BEARING THE TORCH
About UT
UT has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. As Volunteers, our students and alumni continue our tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
We are Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, dedicated to community investment, academic excellence, and groundbreaking research. Our footprint spans the entire state with the Space Institute in Tullahoma and Institute of Agriculture Extension offices in all 95 counties.
We are the Volunteers
Volunteers shape the future through bold action and creative thinking. We are selfless leaders who chase after excellence in everything we do. Our student experience is unrivaled, our research is transformational, and our dedication to the state of Tennessee is unwavering. There’s never been a better time to be a Volunteer.
We have the kind of upward trajectory that other universities dream about. But we’re not done. As they say, we didn’t come this far just to come this far. We are taking the University of Tennessee to the next level.”
Donde Plowman
Chancellor
Unparalleled student experience
UT is a national leader in student success. We’re focused on the holistic well-being of each Volunteer and want every student to thrive here on Rocky Top.
Our first-year students are connected to individualized Vol Success Teams—an academic advisor, financial counselor, peer mentor, and academic coach—dedicated to helping them reach their goals. They also take a CliftonStrengths assessment so we can teach them how to leverage their natural talents.
We carefully design student success initiatives that meet students where they are, whether they’re the first in their family to go to college or are pursuing education after serving in the military. And this innovative approach to student programming pays off. For the past four years, we’ve increased our first- to second-year retention rate, which now stands at 92.4 percent.
Leading discovery & innovation
Research at UT makes lives better in Tennessee and around the world. Our university is classified as an R1 institution and home to six of the world’s top 1 percent of researchers. From developing turfgrass for FIFA World Cup 26 to aiding in Tennessee’s nuclear renaissance, research at UT matters.
We are a key player in our region’s reputation as a leading innovation hub. We know that improving lives happens through collaboration, and we partner with community organizations and industry leaders, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory. These partnerships not only strengthen the state’s economy but also provide students with hands-on learning opportunities.
Winning on & off the field
We win on and off the field at UT. There’s nothing better than game day on Rocky Top, when our campus community comes together dressed in orange to cheer on the Vols. Here, we have a championship culture, which means that our students achieve excellence in sport, in the classroom, and in our community. Whether they’re scoring touchdowns or conducting research or volunteering at the children’s hospital, our students embody the Volunteer spirit through leadership and service to others.
University Quick Facts
About Knoxville
UT Traditions & History
92.4%
retention rate
$386.95M
total research expenditures
(FY 2024)
$100M
investment in a new student success building
95%
of students feel like they belong at UT
93
counties of the 95 in Tennessee employ teachers who are UT graduates
211
SEC championships
Stories
UT Named Top Public University in Tennessee by Forbes
Forbes Magazine’s America’s Top Colleges ranking has again named the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee’s top public university.
UT Receives Multiple National Honors from APLU
The Association of Public and Land-grant Universities has recognized the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, for excellence in multiple key areas — innovation, economic development, student success and community engagement.
UT Recognized as a 2026 Dream Employer by Forbes
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been named to Forbes magazine’s latest list of America’s Dream Employers, announced Nov. 18.
Accreditation information
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, educational specialist, and doctoral degrees. UT also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of UT may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling 404-679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (sacscoc.org).
For more information on our accreditation, visit the Institutional Effectiveness website.
