About
We are the Volunteers.
Information
Founded in 1794, UT is big on tradition, and we are proud of our humble beginnings as the first public university chartered west of the Appalachian Divide.
UT Knoxville — which includes the UT Space Institute — serves the state by educating its citizens, enhancing its culture, and making a difference in people's lives through research and service.
We embody excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, outreach, and engagement.
We are improving undergraduate and graduate education, research, support for faculty and staff, our campus infrastructure, and our resources.
UT Knoxville is:
- Tennessee’s flagship university and premier public research institution
- Part of the UT System, along with UT Chattanooga, UT Martin, the UT Institute of Agriculture, and the UT Health Science Center
- Classified as producing very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education (Doctoral Universities R1 category)
- Co-manager of Oak Ridge National Laboratory with Battelle Memorial Institute as UT-Battelle
- A Carnegie Community Engaged university
- Governed by a board of trustees with 12 members
Accreditation
Since 1897, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has been continuously accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award baccalaureate, master's, and doctoral degrees. For questions, contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500.
Mission, Vision, and Values
Our campus has adopted a primary mission, a three-part vision, and a set of values that defines our Volunteer Spirit.
Administration

Chancellor Donde Plowman
The chancellor manages the Knoxville campus.
Learn more about the chancellor

Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick
The provost oversees campus academic activities.
UT Celebrates 225 Years
For 225 years, Volunteers have been lighting the way for others across Tennessee and throughout the world.