Tennessee State Board of Education
Dr. Gary L. Nixon, Executive Director

Tennessee State Board of Education Members Biographical Summaries

The State Board of Education is composed of nine members—one from each of Tennessee's congressional districts, plus a student member. Dr. Gary Nixon serves as Executive Director of the Board. All members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the General Assembly. Board members serve a five-year term; the student member serves a one-year term. The Executive Director of the Tennessee Higher Education Commission Dr. Richard G. Rhoda, is an ex- officio, nonvoting member.

Mr. B. Fielding Rolston, Chairman
Represents: 1st Congressional District

Resides: 3745 Arrowhead Trail; Kingsport, TN 37664

Email: frolston@ecu.org

Education: B.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, M.B.A., American University
Occupation: Retired; Former Vice-President, Human Resources and Communications, Eastman Chemical Company.
Appointed 1996; Reappointed 2008; current term: 2008-2013

Mr. Mike Edwards
Represents: 2nd Congressional District

Resides: Knoxville, TN

Email: medwards@knoxvillechamber.com

Education: Bachelor of Science in Political Science, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
Occupation: President and CEO, Knoxville Chamber; President and CEO, The Development Corporation of Knox County
Appointed: June 24, 2011, current term: 2011 - 2016

Ms. Vernita B. Justice
Represents: 3rd Congressional District

Resides: 306 Glenwood Drive, Chattanooga, TN 37404

Education: B.S., Tennessee State University
Occupation: Teacher, Hamilton County Schools
Appointed 2008; current term: 2008-2013

Mr. Lonnie Roberts
Represents: 4th Congressional District

Resides: 1158 Roseland Drive, Columbia, TN 38401

Email: lroberts@trh.com

Education: Bachelor of Science, Major in Business Administration and a minor in Economics, Jacksonville State University
Occupation: CEO TRH Health Plans
Appointed: June 24, 2011; current term: 2011-2016

Ms. Carolyn Pearre, Vice Chair
Represents: 5th Congressional District

Resides: 427 Prestwick Court, Nashville, TN 37205

Email: cpearre@comcast.net

Education: B.S., M.S., University of Tennessee-Knoxville
Occupation: Retired educator; Former Executive Director Tech Prep Programs, Tennessee Board of Regents
Appointed April 2002; Reappointed 2011; current term: 2011-2016

Dr. Jean Anne Rogers
Represents: 6th Congressional District

Resides: 2631 Memorial Blvd., Murfreesboro, TN 37129

Email: jarogersod@bellsouth.net

Education: B.S., O.D., Southern College of Optometry
Occupation: Doctor of Optometry
Appointed 2005; current term: 2005-2014

Ms. Janet Ayers
Represents: 7th Congressional District

Resides: 1420 Old Perryville Road, Parsons, TN 38363

Email: ayers.janet@gmail.com

Education: Bachelor of Science & Healthcare Administration
Occupation: Retired Nursing Home Administrator, Current President of The Ayers Foundation
Appointed 2012; current term: 2012-2017

Dr. Melvin Wright, Sr.
Represents: 8th Congressional District

Resides: 340 North Hays Avenue, Jackson, TN 38301

Email: wrightmelvindds@bellsouth.net

Education: B.S., Tennessee State University, D.D.S., Meharry Medical College of Dentistry
Occupation: Private Practice of General Dentistry
Appointed 1996; Reappointed 2005; current term: 2005-2014

Ms. Teresa Sloyan