History of BEP
The Business Education Partnership (BEP) Foundation was formed in 1988 with the help of the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce. The purpose of establishing this foundation was to create outstanding schools by applying resources to bold ideas which would bring schools and businesses together in preparing our future workforce.
The BEP is a 501©3 organization that operates exclusively for non-profit scientific and education purposes by receiving grants, donations and contributions of real and personal property. Funding is used to create and promote programs which enhance and improve the schools of the City of Murfreesboro and Rutherford County by creating opportunities for business leaders, educators, and students to network and have hands-on interactions which will help to create a classroom environment which merges school curriculum with real life work experience. With your help, we can make education meaningful for students as they prepare to become the next generation of community and business leaders.
The BEP Foundation web site is sponsored through the generosity of First Tennessee Bank in Rutherford County. As part of their corporate philanthropy, First Tennessee is committed to supporting a range of programs for individuals and for classrooms that encourage financial literacy and business entrepreneurship. Learn more about these programs through our links page.
First Tennessee is proud to join their vision with the BEP in preparing today’s students to be tomorrow’s leaders in Middle Tennessee.
2010-2011 Board of Directors
| Charter Members | |
|---|---|
| Dr. Mark Byrnes | Chair, Rutherford County Board of Education |
| Dr. Linda Gilbert | Director of Schools, Murfreesboro City Schools |
| Mr. Harry Gill | Director of Schools, Rutherford County Schools |
| Mr. Paul Latture | President, Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce |
| Ms. Mary Wade | Chair, Murfreesboro County Board of Education |
| Elective Members | |
|---|---|
| Judge Don Ash | Circuit Court Judge- 16th Judicial District, Division III |
| Ms. Melissa Baker | Owner, Ascendant HR |
| Ms. June Bilbo | Community Relations Specialist, Publix |
| Dr. Gloria Bonner | Assistant to the Presidents, Middle Tennessee State University |
| Dr. Jim Burton | Dean, Jennings A. Jones College of Business, Middle Tennessee State University |
| Dr. Tom Cheatham | Dean, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, Middle Tennessee State University |
| Mr. Don Clayton | Ingram Book Group, Inc. |
| Mr. Gordon Ferguson | CEO, Middle Tennessee Medical Center |
| Dr. Pat Geho | State Director, Tennessee Small Business Development Center |
| Mr. Phil Holt | Regional President, First Tennessee |
| Mr. Lee Moss | CEO, MidSouth Bank |
| Ms. Cathi Rowlison | Corporate Relocations Consultant, Crye-Leike Relocation Services |
| Dr. Lana Seviers | Dean, College of Education - MTSU |
