In late October, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, was recognized with the Knoxville Area Urban League’s Corporate Leadership Award for its continuing efforts to make Knoxville a more economically inclusive community and a better place for people of all cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Vice Chancellor for Student Life Frank Cuevas and Associate Vice Chancellor and Executive Director for Equity and Diversity Katrice Morgan accepted the award on behalf of the university.
Chancellor Donde Plowman offered her gratitude through a video message. “I am so proud of our partnership with the Knoxville Area Urban League and the work we’ve done across our colleges and departments to lift up our community,” said Plowman. “UT is committed to the work of the Urban League as together we impact communities and change lives.”
Several of UT’s colleges and departments have partnered with KAUL for decades. Students in the College of Law have worked with the league to help local families through expungement clinics. The Haslam College of Business has partnered with the Urban League’s National Achievers Society, bringing resources to support ACT preparation events, college tours, etiquette dinners and the annual Teen Summit in partnership with UT’s Office of Multicultural Student Life. The Social Work Office of Research and Public Service will be working alongside KAUL to assist people in moving out of poverty as part of a $25 million grant-funded initiative.
KAUL’s Corporate Leadership Award recognizes a company, government agency or individual that has shown dedication to diversity, employment trends or special program involvement. In addition, recipients demonstrate support for the Urban League and its mission of enabling underserved communities to secure economic self-reliance, parity, power and civil rights.
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CONTACT:
Lindsey Owen (865-974-6375, lowen8@utk.edu)
Jeff Tippett (865-974-5652, jtippett@utk.edu)