UT Knoxville Leadership Change
I am disappointed to have to tell you that earlier today, I informed Dr. Beverly Davenport of my decision to terminate her administrative appointment as chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, effective immediately. She will assume her faculty appointment in the College of Communication and Information on a full-time basis on July 1.
My responsibility as UT president is to ensure the success of every campus, beginning with the leadership of every campus. A great deal is at stake in these hires, including and especially at the flagship campus, given its importance to fulfilling the UT system mission and to that mission's impact on the lives of all Tennesseans.
Since April of last year, Dr. Davenport and I have had multiple meetings in which I laid out performance expectations and concerns, attempted to assist and coach her, and suggested she seek advice from other experienced leaders. Unfortunately, my concerns about her performance have not not been resolved. As the person who selected Dr. Davenport to lead the flagship campus, I am taking responsibility to do what is in the best interest of the University by making the leadership change.
An interim will be named soon.
All the best,
Joe
I am disappointed to have to tell you that earlier today, I informed Dr. Beverly Davenport of my decision to terminate her administrative appointment as chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, effective immediately. She will assume her faculty appointment in the College of Communication and Information on a full-time basis on July 1.
My responsibility as UT president is to ensure the success of every campus, beginning with the leadership of every campus. A great deal is at stake in these hires, including and especially at the flagship campus, given its importance to fulfilling the UT system mission and to that mission's impact on the lives of all Tennesseans.
Since April of last year, Dr. Davenport and I have had multiple meetings in which I laid out performance expectations and concerns, attempted to assist and coach her, and suggested she seek advice from other experienced leaders. Unfortunately, my concerns about her performance have not not been resolved. As the person who selected Dr. Davenport to lead the flagship campus, I am taking responsibility to do what is in the best interest of the University by making the leadership change.
An interim will be named soon.
All the best,
Joe
