For over 200 years, private colleges have been serving the Volunteer state.  In 1956, the precursor of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association (TICUA) was established to promote better cooperation among private institutions throughout the state of Tennessee.  TICUA is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of member college presidents and corporate and civic leaders.  Daily activities are coordinated by a five member staff.

TICUA engages Tennessee’s private colleges and universities to work collaboratively in areas of public policy, cost containment, and professional development to better serve the state and its citizens. The association counts among its membership each independent, non-profit, accredited college and university in Tennessee with a traditional arts and science curriculum.  In addition, there are several non-profit, accredited members that specialize in such fields as medicine, dentistry, optometry, and technology.

TICUA is a tax-exempt charitable organization under federal and state laws. All contributions are tax deductible in accordance with Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Service code.  The association’s fiscal year is January 1st to December 31st.