Statement from President Charles A. Fowler

Statement from Carson-Newman University President Charles A. Fowler on recent disparaging comments about Tennessee Teachers and Education Programs:

“We’re proud of our university’s rich history and tradition of educating Tennessee’s finest teachers. Our rigorous program seeks to prepare educators who are caring, called, and competent.  Over the last 10 years, three Carson-Newman alumni hold the prestigious ‘Tennessee Teacher of the Year’ award. This reflects the commitment to excellence in our Teacher Education Program.

The recently highlighted derogatory comments made at a political event about the competency of the more than 70,000 teachers who are educating Tennessee’s children are misguided, inappropriate, and uninformed. 

Educators in Tennessee deserve our appreciation, especially after navigating the challenges of a pandemic. Their service and dedication are marked with stories of those who continually go the extra mile to ensure their students receive a quality education.

While I am grateful for all of our educators across our state, I want to express my appreciation for our Carson-Newman education alumni as well as Carson-Newman’s outstanding education faculty who devote themselves to preparing incredible, highly impactful teachers. To every Carson-Newman Eagle who is a teacher- you have the respect, support, and admiration of your entire Carson-Newman family.”