The UT Board of Trustees approved a new framework that allows UT campuses to develop reduced-credit undergraduate degrees, making the UT System one of the nation’s early adopters of faster, workforce-aligned academic pathways. The model, still subject to individual program approval, aims to lower costs, shorten the time to a degree and help fill high-demand jobs across Tennessee. The degree would require fewer than the traditional 120 credit hours while still maintaining academic rigor and ensuring the quality standards of the university and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
UT System Honors Exceptional Faculty and Staff at 2026 President’s Awards
The University of Tennessee System honored 14 faculty and staff, whose work exemplifies the university’s Be One UT values, during the 2026 President’s Awards. Selected from campuses and institutes statewide, the recipients represent excellence in service, leadership and impact. Established in 2016, the President’s Awards are the highest honor a UT employee can receive, celebrating systemwide achievement and strengthening a culture of excellence. Each honoree receives a commemorative plaque and a $3,000 award. Winners were recognized across seven value-based categories: Bold and Impactful, Embrace Differences, Optimistic and Visionary, Nimble and Innovative, Excel in All We Do, United and Connected, and Transparent and Trusted.
Mural Location Submissions Needed
The Everywhere You Look, UT campaign continues to spread statewide. With only 25 counties left, the UT System is looking for high-traffic properties like barns, silos, storefronts and community spaces that showcase the pride and heart of Tennessee. Each mural becomes part of a growing statewide story, celebrating the people and places that make Tennessee home. Submit a location and help bring UT’s impact to every corner of the state.
Some of the counties needed:
- Fayette
- Hardin
- Franklin
- Stewart
- Clay
- Pickett
- Carter
- Johnson
TPA, UT System Partner for 86th Annual Awards
Journalists, editors and designers from across Tennessee were honored at the 2026 Tennessee Press Association awards, an event the UT System has co-sponsored for 86 years to celebrate excellence in reporting, photography, writing, design and public service. The Kingsport Times News earned the most first-place awards with eight wins, followed by the Wilson Post with seven. The General Excellence Award, the contest’s top honor, went to the Standard Banner (sixth consecutive year), the Chattanooga Times Free Press (second consecutive year), The Erwin Record, The Nashville Ledger and Kingsport Times News. This year’s competition included 1,088 entries from 68 newspapers and online publications.
