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Chancellor Donde Plowman gave her third annual keynote speech at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville on Tuesday. Each fall, Plowman brings the campus community together to reflect on common accomplishments and look to the year ahead.
She began her remarks by discussing recent successes, including consecutive years of record-breaking undergraduate courses, enrolling the highest number of students in university history; be named one of the top 10 employers in the state by Forbes; set a scholarship record thanks to more than 51,000 alumni and friends; cheer on 16 of the 20 sports teams that made the playoffs last spring; and the growth and development of significant research partnerships with Volkswagen, Eastman, the US military, AT&T and more, all during one of the most difficult periods in modern history.
“I am in awe of the resilience and courage of our college community over the past 18 months and more proud than ever to be a Tennessee volunteer,” she said.
But Plowman reiterated that last year’s accomplishments aren’t what sets the university apart.
“Our spirit, our leadership, our courage, the confidence we have in the values that guide us and our willingness to rely on these values to support and serve others, this is what sets us apart. It is infused into the way we approach our work, our studies and our research. “
A new strategic vision
Plowman shared an overview of the university’s new strategic vision during the keynote, which she will present in more detail to the Board of Trustees for approval next month. More than 800 people on campus, including students, faculty and staff, participated in shaping the vision, whether on a committee, attending feedback sessions or providing feedback. comments on the drafts.
“Our vision statement reflects the aspirations of our community—A world enriched by our ideas, improved by action and inspired by the spirit of service and leadership of the Volunteers.
“What I like about this vision is that these are ideas and actions wrapped in our values of volunteer service and leadership,” she said after the speech.
The five goals of the new vision are: to cultivate the volunteer experience; conduct research that improves lives and lives; ensure a culture where Vol is a verb; make us agile and adaptable; and embodying the modern R1 University.
“At the end of the day, what I want our directors – and what I want you to take away – is not the definition of individual measures but the transformational change that we will bring together through this work,” said Plowman. . “I want us all to be inspired by the potential of this university and all the good we want to do in the world.”
At the end of the event, the UT Singers performed the Alma Mater and “Rocky Top”. Members of the campus community then enjoyed an outdoor celebration and lunch at the Student Union Plaza.
The full recording and transcript of Plowman’s flagship speech are available online.
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CONTACT:
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, [email protected])
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