Tennessee Tech University announced on Apr. 7 that Mickey A. Latour, Ph.D., has been recommended as the next provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, pending final approval by the university’s Board of Trustees.
Latour brings three decades of experience in higher education and is recognized nationally for his research in animal science. He most recently served as dean of the College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University since 2020, where he led several initiatives including a significant increase in enrollment and fundraising efforts.
During his time at Arkansas State, Latour oversaw a 40% rise in enrollment within the College of Agriculture, implemented a new strategic plan, raised millions to support key projects, and co-chaired planning for a new College of Veterinary Medicine. At Tennessee Tech, he will become chief academic officer with responsibility over nine colleges and schools covering more than 225 fields of study. His oversight will also include units such as the Volpe Library, Tech Honors program, Registrar’s Office, Army ROTC program, Center for Global Experiences, Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence, Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning, Center for Career Development and Gretta Stanger Center.
Latour has held senior leadership roles at other institutions including Southern Illinois University and Purdue University. Tennessee Tech President Phil Oldham said Latour’s broad experience makes him well suited to guide academic programs forward: “In Dr. Latour, Tennessee Tech students and faculty are getting the total package,” said Oldham. “He is a multi-award-winning professor committed to equipping every faculty member to do their best work, a prolific researcher with more than 80 scholarly publications and a skilled administrator who understands how to compete and win in today’s changing higher education landscape.”
Oldham added: “He will help advance Tech’s reputation for academic excellence while challenging us to think boldly about what comes next for our students and programs… We look forward to welcoming him to Cookeville.”
Latour said he was attracted by Tennessee Tech’s focus on experiential learning: “I am drawn to Tennessee Tech’s deep commitment to experiential learning and believe we can build upon that foundation to further distinguish our students and the university while cultivating new strategic partnerships,” said Latour. “I look forward to collaborating with the many talented individuals across this great university as we pursue new opportunities and continue striving for excellence.”
A native of Pearl River, Louisiana, Latour holds degrees from Southeastern Louisiana University (bachelor’s) and Mississippi State University (master’s degree; doctorate), along with an NIH fellowship completed at Washington University School of Medicine.
If approved by trustees, Latour is expected to begin July 1. Since June 2025 John Liu has served as interim provost following Lori Mann Bruce’s departure; Liu will continue as vice president for research.
