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HJR 158

General Assembly, Confirmation of Appointment - Marquita Qualls, Tennessee State University Board of Trustees -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by William Lamberth

Confirms the Governor's appointment of Marquita Qualls to the TSU Board through March 31, 2027, ensuring TSU alumni and Tennessee residents sit on the university's governance.

Signed by Governor.
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Bill Summary · HJR 158

Summary of Bill: HJR 158 — Confirmation of Appointment of Marquita Qualls to the Tennessee State University Board

Purpose of the Bill

  • This House Joint Resolution confirms the appointment of Marquita Qualls to the state university board of Tennessee State University (TSU).
  • The resolution aligns with Tennessee law requiring legislative confirmation of gubernatorial appointments to the TSU Board.

What the Bill Does

  • Confirms the Governor’s appointment of Marquita Qualls to the TSU Board for a term ending March 31, 2027.
  • Reiterates the board governance framework established by law:
    • The governor appoints eight members to the TSU Board.
    • Of the nine voting members, at least six must be residents of Tennessee, and at least three gubernatorial appointees must be alumni of the institution they serve.
  • The resolution declares that the appointment is subject to confirmation by both houses of the General Assembly (as required by law).

About Marquita Qualls (Background)

  • Education: Graduated from TSU with a chemistry degree; earned a Ph.D. from Purdue University.
  • Professional Experience: Former employee of GSK (pharmaceutical company) and founder of Entropia Consulting, a management consulting firm focusing on strategy, operations, and development for STEM-related companies.
  • Leadership/Professional Involvement: Former president of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOPACCE); participated in developing the Leadership Development System for the American Chemical Society.

Key Provisions and Impacts

  • Board Composition and Qualifications: The appointment satisfies the requirement that at least three gubernatorial appointees be TSU alumni and helps maintain the mandated presence of TSU alumni and Tennessee residents on the board.
  • Term of Service: Qualls’ term runs through March 31, 2027, clarifying the length of service on the TSU Board.
  • Governance Purpose: Supports ongoing governance of TSU, including strategic direction, oversight, and policy for the university.

Procedural History and Timeline

  • February 26, 2025: Bill introduced.
  • February–March 2025: Standard committee and floor action sequence; HJR 158 is placed on calendars, debated, and transmitted between chambers.
  • March 11–13, 2025: Engrossed, transmitted, and concurred between House and Senate; substitution from SJR to HJR approved.
  • March 19, 2025: Transmitted to the Governor for action.
  • March 25, 2025: Governor signs the joint resolution (status: Signed by Governor).
  • The bill is a joint resolution, reflecting the constitutional/legislative process for confirming gubernatorial appointments.

Effective Date and Practical Effect

  • Upon signing, Marquita Qualls is confirmed to join the TSU Board, serving until March 31, 2027, subject to any further actions or governance needs of TSU and the Board.

Who Is Affected

  • Tennessee State University: Board governance and strategic oversight.
  • Marquita Qualls: Becomes a voting member of the TSU Board.
  • Tennessee residents and TSU alumni community: Beneficiaries of board composition requirements and university leadership.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s content as introduced and the confirmed status indicated by legislative actions and governor’s signature.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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