The University of Tennessee System takes pride in its rich history of strategic planning. The planning process to develop each plan is collaborative and inclusive, involving stakeholders from across all UT campuses and institutes.

The most recent iteration of the UT Systemwide Strategic Plan 2021-2025 was introduced at the Annual Meeting of the Board of Trustees in June 2021 and was an update of the University of Tennessee Strategic Plan Refresh, 2019-2025. The Systemwide strategic planning steering committee and working groups—including members from the campuses and institutes—developed ways to build on successes and ensure continuous improvement toward achieving the greatest decade in the history of the University of Tennessee.


The University of Tennessee Strategic Plan Refresh, 2019-2025 was a refresh of the previous UT System strategic plan, Defining the Future: The UT System Strategic Plan, 2012-2017. Planning involved more than 55 individuals in five working groups from across the UT System. All groups were charged with ensuring the identification of goals & objectives related to enhancing Diversity and Inclusive Excellence.

University of Tennessee Strategic Plan Refresh

Defining the Future: The UT System Strategic Plan, 2012-2017 established a vision and direction for five years (2012-2017), with clearly defined goals to ensure good stewardship and purposeful use of resources. The 12-month planning process was transparent and received input from more than 400 faculty, staff, students, alumni, donors, and community leaders.

Defining the Future: The UT System Strategic Plan 2012-2017