Tennessee Code Title 49. Education § 49-9-1101

(a) There is created and established by the state a campus of the University of Tennessee in Giles County, to be known as the University of Tennessee Southern.

(b) The trustees of the University of Tennessee are given the same power, authority, and discretion to take all actions necessary, proper, or convenient for the accomplishment of the University of Tennessee's mission at the University of Tennessee Southern as the trustees now have and exercise at the other colleges and schools of the University of Tennessee, including, but not limited to, the power, authority, and discretion to prescribe and offer courses, curricula, and degree programs; acquire land and construct buildings; inaugurate and carry out all necessary supporting work and activities; and award degrees of the University of Tennessee.