Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Dr. Adam S. Green, East Tennessee State University’s chief of staff since 2019, will serve as board chair for the statewide Tennessee College Access and Success Network.  

The nonprofit organization, founded in 2010, advances efforts to improve college success for Tennesseans.   

“Dr. Green is one of the most passionate champions for students I have ever met,” ETSU President Dr. Brian Noland said. “Throughout every step of his distinguished career, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to ensuring that all students – particularly those from rural, low-income, and underrepresented backgrounds – have the chance to experience the life-changing power of higher education. He is an innovator and a tireless advocate who has opened new doors for thousands of students who might otherwise have been overlooked. He has brought new opportunities to economically distressed schools and communities and helped build a brighter future for our state and the Appalachian region. I am certain that, under his leadership, the Tennessee College Access and Success Network will expand upon its already impressive legacy of supporting students’ lifelong success.”   

Green has nearly 20 years of college access and success experience focused on increasing college attainment rates of low-income, underrepresented and first-generation students. A scholar and skilled grant writer, Green has secured more than $47 million in external funding to support college access and success initiatives. 

Prior to his role at ETSU, he spent 12 years working for the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission. His tenure with the commission included more than four years as vice chancellor for Student Affairs and an additional four years as senior director of the Division of Student Success and P-20 Initiatives.   

He earned both his bachelor’s degree in journalism and his master’s degree in educational leadership studies at West Virginia University. He also holds a postgraduate certificate in education awarded by the Manchester (England) Metropolitan University and doctoral degree in educational leadership studies from WVU. 

In 2016, he received the GEAR UP Professional of the Year award from the National Council for Community and Education Partnerships, a reflection of his work toward promoting the goals of the Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP).

He is also a graduate of Leadership Tennessee NEXT, a program aimed at offering personal and professional development for the Volunteer State’s best and brightest early- and mid-career professionals.  

“Dr. Green’s knowledge and expertise in college access spans educational policy, program implementation and the complexity of the student experience. His dedication, vision and heart make him an ideal board chair,” said Bob Obrohta, executive director of TCASN. “Together, we will overcome barriers, help create inclusive environments and ensure every student has the opportunity to achieve their higher education goals.”

ETSU faculty and staff regularly earn premier appointments, conducting critical research and generating positive change in the Appalachian Highlands and beyond.  

“I am deeply grateful to the board for entrusting me with this role. This appointment presents an exciting opportunity to further extend the mission to enhance college access and success across Tennessee,” said Green, a board member since September 2021. “I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to President Noland, whose leadership and support have been instrumental.”