NASHVILLE (AP) — Tennessee Higher Education Commission director Richard Rhoda is retiring.

Gov. Bill Haslam announced this week that the 64-year-old will retire on Dec. 31.

Rhoda is one of the longest serving state higher education executives in the country.

The commission coordinates functions of Tennessee's public higher education systems, which consists of nine universities, 13 community colleges and 26 technology centers.

Rhoda also oversees the Tennessee Student Assistance Corporation, which administers state and federal student financial assistance programs.