A University That Leads
Together, we light the way
FISCAL YEAR 2024–25 IMPACT REPORT
Your generous gifts create opportunities for current Vols, for our state, and for every community UT serves. Because of you, UT is a university that leads.
UT celebrated the most successful fundraising year in its history, a milestone that represents thousands of lives changed through new academic programs, high-impact research, championship athletics, and support for world-class scholars.
Thank you for your belief in UT’s land-grant mission, your investment in our work, and the leadership you show each time you give.
$428M
received from donors—the largest total in university history
70,000+
donors helped fuel UT’s land-grant mission
12,000+
donor-supported scholarships awarded to UT students
Vols Lead the Way
Meet the Volunteers who are turning your support into action.
Thanks to extraordinary supporters like you, Volunteers led the way this year—in the classroom, on the field, and across campus.
Through your generosity, you demonstrate your belief in every Vol and in UT’s mission. From meeting essential student needs to fueling world-class academics and championship-level athletics, your belief is changing lives and shaping leaders.
Because you lead, they lead.
Donors are from all 50 states and 24 countries
Donors make a huge difference. Last year we had 27,000 student contacts in the Writing Center, up from 16,000 since Judi and her late husband, Jim, named the center in 2017. Their support expanded our ability to reach more students where they are with targeted support through new services and satellite locations across campus. The impact of this expansion shows in the feedback. We survey students after every interaction, and 95 percent say they’re more confident as writers and want to return for more tutoring.”
— Kirsten Benson, director of the Judith Anderson Herbert Writing Center
Vols Lead the Way
UT’s First Churchill Scholar Sets Sights on Global Medical Impact
A UT Torchbearer and beneficiary of several scholarships, Tyler Myers (’25) has a deep understanding of donors’ importance to the student experience. Myers will continue what he started at UT with his dual degree in neuroscience and microbiology as he pursues a master’s degree this fall at the University of Cambridge through a Churchill Scholarship. This will further his goal of leading a medical research lab focused on the gut microbiome and new interventions for neurological diseases like Parkinson’s.
Read MoreVols Lead the Way
Wilson Family Fuels Communications Leadership
The new Alan and Wendy Wilson Communication and Leadership Academy—housed in the College of Communication and Information in partnership with the Haslam College of Business—equips students with essential skills in communication and leadership to thrive in today’s competitive professional landscape. The Wilson Academy was made possible through a gift from Alan (’80) and Wendy Wilson.
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Vols Lead the Way
Leading Excellence in Tennessee Athletics
Danny White became the first Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics at UT to be named Athletic Director of the Year by Sports Business Journal. Since White arrived in 2021, Tennessee Athletics has seen historic momentum, including consecutive top-10 LEARFIELD Directors’ Cup standings, consecutive SEC All-Sports titles, and multiple post-season victories, most notably the baseball team’s first national championship in 2024.
Read MoreEnriching Students’ Lives
Your generosity helps Vols succeed, both in and outside the classroom.
More Volunteers than ever are able to attend UT—and thrive once they arrive—because of you. Your generosity expands access to scholarships, launches innovative academic programs that prepare students for Tennessee’s future workforce, and fuels hands-on learning and student success initiatives.
Your investment in student success is driving national recognition across higher education. From being named the top public university in Tennessee and one of the nation’s best employers for new graduates by Forbes magazine, to earning top rankings in nursing, engineering, and supply chain management, UT is recognized for academic excellence, career readiness, and student support.
You are helping students realize lifelong dreams, changing the trajectory of entire families and communities, and launching careers that will improve lives across Tennessee and around the world.
6.7%
increase in enrollment growth since last academic year—an institutional record
Donor support makes it possible for me to chase my passions at UT. I hope to one day become a veterinarian, work in my hometown, and aid those who struggle with caring for their pets.”
— Sierra Stancil (’25)
Enriching Students’ Lives
Responding to the Need for Online Learning
In spring 2025, UT and Arizona State University celebrated a new partnership to expand access to high-quality academic programs through online learning—advancing workforce readiness, educational opportunity, and economic vitality in both states.
Read MoreEnriching Students’ Lives
Enhancing Support for Student Veterans
A generous donation from John (’70) and Debbie Grubb is strengthening support for student veterans by expanding scholarships, enhancing research and instructional resources, and increasing public service opportunities—reinforcing the university’s commitment to veteran success and community.
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Enriching Students’ Lives
A New Generation of Nurses
The first 40 graduates of the Nursing Scholars Program are starting careers at UT Medical Center, helping to address nursing shortages through hands-on training and a strong academic-practice partnership.
Read MoreTennessee Thrives Because UT Leads
You advance our mission as a land-grant university to make life and lives better in Tennessee.
Year after year, UT’s research enterprise continues to grow—fueled by faculty and students who are producing life-changing discoveries with real impact. Your support amplifies that impact in powerful ways.
With a bold, multidisciplinary vision, UT is tackling today’s most complex challenges—from advancing cancer treatment to developing next-generation energy solutions. Thanks to external partnerships and the generosity of donors like you, faculty and students have access to professorships, research funds, and awards that make discovery possible.
Together, we’re building solutions for Tennessee—and for communities around the world.
UT research expenditures grew by
$50M
since 2023
UT researchers and their partners are doing cutting-edge research that strengthens the Tennessee economy and addresses the needs of Tennessee communities. Because of our land-grant mission, we are committed to making life and lives better here in Tennessee and around the world through our research and innovation.”
— Deborah Crawford, Vice Chancellor for research, innovation and economic development
Tennessee Thrives Because UT Leads
Tackling Tennessee’s Toughest Challenges
Bridget Freisthler, Cooper-Herron Professor in Mental Health at the College of Social Work, presented her research at the UT Grand Challenges Summit, which brings together community leaders, state officials, and scholars from across the UT System to discuss the biggest concerns of the state. That includes fatal overdose, which Fresithler has researched extensively, most recently as one of the principal investigators for the largest federally funded intervention study on opioid overdose deaths.
Read MoreTennessee Thrives Because UT Leads
Fueling Breakthroughs in Nuclear Innovation and National Defense
UT and Consolidated Nuclear Security, the supervising entity for the Y-12 National Security Complex, will collaborate on efforts that benefit nuclear energy and nuclear deterrence. A new agreement between the two provides for development of the National Security Prototype Center, which will leverage UT’s expertise in fields from manufacturing to advanced materials to nuclear energy to produce solutions in complex manufacturing for nuclear-related industries vital to national security.
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Tennessee Thrives Because UT Leads
UT Leads FIFA Turf Innovation
UT faculty are leading turfgrass solutions on the world stage. In collaboration with Michigan State University, UT is producing pitches for FIFA, including the first-ever FIFA Club World Cup, that provide seamless player performance across climates and stadiums. Earlier this year, FIFA President Gianni Infantino visited UT’s research facilities at the UT Institute of Agriculture to thank the university and faculty leading turf development for FIFA tournaments. UT’s pitch-perfect innovations also appeared this past summer on the Today Show.
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