(a) There is established an Institute for Public Service, which shall operate as a division of the University of Tennessee, to provide continuing research and technical assistance to state and local government and industry and to meet more adequately the need for information and research in business and government.

(b)

(1) It is the purpose of this institute to:

(A) Coordinate and promote departmental and contractual research and assistance to units of government and advise and consult with the general assembly, the governor, departments and agencies of federal, state and local government and public organizations and associations in the gathering and preparation of data and statistical materials necessary to the proper formulation of matters of public policy and the establishment, revision, expansion and contraction of programs of public service;

(B) Establish liaison with public and private institutions of higher education, research organizations and foundations and industry to the extent that the research facilities and capabilities of educational institutions are available to and concerned with the problems of business and industry and direct the activities of the Center for Industrial Services as described in § 49-9-403; and

(C) Cooperate with the office of legislative services, the office of legal services for the general assembly, the department of economic and community development and other state, local government and business or industrial agencies dedicated to the study and improvement of the problems of government, industry and law.

(2) The institute is authorized to use funds appropriated for such purpose by the general appropriations act for use by the Center for Government Training to fund training programs for county officials, in cooperation with the County Officials' Association of Tennessee and the Tennessee County Services Association.

(c)

(1) The president of the University of Tennessee, with the approval of the board of trustees, is authorized to appoint a general advisory committee to aid in directing the activities of the institute and other specific advisory committees that may be desirable to aid in accomplishing the several purposes of this part.

(2) The committees shall include, but not be limited to, a center for industrial services advisory committee, composed of representatives from public and private institutions of higher learning, members of the governor's staff, industry and other appropriate business and governmental organizations.

(3) All reimbursement for travel expenses shall be in accordance with the comprehensive travel regulations, as promulgated by the department of finance and administration and approved by the attorney general and reporter.

(d) The president of the University of Tennessee is authorized to appoint an individual to function as the chief administrator of the institute. The president is further authorized to fix the title, compensation, and other terms of employment of the chief administrator. The president may delegate this appointing authority to another officer of the university. The chief administrator of the institute shall serve at the pleasure of the president or other officer of the university who exercises this appointing authority. The qualifications for this position shall include both academic and governmental work experience.