Alumnus Named to Tennessee Higher Ed Hall of Fame
The TICUA has recognized Lee University graduate Juan Jose Perez for his work in law, social services, and education.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in People
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Juan Jose Perez has been inducted into the 2026 Hall of Fame by the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association. The honor recognizes alumni of the 34 member institutions whose careers have made a lasting impact in Tennessee and globally.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the intersection of private enterprise and social impact, specifically through models like microhome communities. It reflects how leaders in fields like law and health systems apply operational expertise to address regional needs.
The 2026 class includes 25 alumni selected from 34 TICUA member institutions. The association represents the broad network of independent higher education throughout the state.
The players
Juan Jose Perez
A Lee University graduate, founding partner of Perez Morris, and co-founder of the 41-unit Vista Village microhome community.
Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association
An association representing 34 private colleges and universities in Tennessee that coordinates institutional advocacy and recognition.
Mike DeWine
The Governor of Ohio who appointed Perez to the Board of Trustees for The Ohio State University in 2022.
The details
Juan Jose Perez is a founding partner of the multi-state law firm Perez Morris and co-founded Vista Village, a community comprising 41 microhomes. Vista Village operates by integrating housing with wraparound social services designed to foster economic independence for residents. Beyond his legal practice, Perez has maintained significant governance roles, including serving as board chair of the Mount Carmel Health System and as a trustee for The Ohio State University.
Timeline
2013-2016: Perez served as board chair of Mount Carmel Health System.
2019: Perez established the Joan E. Perez Endowed Scholarship Fund.
2022: Governor Mike DeWine appointed Perez to the OSU Board of Trustees.
2026: Perez was inducted into the TICUA Hall of Fame.
Market Landscape
The selection of Perez marks a trend toward recognizing alumni who bridge private industry with social-service infrastructure. This reflects the broader shift in how institutional associations benchmark influence beyond standard revenue metrics.
Operators looking to align their business strategy with community development should evaluate the model of pairing specialized housing with wraparound support services. Monitoring these institutional awards can provide signals on which regional operational strategies are currently gaining peer approval.
The takeaway
Business leaders can often broaden their institutional profile by connecting core competencies, such as legal or management expertise, to scalable social-service initiatives. Review your own firm's community engagement metrics to determine if they align with the impact-driven criteria currently favored by professional associations.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership and recognition in the state, see the latest coverage in Tennessee People.
More information
View the full list of honorees on the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Chattanoogan.
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