Tennessee Code Title 49. Education § 49-9-1603

(a) By March 1, 2023, the board of fellows, or a committee of the board selected by the board, shall conduct a national search and transmit to the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville a list of finalists for the position of director. The chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville shall provide all necessary administrative support for the search. The chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville shall appoint the director from the list of finalists provided by the board of fellows. If the position of director becomes vacant, then the same process must be followed to appoint a new director. During the period beginning when the position of director becomes vacant and when a new director is appointed, the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville may designate a member of the institute's faculty to serve as acting director. The chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville may remove the director in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University of Tennessee.

(b) The director shall report to the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

(c) Except for the appointment of the director as provided in subsection (a), the director shall make all faculty and staff hiring decisions. The director shall operate the institute in accordance with the policies and procedures of the University of Tennessee.

(d) Faculty of the institute may be awarded tenure subject to the tenure policies of the University of Tennessee as adopted by the board of trustees, and shall not be required to gain joint appointment in another division of the University of Tennessee.

(e) By September 1, 2023, and by each September 1 thereafter, the director shall develop and provide an annual strategic plan for the institute to the chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville; the president of the University of Tennessee system; and the board of fellows.