UT in Every Community

From health care and education to agriculture and local leadership, the UT System is making a difference in all 95 counties. Our five campuses, two statewide institutes and more than 454,000 alumni are shaping stronger communities — together.

UT Institute of Agriculture

From 4-H to farm science, the UT Institute of Agriculture delivers real-world expertise in every Tennessee county — advancing health, prosperity and sustainability through hands-on research, education and Extension services.

Image from UT System President Randy Boyd’s visit to the UTIA Organic Farming and Gardening Field Day on April 28, 2022.

UTIA: Local Impact (FY2024)

  • 195,442
    on-site visits across Tennessee

    With offices in all 95 counties, UT Extension made nearly 200,000 local visits — supporting families, farms, youth and communities through hands-on expertise.

  • 37,000+
    field day participants

    UTIA welcomed thousands to 20+ field days, sharing hands-on research in agriculture, conservation, forestry and more.

  • 200
    animals treated post-flood

    UT’s mobile vet teams provided emergency care and coordinated donations to help pets and livestock after Hurricane Helene.

UT Institute for Public Service

From emergency planning to economic development, the UT Institute for Public Service empowers communities and government agencies with training, technical assistance and expert support that strengthens Tennessee from the ground up. 

Individuals participating in CIA extraction training with IPS.

UTIPS: Local Impact (FY2024)

  • 127,849
    requests for assistance answered

    From public safety to economic development, IPS experts responded to nearly 128,000 requests for community, business and government needs.

  • 60
    child welfare specialists trained

    A new IPS-led program is equipping child welfare specialists across Tennessee with skills in crisis response, conflict resolution and more.

  • 200+
    incarcerated Tennesseans trained

    Justice-involved individuals in 18 detention facilities gained hands-on manufacturing skills — and a second chance — through an IPS-led workforce development program.

Real Work. Real Results.

From protecting lives and communities to advancing rural economies, these stories show how UT experts are turning research and outreach into real-world impact across Tennessee.

  • For 50 years, the UT Institute of Agriculture’s David Lockwood has walked orchards, advised farm families and guided fruit growers across the state. His deep-rooted partnerships have helped shape Tennessee agritourism and modernize fruit farming, one tree and one conversation at a time.

  • Tennessee once ranked fourth in the nation for home fire deaths. Thanks to a long-term collaboration between UT Knoxville researchers and the UT Institute for Public Service, fire fatalities have dropped 26%. Their data-driven work continues to shape life-saving programs statewide.

  • At UT Southern, criminologist Richard Schoeberl — a UT Martin alumnus and former FBI agent — is equipping the next generation of law enforcement with tools to identify and stop human trafficking. His training and research are shaping frontline responses across Tennessee and around the world.

Local Programs. Statewide Impact.

Whether it’s a free health screening, 4-H club, business workshop or adult learning program, UT brings resources close to home. Explore how our work is creating brighter futures across Tennessee.