The OUTreach: LGBTQ+ & Ally Resource Center announced earlier this week that the center’s name is now the Pride Center.
Over the summer, representatives of the center selected the new name after speaking with students, faculty, staff, alumni, the Commission for LGBT People, the Office for Diversity and Inclusion, senior administrators, and peer institutions.
The center is an integral resource for LGBTQIA students, faculty, and staff. Now in its sixth year on campus, the center has evolved from a drop-in space with sporadic hours to a full-fledged office with an array of programs, services and resources.
The Pride Center is celebrating its new name at a grand re-opening and ice cream social 3:00–5:00 p.m. on October 6 in the Melrose Hall courtyard.
Several other departments and units have announced name changes since the last academic year. They are:
The Office for Diversity and Inclusion: Formerly the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Diversity, the new name better reflects the mission and goals of the office, led by Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Inclusion Rickey Hall.
The Center for Career Development: By using the word “development,” the former Career Services seeks to communicate to students that the center helps them grow professionally while at UT.
Moving to the Alan and Wendy Wilson Career Development Suite in the new Student Union provided an opportunity to make this transition. The department is planning several service delivery changes for the fall semester to increase awareness with students.
Division of Enrollment Management: Formerly the Division of Enrollment Services, this name change is reflective of a broader view of enrollment efforts and planning taking place at the university. The division will continue to focus on providing the highest level of service to students while also adopting a strategic approach to managing overall undergraduate enrollment.
The Division of Enrollment Management includes the University Registrar; the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships; One Stop; Strategic Enrollment Reporting and Analysis; and Undergraduate Admissions.
Frieson Black Cultural Center: The UT Board of Trustees approved a proposal in June to rename a popular student programming and support building for alumni Ron and Don Frieson. The building previously known as the Black Cultural Center, on Melrose Avenue on the Knoxville campus, is now named the Frieson Black Cultural Center. Ron and Don Frieson are African American identical twins and Memphis natives who attended UT in the late 1970s.