KNOXVILLE — Steve Catlett, a 14-veteran of the University of Tennessee, has been named associate vice chancellor for alumni affairs to oversee operations on the flagship campus.
The appointment is part of Chancellor Loren Crabtree’s efforts to enhance alumni outreach and programming by allocating staff and enhancing services and programming for Knoxville graduates.
“With nearly 190,000 students graduating from the Knoxville campus, an alumni staff is essential to keeping those people engaged in our development as a university,” said Crabtree. “Our alumni are the lifeblood of this institution and we must maintain and strengthen those relationships through programming and improved communications.”
Catlett graduated from UT in 1985 with a degree in marketing. He worked for seven years in sales in Knoxville and Raleigh, N.C. He was an active volunteer in the Raleigh alumni chapter, serving as president for three years. His volunteer link to UT drew him to an official position in 1992.
“Steve is the ideal person to take the helm of our alumni efforts in Knoxville,” said Vice Chancellor for Development and Alumni Affairs Linda Davidson. “His knowledge of UT and his love of its traditions and graduates translate into a passion for his job that is not often found. He relates well to our alumni because he shares their interest in the progress of our campus.”
The Knoxville campus also houses staff members who support the UT National Alumni Association and statewide alumni programs such as the legislative alumni council, Women’s Council and the association’s board of governors. All of UT’s student campuses have alumni staff.
“Knoxville alumni have always played a significant role in many of our statewide networks,” Catlett said. “I am pleased to be able to focus solely on the campus and provide additional opportunities to connect with our graduates living in the Knoxville area.
“We have a good system in place now, but we want to build on that and really take it to a new level. We want to engage, educate and involve our alumni. They are our best advocates for the betterment of the institution,” he said.
Some of the new initiatives will include small group breakfasts for alumni and community leaders with Chancellor Crabtree, an alumni speaker series and college-specific events that are led by deans to keep alumni connected with their programs.
According to Catlett, an active young alumni program also is a goal. “We want to offer classes on financial planning, how to buy a house and other adult responsibilities that our younger graduates may not have experienced,” he said. “We want to add real-life value to our alumni programming,” he said.
For more information on the UT alumni affairs program, contact (865) 974-3011 or visit http://www.tennessee.edu/alumni/
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Contacts:
Beth Gladden, media relations, (865) 974-9008 or beth.gladden@tennessee.edu