Martin Methodist College and UT System

Martin Methodist College (MMC) and the University of Tennessee System signed a nonbinding letter of intent on Sept. 11, 2020, the first step in discussions for the small, 150-year-old, private college to join the UT System. MMC officially joined the UT System as UT Southern on July 1, 2021.

Leaders of the two schools explored the possibility of entering into an agreement, which was approved by the boards of trustees at both institutions, the Tennessee state legislature and regional accreditor Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.

Documents

1. Signed Letter of Intent (PDF)
   Signed by UT Chief Financial Office David L. Miller and Martin Methodist College President Mark La Branche
   July 17, 2020
2. UT System – Martin Methodist College Due Diligence Report (PDF)
   Prepared by Huron Consulting Group, this independent review of MMC data assesses the benefits and risks of a potential acquisition by the UT System.
   Dec. 1, 2020
3. Dec. 2020 Materials:
   • Background Information (PDF)
   • Quotes of Support (PDF)
   • Testimonial Video:
     
   • UT President Boyd’s December Column
     Dec. 10, 2020
   • Focus Group Research re: Branding (PDF)

    

4. Update on Potential Acquisition of Martin Methodist College (PDF), presented to the Board of Trustees Executive Committee
   Jan. 15, 2021
5. Testimonial Video:
   

   Feb. 8, 2021
   
6. Resolutions and Engagement Activities:
   • List of Resolutions and Letters of Support (PDF)
   • Copies of Resolutions and Letters of Support (PDF)
   • UT System Engagement Activities for Martin Methodist College Acquisition (PDF)

   June 18, 2021

7. Board of Trustees Vote on Acquiring Martin Methodist College
   • Board of Trustees Annual Meeting (Morning Session) Materials

June 25, 2021

Updates

State, UT Officials Cut Ribbon for UT Southern
Gov. Bill Lee, accompanied by local and state officials, joined together to officially celebrate UT Southern, the newest campus to join the UT System in more than 50 years.
Published July 1, 2021

Board of Trustees Votes to Acquire Martin Methodist College
After several months of conversations, meetings, measures and proceedings, the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees voted to acquire the assets of Martin Methodist College and establish a new UT campus in Pulaski, Tennessee: UT Southern. Martin Methodist College’s Board of Trustees will vote on the measure following UT’s morning board session.
Published June 25, 2021

UT Board of Trustees Approve Next Steps in Martin Methodist College Acquisition
In a special meeting, the Board took the next step in a possible acquisition of Martin Methodist College by giving its approval for UT System leaders to continue negotiations and seek necessary approvals.
Published Dec. 9, 2020

UT Board of Trustees to Hold Special Meeting on Dec. 9
The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees will meet at 3:30 p.m. EST/2:30 p.m. CST on Dec. 9. Agenda items include the potential acquisition of Martin Methodist College.
Published Dec. 2, 2020

Martin Methodist, University of Tennessee System Enter Into Discussions
Signed letter of intent paves the way for Martin Methodist to possibly join UT System, pending approvals.
Published Sept. 11, 2020