The Governor’s Rural Education Foundation's vision is to equip students from rural Tennessee counties with the skills and resources needed to not only attend and graduate from post-secondary institutions but to also become productive, respected leaders in their hometowns.
The Governor’s Rural Education Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting rural education in Tennessee. Our focus is on expanding college access and preparing students for high-paying, high-quality careers. We work alongside local leaders, nonprofits, and community organizations to foster growth in rural communities and preserve the unique way of life that adds tremendous value to Tennessee’s prosperity.
We believe rural Tennessee is a vital and irreplaceable part of the state’s success. By partnering with organizations like the Ayers Foundation, we can ensure continued, sustained success for rural students and families.
GREF is dedicated to supporting rural education, particularly in at-risk and distressed counties in Tennessee. These are defined by the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development.
By addressing the unique challenges faced by rural students, GREF works to expand college access, prepare students for high-quality careers, and inspire community leadership. These priorities aim to create brighter futures for students while fostering growth and prosperity in rural communities.
GREF is committed to removing barriers to higher education for rural students in Tennessee. By supporting the Ayers Foundation’s academic counseling and mentorship programs, GREF ensures students have the resources to attend and graduate from post-secondary institutions. Partnering with schools, nonprofits, and community leaders, the Foundation addresses challenges like limited college-prep resources and financial constraints, inspiring more rural students to achieve their educational goals.
Preparing rural students for high-quality, high-paying careers is a key focus of GREF. Through career and technical education programs, internships, and industry partnerships, the Foundation equips students with in-demand skills in fields like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. By aligning efforts with regional economic goals, GREF builds a talent pipeline that benefits students and strengthens local economies.
GREF empowers rural students to become leaders who contribute to their communities. Through leadership development, civic engagement, and collaboration with local organizations, the Foundation inspires graduates to return home as educators, entrepreneurs, and community builders. These efforts foster long-term economic and social growth while preserving the unique way of life in rural Tennessee.
A quality education can change the trajectory of a student’s life, and the Governor’s Rural Education Foundation is focused on ensuring that every Tennessean has the opportunity to thrive. We continue making significant investments to create positive outcomes for students in rural areas, and as a result, companies are choosing to invest and expand in our state at record rates.”
The Governor’s Rural Education Foundation is guided by a dedicated team of leaders committed to advancing educational opportunities in rural Tennessee. Our board members bring diverse expertise in education, policy, and community development to support initiatives that empower students, educators, and communities. Together, they work to ensure a brighter future for rural Tennessee through strategic leadership and collaboration.
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Public Policy Advisor,
Baker Donelson
At Baker Donelson, Jacob Baggett advises clients across industries—including manufacturing, healthcare, transportation, and education—on legislative and regulatory matters in Tennessee. He helps develop strategies around state government priorities, negotiates economic incentives, and provides regulatory counsel. Previously, he served as senior legislative advisor to Tennessee Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Ken Yager, managed former House Speaker Beth Harwell’s gubernatorial campaign, and worked as a public policy attorney. During law school at Lincoln Memorial University, he interned with Tennessee Supreme Court Chief Justice Gary R. Wade and was Editor-in-Chief of the law review.
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Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President, UT Institute of Agriculture
Carver has worked with the UT System for twenty-eight years. He most recently served as chancellor of UT Martin for over six years, and prior to that role, served as executive assistant to UT President Joe DiPietro for six years. Carver has worked on various UT campuses including Knoxville, Martin, and the UT Health Science Center in Memphis. Carver currently serves on the Executive Committee for the Governor’s Rural Education Task Force for Tennessee, the Tennessee Valley Fair Board, the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation Board, and the Discovery Park of Tennessee Board.
Carver and his wife, Hollianne, are the proud parents of daughter Carson (husband Michael) and two sons, Jack Thomas (J.T.) and Britton. The Carvers welcomed their first grandchild in June 2023.
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Supervisor of Secondary
Curriculum & Instruction,
Unicoi County Schools
Sherry Ray, an educator and administrator with over 25 years of K-12 experience, has served as Supervisor of Secondary Curriculum and Instruction for Unicoi County Schools since 2015. She oversees curriculum development, professional learning, and instructional strategies for grades 6-12, focusing on empowering students and educators. A passionate advocate for literacy and data-driven instruction, Sherry holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Union College and a Bachelor’s in Secondary English Education from Tennessee Technological University. She has been a member of the Governor’s Rural Education Foundation Board since 2021.
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Executive Director, rootEd Alliance, Inc.
Previously, Susan was the Founder and Principal of ROW Strategies, LLC, a consulting firm dedicated to assisting rural students in achieving their career aspirations and fostering community development by utilizing local talent. Before establishing ROW Strategies, Susan served as the Executive Director of The Ayers Foundation for over 10 years. Her career began in 2009 as a College Access Counselor and she remained with the organization for over 14 years. Susan pursued her higher education at Columbia State Community College, culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of North Alabama in 2006. Subsequently, she obtained her Masters of Science degree with a concentration in Guidance and Counseling from the University of West Alabama in 2009.
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Senior Advisor and Director of External Affairs,
Governor's Office
Alec Richardson serves as Senior Advisor to the Governor and Director of External Affairs for Governor Bill Lee. Alec Richardson is responsible for overseeing scheduling and board appointments, managing federal relations, and advising on key issues, such as education and rural initiatives.
Richardson formerly served as Deputy Chief of Staff and Personal Aide to the Governor, following his work on the Governor’s successful general election campaign in 2018. Richardson is a native of Linden, Tennessee, and holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Tennessee at Martin.
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President,
Leadership Innovations Inc.
Dr. Sharon Roberts is president of Leadership Innovations Inc. and senior advisor to the State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE). She also supports the Knox Education Foundation with strategy and provides leadership consulting for state and local leaders. Sharon previously spent over 12 years leading SCORE’s work to cultivate education leaders and served as Director of the Lebanon Special School District. With more than 21 years in the Knox County School System, she held roles including teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent. Sharon serves on multiple boards supporting education and leadership, including as the inaugural chair of the Governor’s Rural Education Foundation. She holds three degrees from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
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CEO,
Tennessee Walking Horse
National Celebration
Warren Wells is the CEO of The Tennessee Walking Horse National Celebration, following a career in government and legislative leadership. Formerly Assistant Vice President for Government Affairs at Unum Group, he served as Governor Bill Haslam’s Director for Legislation, managing the administration’s legislative agenda, including the IMPROVE Act and key education initiatives like the Reconnect Act. A first-generation college graduate, he earned degrees from Motlow State Community College and Middle Tennessee State University. A U.S. Army veteran, he served in Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning a Combat Action Badge and Army Commendation Medal. Warren serves on the Governor’s Rural Education Foundation and several local boards in Bedford County, Tennessee, where he resides with his family.
Parsons, TN – Top leaders from the Ayers Foundation Trust and its nationally-recognized Ayers Scholars Program joined other state...
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