The University of Tennessee Southern is enhancing student experiences beyond the classroom with the establishment of two new unrestricted endowments dedicated to student life. These gifts are designed to broaden opportunities for student engagement, leadership and service, reinforcing UT Southern’s mission of always putting students first. One of these transformative endowments has been generously provided by Doug and Tammy Haney, passionate advocates for holistic student development. Their gift is launching UT Southern’s first alternative spring break, a pilot program that will give students the opportunity to engage in meaningful service while expanding their horizons. This spring, students will travel to Asheville, North Carolina, to assist Habitat for Humanity in rebuilding efforts following recent flooding. This immersive experience will allow students to give back, develop leadership skills and build lifelong connections. Equally impactful is a second unrestricted endowment, made possible through the generosity of Brenda Speer, a dedicated supporter of student enrichment. While plans for this initiative are still in development, the campus is excited to explore innovative ways to elevate student life experiences with her support.
First Living Learning Community
UT Southern’s first living learning community (LLC), a specialized residential experience designed to enhance academic and professional development, serves students in the Travis School of Nursing and Health Sciences and is possible through the generous support of the Doran Johnson family. The inaugural cohort of eight students began their journey together in August 2024, living and learning as a close-knit group. This immersive experience extends beyond traditional classroom instruction, providing weekly meetings, mentorship opportunities and regular visits to clinics, hospitals and nursing homes. By integrating hands-on experiences with academic coursework, the LLC offers students an early and in-depth understanding of the health care field. The success of this first cohort underscores the university’s commitment to enhancing student engagement and professional readiness. UT Southern is actively seeking additional funding to expand living learning communities into other disciplines, further enriching the student experience across campus.
New Outfield Wall
UT Southern celebrated a milestone with its first full-scale construction project since joining the UT System—the complete rebuilding of the baseball outfield wall at Bobby Walker Field. For years, the existing wall had been in visible deterioration, requiring frequent board replacements to maintain safety and appearance. A generous anonymous donor, who recognized the ongoing maintenance challenges, stepped in and fully funded the construction of a new, more durable outfield wall. This project not only enhances the aesthetics and structural integrity of Bobby Walker Field but also signifies a new era of facility improvements at UT Southern. As the university continues to invest in its student-athletes, this upgrade reflects the commitment to providing top-tier facilities for its teams and fans. Construction was completed in January 2025—just in time for the Firehawks’ baseball season.
