Community & Outreach

A group of black students and leaders pose for a photo while holding an oversized, ceremonial award check.
News and Updates

Call Me MiSTER Donation

UTM's Call Me MiSTER program was presented with a $5,000 donation on behalf of the Crystal Renee Hayslett Foundation.

Aerial footage of a city with completely flooded streets in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.
Feature

When the Waters Rose

Hurricane Helene brought record floods to Tennessee. Public officials, teamwork, and community spirit helped save lives and set the path for rebuilding and recovery.

Piles of paperwork on a desk.
Feature

IPS Training Programs Help State Officials Work Better, Smarter

For years, IPS agencies have offered training opportunities to help state and municipal officials like Gary Behler get off to a strong start and do their jobs better.

A man wearing a blue blazer and orange tie, with a building and flag blurred in the background.
Feature

Heath Shuler Believes in Giving Back

University of Tennessee football great and former U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler reflects on the importance of public service.

A person holds a framed photo of a young, red-haired woman standing with an elderly woman in a purple suit.
Feature

Blossoms of Hope

A close bond with an aunt and uncle who owned a flower shop set Amy Elder Gammel on a path to nearly 20 years as a volunteer with the Alzheimer’s Association.

A black woman stands in a commercial kitchen, holding a pan of vegetarian cornbread.
Feature

Getting to Know ALICE

ALICE families serve our communities daily yet live paycheck-to-paycheck. Explore Cairo Douglas’ journey and the initiatives making a lasting impact in Tennessee.

An abstract display of blue lights representing DNA sequencing.
Feature

Championing Children’s Health

UTHSC rheumatologist Terri Finkel successfully advocated for a 'life-changing' law to help Tennessee's smallest residents.

A white woman, with short brown hair and wearing a black shirt, sitting in a room with white furniture.
Feature

Partnerships for Regional Impact

As CEO of Giles County Chamber of Commerce for 10 years, Jessie Parker is helping small businesses and entrepreneurs set up shop in the community.

A group of hispanic young men, wearing Lambda Theta Phi jackets, sitting on steps.
Feature

Advocate for Change

UT Chattanooga senior Mateo Jimenez discovered his passion during community service work outside of UTC: broadband access for underserved communities.

Five women, all smiling, stand in front of a wall painted with flowers.
Grand Challenges

A Car Full of Grace

Helping Mamas Knoxville supports East Tennessee families, providing 1.5M essential items like diapers, formula, and hygiene products to those in need since 2018.

A white man in an plaid blazer shakes hands with a group of young, black students.
From the President

At UT, Public Service is More Than a Mission

At UT, public service is more than a mission—it's a calling. It is at the heart of what makes us a dynamic force for good across Tennessee.

Old black and white photo from the late 1940s, showing three men suits overlooking a cityscape.
Historically Speaking

MTAS Traces Its Roots to Post-WWII

UT Municipal Technical Advisory Service (MTAS) was established in 1949 to assist city governments across the state.

An older man, wearing an orange shirt, stands with five students holding up UT-branded shirts.
News and Updates

“Find Your UT” Tour Inspires Students Across Tennessee

UT System President Randy Boyd concluded the 2024 "Find Your UT" tour, visiting 14 high schools to share opportunities available at the UT System's five campuses.

A group of men and women help load a pickup with supplies.
News and Updates

Partnerships for a Stronger Tennessee

The Vol community united to support those impacted by Hurricane Helene, including fundraising and providing disaster veterinary services.

A group of people in business suits standing together on steps outside a legislative building.
News and Updates

McKnight Honored at White House Event

UTC Center for Wellbeing Director Megan McKnight, along with nearly 250 others, was honored at the White House for efforts to prevent drug overdoses.

A group of six women and one man, all wearing green scrubs, standing together in a brightly decorated room.
News and Updates

Audiology and Speech Pathology Celebrates Opening

The UTHSC Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology held a grand opening for its new state-of-the-art renovated space in the UT Conference Center.

A group of well-dressed people posing for a photo at a ceremony.
News and Updates

4-H Hall of Fame Contributions

UT Knoxville alumnus Ruth McQueen was inducted into the National 4-H Hall of Fame for her lifetime of contributions.

A faded mural featuring creek flora and fauna, on the side of a building.
Feature

Crayfish and Katydids

Shanna Hanes and some of her students at UT Southern have embarked on a mission to clean up Giles County streams.

Two white women sitting at a table, hands clasped together.
Grand Challenges

Justice for All

UT students and EBCI leaders explore culturally specific approaches to domestic violence, seeking justice and health solutions for the Cherokee community.

Jeff Guenther checks a patient’s teeth in Crossville.
Feature

The Dentist Will See You Now

The Healthy Smiles project continues to boost Tennessee's dental workforce and delivers crucial care to rural communities.

Master Gardener Peter Markovich speaks to Hamilton County Master Gardener interns about the raised beds located next to the UT Extension office in Chattanooga.
Feature

How Does Your Garden Grow?

The ranks of master gardeners continue to grow across Tennessee, spreading horticultural knowledge.

An illustration rendering of a feasibility study for a marina in Savannah.
Feature

Learning to Lead

Learn how the CPM program's growth in West Tennessee is enhancing professional development for local leaders and driving significant economic projects.

Jill Joyce assists a student in a pre-algebra class at West Valley Middle School.
Grand Challenges

Growing Her Dream

UTK alumna Jill Joyce never thought she would be where she is now: seated next to a student, helping him learn statistics.