“Carson-Newman Promise” to build on governor’s Tennessee Promise for college students

(Dec. 6, 2016) – Today Carson-Newman University unveiled “The Carson-Newman Promise,” a new initiative building upon the state’s existing Tennessee Promise program launched in fall 2014.

The new scholarship is open to all Tennessee Promise eligible students whether they are current Carson-Newman students, or are community college students planning to transfer to the University.

By being a designated Tennessee Promise school, Carson-Newman is an option for qualifying students seeking a two-year degree. Qualifying for Tennessee Promise means students have the potential of receiving the same dollar amount of financial aid to attend Carson-Newman that is equal to the cost of tuition at a Tennessee community college.

The Tennessee Promise initiative supports Governor Bill Haslam’s desire to increase the percentage of working adults with some kind of post-secondary degree or credential.

Danette Seale, executive director of Financial Aid at the University, says that as soon as Carson-Newman joined in the Tennessee Promise effort in January 2015, the conversation quickly turned to how the school might help those students take the next step toward a four-year degree. With the first group of Tennessee Promise students graduating in May, Seale says the timing is perfect, as Carson-Newman currently has some 70 Tennessee Promise eligible students.

“We want to keep those students and help bridge the financial gap between a two-year degree and earning their four-year degree,” said Seale. “Once Tennessee Promise students earn their associate’s degree, and if they hold a 2.5 GPA, that’s when The Carson-Newman Promise kicks in with additional aid for two more years. We expect this to be an attractive option for both current students, as well as future transfer students.”

“It’s just another level of commitment to helping our students reach their full potential,” said Dr. Paul Percy, provost for the University. “We have a strong desire to see our students accomplish one of life’s most rewarding goals of earning a four-year degree.”

The Carson-Newman Promise will be available starting fall 2017.

For more information, contact Carson-Newman’s Financial Aid Office at 865-471-3247.