Growth is about impact—harnessing the power of education, research and outreach to address our state’s most pressing challenges while anticipating the future needs of Tennesseans. Across the University of Tennessee System, we recognize this imperative and are committed to our mission to equip students with the tools, knowledge and practical experiences that align with the evolving needs of our state.
Last fall, we achieved a record enrollment of 58,726 students across our campuses, a clear testament to our ongoing commitment to making high-quality education accessible. This milestone is not just about numbers; it reflects our capacity to adapt and respond dynamically to the needs of our students and the shifting demands of our future workforce needs.
As the largest talent engine in our state, producing 13,465 new graduates last year (a 10.1 percent increase from just five years ago), we take our responsibility and service to the state of Tennessee very seriously.
In this edition of Our Tennessee, you will see examples of how we are driving growth across the system. From the development of future public servants through UT Southern’s Ingram Scholars program to expanding the educator pipeline across the state, the UT System is actively cultivating the growth necessary to meet today’s challenges and solve tomorrow’s dilemmas.
Our strategic focus on growth informs every decision we make and every initiative we undertake. As we move forward, we are committed not only to growing but to growing wisely and purposefully.
Thank you for your ongoing support and engagement, which are vital to our success. I am excited about our future and believe wholeheartedly that together we are continuing to build the greatest decade in the history of the University of Tennessee System.
—Randy Boyd, Knoxville ’79
