Press Release:
NASHVILLE — Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton has appointed Cumberland County Mayor Allen Foster to the Tennessee Technological University Board of Trustees. His term begins immediately and extends through June 30, 2031.
A lifelong Tennessean, Mayor Foster has a long and meaningful history with Tennessee Tech. He is a two-time graduate of the university, earning his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration before returning to complete a master’s degree in Strategic Leadership. The Foster family’s ties to Tennessee Tech run deep: his late wife, Rebecca, earned two degrees from the Whitson Hester School of Nursing and gave back through her service on both the TTU Development Council and the Nursing Advisory Board. Following her passing, more than 100 friends and family members joined together to establish the Rebecca Foster Memorial Scholarship Endowment, which now supports TTU nursing students for generations to come. Their daughter, Brooke, is likewise a two-time TTU graduate with her BSN and Doctor of Nursing Practice; she now serves as a pediatric nurse practitioner, teaches as an adjunct instructor, and continues the family’s legacy of service on the TTU Development Council. Their son, Shade, also spent time at Tennessee Tech as a member of the football program before beginning his career in law enforcement with the City of Crossville.
Speaker Sexton emphasized that Mayor Foster is the right choice for this responsibility: “Mayor Foster has consistently demonstrated professionalism, dedication, and integrity in his service to the citizens of Tennessee,” said Speaker Cameron Sexton. “I am confident he will bring those same values to Tennessee Tech’s Board of Trustees as they continue guiding the university’s mission of excellence in education, innovation, and workforce development.”
With decades of experience in public administration, economic development, and community partnerships, Mayor Foster has earned respect across the region for his steady leadership and commitment to improving quality of life in the Upper Cumberland. As a member of Tennessee Tech’s Board of Trustees, he will help oversee strategic planning, academic priorities, fiscal stewardship, and long-term institutional growth at one of the state’s premier public universities.
Mayor Foster reflected on the significance of the role for him and his family: “I am deeply honored to be appointed to the Tennessee Tech University Board of Trustees and grateful to Speaker Sexton for this opportunity to serve an institution that has meant so much to my family. Rebecca’s life and work as a nurse and proud Tennessee Tech graduate remain a source of inspiration as I work alongside my fellow trustees to support TTU’s mission and ensure it remains a place where students can pursue their dreams.”
Speaker Sexton has transmitted formal notice of the appointment to Tennessee Tech Board Secretary Lee Wray, with additional notifications provided to Lt. Governor Randy McNally and other state officials.
(Photo submitted)