By Bella Fricks

In July 2022, Tennessee Wesleyan University welcomed Dr. Tyler Forrest as its new President, following the retirement of President, Dr. Harley Knowles. Since Dr. Forrest has been on campus for two months, it felt like the right time to interview him from a student’s perspective.

Dr. Forrest is an Athens native, the first President in the University’s history, and a graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. He has been active around campus with students ever since his arrival in July.

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Dr. Forrest has spoken highly about his experience on campus thus far, and he already has high hopes for the future of the university in terms of student success.

“The first day of school gave me enough energy for the entirety of the school year due to the energy and life on campus,” said Dr. Forrest.

Dr. Forrest would like to implement improvements to existing programs on campus, expansion of higher level education including Master’s programs and potentially a Doctoral program, and update facilities like academic buildings or housing on campus in the future.

Dr. Forrest would like students to understand that he is a normal guy with a normal family. He enjoys traveling, through the United States and internationally, and he hopes his time at Tennessee Wesleyan is worthwhile.

Interview by Bella Fricks
Graphics by Emilia Mercado
Video by Emilia Mercado and Alex Wize
Video Editing by Alex Wize
Story Editing by Emilia Mercado
Photo by Emilia Mercado