Chancellor’s Corner

Dear Skyhawk Nation:

Fall semester is always a special and exciting time as we welcome a new freshman class to the university. This fall began on an especially high note as we welcomed a strong freshman class and the highest UT Martin enrollment since 2012. Our final enrollment count was 7,507 students registered on the main campus, the six regional centers, in dual enrollment courses and online. This enrollment represents an 8% increase over fall 2023 and included a significant three-point jump in the first-year retention rate.

Growing enrollment remains a personal and university priority, and I’m pleased to note some other initiatives that will influence enrollment outcomes.

International Enrollment – UT Martin was once known for its strong international programs, and we will return to a strong international presence at the university. Through investment and a comprehensive international enrollment plan, UTM’s total enrollment will eventually include 5% international students.
Partnerships – The university’s list of partnerships is growing, including recent partnerships with Tennessee Colleges of Applied Technology that allow students to earn credits toward a UT Martin degree. Additionally, the new Springfield Center established in cooperation with Volunteer State Community College in Middle Tennessee was recently approved by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission as UT Martin’s sixth regional center.
TEST Hub – Speaking of partnerships, the university’s Tennessee Entrepreneurial Science and Technology (TEST) Hub, a cooperative workspace and innovation hub with Dyersburg State Community College and the TCAT-McKenzie, will break ground in early summer 2025 and be built on the west side of the main campus.
Strategic Plan – The work on the new 2025-2030 UT Martin Strategic Plan is fully underway, and I plan to share our bold direction during the 2025 UT Board of Trustees meeting in February at Martin. The plan will focus on four major themes: People, Places, Partnerships and Achievement. Additionally, the plan will encompass five key goals and a maximum of 25 total strategies.

I communicate widely that we are well on our way to 10,000 students by 2030. This number is vital to UT Martin’s ability to meet workforce demand for our state. UTM is committed to the success of our students and employees. We are a first-class institution, and we offer a transformational educational experience to our students.

We are UTM Proud! It’s a great day to be a Skyhawk!