Text: Dr. Bill Frist introduces the 2026 Maryville College Commencement speaker
May 11, 2026
A nationally acclaimed heart and lung transplant surgeon who served in the United States Senate from 1994-2006, Dr. Bill Frist — along with his wife, Tracy — recently announced his support for the Tracy and Bill Frist Center for Appalachian Wellness and the Outdoors, a key feature of the proposed Alexander Institute for Conservation Leadership and the Sciences. As a featured guest at Maryville College’s Commencement on May 9, 2026, Frist — returning to the institution’s graduation 25 years after serving as its speaker — addressed the crowd and introduced 2026 Commencement speaker Jennifer Morris. Here is the text of his remarks.
Good morning to everybody.
Indeed, 25 years later, it’s a real pleasure and a real privilege for Tracy, my wife, and me to be here with you — really in the heart of Appalachia and in the midst, in the shadow, of the Great Smoky Mountains.
And I start with that because the mountains themselves represent so much more than beauty, though the beauty is a wonderful backdrop. They’re ancient, and they’re resilient, and they’re connected.
For generations, they have been the heart and soul of this region. They have helped shape this region and the people who call it home. And they remind us, just being around us and looking on that horizon, of something much, much larger.
Across the entire Appalachian region, millions of people share not only geography, but water and weather, a sense of community and history. The mountains, quietly in their own way, teach us that we are connected to something much bigger than ourselves.
And I use those words as an introduction because it is with that understanding that it is such a privilege for me to introduce Jennifer Morris.
Jennifer has a remarkable ability to bring people together — not just in the United States or North America, but indeed around the world — bringing together people who, especially today, do not naturally align.
She is as comfortable exploring the deep waters of remote Pacific islands — where Tracy, Jen and I were just three or four weeks ago — as she is sitting with leaders from business, community, government and philanthropy, bringing them together around a common purpose.
Across every one of those settings — and Tracy and I have had the opportunity to witness and participate in this around the world — she is the one who listens deeply, who leads generously, and who reminds people that lasting, sustaining progress comes when we work together.
As CEO of The Nature Conservancy, which operates in almost 80 countries, she leads in a spirit of togetherness at a moment in time when many people are separated.
She also brings together what has historically been seen as a separation between nature and human beings.
And it feels especially fitting that she joins us today at Maryville College — a place grounded in history, humility and service.
Please join me in welcoming a leader who understands, as Lamar Alexander always says, how place shapes purpose, how difference and diversity become strengths, and how leadership at its very best brings people together.
Join me in welcoming Jennifer Morris.