More than 69,000 donors from across the country and around the world showed their unwavering support for the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, by contributing a historic $332 million to the state’s flagship university during the 2023-24 fiscal year. This marks the third consecutive record fundraising year for the Knoxville campus and the first to surpass $300 million.
The funds given by donors help address needs and enable growth throughout the university. They directly benefit students through new programs and initiatives, including scholarships, student services, athletics facilities and other areas.
“Year after year, I am inspired by the depth of support from Volunteers everywhere who not only love this university but believe wholly in the work we are doing,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman. “Their generosity is helping us build the momentum we see across the university, allowing us to fund more scholarships, create new degree programs, invest in more student resources and make a difference in the lives of Tennesseans.”
Thanks to donor support, more than 10,000 privately funded scholarships were awarded to students during the 2023-24 academic year, providing more access to the Volunteer experience, reducing financial stress and contributing to UT Knoxville’s record student retention rate of 91 percent.
$332,363,373
received
69,226
donors
Philanthropic highlights from the year include the recent naming of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music in honor of one of the university’s most generous benefactors. In April, the Denbo Center for Humanities and the Arts was named after alumnus and Vol football star Don Denbo, whose generous commitment to the benefits of a humanities-based education will benefit current and future members of the UT community.
With the help of donor funds, new opportunities have been created and programs have been enhanced across campus to support students. One example is the new career development office in the College of Communication and Information. Thanks to the generous support of alumna Suzanne Sackleh, the center develops partnerships and career pipelines for students through employer spotlights, industry networking nights, a career fair and curated student programming.
Supporting transformational change
Donor gifts continue to support transformational change on campus and improvements to the Volunteer experience, including the Croley Nursing Building, which is set to open in fall 2025, and a new Haslam College of Business building, which is expected to be completed in fall 2027.
Year after year, I am inspired by the depth of support from Volunteers everywhere who not only love this university but believe wholly in the work we are doing.
Chancellor Donde Plowman
Gifts came from alumni and friends in all 50 U.S. states and dozens of countries around the globe. More than 2,600 UT seniors joined in the generosity this year, making gifts to areas most meaningful to them through the Senior Impact program. In November, UT Knoxville saw an outpouring of generosity from Volunteers worldwide during the 11th annual Big Orange Give, with more than 11,400 gifts made in just one day.
Brian Broyles, who was named senior vice chancellor for advancement in January, spoke of the many initiatives currently underway and the momentum across campus.
“This past year alumni, donors and friends of the university have come together to achieve incredible results,” Broyles said. “Their unwavering support of the university makes possible the scholarships that change lives, programs and research improving everyday life, and a thriving campus with projects transforming the facilities offered to students and student-athletes. That passion is what truly distinguishes UT Knoxville and sets an inspiring precedent as the university reaches new heights.”
UT Knoxville’s success contributed to the UT System’s own record-breaking year. In total, the UT Foundation received more than $430 million from donors across the UT System.
