À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ

State of the University

Each year, À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ System President Randy Boyd and À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ leaders reflect on progress, celebrate milestones and share bold plans for the future. Explore past addresses and learn how these dedicated leaders are shaping the future of the À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ System.

The À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ President and campus chancellors sitting on stage during a panel discussion.

Contact the Office of the President

Have a question, media inquiry or speaking request? Get in touch!

Jamie Blessinger

Executive Assistant

jblessin@tennessee.edu

865-974-2241

Melissa Tindell

Media Contact

mtindell@tennessee.edu

865-974-0741

Save the Date: 2026 State of the University Address

Tuesday, Feb. 10
11 a.m. EST / 10 a.m. CST

The University of Tennessee System will host its annual State of the University Address in Franklin, Tennessee, which will kick off the Grand Challenges Summit. Delivered by À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ System President Randy Boyd, the event will be live-streamed on tennessee.edu and will feature a panel discussion with À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ leadership. This year’s event will highlight À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ’s momentum across the state and provide an overview of where the university is headed next under the new Be One À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Strategic Plan. 

“As we look to 2030, our focus remains on keeping college affordable, preparing the workforce of tomorrow and strengthening the partnerships that improve daily life for Tennesseans. We’re One À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ and when we’re working together, there isn’t anything we can’t accomplish. This next chapter is about building on the greatest decade in the history of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ and making sure we fulfill our promise for generations to come.â€

Randy Boyd, À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ System President
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President Randy Boyd, speaking while standing at a podium.
President Randy Boyd delivered the 2026 State of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Address Feb. 10 in Franklin, Tennessee.

Past State of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Addresses

2025 State of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Address

On Feb. 13, 2025, President Boyd delivered the State of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Address in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, before an audience of more than 370 À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ faculty and staff, government leaders, and community partners during the first-ever À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Grand Challenges Summit. Joined by À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ leaders, Boyd celebrated record-breaking success, research growth and statewide impact — reflecting the collective momentum driving his vision for the greatest decade in university history.

2024 State of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Address

The 2024 State of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Address featured a dynamic panel discussion with leaders from all five campuses. Moderated by President Randy Boyd and journalist David Plazas, director of opinion and engagement for the USA Today Network-Tennessee/The Tennessean, the event was held Feb. 8 at Nashville’s Woolworth Theatre.

2023 State of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Address

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ System President Randy Boyd delivered his fifth State of the University address virtually on Feb. 23, outlining 2023 goals and À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ’s statewide impact. The webcast was open to all Tennesseans.

2022 State of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Address

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ System President Randy Boyd delivered his fourth State of the University address virtually on Feb. 23, highlighting accomplishments tied to À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ’s five strategic pillars. The event was webcast for the public.

2021 State of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Address

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ President Randy Boyd delivered his third State of the University address virtually on March 26, outlining key achievements and future initiatives to advance À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ’s vision for its greatest decade.

2020 State of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Address

In his second State of the University address on Feb. 21 in Knoxville, À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Interim President Randy Boyd outlined 2020 goals and launched À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Promise’s volunteer mentor recruitment, building momentum for the new scholarship program.

2019 State of À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Address

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Interim President Randy Boyd delivered his first State of the University address in Nashville on March 14, 2019. During his prepared remarks, Boyd also announced the À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Promise, a new last-dollar scholarship program that will cover remaining tuition and fees for students with a household income under $50,000 enrolled at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Knoxville, À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Chattanooga and À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ Martin.