A Legacy of Activism

Ever since the organization was re-established in 2004, the Tennessee College Republican Committee has worked to build a legacy of successful activism in every part of the state and at every level of politics. Here are many highlights from our history:

The Debt Generation

In 2011, we produced and released "The Debt Generation". Chronicling the experience of disenchanted young Obama voters, the video instantly went viral--garnering more than 850,000 hits on YouTube.

2011-2012

After a year of rebuilding, we set a record for the largest State Convention to date. Held in the State House Chamber, students from the state heard from former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. College Republicans from across the state fought back against the liberal bias on campus, including a religious liberty fight that garnered national attention. We also hosted a successful first-ever fundraiser that established a reserve fund for TNCR.

2012-2013

In two years, the number of chapters increased from 13 to 24, membership tripled to over 1,500, and a record-setting fundraising total left TNCR in solid footing for the future. A bench of leaders was developed through our Young Leaders program, relations with key coalition partners were built, and our presence in the media was established. Our State Convention was once again held in the House Chamber.

2013-2014

We continued growing the different services and programs provided to our chapters, including launching a job bank and connecting students with internship opportunities. College Republicans gathered for our State Convention at the Rutherford County Courthouse.

2014-2015

We partnered with College Republican chapters across the state to register students to vote ahead of the important 2016 elections. Our State Convention was held in the Rutherford County Courthouse.

2015-2016

We continued to build our chapters, linking them with key political leaders across the state. Members of various College Republicans chapters across the state were involved in different campaigns. We held our annual State Convention in the State Senate Chamber.

2016-2017

For the first time since 2013, our State Convention returned to the House Chamber, where over 70 students gathered to hear from leading gubernatorial candidates.

2017-2018

The 2017-2018 year saw TNCR building important momentum that would be taken into the 2018 midterm elections. Chairman Joyner (pictured below; right) successfully completed his second and final term as Chairman at the statewide convention, where Jonathan Williams of Bethel University took the reins for the 2018-2019 year.

2018-2019

Chairman Williams led the Tennessee College Republicans through the midterm elections, building important relationships with many including Tennessee’s newly inaugurated Governor Bill Lee (R-TN). Tennessee College Republicans were involved throughout the Governor’s campaign, solidifying the strong relationship between his administration and the Tennessee College Republicans for the foreseeable future. He served as the keynote speaker for the 2019 Annual Convention in Nashville, TN.

2019-2020

Chairman Alex Schramkowski (pictured below) was elected at the 2019 annual statewide convention, and he immediately went to work with the goal of building a winning 2020 statewide infrastructure. Under his leadership during his first term, Schramkowski helped double statewide membership numbers while adding multiple additional chapters. He also encouraged stronger relationships between the TNGOP, College Republican National Committee (CRNC) and TNCR. He was elected to a second term at the 2020 annual convention unanimously, with a mandate to carry the organization through the 2020 general election.