The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved plans to enhance the student experience and support strategic growth at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, during its annual winter meeting. The board also approved moving forward with new academic degrees to support the workforce needs of the state. Chancellor Donde Plowman outlined for the board the university’s bold path forward and shared her vision for taking the university to the next level.
“We have remarkable momentum and will build on our current strengths — creating an unparalleled student experience, conducting life-changing research and building the top athletics program in the nation — to shape our future,” Plowman said. “We want to produce more graduates and provide greater value for our state. We are striving for excellence because we know excellence means more opportunity for our students, our state and everyone we serve.”
UT experienced record retention in fall 2025, with more than 92.4% of first-year students returning for their sophomore year. Plowman highlighted that four-year and six-year graduation rates have increased since 2019 and shared goals to continue that success through 2030.
The university aims to become a top 10 research institution among public universities without a medical school and further contribute to Tennessee’s economic prosperity through research and innovation. To do this, Plowman said the university is looking to hire faculty from across disciplines who are leaders in their field. The university also plans to add 495,000 square feet of research and development space by 2030.
Projects support strategic growth
The board approved the addition of student housing redevelopment and College of Veterinary Medicine renovation projects to the university’s fiscal year 2026-27 state budget amendment request.
The university plans to build new residence halls to replace North Carrick, South Carrick and Reese Hall to support on-campus housing needs. The project is estimated to cost $253 million and will provide housing for more than 1,300 students.
A $72 million renovation and addition project will support the College of Veterinary Medicine’s emergency and critical care unit and feline health care center.
The state budget process requires legislative approval on both projects even though no state funds will be used. The projects are included in the campus master plan.
The board approved the university’s plan to enter into a loan agreement with Regions Bank for up to $25 million to purchase the Cherokee Mills property at 2200 Sutherland Ave. In February 2025, the board approved the university’s entering into a master lease agreement for the property. With board approval in place, the university will seek required state approvals to acquire the property.
Cherokee Mills is used for university offices, freeing up additional space on campus to support student-focused services and activities. Cherokee Mills is less than two miles from campus and within the current campus master plan boundary.
New degree programs support workforce needs
The board took up new academic programs that will provide students with the skills needed to be competitive in the job market while addressing workforce needs.
The board approved the Bachelor of Science in bioinformatics in the Herbert College of Agriculture. It is the first undergraduate degree of its kind in Tennessee. Bioinformatics is an interdisciplinary field that integrates biology, computer science and data analysis to interpret large quantities of biological data. Students in the program will learn to use data to develop solutions to real-world problems in agriculture and animal science.
Board members heard an update on the Master of Science in retail, hospitality and tourism management in the College of Education, Health, and Human Services. The program will support the state’s hospitality and tourism industry, which is the second largest contributor to Tennessee’s economy.
The new degree programs will go before the Tennessee Higher Education Commission for approval.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Lisa Leko (865-974-8698, lleko@utk.edu)