The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, in partnership with Gallup, hosted its first Strengths Day on Sept. 16. A national leader in student success, UT held the daylong celebration to highlight its use of CliftonStrengths, a talent assessment meant to enhance well-being and empower students, faculty and staff to identify and apply their unique talents to their academic, professional and personal growth.
“Our partnership with Gallup and CliftonStrengths helps our campus cultivate a unique and impactful Volunteer experience,” said Amber Williams, vice provost for student success. “Through the CliftonStrengths lens, our scholars develop their talents and skills and show up at their best — in the classroom, during their career search and in life. We’re grateful to Gallup for a robust and meaningful partnership that has allowed our scholars to thrive.”
The day included a Q&A session with Chancellor Donde Plowman and Gallup Chairman Jim Clifton, a virtual interview with alumni Jimmy and Dee Haslam, a research presentation on the latest workforce trends, a panel discussion with industry and academic leaders, and a student celebration.
Since 2020, more than 48,000 students, faculty and staff members at UT have completed the CliftonStrengths assessment. First-year students are invited to complete the assessment during orientation and explore their results in a seminar. The CliftonStrengths model is also used as a resource in academic support, career development and community service centers across campus.
Celebrating the strengths-based model
Strengths Day featured executive leaders, notable alumni and faculty from multiple colleges discussing and celebrating the university’s integration of strengths-based programming across campus to help students harness their natural talents for success.
The event brought in executives and talent leaders from outside the university to strengthen partnerships and explore the future of workforce readiness. Following Williams’ opening remarks, Gallup Chairman Jim Clifton shared Gallup research on talent and workforce trends.
His presentation included groundbreaking insights on the future of work, drawing from global data on generational shifts, emerging skill demands and the changing nature of employee engagement.
Preparing graduates to enter the workforce
In a session titled “CEO Advantage: Building Teams That Think Big,” Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick moderated a panel with industry executives to discuss how UT prepares graduates to think boldly, lead strategically and enter the workforce ready to succeed.
In his opening remarks, Zomchick encouraged a dialogue around the future workforce and how the university can prepare students for jobs that do not yet exist.
“UT is leading the way in alignment of skill development with the evolving demands of industry,” he said. “Through interdisciplinary education, real-world problem-solving and career readiness programs like Vol Edge, UT graduates are prepared to make an immediate impact in the workforce at both the state and national levels.”
Among the top attributes panelists indicated they were seeking were collaboration, critical thinking, professional judgment, strong writing skills and social interaction.
Connecting with alumni
During a remote live interview hosted by Williams in the style of “Leading with Strengths,” Gallup’s global leadership podcast, UT alumni Jimmy and Dee Haslam shared with first-year students and Haslam Leadership Scholars how they use their strengths.
Collaboration has become key to the couple’s personal and professional success, as they value differing opinions and understand how to harness their strengths to complement each other. The Haslams said they use assessment tools like CliftonStrengths for better collaboration across their executive teams, integrating the insight into their business ventures.
Plowman honored by Gallup
Chancellor Donde Plowman and Clifton offered strategic insights for executives navigating the future of work during a Q&A session called “Future-ready Talent: Bridging Research and Real-World Innovation.” The discussion was moderated by Student Government Association President Chase Darwin, a marketing major from Gainesville, Georgia.
Clifton indicated that younger members of today’s workforce seek purpose and meaning in their role. Plowman shared that using CliftonStrengths is a way of relating and communicating that acknowledges the whole person.
Most of UT’s current undergraduate students are members of Generation Z, loosely defined as those born in 1997 or later.
“It’s an incredible generation, and they want to show up at work and change the world,” said Plowman.
After the chat, Clifton presented Plowman with Gallup’s most distinguished recognition, the Don Clifton Hall of Fame Award. Named for the originator of strengths-based psychology and creator of the CliftonStrengths assessment, the award honors achievement in strengths-based science. Plowman is only the second individual to receive the award.
“The prestige in this award lies in its mission, purpose and global impact,” said Clifton. “It exists to recognize the few whose work ensures that strengths-based development is not a passing idea but a defining feature of how the world approaches human potential. Each recipient becomes part of a permanent record of rare leaders whose impact will be studied for generations.”
Plowman was presented with a medallion and an engraved award.
“It’s initiatives like CliftonStrengths that are helping students have an unparalleled experience at UT,” said Plowman. “I’m honored by this award, but the recognition truly belongs to everyone here at UT who has been championing our students and ensuring they have what they need to thrive.”
Strengths Day concluded with a celebration at the Student Union Plaza. UT mascot Smokey helped reveal the Class of 2029’s top five strengths — relator, empathy, developer, achiever and positivity — creating a collective profile of the class for those who will educate and employ them.
Williams, a certified CliftonStrengths coach, said the class wants to make powerful contributions on the foundation of meaningful relationships.
“They want the relationship to lead to something, to be part of the common good,” she said.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, tyra.haag@tennessee.edu)
Kara Addy (865-974-5534, kaddy1@utk.edu)
