Leadership Tennessee, a group committed to fostering non-partisan conversations on key state matters, named Timothy Lewis to the 13th class of its Leadership Tennessee NEXT program.

A photo of Timothy Lewis outside. He is wearing a tan suit and has his arms crossed over his chest as he smiles.

Lewis, director of undergraduate recruitment in East Tennessee State University’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions, provides leadership for undergraduate and transfer recruitment efforts. He oversees the admissions recruitment team, campus visit experiences and major recruitment events to attract and enroll future students. Building on his experience in New Student & Family Programs, Lewis is committed to creating meaningful pathways for students from their first interaction with ETSU through their transition to campus, helping drive enrollment growth and support the university's broader strategic goals.

This year, 33 individuals were selected for Leadership Tennessee NEXT, representing 13 Tennessee counties. The class brings diverse professional experience in a wide range of sectors and industries.  

The initiative is Tennessee’s only statewide leadership program focused on Tennessee's existing and emerging leaders across various industries.

The next generation

“The announcement of the 13th Leadership Tennessee NEXT class represents another important step in developing the next generation of civic leaders across our state,” said Alfred Degrafinreid II, president and CEO of Leadership Tennessee. “What makes NEXT special is the willingness of these emerging leaders to engage deeply with Tennessee's challenges while building relationships that transcend geography, industry and perspective. Class XIII brings tremendous talent, energy and vision, and I look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their communities and beyond.”

During each class session, members engage with members of the Signature Program, learn about issues and opportunities specific to Tennessee and develop personal skills.

“I’m thrilled to be part of Leadership Tennessee’s NEXT Class XIII,” said Lewis. “It’s an honor to join the class of leaders as we travel across the state, diving into the key issues impacting Tennessee and brainstorming creative solutions. I’m excited to follow in the footsteps of some great Buccaneers who have already done this program. It will be an honor to represent ETSU throughout this experience.”

The cohort begins its work in August and continues through November 2026. The class curriculum includes robust visits to Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga and Paris, Tenn.

Candidates are selected by an anonymous selection committee and evaluated based on the following criteria: professionals who excel in their fields, are engaged in service to their various communities and are dedicated to improving the lives of Tennesseans.

Since Leadership Tennessee's founding, more than 850 members have graduated from both Leadership Tennessee NEXT and the organization's Signature Program.

Lewis's selection reflects ETSU's commitment to developing leaders who make an impact on campus, across Tennessee and beyond. Learn more about ETSU's commitment to leadership development as the Flagship of Appalachia.

About Leadership Tennessee

Leadership Tennessee was founded in 2013 as an initiative of the College of Leadership and Public Service at Lipscomb University, and in 2021, it launched as an independent 501(c)(3). The program fosters collaborative, non-partisan dialogue on issues of state importance, connecting a network of diverse leaders and engaged citizens. Citizens with demonstrated community and professional leadership from every region of the state bring their diverse backgrounds and experiences to an in-depth exploration of the complex issues facing Tennessee, with a focus on how leaders can collaborate to address those issues effectively.