Academic Affairs, Research and Student Success
Driving excellence in education, research and student experience across the UT System.
We support every UT campus by coordinating academic strategy, advancing impactful research and expanding student success initiatives — while using data, assessment and planning services to guide decision-making and set strategic priorities that help all Tennesseans access and thrive in higher education.
Our Offices
Academic Affairs
Supports faculty and academic leaders across the UT System by aligning policies, guiding academic planning, reviewing new programs and helping establish new colleges, departments and institutes.
Research
Partners with UT campuses, Oak Ridge National Lab and statewide research leaders to advance funding, innovation and policy that strengthens the university’s research and real-world impact.
Student Success
Supports students from admission to graduation by partnering with campuses to remove barriers, boost retention and expand affordable pathways like UT Promise.
Grow Your Own
Addresses teacher shortages by offering low-cost, apprenticeship-based licensure pathways through strong school-university partnerships.
Institutional Effectiveness
Drives continuous improvement across the UT System through planning, assessment, accreditation support and data-informed decision making to strengthen transparency and outcomes.
UT Wellness
Collaborates with campuses to help every student thrive in and out of the classroom by supporting mental health, physical wellness, financial literacy and more — across all eight dimensions of wellness.
Access and Engagement
Works to remove financial and other barriers to higher education by partnering with the state, community organizations and campuses to help students find the support, aid and guidance they need to succeed.
Systemwide Coordination
and Oversight
The division also plays a key role in university-wide governance and accountability.
The office:
- Serves as the UT System liaison to statewide agencies and accreditors (e.g., THEC, TSAC, SACSCOC, SREB)
- Provides staff support to the UT Board of Trustees’ Education, Research and Service Committee
- Develops and updates policies affecting faculty and students
- Ensures compliance with legislation and higher education standards
- Hosts professional development events for students, faculty and staff
- Supports strategic planning and mission development across the UT System
