The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has appointed Hollie Raynor and John Sorochan as the newest Chancellor’s Professors. The distinction honors exceptional faculty members for outstanding scholarly achievement and contributions to their fields, with the recipients named by Chancellor Donde Plowman.
“Both of these faculty members embody our university’s highest standards, demonstrating exceptional service to their students and dedication to their research,” said Plowman. “We’re privileged to have them as members of our Volunteer community, and I’m excited to welcome them to our distinguished group of Chancellor’s Professors.”
Selection as a Chancellor’s Professor recognizes tenured faculty who have dedicated five or more years of service to the university. Candidates are nominated by their deans and recommended to the provost and chancellor by the existing cohort of honorees. Along with receiving a one-time $20,000 research stipend, Chancellor’s Professors serve as a strategic advisory body, meeting regularly with senior leadership on key campus issues and initiatives.
Meet the 2026 Chancellor’s Professors
Hollie Raynor is a professor in the Department of Nutrition and executive associate dean of research and operations for the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences. Her research specializes in lifestyle interventions designed to improve eating and activity behaviors for obesity care in children and adults. She holds a Master of Science in public health nutrition and a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, and she is a registered dietitian and licensed psychologist. Raynor has served on several national nutritional guideline committees and received the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Medallion Award for her leadership in the field. She also serves as the director of the Healthy Eating and Activity Laboratory and provides expert guidance as co-chair of the steering committee supporting UT’s relationship with River Vally Health.
“I am honored to be named as a Chancellor’s Professor and look forward to doing what I can to help UT continue to have a positive impact on society,” said Raynor. “We’re making a difference through the experiences that UT provides to students, the innovative research that faculty conduct and UT’s relationships with community partners.”
John Sorochan is the Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management in the Department of Plant Sciences at the Herbert College of Agriculture. His research focuses on optimizing turfgrass performance for sports fields, golf courses and other high-traffic areas, exploring innovations in grass resilience, pest management and sustainable maintenance practices. As a leading industry consultant, Sorochan frequently collaborates with organizations and athletic teams, guiding them on best practices for maintaining field quality and athlete safety. Most recently, Sorochan is leading an expert team of researchers charged with optimizing 16 stadium fields and dozens of training fields required for the FIFA World Cup 26. Sorochan’s findings have helped elevate the standards of sports turf management, contributing directly to safer and more sustainable playing surfaces worldwide.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as a Chancellor’s Professor. This distinction truly reflects the collective efforts and support of the many colleagues, graduate students, undergraduates, and staff with whom I have had the privilege to work at the University of Tennessee,” said Sorochan. “I am especially grateful to my family for their unwavering encouragement and support, both personally and professionally.”
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick commended both honorees for their scholarly expertise and their service to the university.
“Not only are both these faculty members world-class scholars in their respective fields, but they are also dedicated mentors and teachers, providing outstanding classroom instruction and leadership to campus,” said Zomchick. “Their work enriches our university and sets a shining example of faculty excellence.”
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Media Contact:
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, tyra.haag@tennessee.edu)