2024 UT Martin Chancellor’s Annual Report
MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR
As I reflect on 2024, my first full year as your chancellor, I’m reminded of a fast-paced video game: full of quests, unexpected challenges, and meaningful wins. I’ve always been driven by a healthy sense of competition, so framing the past year in the context of retro gaming feels right at home. From powering through obstacles to unlocking new achievements, 2024 proved that when we play as a team, we continue to level up.
Throughout the year, UT Martin benefited from many top players who made a positive difference and contributed to the final tally of a successful year, while others leveled up by competing in multiplayer settings and shared in some outstanding achievements. All of this happened while a new gameplan was being developed in the form of the 2025-2030 Strategic Plan that will be the basis for the 2025 Chancellor’s Annual Report as well as subsequent achievement and growth for the university. With all of this in mind, being competitive is not enough to take the university where it needs to go; we must collectively power up and reach for next-level results.
I invite you to join me at the controls, look back at a great year, and press “start” to focus on what we will achieve together in the future. It’s game-on for our university, and I’m pleased to have you on the team.
Dr. Yancy Freeman Sr. Chancellor
Every retro game has a leaderboard to celebrate achievements. High scores highlight the university’s accomplishments from prestigious awards to significant recognitions that distinguish UT Martin.
Online MBA program recognized
UT Martin had the highest ranking for online Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs among the colleges and universities in Tennessee, according to rankings released Feb. 7 by U.S. News & World Report. U.S. News also ranked UT Martin’s faculty credentials and training as the best in the nation in online MBA programs with a perfect score of 100. UT Martin tied for 51st in the nation with a score of 82 out of 100 in online MBA programs among the 345 colleges and universities listed in that category. The university ranked 16th in engagement among online MBA programs.
Student media wins awards
Student staff members from campus radio station WUTM 90.3 FM
“The Hawk” and student newspaper The Pacer were recognized at the 2024 Southeast Journalism Conference, Feb. 23-25, at Troy University in Troy, Alabama. UT Martin was one of 24 schools that attended the conference. WUTM won five awards and The Pacer won three for their work throughout the year while The Pacer also earned three awards during SEJC on-site competitions. WUTM 90.3 FM “The Hawk” was named the Best College Radio Station in the South, which is the 13th time in 20 years for the station to earn the top honor.
McDonough earns “Distinguished Professor” title
Dr. Dan McDonough, the senior historian in the Department of History and Philosophy, was named the Tom Elam Distinguished Professor of History. He is the second member of the history faculty to hold this prestigious appointment and succeeded Dr. Alice-Catherine Carls, who retired in June 2023.
Dr. Daniel McDonough speaks during a campus-wide meeting in Boling University Center’s Watkins Auditorium.
Station earns top honors
Student-led radio station WUTM 90.3 FM “The Hawk” received two first-place awards at the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System conference, Feb. 29-March 3, in New York City. Five undergraduate students attended the conference with Dr. Richard Robinson, the radio station’s faculty adviser. UT Martin students receiving awards included Lauryn Davis of Memphis; Colby Maclin of Ripley; and Alex Martin of Trenton, who took first place in Best Newscast; and Alex Martin, who took first place in Best Use of Sound Effects. The radio station also received the Platinum Award for overall excellence for the 14th year in a row.
International student appeal grows
In this year’s Study Abroad Aide World University Rankings for International Students, UT Martin jumped from 1,420th in the 2024 rankings to 207th in the 2025 rankings. That moved UT Martin from the top 18% of schools for international students to the top 3%. UTM also ranks 68th among colleges and universities in the United States and 40th among U.S. public colleges and universities. The survey ranked 8,536 institutions worldwide in its 2025 rankings, adding eight countries to this year’s rankings.
Students take a selfie during the Japan Festival, an event sponsored by the Department of English and Modern Foreign Languages.
Daniel Mancusi (left) and Christian Bryson (right) broadcast a UT Martin basketball game at the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.
are
Faculty receive Honors Day recognition
UT Martin teaching award recipients were honored April 14 during the university’s 60th Honors Day event held in the Boling University Center’s Watkins Auditorium. Faculty and student award recipients from the past academic year were recognized. Recognized were Dr. Angie MacKewn, professor of psychology, Ohio Valley Conference Faculty Commitment to Student Success Award; Dr. Janet Wilbert, associate professor of health and human performance, UT Alumni Association Teacher Award; Dr. Barb Darroch, associate professor of plant and soil science, Cunningham Outstanding Teacher/Scholar Award; Dr. Jason DeVito, associate professor of mathematics and statistics, Cunningham Outstanding Teacher/Scholar Award; Dr. Jason Roberts, professor of animal science, UT Alumni Association Teacher Award; Dr. Will Bird, associate professor of agricultural education, Outstanding Academic Advisor Award; and Dr. Diana Watson, assistant professor of animal science, Coffey Outstanding Teaching Award.
25th African American Leadership Conference held
Chancellor Yancy Freeman was the keynote speaker for the 25th African American Leadership Conference held April 16 in Jackson. The idea for the conference originated with the 1997 WestStar Class when Dr. Bob Smith, WestStar co-founder and UT Martin chancellor emeritus, suggested the conference as a class project. The conference is the first and only of its kind in the state that explores challenges and opportunities for the African American leader. Since its inception, conference organizers have presented 15 awards each for under-40 and over-40 African American leaders.
Faculty members pictured
(front row, l-r) Dr. Philip Acree Cavalier, Dr. Angie MacKewn, Dr. Janet Wilbert, Dr. Barb Darroch, Dr. Yancy Freeman Sr., (back row, l-r) Dr. Jason DeVito, Dr. Jason Roberts and Dr. Will Bird. Not pictured is Dr. Diana Watson.
UTM enrollment grows
UT Martin fall enrollment reached 7,507 students, the highest enrollment at the university since 2012. This compared to 6,950 students who registered in fall 2023, an 8% increase. The freshman class totaled 1,220 students, up from 1,118 first-year students who enrolled in fall 2023. Other increases included a 15.7% jump in undergraduate transfer students and 19.2% more dual-enrollment students compared to fall 2023.
AGR earns accolades
The university’s Alpha Gamma Rho chapter received the Maynard H. Coe Award during the fraternity’s national convention, Aug. 1-3, in Sacramento, California. The national award is the top award presented by AGR and honors the chapter demonstrating top operating efficiency. Dr. Todd Winters, dean and professor of animal science, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, is a chapter adviser and was elected to the national board of directors for a six-year term.
Rise in rankings
UT Martin rose seven spots from last year in the Regional Universities-South category in the 2025 U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges rankings released in September. The university went from 27th last year to a tie for 20th place in the new rankings that included 135 regional Southern universities. Universities are ranked by U.S. News based on their performance across a set of widely accepted indicators of excellence. In other U.S. News rankings in the Regional Universities-South category, UT Martin was tied for 8th in Top Public Schools and 7th in the Best Colleges for Veterans. The university finished alone in 24th place in the Best Value Schools category.
Pictured at the convention during award presentations are (l-r): Dr. Todd Winters, Jackson Hughes, Macon Barrow, Rex Martin, Jerrie Anne Conley, Houston Batey, Riley Qualls and Russ Bragg.
Retired dean honored with naming Dr. Lynn Alexander, who was dean of the College of Humanities and Fine Arts from 2010 until her retirement in 2023, became the namesake of the Lynn Alexander Departmental Office Suite on Dec. 3. Dr. Jeffrey R. Bibbee, who succeeded Alexander as college dean, spoke at the unveiling of the name plaque that honors her service. The office suite, located in Room 131 of the Andy Holt Humanities Building, houses the English faculty of the Department of English and Modern Foreign Languages. Alexander had also served as the chair of the Department of English.
Smartt awarded top national honor
Dr. Philip Smartt, professor of natural resources management in the College of Agriculture, Geosciences and Natural Resources, received the 2024 Fellow Award from the National Association for Interpretation. The announcement came at the NAI’s annual conference, Dec. 3-6, in St. Augustine, Florida. The Fellow Award is the highest honor given by the National Association for Interpretation. Only one Fellow Award is given each year to its national membership.
Dr. Lynn Alexander (center) is pictured with Dr. Jeffrey Bibbee (left) and Chancellor Yancy Freeman Sr.
79-year-old earns degree
When summer and fall 2024 UT Martin graduates received their diplomas Dec. 14, one graduate stood out among the rest. She has a tinge of blue in her light-colored hair, she has excitement in her voice and a gleam in her eye when she talks about her classes – and she’s 79. Linda “Lin” Schaefer, who turned 80 in November, received her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies after officially graduating in August.
In gaming, power-ups give players an edge to reach new heights. This section features infrastructure, grants, and programs that have empowered UT Martin’s growth and innovation.
UTM receives Title III grant
UT Martin was awarded a five-year Title III Strengthening Institutions Program grant totaling $1,543,212 to implement the UT Martin Elevating for Take-Off project. The two institutional goals under the project are: (1) create a Center for Teaching and Learning to provide training and resources to improve progression, retention, and student success, and (2) create a learning commons to centralize learning support services and expand high-impact practices.
Kenya program earns grant
UT Martin earned a $745,000 three-year grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to enable faculty and students to travel to Kenya to share their knowledge of agriculture, natural resources, nutrition, and education with students in the East African nation and, in turn, learn something from the Kenyan students. The program is called “UTM in Kenya,” and its mission is to share knowledge for the betterment of both countries. University faculty on the grant are Dr. Todd Winters, project co-director and principal investigator and dean of the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences; Dr. Keith Dooley, project co-director and principal investigator and chair of the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences; Brian Carroll, lecturer of nutrition and dietetics; Dr. John Cole, assistant professor of agricultural engineering technology; Dr. Barb Darroch, associate professor of plant and soil science; Dr. Craig Darroch, professor of animal science; Dr. Stan Dunagan, professor of geology; Dr. Issac Lepcha, lecturer of plant and soil science; and Dr. Bethany Wolters, assistant professor of plant and soil science.
Dr. Adnan Rasool, the first director of the Center for Training and Learning (CTL), talks with a group of faculty during a training at the CTL in the Paul Meek Library.
UT board approves new residence halls
The UT Board of Trustees approved the design and construction of a new residence hall where Browning Residence Hall is located. Approval came during the fall meeting, Oct. 24-25, on the UT Knoxville campus. Successful fall enrollment across UT campuses was also highlighted at the meeting, which included the 8% enrollment increase at UT Martin.
UTM joins FirstGen Forward Network
UT Martin became a member of the FirstGen Forward Network, effective Aug. 1. FirstGen Forward is the premier source of evidence-based practices, professional development and knowledge creation for the higher education community to advance the success of first-generation students. The university is now part of a select group of partner institutions helping to advance the FGF mission: to provide data, training and expertise for colleges and universities across the country to scale and sustain the important work of serving first-generation students.
University Scholars and first-generation graduates Iman Ahmed (right) and Faith Pilkington (left of Ahmed) take a photo with (l-r) Kira Scott and Ryesa McGehee following the University Scholars’ medaling ceremony.
Ripley Center gains digital skills grant
The UT Martin Ripley Center received a two-year $343,640 digital-skills grant from the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. The Ripley Center will use the grant to enhance its summer camps, teacher workshops programs, and after-school computer coding camps.
U.S. Rep. Kustoff helps to secure grant
U.S. Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN 8th District) helped secure a U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) Capacity Building Grant for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture worth $745,000 for UT Martin. The Capacity Building Grants for Non-Land-Grant Colleges of Agriculture (NLGCA) Program assists NLGCA-certified institutions in maintaining and expanding their capacity to conduct education, research, outreach/extension, and integrated activities relating to agriculture, renewable resources, and similar disciplines.
Multi-use DXA scanner obtained
UT Martin received an equipment grant from the National Institutes of Health totaling $88,195 to purchase a DXA whole-body, bone-density scanner. Dr. Todd Sherman, professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, was lead principal investigator, and he was joined by principal investigators Dr. Angie MacKewn, professor in the Department of Psychology, and Dr. Ann Gathers, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, in pursuing the grant. The DXA scanner will be used in testing and prescription classes in exercise science as well as in the exercise physiology class. The Department of Nursing and the Department of Biological Sciences are other areas that can use the DXA scanner in classes for diagnostics and other needs.
Just like multiplayer gaming, partnerships strengthen everyone involved. These initiatives emphasize UT Martin’s collaboration with local, national, and international communities.
Dual-enrollment agreement announced
Jackson State Community College and UT Martin announced a dualenrollment agreement and other details of the ongoing partnership between the two institutions April 3 in the McWherter Center Lobby at the JSCC main campus in Jackson. Dual admission for first-year students is available to students who meet admission guidelines for both schools, have a 3.0 or better high school GPA or a 2.7 high school GPA and a minimum ACT score of 21 or SAT score of 980. Students can transfer from JSCC to UT Martin with a completed associate degree at JSCC or have completed 60 hours at JSCC with a minimum 2.0 GPA.
UTM/TCAT articulation agreement signed
Chancellor Yancy Freeman signed an articulation agreement June 5 in Crockett County with the Tennessee College of Applied Technology Northwest that will enable more West Tennessee students to pursue a UT Martin degree. Also signing the agreement was Dr. Youlanda Jones, TCAT Northwest president. “This articulation agreement will be invaluable for the growth and expansion for our farming operations technology and our digital agronomy programs,” Jones said. “It will align perfectly with the UT Martin Bachelor of Science in agricultural business and Bachelor of Science in agriculture with a major in general agriculture.”
WestStar Legacy Project videos made available online
Community leaders and local citizens contribute in many ways to West Tennessee life. Learning their ideas about effective leadership is now possible through video interviews conducted by WestStar Leadership Program class members. The ongoing initiative is called the WestStar Legacy Project, and videos are archived for viewing at www.utm.edu/weststarlegacyproject on the university’s website. Interviewees include current and past elected officials along with business, education, and health-care leaders from 19 counties. Sam Hutson of Crove Media in Paris and a 2023 WestStar graduate produced a WestStar Legacy Project overview video that is linked in the menu and further explains the project’s purpose. All interviews were part of WestStar class projects involving class members from 2011-13 and 2023-24.
Chancellor Yancy Freeman Sr. (left) shakes hands with JSCC President Carol Rothstein at the ceremony announcing the dual enrollment agreement.
Sixth regional center approved
UT Martin welcomed a sixth regional center on May 22 when the Tennessee Higher Education Commission voted for approval of the UT Martin Springfield Center. This center is housed on the Volunteer State Community College-Springfield campus. The addition of this center comes after a successful partnership between Vol State-Springfield and the university. In November 2023, the institutions entered an agreement that allowed students to pursue post-secondary education in agriculture, education, health care, and technology sectors onsite.
Chancellor Yancy Freeman Sr. (center right) and Dr. Russ Deaton, the interim president of Vol State Community College in Springfield, cut the ribbon in a celebration of an academic partnership between the two institutions.
Coon Creek naming
Bub Lively found peace digging for fossils at the UT Martin Coon Creek Science Center in McNairy County. He battled cancer, and he wanted to assure that future generations of children would share his Coon Creek experience. A gift from his wife, Dianne, and the family following his Feb. 5 death earlier this year will help support those opportunities through the naming May 24 of the Clinton W. (Bub)
Lively Paleontology Lab. Considered one of the most important fossil sites in the U.S., the center is a 76-million-year-old exposed seafloor deposit that’s home to almost 700 preserved marine species.
Regional Retention Summit held
UT Martin hosted its third Skyhawk Regional Retention Summit, May 22-23, at the Boling University Center. The event included several talking sessions on subjects related to maintaining and improving student retention. The summit featured discussion on retaining students who have been out of college for one or two years and about retaining adult students. Each session featured speakers from colleges and universities from around the region. Some 121 people attended the two-day summit, representing Tennessee, Alabama, Illinois, and Kentucky.
Preserving history
Dr. Erik Nordberg, dean of the Paul Meek Library, organized the June 22 meeting of the West Tennessee Heritage Initiative, a regional consortium of museums, historical societies, municipal archives, genealogy groups, public libraries, and academic archives. The event, hosted by the Dyer County Historical Society, had 36 registrants representing 27 different organizations across West Tennessee. Four agencies reported on their work to collect, preserve, microfilm, digitize, and share information from historic newspapers in their collections. The group developed from work of the Paul Meek Library to survey archival records across the region, and the ongoing consortium meetings help to build capacity, networking, and confidence in the region’s heritage community.
UTM hosts 26th ag finance conference
The 26th annual Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference was held Aug. 7 in Watkins Auditorium. The Dunagan Chair of Excellence in Banking in the College of Business and Global Affairs, along with the Gilbert Parker Chair of Excellence in Food and Fiber in the College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences, have hosted the MidSouth Agricultural Finance Conference since 1999. The Mid-South Agricultural Finance Conference provides the most up-to-date and relevant information needed to grow agricultural bottom lines. The mission of the conference is to deliver highquality, practical financial tools and timely economic information to anyone with significant investments in agriculture.
Brad Baumgardner, director of retention, speaks during a recent UT Martin Advisory Board meeting.
Game changers showcase UT Martin’s transformative approaches to education and research. Highlights include groundbreaking projects, innovative teaching, and impactful discoveries that prepare students and faculty to lead in their fields.
Professor and students assist with BlueOval City project
A UTM team led by Dr. Adnan Rasool, associate professor of political science, and staffed by five political science majors from the College of Business and Global Affairs worked in February on a series of equitable-growth focus groups as part of a project funded by Ford BlueOval City. The team conducted three focus groups — one in Mason and two in Stanton — to help identify workforce challenges and community needs to ensure equitable growth opportunities in areas surrounding the Ford BlueOval City megasite. The team collected crucial data, engaged with community, and offered technical assistance. Information and data collected from these focus groups will inform the future decisions of Ford BlueOval City’s Equitable Growth Advisory Council as it looks to invest in valuable partnerships in this region. This is a first-of-its-kind partnership that was supported by UTM’s Office of Research, Outreach, and Economic Development.
Beene earns national award
When it comes to academic tutoring and preparation for the ACT test, perhaps no name is better known in Tennessee than Alex Beene. For his dedication to helping students improve their academics, he was awarded the President’s Volunteer Service Lifetime Achievement Award on Feb. 20. The award is based on exceptional service and dedication to making a positive impact on society with more than 4,000 hours of public service. Beene works through the UTM Office of University Outreach and is an adjunct teacher in general studies at some of UT Martin’s regional centers.
Super Bowl welcomes students for 11th year
Fourteen College of Business and Global Affairs students traveled to Las Vegas to work Super Bowl LVIII on Feb. 11, marking the 11th year for UT Martin students to participate in sports-management activities at the NFL’s premier event. The students were selected by Dr. Dexter Davis, professor of sport management, who coordinates the Super Bowl opportunity for UTM students.
Aero team shines
The UT Martin aero engineering team took fifth place among 26 international teams at the 2023-24 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Aero Design Competition, the highest finish of any team from the United States in its class level. The team competed in the regular class in the East Group at the competition held March 8-10 in Lakeland, Florida, and finished with a total score of 101.52 points. Teams are judged on design, presentation, and mission performance of a team-built, 750-watt electric motor-propelled aircraft. Team members included team president Haley Baker of Arlington, Alec Beaman of Franklin, Jack Nanney of Martin, Gavin Olson of Collierville, Clint Southworth of Bagdad, Kentucky, and Josiah Tingley of Cordova. The team was led by Dr. Doug Sterrett, retired professor of engineering, and Dr. Ashley Owens, assistant professor of engineering. All six team members were senior mechanical engineering students.
Aero engineering team members were (l-r) Josiah Tingley, Clint Southworth, Jack Nanney, Haley Baker, Alec Beaman and Gavin Olson.
ELLI Conference highlights experiential learning
The UT Martin Experiential-Learning Leadership Institute Conference was held April 2-4 in the Boling University Center and at Discovery Park of America in Union City. ELLI is a nonprofit organization that promotes experiential learning in educational institutions and teaches educators how to implement this in the classroom. Numerous UTM faculty members helped to plan the conference.
Tornados take center stage
Investment team earns award
The UT Martin TVA Investment Challenge students attended TVA’s annual spring conference April 2-3 in Nashville. While attending the conference, students engaged with portfolio management professionals, senior leadership at the Tennessee Valley Authority, and peer students from other universities. The UTM TVA program also received an award for its portfolio performance in 2023 at the conference, outperforming the portfolio’s S&P 500 benchmark. This award, while presented at the conference, also represents a monetary award that continues to fund investments related to student experiential learning in the College of Business and Global Affairs. The current student managers are outperforming the S&P 500 year-to-date in 2024. Dr. Mahmoud Haddad, professor of finance, attended the conference with the students as the program’s senior faculty advisor, and Dr. Brittany Cole, assistant professor of finance, is the program’s junior faculty advisor.
UT Martin hosted its first Technology Against Tornado Student Competition and Exposition, April 21, in the Latimer-Smith Engineering and Science Building. The primary conference goal is to provide a sustainable impact on local communities by turning disaster into windows of opportunity by bringing together academic units, organizations and industries that are active in tornado management and recovery. With rapid growth of emerging technology and the need to protect people and property against tornadoes, the competition was designed to inspire and engage students by transforming their innovative ideas into real-world functional products. West Tennessee is a part of the tornado region called Dixie Alley, which is known for deadly, long-tracked, violent tornadoes.
Molly Campbell presents her research on podcasting to other students during the UT Martin ExperientialLearning Leadership Institute (ELLI) Conference at Discovery Park of America in Union City.
First trailer-fabrication workshop held
The university hosted its first trailer-building workshop for area high school agriculture teachers, June 27-28, at the West Tennessee Agricultural Pavilion. The workshop brought in 24 teachers from Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, and Louisiana. Dr. Will Bird, associate professor of agricultural education, organized the workshop, which produced trailers that were raffled off to support scholarships.
Lee, Mumpower visit UTM
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee visited UT Martin on July 2 to hear university program updates. Also visiting were state Rep. Tandy Darby (R-District 76) and state Sen. John Stevens (R-District 24). The visit began at the Latimer-Smith Engineering and Science Building, where the governor met with Chancellor Yancy Freeman and concluded with a Business Administration Building tour. On July 25, Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury Jason Mumpower visited the campus with UT President Randy Boyd following a stop at the Milan No-Till Field Day. Mumpower met with university officials and academic deans, toured the teaching farm, and joined students and others for lunch in the Dunagan Alumni Center in his first visit to UT Martin.
Dr. Yancy Freeman Sr. and his wife, Rafielle Boone Freeman, greet Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee as he arrives on campus.
Pictured are (l-r) Maria Hudson, Parker Ferrell, Art Sparks, Randy Boyd, Jason Mumpower, Dr. Yancy Freeman Sr., Omaria Crutchfield and Petra McPhearson.
Mechatronics teachers’ workshops held UT Martin hosted a workshop for mechatronics teachers from around West Tennessee. Dr. Ashley Owens, assistant professor of engineering, led the workshops, with sessions being held June 24-28 and July 15-19. While the workshop was primarily for high school teachers, some middle school teachers participated. Mechatronics is the study of mechanical, electrical, computer, and controls engineering.
First Forage Information Day held
Dr. Issac Lepcha, lecturer of plant and soil science, coordinated UT Martin’s inaugural Forage Info Day on Aug. 1. The field day began on the main campus before moving to the BERG Livestock Farm owned and operated by UTM alumni and former faculty memebers Dr. Emalee and Brad Buttrey. The event was designed to showcase forage production and management research for area livestock producers and brought in 28 participants from around the area.
Dr. Brad Buttrey at his farm, BERG Livestock Farm, outside of Martin.
UT
Mantooth leads new leadership academy
Dr. Jamie Mantooth, executive director of the Office of Student Engagement, was named to direct the new Chancellor’s Leadership Academy. The Chancellor’s Leadership Academy is a groundbreaking program designed to foster leadership excellence among students, faculty, and staff. This comprehensive initiative promises to be a cornerstone of UT Martin’s commitment to developing the next generation of leaders.
Students travel to London for NFL games
Dr. Dexter Davis has taken UT Martin students to work at different national sports venues, including the last 11 Super Bowls and the Little League World Series. This year, the professor of sport management and six students traveled “across the pond” to work at two National Football League games in London. The students staffed games on Oct. 6 and 13 at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in northern London. As with previous sports experiences, this was much more than just a fun trip. The students carried out customer-service duties at the games, gaining valuable career experience before they graduate.
Rasool selected to lead the new Center for Teaching and Learning
Dr. Adnan Rasool, associate professor of political science, was named the inaugural director of the UTM Center for Teaching and Learning. The CTL will centralize existing faculty development resources to maximize impact and invest in additional programming and personnel. The center will also create, track, and assess the training and professional development for the implementation of high-impact practices, specifically in first-year courses targeted via the Office of Institutional Research.
Martin students working at two NFL games in London pose in front of a telephone booth along Great George Street with Big Ben and Parliament in the background. Shown are (l-r) Jaden Knott, Connor Butts, Haley Olsen, Lindsey Cross, Cheyenne Stewart and Bridget Vieau.
Every great game has standout characters. Here, we celebrate the individuals who achieved remarkable milestones at UT Martin.
Investiture honors Freeman
UT Martin honored its 12th chancellor, Dr. Yancy Freeman, with its firstever investiture ceremony, held March 15 in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center. The theme of the investiture was “Ready, Set, Soar!” The day of firsts was doubly significant as Freeman is the first African-American chancellor at an undergraduate University of Tennessee campus. Freeman was confirmed as UT Martin’s chancellor in July 2023 by the UT Board of Trustees, with his appointment effective Aug. 9, 2023. The event welcomed UT President Randy Boyd, five former UT Martin chancellors, and dignitaries from across the UT System and Tennessee.
Dr. Yancy Freeman Sr. and his wife, Rafielle Boone Freeman, listen as President Randy Boyd addresses the crowd at Freeman’s investiture in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.
Three named to UT Executive Leadership Institute
Three UT Martin representatives were among the 24 faculty and staff from UT campuses and institutes who were chosen to participate in the 2024 class of the UT Executive Leadership Institute. The institute develops exceptional executive leaders for the UT System and targets leadership requirements for those already holding executive positions. Participants selected were Dr. Jackie Johnson, alumni relations and annual giving; Dr. Danny Pirtle, criminal justice; and Dr. Jessie Thoman, music.
Basketball teams soar
The men’s and women’s basketball teams qualified for the 2024 Ohio Valley Conference tournament, March 6-9, at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. Both teams earned high seeds, with the men’s team taking the OVC co-championship and earning the No. 2 seed and the women’s team tying for second and garnering the No. 3 seed. The women’s team advanced to the NCAA tournament and lost the first-round game March 21 to Holy Cross to end the team’s season.
Skyhawk golf competes for league title
The Skyhawk golf team competed for its third OVC league title in the last four years in the 2024 Ohio Valley Conference Championships held April 21-24 in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. The team advanced to the match play round but ultimately fell 4-1 to Tennessee Tech in the semifinals.
UT Martin’s Jacob Crews pulls up for a jump shot during an OVC tournament game against Morehead State University in Evansville, Indiana.
Baseball, softball earn postseason play
Skyhawks claim FCS football playoff spot
The UT Martin football team learned about its invitation to the Football Championship Subdivision playoffs at the watch party held Nov. 24 in Watkins Auditorium in the Boling University Center. The unseeded Skyhawks (8-4)
played at No. 16 New Hampshire (8-4) on Nov. 30. UT Martin was one of three Big South-Ohio Valley Conference Football Association teams to qualify for the 24-team playoff, joining Southeast Missouri (9-3) and Tennessee State (9-3), who were also unseeded teams in the playoff bracket. For the fourth straight year, the Skyhawks claimed or shared first place in the conference standings. UT Martin put forth a dominant display on Nov. 30, stifling the New Hampshire Wildcats by a 41-10 margin before falling 49-17 the next week to top-seeded Montana State.
The Skyhawk baseball and softball teams earned post-season play at the conclusion of their respective spring schedules. The baseball team earned its second consecutive post-season appearance as the eighth seed in the OVC Baseball Championship presented by Servpro at Mountain Dew Park in Marion, Illinois, eventually falling in the second round to Southern Indiana. Meanwhile, the Skyhawk softball team earned the fifth seed in the Ohio Valley Conference Softball Championship at Petersen Hotels Field in Peoria, Illinois, marking the team’s 24th appearance in the tournament since it began in 1994. The Skyhawks fell in the first round to Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.
Beach volleyball gets third OVC title
The beach volleyball team earned its third consecutive regular-season championship and went on to compete for its third consecutive OVC beach volleyball tournament title, April 25-27, at Morehead State. The team ended its season in the semifinal round with a loss to Lindenwood.
UT Martin’s Dylan Mott dives for the ball during a beach volleyball match.
Bynum named first chief of staff UT Martin alum Jake Bynum was named the university’s first chief of staff effective May 1, 2024. Dr. Yancy Freeman, UT Martin chancellor, notified university students, faculty, and staff following Bynum’s resignation announcement as Weakley County mayor, a position he held for three terms, during the March 18 meeting of the Weakley County Commission. The new position will manage major university projects and initiatives under the chancellor’s direction and will serve as executive director of the WestStar Leadership Program, the university’s longtime regional leadership-development program, and have administrative responsibilities for the university’s Ned Ray McWherter Institute, which serves as a leadership and personal-development program for UT Martin students.
New men’s basketball coach named Jeremy Shulman was introduced as the 13th men’s basketball coach in UT Martin history at a press conference held March 27 in the Champions Club at Hardy Graham Stadium. Shulman was presented with a commemorative No. 13 jersey by UTM Athletics Director Kurt McGuffin. Shulman succeeds Ryan Ritter, who coached the Skyhawks for three seasons.
Farmer named Skyhawk softball coach
Chelsea Farmer was named June 18 as the fifth head coach in UT Martin softball history. A proven winner in the circle and in the coaching ranks, Farmer accepted the permanent position as head softball coach after serving as the acting head coach during the 2024 season. The Skyhawks posted 30 wins in 2024, which ranked as the second-most victories in the Ohio Valley Conference, while notching just the program’s second 30-win season in the last eight campaigns. While at the helm, four players earned all-conference honors as the team qualified for the OVC Softball Championship field. A decorated UT Martin pitcher from 2009-12, Farmer joined the Skyhawk coaching staff as an assistant prior to the 2020 season and served as the program’s pitching coach.
Professor earns OVC recognition
Dr. Angie MacKewn, a professor of psychology, was named to the Ohio Valley Conference Outstanding Faculty Commitment to Student Success Award during the OVC Basketball Championships at the Ford Center in Evansville, Indiana. MacKewn has taught at UT Martin since 2003 and is the second UT Martin faculty member to receive the honor. Dr. Mahmoud Haddad, a professor of finance, earned the inaugural award last year. The OVC’s Outstanding Faculty Commitment to Student Success Award was created by the provosts from each OVC member institution to recognize outstanding faculty at each OVC school.
Schulman (right) is pictured with McGuffin.
ROTC building named for Cavin
The ROTC Building was officially named April 12 in honor of retired Lt. Gen. Dennis D. Cavin, a 1970 UT Martin agriculture graduate. Cavin served as a career Army air defense artillery officer in short range and high-altitude air defense artillery for more than 20 years. He was the architect of several major Army outreach programs, including the U.S. Army High School All-American Bowl football game and the U.S. Army NASCAR and National Hot Rod Association programs connecting the Army to the target recruiting communities. Cavin joined Lockheed Martin in October 2004 after completing 34 years of Army service.
Ostenson named President’s Award recipient
University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd announced the recipients of the 2024 President’s Awards on June 25 during the UT Board of Trustees meeting in Knoxville. Fifteen faculty and staff members from across the UT System received the awards in recognition and celebration of their accomplishments and dedication to the university and its Be One UT values.
Dr. Joseph Ostenson, psychology professor and interim director, Center for Global Engagement and Experience, was UT Martin’s President’s Awards recipient.
Record vet school acceptances, veterinary technology graduates noted
A record 28 UT Martin veterinary science and technology graduates entered veterinary schools across the U.S. and overseas in fall 2024. Twenty of those graduates attended the UT College of Veterinary Medicine. UT Martin also graduated 38 students in the veterinary technology field, another school record. These graduates came to UT Martin from all three regions of Tennessee, and many will return to these areas following completion of their education to serve Tennessee communities.
Nursing student earns BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation Scholarship
Ariel Woods, a senior nursing major from Oakland, was one of six recipients of the BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation’s $10,000 BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholarship, as announced by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee on Sept. 19. Since 2013, the BlueCross Foundation has awarded $475,000 in scholarships to 50 students. The BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee Foundation funds the BlueCross Power of We Health Equity Scholarship, providing six $10,000 awards each year to students who are committed to improving health equity statewide.
Story features top philosophy website
Dr. Jim Fieser, professor of philosophy, was featured in the fall 2024 edition of the University of Tennessee’s Our Tennessee alumni magazine. The story told of his creation in the late 1990s of the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. The scholarly website is a valuable reference tool for philosophy students and scholars alike. In July 2024, more than seven million visitors from 200-plus countries accessed the site. Fieser has taught at UT Martin since 1993.
Student-athletes post top academic performance
Student-athletes soared academically for the fall 2024 semester. The Skyhawks combined for a 3.33 cumulative grade-point average — tying for the best performance in a semester in school history — while placing a program-record 287 student athletes on the Athletic Director’s Honor Roll. The 3.33 cumulative GPA for fall semester is tied with the spring 2022 semester for the best GPA in program history, while the 287 AD Honor Roll recipients is the new standard, eclipsing the 285 honorees from the 2020 spring semester. UT Martin also established a third school record in the 2024 fall term as 73 student-athletes earned a 4.0 GPA.
Honoring first-generation students
The university held its inaugural first-generation graduates reception April 29 in the Boling University Center’s Duncan Ballroom. The reception celebrated the graduates’ achievements, and each first-generation graduate who attended received a special cord to wear during May 4 commencement.
Student receives Bridging the Dream Scholarship
Bryson Long (left), a first-year cybersecurity major from Eads and a Fayette-Ware High School graduate, became the first UT Martin student to be awarded a $10,000 Bridging the Dream Scholarship, as announced by Sallie Mae on Nov. 4. The Sallie Mae Fund, in partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, provided the funding for the scholarship, which was awarded to 40 high school seniors transitioning into first-year college students nationwide this year. Almost 1,600 students applied for the scholarship, which was awarded based on high school excellence in and out of the classroom as well as providing a demonstrated need.
Three selected for UT Leadership Institute
Dr. Adnan Rasool and Dr. Carrie Humphreys, both associate professors of political science, and Landy Fuqua, REED Center director, were chosen to participate in the highly competitive UT System Administration Leadership Institute’s 2025 cohort. The program, designed to cultivate the next generation of university leaders, offers a rigorous curriculum focused on developing essential leadership skills. With a limited enrollment of 40 to 50 participants, the institute is highly selective and attracts top talent from across the UT System.
unveil a plaque for Dr. Ernie Blythe at a reception in the
Mary
Honors Programs pioneers honored
Plaques commemorating UT Martin Honors Programs pioneers, Dr. Ernie Blythe and Dr. William Zachry, were unveiled Nov. 13 at the Lew and Mary Jo Dougherty Tennessee Room of the Holland McCombs Center by Dr. Yancy Freeman and Dr. John Glass, Honors Programs director. A reception was held before and after the ceremony. Among those attending was Lynda Zachry, widow of Dr. William Zachry.
Dr. Yancy Freeman Sr. (left), and Dr. John Glass, director of Honors Programs,
Lew and
Jo Dougherty Tennessee Room of the Holland McCombs Center.
Bonus stages are where creativity shines, just like the cultural and extracurricular activities that define UT Martin’s vibrant campus life.
Bonus stages are where creativity shines, just like the cultural and extracurricular activities that define UT Martin’s vibrant university life.
26th Working Women’s Conference held
The WestStar Leadership Program hosted the 26th Working Women’s Conference on Feb. 9 in the Boling University Center’s Duncan Ballroom. The conference theme was “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and featured sessions covering personal and professional development. The event’s speakers included Marianne Dunavant, government relations manager for BlueOval City, whose presentation was titled “Empowering Women,” and Angela Martin, who spoke on “The Power of Choice.” Martin works with Regions Bank and is a motivational speaker.
Civil Rights Conference continues
The 24th annual UT Martin Civil Rights Conference was held throughout February, featuring noted guest speakers and activities that promoted and encouraged dialogue and understanding regarding issues relating to civil rights, equality, and justice. The 2024 Civil Rights Conference theme was “Fact Over Fiction: The Truth is Marching On” and featured Carmarry “Pep-C” Hall, Roland S. Martin, and Dr. Eddie Glaude. UT Martin is the only school in the nation to host a month-long civil rights conference.
‘Righteous Among Nations’ exhibit honors World War II heroes
An exhibit about the Righteous Among the Nations honorees opened Feb. 19 in the J. Houston Gordon Museum adjacent to the Corbitt Special Collections Area in the Paul Meek Library. Before and during World War II, many people risked their own lives and freedom to save Jews from being killed by Nazi Germany during the Holocaust. These people are honored by the Yad Vashem with the title “Righteous Among the Nations.”
Dr. Eddie S. Glaude, the William S. Tod Professor of Religion and African American Studies and the chair of the Department of African American Studies at Princeton University, speaks at the 24th annual Civil Rights Conference.
Honor Choir attracts musical talent
Several high school students from across West and Middle Tennessee were selected to showcase their vocal talents as part of the UTM Honor Choir. The students were notified of their acceptance in December, sent the music that will be performed, and worked on it alone or with other students who have been accepted. The students came Feb. 2 to the main campus for rehearsals and performed in concert on Feb. 3. This was the first event at UT Martin using this selection, rehearsal and concert format in approximately a decade.
Top speakers visit UTM
High-profile speakers Dr. Arthur Brooks and Ruby Bridges presented at UT Martin in fall 2024. Brooks, a best-selling author and Harvard University professor, spoke to a community audience Aug. 28 in Watkins Auditorium about what makes people happy and how they can learn to become happier. His appearance was sponsored by the Institute of American Civics and the university. Bridges is a noted civil rights activist.
Brooks meets with students after speaking in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.
4-H Roundup returns to main campus
The annual Tennessee 4-H Roundup and State 4-H All Star Conference began its second century of service to statewide youth July 15-19 at UT Martin with the 101st Roundup. The event recognizes 4-H members for their outstanding project work and leadership accomplishments. The State All Star Conference is a part of the Roundup program. All Stars conduct service-learning projects and recognize outstanding service projects.
Newman Center opens
The Skyhawk Catholic Campus Ministry officially opened its first-ever home Sept. 7 during a blessing event for the Newman Center at its Hannings Lane location across from the university. Skyhawk Catholic Campus Ministry is a ministry of St. Jude Catholic Church in Martin and the Catholic Diocese of Memphis. The former private residence was purchased in November 2023 with renovations beginning in early 2024. The addition of a parking lot beside the center and other improvements preceded the event.
‘See you at the Pole’ held
The Baptist Collegiate Ministry sponsored the national prayer event “See You at the Pole” on Sept. 25 in front of the Hall-Moody Administration Building. BCM students led the program that included music, prayer, scripture readings, and a message.
Title IX book review features
UT Martin sports pioneers
“Title IX, Pat Summitt, and Tennessee’s Trailblazers: 50 Years, 50 Stories” by Belmont University faculty member Dr. Mary Ellen Pethel was reviewed Sept. 28 at the Martin Public Library in a discussion led by Anna Clark, retired English faculty member. Many of those on hand either played basketball with UTM alumna Pat Head Summitt or worked with her during her University of Tennessee coaching years. Attendees shared stories of those times and the difficulty that women’s athletics experienced, especially in the early years. On hand for the discussion were Bettye Giles (right), the only women’s athletics director at UT Martin; Julia Brundige, who played with Summitt at UT Martin; and Danelle Fabianich, associate athletics director for administration and senior woman administrator.
Journalist speaks at Hispanic Heritage Month event
Wellness journalist Tianna Faye Soto was the keynote speaker at the UT Martin Latin Hispanic Student Association’s Hispanic Heritage Month event Sept. 26 in the Paul Meek Library. Soto is a keynote speaker and journalist based in New York City. With expertise in mental health and wellness, she is dedicated to empowering college students to face their journey with clarity and confidence.
Gifts of $250,000 or More
Brittany Kasprack
Pamela Kruzich*
Stock 'em, LLC
Gifts of $100,000 or More
William L. Blankenship
Milo and Shirley Borden
Nancy Graham*
Dee Fields Pritchett*
Ray Smith*
Jim and Barbara Wingett
Matt Yeterian
Gifts of $50,000 or More
Sylvia Collier Davis
J. Reginald Hill
Gerald M. Holloway
Charles and Bettye Moore
Robert and Patricia Moore
Marshall F. Priest
Stan Pritchett
Tennessee Valley Authority
Matthew Willard
Gifts of $25,000 or More
Raymond A. Bratcher*
Warren and Patricia Carmichael
Design Team Sign Company, LLC
Susan Holly Gallup
Walter Hoffmann and Ann Johnson
Dianne Lively
Paul and Nancylee McCord
Amy and Bill Rhodes
Paul and Nancy Rose
Security Bank & Trust Company
Selmer/McNairy County Industrial
Development Board
Alison Lee Smith
Floyd Nathaniel Tyler*
UT Federal Credit Union
Sandra Wasson
Danny and Alma Watkins
James and Harriet Westmoreland
Gifts of $10,000 or More
Cynthia S. Allen
Jerry and Clara Jo Arnold
Robert M. Barni
Michelle S. Becker
Betsy Ross Foundation, Inc.
Nick and Cathy Dunagan
Paul Fisher
Keith and Linda Fowler
Todd and Jennifer Hampton
Geoffrey and Meg Kinnard Hardee
William and Kelly Harlin
Robert and Karen Hinson
Humana, Inc.
Renee Iacona
Kingsdown, Inc.
La Cabana Mexican Restaurant
La Grange Cultural Foundation, Inc.
Bill and Carol Latimer
Gail M. Latimer
Mel Mattison
Bill and Sandra Murray
George L. Nelson
Janice W. Noble
Northwest TN Rural Convention
Performance Chiropractic, LLC
Linda Ramsey
John and Phyllis Ray
Simmons Bank
Robert and Ramona Smith
Art and Tammy Sparks
R. Van Swaim
Tennessee Farmers Cooperative
W. W. Grainger, Inc.
West Tennessee Bone & Joint Clinic
Wyatt Cole Memorial Scholarship, Inc.
Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Gifts of $1,000 or More
Laura Adams
David Odell Agee*
Hans and Lori Airee
Lynn M. Alexander
Alexander Thompson Arnold, PLLC
Alpha Delta Kappa Omicron Chapter
Michael and Chandra Alston
Bette Anthony
AstraZeneca, Inc.
Bill and Dianne Austin
Patrick and D'Ann Averwater
Robert and Kimberly Avery
Stephen and Mary Ann Baker
Michael J. Banks
Jason and Cayce Batts
Zach Bay
Robert and Mary Beard
Amy Cole Belew
Bart A. Belew
Jack and Cynthia Bendure
James R. and Teresa J. Bentley
Edward E. Bevill
Jeffrey R. Bibbee
Blake's at Southern Milling
Paul Blaylock, M.D., J.D., and Gaynelle Nolf, Ph.D.
Blue Oak Oyster Bar and Grill, LLC
Boeing Company Foundation
Kyle and Laura Bond
Brian and Dominique Bougard
John and Patricia Branch
Joe and Phyllis Brasher
Jason and Jill Brigance
J. Phillip Bright
Bristol Engineered Metals
Eric and Rebecca Brockwell
Gary and Carolyn Brown
Cheryl Browne
Glenn and Jamie Bruce
John and Julia Brundige
David H. Bryan
Barry and Pamela Buckley
John and Kathy Bucy
Alex and Kate Bynum
Hal and Melanie Bynum
Jake and Alyssa Bynum
Cadence Bank
Glad and Wanda Castellaw
Stephen and Alice-Catherine Carls
Jerry Carpenter
Linda Carpenter*
Bob and Kay Carroll
Chris and Kathy Carroll
Cary Insurance Services, Inc.
Alan and Kim Cary
Davie Cary
Charles and Michelle Cavaness
Dennis Cavin
Centennial Bank Trezevant
Central Distributors, Inc.
Ryan and Betsy Chapman
Anne P. Church*
Phillip and Mitsy Clendenin
John and Sue Ann Cloar
Brittany M. Cole
Andy and Susanne Collins
Walter Parrish and Judy Colonnese
Color Shop Construction
Commercial Bank and Trust Company
Harold and Joyce Conner
Ed and Shannon Cotter
Sonya D. Covington
Trent and Nicole Cowsert
Russell and Betty Cox
Phillip and Katie Creswell
Dexter and Fay Davis
Leland and Tajuana Davis
Charley and Shannon Deal
Elwood and Denise Doss
Double Good, LLC
Marvin Downing
Cody and Glenna Dunagan
Robert and Sarah Duncan
Chris E. Elliott
Joseph and Brooke Emery
Jerry and Gerry Emmons
Madison B. Endres
Enterprise Holdings Foundation
Ernst & Young LLP Foundation
Wilburn and Joellen Evans
Joe and Vicki Exum
Danelle Fabianich
Farm Credit Mid-America
Matthew T. Fennel
Carla W. Field
First Bank
First Farmers Trust and Financial
Management
Robert and Jackie Fitts
Danny and Beth Forrester
Franklin Noon Rotary
William Franklin
Yancy and Rafielle Freeman
Ronald and Rachel Frieson
Steven* and Paula Gale
Richard Garlitz and Renee LaFleur
Emery and Judith Gathers
Kent and Mary Ann Gearin
Adam and Beth Gibson
Frank and Jan Gibson
Molly Glass
Nicholas and Tymikia Glenn
Rusty and Candy Goad
Roy Neil Graves
Greenfield Banking Company
Carolyn P. Gresham
Darcia D. Gresham
Darryl and Sarah Gresham
Bud and Virginia Grimes
Jacky and Nell Gullett
H & M Company, Inc.
Sarah Haig
Michael P. Hampton
David and Dana Hart
Martha Herndon
Bobby and Barbara Higgs
Michael and Nancy Hinds
Dickey and Waldeen Hinson
Robert and Patricia Holt
William and Stephannie Hurt
Jim Hyde
Steven and Deborah Hyers
John and Laurinda Ingram
INSOUTH Bank
Richard and Lisa Jackson
Christopher and Jackie Johnson
Joshua Johnson and Amelia Robinson
Clinton and Ann Joiner
Ben Jones
Phillip and Derenda Jones
William and Ashley Jones
Youlanda L. Jones
Kerry and Martha Killebrew
Richard and Connie Killebrew
Kirk Farms, L.P.
Julie Kjellberg
Aaron and Brittan Knott
Louis and Stephanie Kolitsch
KPMG Foundation
L.I. Smith & Associates
Kent and Elizabeth Landers
Benjamin and Nichole Lawrence
Ted Lawson
Leaders Credit Union
Darien Lee
Donnie Leggett
Nancy Leggett*
J. Thomas and Camille Legins
Daryl Leonard
Rodger P. Lewis
Andy and Allyson Lewter
Norman and Diane Lillegard
Thomas and Frances Lindow
Hadley Malone
Shane Marshall
Martin Rotary Club
Jackie and Shelby Matthis
Jackson TN Dog Fanciers Association
Lee and Ann Carol (A.C.) Mayo
Mark and Candice McCloud
Marty and Gina McClure
Wayne and Diane McCreight
Dennis and Linda McCurry
Kurt and Jessica McGuffin
Christopher and Petra McPhearson
Michael and Mary Jane McWherter
McWorth Management Company
Brett and Tracy Vander Meeden
Joey and Sandy Mehlhorn
Mark and Alisha Melton
Merit Livestock & Trucking, Inc.
Anna and Billy Mills
Joe and Karolyn Mobley
Amy Moser
Ernie and Penny Moser
Patricia and Hunter Mountjoy
Robert and Jeanie Nanney
Stewart and Martha Nelson
Joseph and Lee Ann Norville
Jereme W. Odom
David and Beverly Oliver
Parker Hannifin Foundation
Eric and Suzanne Pelren
Chris and Michelle Phillips
Sonny and Farris Phillips
Daniel A. Pittman
Max and Sarah Piwonka
Raymond and Donna Pollard
William K. Preslar
Jack and Linda Price
Charles and Judy Rayburn
Arnold L. Redman
Jerry and Gwen Reese
Regions Financial Corporation
Rehabilitation Corporation of Tennessee
RFW Construction Group, LLC
Jim and Martha Rippy
Ryan and Cherie Roberts
Richard C. Robinson
Burton and Tracy Rutledge
Mary Ann Sabo
Ronald and Carolyn Schomaker
Allen and Carolyn Searcy
Timothy and Mary Shanks
Jack and Barbara Shannon
Jean E. Sharp
Shellnut Insurance and Associates, LLC
Lauren M. Shoaf, Sr.*
Robert E. Shutt
SIC Project Management
Sara S. Sieber
Jason and Julie Simpson
Barry and Kathy Smith
Brant T. Smith
Brian W. Smith
Clinton Smith
Eugene Smith
Ray and Marie Smith
Larry and Paula Snider
Melinda A. Solmon
Sonic Drive-In
SouthEast Bank
Justin and Stephanie Stewart
Ryan and Whitney Stover
Strickland Roofing Co., Inc.
John and Amy Stritikus
Balendra Sutharshan
Keith and Jeanna Swafford
Swaim Realty
Mark Swaim
Michael and Ann Swaim
Charles Taylor
Joe and Beverly Taylor
Nick A. Taylor
Scott and Whitney Taylor
The Acceleration Coach, LLC
TLM Associates, Inc.
Trane Company
Jimmy and Barbara Trentham
Twentieth Century Club
Union City/Obion County Bar Association
United Methodist Women
Tahnya Updegraff
Steve and Vicki Vantrease
Jay W. VanWinkle, Sr.
Vaughn Electric Company, Inc.
Josh and Jeni Beth Vincent
William and Mary Vowell
Vulcan Materials Company
Alexander and Linda Waddell
Will and Kimberly Wade
Danny and Susan Walker
Phillip and Patricia Watkins
Wendell Alexander Realty
Phil and Brenda Wenk
West TN Criminal Investigators
Association
West TN PBS/WLJT-TV
West TN Young Farmer/ Homemakers Leadership Development
James H. Westbrook, Jr.
Teresa L. Westmoreland
Owen and Brenda Wheeler
Timbo White
Tim and Ruth White
Jack and Abbie Wilburn
Jerry and Carla Wilhite
Ralph and Judy Wilkerson
Victoria Wilkinson
Dennis and Sue Williams
Ted L. Williams
Rita Winter
Todd and Susan Winters
Thomas and Patty Witty
John and Patricia Woolfolk
Earl and Jenna Wright
James and Sharon Wyrosdick YMCA of Memphis & The Mid-South
Phillip R. Young
Sandra Zehntner
*Deceased
New Legacy Society MembersDeferred Pledges
Robert M. Barni
H. Ann Duncan
James F. Evans
Rodger P. Lewis
The Philanthropist Roll of Honor is compiled annually to honor the alumni, friends, and organizations who support UT Martin and its mission. We wish to publicly recognize these donors. The report is a list of gifts to UT Martin beginning Jan. 1, 2024, and ending Dec. 31, 2024. Each entry was carefully reviewed, and every effort made to ensure accuracy. If there are errors or omissions, please contact the Office of University Advancement at 731-881-7628.
The Chancellor’s Annual Report is produced by the UT Martin Office of University Relations and 1,050 copies were printed by Tennessee Industrial Printing, Inc., in Jackson, Tennessee. University Leadership: Randy Boyd, President, The University of Tennessee System; Dr. Yancy Freeman Sr., Chancellor, The University of Tennessee at Martin.