State of the University

Each year, UT System President Randy Boyd and UT leaders reflect on progress, celebrate milestones and share bold plans for the future. Explore past addresses and learn how these dedicated leaders are shaping the future of the UT System.

The UT President and campus chancellors sitting on stage during a panel discussion.

Contact the Office of the President

Have a question, media inquiry or speaking request? Get in touch!

Jamie Blessinger

Executive Assistant

jblessin@tennessee.edu

865-974-2241

Melissa Tindell

Media Contact

mtindell@tennessee.edu

865-974-0741

Save the Date: 2026 State of the University Address

Tuesday, Feb. 10
11 a.m. EST / 10 a.m. CST

The University of Tennessee System will host its annual State of the University Address in Franklin, Tennessee, which will kick off the Grand Challenges Summit. Delivered by UT System President Randy Boyd, the event will be live-streamed on tennessee.edu and will feature a panel discussion with UT leadership. This year’s event will highlight UT’s momentum across the state and provide an overview of where the university is headed next under the new Be One UT Strategic Plan. 

“At the midway point in Randy Boyd’s mission of making the 2020s ‘the greatest decade in UT history’, the UT System president believes UT is in its strongest position yet, with all-time high revenue, more record-breaking enrollment and an exciting mix of research projects happening across system campuses.

Keenan Thomas, Higher Education Reporter, Knoxville News Sentinel
Read the Full Story (external link)
President Randy Boyd delivered the 2025 State of UT Address Feb. 13 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.

Past State of UT Addresses

2025 State of UT Address

On Feb. 13, 2025, President Boyd delivered the State of UT Address in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, before an audience of more than 370 UT faculty and staff, government leaders, and community partners during the first-ever UT Grand Challenges Summit. Joined by UT leaders, Boyd celebrated record-breaking success, research growth and statewide impact — reflecting the collective momentum driving his vision for the greatest decade in university history.

2024 State of UT Address

The 2024 State of UT Address featured a dynamic panel discussion with leaders from all five campuses. Moderated by President Randy Boyd and journalist David Plazas, director of opinion and engagement for the USA Today Network-Tennessee/The Tennessean, the event was held Feb. 8 at Nashville’s Woolworth Theatre.

2023 State of UT Address

UT System President Randy Boyd delivered his fifth State of the University address virtually on Feb. 23, outlining 2023 goals and UT’s statewide impact. The webcast was open to all Tennesseans.

2022 State of UT Address

UT System President Randy Boyd delivered his fourth State of the University address virtually on Feb. 23, highlighting accomplishments tied to UT’s five strategic pillars. The event was webcast for the public.

2021 State of UT Address

UT President Randy Boyd delivered his third State of the University address virtually on March 26, outlining key achievements and future initiatives to advance UT’s vision for its greatest decade.

2020 State of UT Address

In his second State of the University address on Feb. 21 in Knoxville, UT Interim President Randy Boyd outlined 2020 goals and launched UT Promise’s volunteer mentor recruitment, building momentum for the new scholarship program.

2019 State of UT Address

UT Interim President Randy Boyd delivered his first State of the University address in Nashville on March 14, 2019. During his prepared remarks, Boyd also announced the UT Promise, a new last-dollar scholarship program that will cover remaining tuition and fees for students with a household income under $50,000 enrolled at UT Knoxville, UT Chattanooga and UT Martin.