Education

The governor of Tennessee appoints a state commissioner of education. The state board of education consists of 11 members—the executive director of the state higher education commission, a student representative, and 9 persons appointed by the governor. School attendance is compulsory from ages 7 to 17.

Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge is supported by the federal government and sponsored by more than 50 southern universities. It conducts energy, medical, and environmental research; offers science and engineering courses; and provides specialized training and management programs in science and technology.

The University of Tennessee was chartered as Blount College in 1794. The main campus is at Knoxville. There are also campuses at Chattanooga, Martin, and Memphis. The medical, dental, nursing, and pharmacy schools are at Memphis.