The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, showcased transformative projects aimed at enhancing the student experience, advancing academic excellence and supporting top-tier athletics during the Sept. 5 meeting of the Campus Advisory Board. Leadership highlighted initiatives including mobility upgrades, new residence halls and a cutting-edge space to educate the next generation of nurses.
“Everyone wants to be a Volunteer,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman. “The University of Tennessee is setting the standard with an unmatched student experience that makes Rocky Top feel like home. Our dedicated faculty and staff work tirelessly to inspire students both inside and outside the classroom, equipping them for success in high-demand careers. Our impactful research addresses state and national priorities, delivering innovative solutions for industry partners. And when it comes to athletics, Tennessee’s student-athletes and fans deserve nothing less than the best — and we have the vision and leadership to make it happen.”
UT Celebrates Historic Success
Plowman told the board the campus transformation comes as the university celebrates historic success this fall. A record 92.4% of first-year students returned for their sophomore year. The university received nearly 63,000 first-year applications for the 2025-26 academic year, which includes a 5.1% increase in Tennessee applicants.
The university also experienced record donor support, with more than 70,000 donors contributing $428 million during the fiscal year 2024-25. That commitment to the state’s flagship land-grant university provides momentum that carries the university forward.
Enhancing Mobility
The university continues to enhance mobility, making it easier for students, faculty, staff and visitors to navigate campus and the Knoxville community. Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration Paul Byrnes said ridership, including that of T buses and Knoxville Area Transit buses, increased 74% from the 2023-24 academic year to 2024-25.
To improve access, Parking and Transportation added a new T Bus route in August that takes riders from campus to popular downtown Knoxville destinations. The Downtown Loop route operates weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The university has expanded its shuttle service for park-and-ride permit holders, now offering routes from the Knoxville Civic Coliseum to both Neyland Stadium and the UT Institute of Agriculture. In addition, Byrnes said, the university is finalizing contracts for ride-share and car-share programs. The ride-share program would support first-year undergraduate students living on campus who do not have parking permits. The car-share program would provide students who are 18 and older with on-campus access to affordable short-term vehicle rentals. Both programs are expected to launch later this fall.
New Residence Halls Support Growth
The university celebrated the opening of two new residence halls in August. Beacon and Poplar halls house a combined 1,959 students. Vice Chancellor for Student Life Frank Cuevas told the board the halls are supporting the needs of a growing student body while also building a more dynamic campus experience.
A third new residence hall, Torchbearer Hall, is scheduled to open in fall 2026. Located in the heart of campus, Torchbearer Hall will feature covered terraces, a UT Creamery location, a post office and package lockers, meeting and study spaces, a large student kitchen and a synthetic turf lawn for outdoor activities.
Advancing Nursing Education
The College of Nursing hosted the board in the new UT Medical Nursing Building, which was dedicated Aug. 25. The new building is a key component of the university’s commitment to providing quality education to its growing student population and meeting workforce needs.
The college has experienced significant growth, with an increase of more than 61% in undergraduate enrollment from 2020 to 2025. The Bachelor of Science in Nursing program is ranked No. 19 among public universities, according to U.S. News and World Report. The program is ranked No. 1 in Tennessee.
“From our program growth and strong national rankings to our high student retention and graduation rates, we are proud of how we are shaping the future of nursing,” said Victoria Niederhauser, dean of the college. “Through innovative academic-practice partnerships and the learning opportunities in the new UT Medical Nursing Building, we are strengthening the nursing workforce across Tennessee and beyond.”
Students in the cutting-edge space receive hands-on training in simulation and skills labs that mirror real-world clinical environments. The building also features modern classrooms and collaborative learning spaces.
Stadium Upgrades Support Top-Tier Athletics
Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Danny White outlined enhancements at Neyland Stadium for the 2025 season, including south end zone updates that provide more space to accommodate fans. The entry into Gate 9 has doubled in size, and the southwest plaza has expanded to ease congestion. A wider concourse will help fans navigate the south end of the stadium. The area also has larger restrooms, a new elevator and a UT Medical first aid station. Other stadium upgrades include the addition of 11 custom-designed Founders’ Suites.
White provided an update on a multiple-year project to enhance Lindsey Nelson Stadium. The stadium will feature a new home plate entrance and plaza area for the 2026 season. Other upgrades include third-level suites and club space, a new sound system and permanent LED lighting, a team merchandise shop and ticket office, and third baseline restrooms and concessions.
About the Board
The Campus Advisory Board was created in 2018 when the Tennessee General Assembly passed the UT FOCUS Act, restructuring the UT Board of Trustees and creating an advisory board for each campus in the UT System. The board is charged with making campus-level recommendations to the UT Board of Trustees on strategic planning, operating budgets and tuition, as well as advising the chancellor.
Public members of the advisory board are Allen Carter of Niota, Alexia Poe of Nashville, Todd Skelton of Knoxville, Tom Smith of Nashville and John Tickle of Bristol.
The Faculty Senate-appointed member is Elisabeth Shussler, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology in the College of Arts and Sciences.
The chancellor welcomed to the board the new student appointee Kaden Grace, a fourth-year economics PhD candidate in the Haslam College of Business.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, tyra.haag@tennessee.edu)