Memorials, Recognition - Meharry Medical College, 150th anniversary -

114th Regular Session (2025-2026) Introduced by Charlane Oliver

Ceremonially recognize Meharry Medical College’s 150th anniversary and its lasting impact on health education, equity, and public service in Tennessee.

Signed by Governor.

#memorials #recognition

Purpose

Senate Joint Resolution 663 honors and congratulates Meharry Medical College on the occasion of its 150th anniversary (sesquicentennial) in 2026.

The resolution recognizes Meharry Medical College as a historic and influential institution in Tennessee, notable for advancing education, health equity, and public service.

KeyProvisions and Changes

Acknowledges Meharry Medical College’s founding in 1876 as the Medical Department of Central Tennessee College, its origins in Nashville, and its co-founders Dr. George W. Hubbard and Dr. William J. Snead.

Documents milestones:

First medical school in the South for African Americans.
First in the South to offer four-year medical training.
Founding history tied to Samuel Meharry, whose philanthropy supported the school.
Expansion of academic programs with the School of Dentistry (1886) and the School of Pharmacy (1889).
Notable early graduate: Dr. Georgia Esther Lee Patton Washington (1893) — first Black woman to graduate from Meharry, first Black woman licensed in Tennessee, and first Meharry graduate to practice in Africa.
Attainment of autonomy in 1915 with its own charter.

Notes Meharry’s current status and mission:

Five schools: School of Applied Computational Sciences, School of Dentistry, School of Global Health, School of Graduate Studies, and School of Medicine.
Ongoing commitment to training Black physicians, dentists, scientists, and healthcare leaders; focus on health equity and eliminating disparities.
Leadership under President/CEO James E.K. Hildreth, Sr., Ph.D., M.D.

Highlights the “Campaign 150” and a yearlong commemorative program to strengthen institutional excellence, community care, research and innovation, and preparation of future health professionals.

Who/What is Affected

Meharry Medical College is the primary subject and beneficiary of the recognition.

The Tennessee General Assembly (Senate and House) is the endorsing body, giving formal state-level acknowledgment.

No changes to law, funding, or regulatory authority are proposed; the measure is ceremonial/recognition-based.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Status: Passed both chambers and signed into law.

Introduced and advanced in February 2026.
Adopted on February 12, 2026; Senate concurrence on February 23, 2026.
House concurred February 24, 2026.
Signed by the Governor on March 6, 2026, completing the process.

Effective action: Reception and ceremonial recognition; no fiscal implications or regulatory changes indicated.

Final form: The resolution includes a standard ceremonial language, with a note that a copy of the resolution be prepared for presentation.

Bottom Line

SJR 663 is a ceremonial measure by the Tennessee Legislature to commemorate Meharry Medical College’s 150th anniversary, detailing the institution’s historical milestones, current mission, and ongoing commitment to health equity, while recognizing its enduring contributions to education and public health in Tennessee and beyond.

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