Bettye Giles, the first and only director of women’s athletics at UT Martin, was announced as a 2020 inductee into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame. Giles founded the Tennessee College Women’s Sports Federation, which began with 18 member colleges and universities and grew to 34 institutions by 1974. She spent her career advocating for women’s equality in sports across the state.
Unity Circle Honors Divine Nine
The National Pan-Hellenic Council Greek Garden at Unity Circle was dedicated in honor of the Divine Nine historically African American fraternities and sororities during homecoming festivities. The NPHC Greek Garden features nine plaques commemorating each of the UT Martin Divine Nine chapters and their contributions to the university. “This not only signifies a place, a recognition spot, a gathering spot, a programming spot for our Divine Nine, it’s also moving us along in our university mission and vision,” says UT Martin Chancellor Keith Carver.
Nunnellys Honored with Welcome Center Dedication
After bequeathing $22 million to fund scholarships for students from underserved rural counties, Bill and Rosann Nunnelly were honored by UT Martin with the official naming of the Nunnelly Family Welcome Center. The center is located on the first floor of the Boling University Center and is where all university campus tours begin. More than 90 Nunnelly Scholars will be able to attend UT Martin each year when the bequest is realized.
WestStar Leadership Program Celebrates 30 Years
WestStar, the state’s oldest and largest regional leadership program, celebrated its 30-year anniversary of equipping regional leaders with new skills and knowledge designed to impact the educational, economic and social development of West Tennessee at Discovery Park of America in Union City. WestStar has graduated 857 class members, including UT Martin Chancellor Keith Carver, since its inception in 1989 at UT Martin.
