognizes alumni whose achievements extend beyond professional success. Many of this year’s honorees have invested their time and talents in serving others, including efforts to feed the hungry, reduce homelessness, support education, strengthen communities and serve people around the globe.

     “At its best, higher education is about transformation, purpose, and cultivating a life of meaningful impact,” said TICUA President Dr. Cameron Conn. “This year’s honorees reflect the character, purpose and leadership that Tennessee’s private, non-profit colleges and universities strive to cultivate in every student.”

     The TICUA Hall of Fame continues to highlight the contributions of alumni from Tennessee’s 34 private, non-profit colleges and universities. Through academic instruction, relationships with faculty, vibrant campus communities and opportunities beyond the classroom, TICUA institutions seek to cultivate character, purpose and leadership alongside professional preparation.

The inductees of the TICUA Hall of Fame Class of 2026 are:

● Kyle Cavanaugh, MBA | Tusculum University

● Larry L. Crain, J.D. | Aquinas College

● David C. Dale, M.D. | Carson-Newman University

● Joseph B. DeLozier III, M.D., F.A.C.S. | The University of the South

● Brother Chris Englert, FSC | Christian Brothers University

● Steve Gaines, Ph.D. | Union University

● Reita J. Hall | Bryan College

● Dacry Harris | Lane College

● Jerry Hayes, O.D. | Southern College of Optometry

● Sally Jones Heinz, M.A. | Rhodes College

● The Rev. Thomas L. Jones, D.D. | Maryville College

● Candice Storey Lee, Ed.D. | Vanderbilt University

● Ruth McKee | Southern Adventist University

● Michael Shane Neal | Lipscomb University

● Juan Jose Perez, J.D. | Lee University

● Lewis Rankin | Cumberland University

● Thomas Clayton Rice, MBA | King University

● Elizabeth Ann Saunders, Ed.D. | Freed-Hardeman University

● Charles “Sonny” Smith | Milligan University

● A. Blake Thompson | Trevecca Nazarene University

● Barbara Lord Watkins | Fisk University

● Gary E. Weedman, Ph.D. | Johnson University

● Maj. Gen. Fred D. Womack (Ret.) | Tennessee Wesleyan University

● James Terrell Wooten | Bethel University

● John Zarling | Belmont University