The new UT Martin strategic plan, approved by the UT Board of Trustees at its winter meeting, highlights the university’s commitment to innovative learning opportunities, strengthening industry partnerships and supporting economic development in West Tennessee and other areas. The approval came during the first board meeting hosted by Chancellor Yancy Freeman since his appointment in 2023.
UTM Wins Equestrian Championship
The Skyhawk equestrian team registered its first Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) championship and was rewarded with an at-large berth into the national championship for the first time since the tournament format was changed to eight teams. The tournament was held in April at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala, Florida, where the Skyhawks fell to No. 1 seed Southern Methodist University. Kim Leiter-Janes won her fourth ECAC Coach of the Year award in the past five seasons, overseeing four All-Americans and 11 different riders who combined for 15 All-ECAC postseason honorees.
Springfield Center Approved
The Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges approved the UT Martin Springfield Regional Center, officially giving the university six regional centers. Centers are now located in Springfield, Jackson, McNairy County/Selmer, Parsons, Ripley and Somerville. The Tennessee Higher Education Commission approved the UT Martin Springfield Regional Center last year. The center is housed on the Volunteer State Community College-Springfield campus.
Students Host Wildlife Society Conclave
The UT Martin student chapter of The Wildlife Society hosted the annual Southeastern Wildlife Student Conclave, which brought 20 university chapters and more than 350 students from Louisiana to Virginia. The event included a quiz bowl, field competitions and 22 concurrent field trips and workshops. UT Martin last hosted the conclave in 2008, when it was held at Paris Landing State Park.
UTM Breaks Ground for TEST Hub
While taking part in the groundbreaking, UT President Randy Boyd credited partnerships for making the UT Martin Tennessee Entrepreneurial Science and Technology (TEST) Hub possible. Once completed, the $18 million facility will provide hands-on manufacturing engineering education and a regional innovation hub that will support the region’s workforce and economic development. The facility is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027.
Captain’s Challenge Sets Records
The 11th Captain’s Challenge fundraiser set records this year in dollars raised and total number of donors. Captain’s Challenge saw more than $579,000 in giving from 1,665 donors. The previous records were more than $470,000 gifted in 2022 and 1,441 donors in 2024. The College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences had the highest single-designation gift amount at $108,000, followed by the Office of Intercollegiate Athletics at more than $97,000 and Campus-Wide Initiatives at almost $95,000.
