When students arrive or return to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for the fall 2025 semester, they'll be met by a new building for the College of Nursing, along with new dining options and dorms.
It's been a busy summer for UT, and some campus news can get lost in the shadow of big new buildings and all the other ways the university is growing. Before the first day of class Aug. 18, let us catch you up on some other UT developments:
A new initiative to recruit researchers
A new award for public service
A new designation as a top-value university
University of Tennessee pushing research in faculty recruitment initiative
UT is launching a multi-year initiative to recruit faculty members who can help UT become a leader in research, something Chancellor Donde Plowman made a commitment to in June. Among the fields of interest for UT is artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, nuclear energy, quantum computing and radiopharmeceuticals.
“From nuclear energy to cancer treatments, the discoveries and solutions we provide Tennesseans demonstrate the value of public land-grant research universities,” Plowman said in a news release. “We have built a lot of momentum over the past few years, and with those successes have come even bigger ambitions. Others are taking notice and want to be part of the work we’re doing.”
Plowman also is leading plans for three new innovation districts − one near downtown in the Maplehurst neighborhood, one in Oak Ridge and one at the Research Park at Cherokee Farms. These increased efforts around research stem from the federal government pulling funding for specific research projects on the Knoxville campus under President Donald Trump.
Baker School is establishing new award
The Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs is establishing a new award that it will give to young leaders each year. It's called the the Howard H. Baker Jr. Award for Public Service, and it will recognize a young national leader whose work encapsulates public service, civic engagement and democracy.
The recipient will receive $25,000, along with a commemorative plaque at the school, and will be honored at the Baker School Gala on Nov. 14, the night before what would be Sen. Howard Baker's 100th birthday.
Anyone can make a nomination, and the Baker School Board will select the winner. Candidates must be 40 years old or younger and must have a portfolio that shows a dedication to solving public problems as an elected official or in a public service role, according to a news release. Nominations are open through Sept. 1.
Princeton Review puts University of Tennessee on best value college list
The Princeton Review recognized UT as a top value college, placing the flagship Knoxville campus in the No. 50 slot on its annual public schools list with a return-on-investment rating of 89 out of 99.
The education services company bases its ratings on data from surveys of administrators, and it tallies the return on investment using more than 40 data points covering academics, affordability and career preparation.
Keenan Thomas reports on higher education for the Knox News business growth and development team. You can reach him by email at [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: University of Tennessee, named value college, wants new research hires
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