Featured image: The Haslam family, left to right, Crissy, Bill, Dee, Jimmy, Natalie and James
Continuing a pattern of transformative philanthropy to UT Knoxville, Natalie and James Haslam, Dee and Jimmy Haslam, and Crissy and Bill Haslam made a $40 million gift to the Haslam College of Business aimed at the continued elevation of its national reputation and mission of developing future leaders. The gift will directly support the hiring of preeminent faculty, enhanced faculty research excellence through additional named professorships and summer support, programmatic initiatives to increase diversity in the college’s student body, the expansion of undergraduate honors programming, and an increase in graduate student fellowships.
First Cohort of Diversity and Engagement Fellows Announced
Six faculty and staff members have been selected inaugural fellows of UT Knoxville’s Division of Diversity and Engagement for the 2020–21 academic year. Fellows embody the Volunteer spirit of inclusive excellence, service and content expertise. This cohort will support and enhance the division by focusing on unit administration; advancing diversity, equity and inclusion; and deepening university-community partnerships that enhance relationships and help solve real world issues.
Dean Shea Kidd Houze Recognized as SEC Trailblazer
Earlier this year, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) recognized 14 noteworthy African American leaders as SEC Trailblazers. Vice Chancellor and Dean of Students Shea Kidd Houze was selected for her many years of experience in higher education and her work in compassionate care and student engagement. The honorees were from varying disciplines, including student affairs, academics, enrollment and athletics.
First-Year Students Participate in Let’s Talk: Vol to Vol
During Welcome Week 2020, first-year students at UT Knoxville participated in a new initiative called Let’s Talk: Vol to Vol, a partnership between Student Success, the Student Government Association and University Housing. The campus-wide intergroup dialogue brings together students from diverse identities, communities and social perspectives for a conversation about how to engage in meaningful, respectful dialogue.
Commission for Disabilities Established
UT Knoxville has expanded support and representation for those with disabilities through the newly formed Commission for Disabilities. The commission brings together a group of experts representing many diverse groups dedicated to representing and extending the disability work being done on campus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly 26 percent of adults in the U.S.have some type of disability, and the percentage of people living with disabilities is highest in the South. Students from the Student Government Association and Graduate Student Senate played an instrumental role in the development of the commission.
