Dear Alumni and Friends,
When I started my career in higher education, I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to serve as chancellor of one of the best land-grant universities in the country, a university that subscribes to our three-part mission of education, research, and outreach. This is the best and most enjoyable job of my career; it is a tremendous privilege to serve and to work with each of you to make this university a better place.
It’s now time for me to step aside and return to the faculty. I’ve been in discussions with my family and President DiPietro for months about this decision. It’s important to have a smooth transition; for that reason, the president and I have agreed that I will stay on as chancellor until the new chancellor arrives.
We all began this journey together with a firm commitment to enhance the educational experiences of our students, to enhance research and outreach, to build partnerships, to increase diversity, and to become more global and sustainable. I believe that together we have accomplished this and more. We have worked hard and we’ve struggled at times; we’ve experienced great joy and great accomplishment and always maintained the Volunteer spirit.
We have attracted stellar faculty and staff, improved the campus infrastructure, boosted private fundraising, strengthened recognition of UT, and secured additional resources. Our athletics department is stronger financially. Our student-athletes are making great progress in the classroom with the highest grades ever while also training to be champions.
We have increased enrollment while still attracting the best and brightest students. Our graduation rates have shown exceptional growth and our retention rates are moving up as well. We have launched major building and renovation projects; our great team has worked hard to transform the look of our campus, and new buildings and improved grounds have made it more beautiful and inviting. We have also achieved greater consistency with our branding. Whether you’re looking at our publications, our signage, or our buildings, you definitely know you’re in Big Orange Country.
Serving as your chancellor has truly been the capstone of my career, and I thank President DiPietro and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity and their support. Ileen and I are grateful to each of you for the chance to serve the University of Tennessee and become a part of its great traditions.
Go Vols,
Jimmy
When I started my career in higher education, I never dreamed I would have the opportunity to serve as chancellor of one of the best land-grant universities in the country, a university that subscribes to our three-part mission of education, research, and outreach. This is the best and most enjoyable job of my career; it is a tremendous privilege to serve and to work with each of you to make this university a better place.
It’s now time for me to step aside and return to the faculty. I’ve been in discussions with my family and President DiPietro for months about this decision. It’s important to have a smooth transition; for that reason, the president and I have agreed that I will stay on as chancellor until the new chancellor arrives.
We all began this journey together with a firm commitment to enhance the educational experiences of our students, to enhance research and outreach, to build partnerships, to increase diversity, and to become more global and sustainable. I believe that together we have accomplished this and more. We have worked hard and we’ve struggled at times; we’ve experienced great joy and great accomplishment and always maintained the Volunteer spirit.
We have attracted stellar faculty and staff, improved the campus infrastructure, boosted private fundraising, strengthened recognition of UT, and secured additional resources. Our athletics department is stronger financially. Our student-athletes are making great progress in the classroom with the highest grades ever while also training to be champions.
We have increased enrollment while still attracting the best and brightest students. Our graduation rates have shown exceptional growth and our retention rates are moving up as well. We have launched major building and renovation projects; our great team has worked hard to transform the look of our campus, and new buildings and improved grounds have made it more beautiful and inviting. We have also achieved greater consistency with our branding. Whether you’re looking at our publications, our signage, or our buildings, you definitely know you’re in Big Orange Country.
Serving as your chancellor has truly been the capstone of my career, and I thank President DiPietro and the Board of Trustees for the opportunity and their support. Ileen and I are grateful to each of you for the chance to serve the University of Tennessee and become a part of its great traditions.
Go Vols,
Jimmy
