High school students who are dual-enrolled at Tennessee Wesleyan University can now take up to 10 college courses tuition-free, up from the five free courses they could previously take.

The Master of Science in Anesthesiology program saw more than 300 applicants; 24 were accepted and will begin classes in August 2026.

The gift comes from John and Ann Tickle and represents the largest gift the university has ever received.

The two institutions have signed an articulation agreement that will create a seamless transfer pathway for LPNs to transition into an RN bachelor degree program.

The gift comes from the family of the late Annie Pearl Gordon Harwell, who remain inspired by her life and legacy.

The endowment comes from Dr. Sandra McGuire, who is a professor emeritus at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and a former assistant dean and professor in the LMU-Caylor School of Nursing.

This latest gift brings the university to 97% of its final goal for the funding of the Knox Regional Health Science Center.

The partnership will provide a direct admission pathway for students that removes common barriers to higher education, like application fees.

Ora Hirsch Pescovitz’s latest $1 million gift to the university brings her total philanthropic giving to almost $4.5 million.

The partnership will create an articulation agreement that will assist electrical workers in completing college degrees.