UTK Student Excellence

Michael Folkerth

1 month ago

UT Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman stands with the 10 Torchbearer award recipients. Torchbearers, the university’s highest undergraduate student honor, have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to service and leadership.

A diverse group of men and women standing on stage, each holding a framed plaque. — UT Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman stands with the 10 Torchbearer award recipients. Torchbearers, the university’s highest undergraduate student honor, have demonstrated academic excellence and a commitment to service and leadership.

Three UT Knoxville students were awarded Goldwater Scholarships—the most prestigious national undergraduate scholarship of its kind—for the 2025-26 academic year.
Two students and an alumnus from UT Knoxville were awarded National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships to advance their efforts in science, technology, engineering and math. Awarded nationally to 1,000 students in 2025, the fellowship provides three years of financial support, including an annual stipend along with an allowance for tuition and fees.

Grubbs Invest in Student Success

A generous donation from John and Debbie Grubb will help UTK strengthen student veteran success through scholarships, enhanced research and instructional support, and more public service opportunities. The John and Debbie Grubb Veteran Success Center Coach Fund, Veteran Scholarship and Awards Fund, and Veteran Success Center Program Fund will encourage participation in veteran-focused programs, support student veterans pursuing STEM disciplines and expand resources by enabling the hiring of additional staff.

Powerful Partnerships

The Tickle College of Engineering and Kairos Power unveiled a new Operator Training Simulator Laboratory that will train operators for a new Oak Ridge low-power demonstration reactor and serve as a training hub for UTK students.

UTK and Volkswagen marked the fifth anniversary of the Volkswagen Innovation Hub Knoxville at the UT Research Park at Cherokee Farm.

Rankings and Recognition

The university was again named one of the country’s top graduate schools, with several academic programs receiving recognition in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025 Best Graduate Schools rankings. UT Knoxville was recognized for its top graduate programs in engineering, business, law, nursing, communication and education.

Renowned Research

John Sorochan, left, Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised the groundbreaking efforts of the turf research and development program during a visit that highlighted the university’s pivotal role in preparing the best possible pitches for both the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 and FIFA World Cup 26.
Seven faculty members were named to Clarivate’s Highly Cited Researchers list for 2024. The honor is bestowed on only one in 1,000 of the world’s scientists and social scientists.
Four faculty members were elected 2024 Fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a lifetime appointment bestowed in recognition of their extraordinary achievements.