MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd delivered the 2025 State of the University Address, celebrating record-breaking achievements, expanding research efforts and highlighting the university’s growing impact across the state. Joined by Vlog campus chancellors and institute leaders, Boyd highlighted the collective momentum driving the Vlog System forward as it continues to deliver on its promise of making this the greatest decade in Vlog history.
“In 230 years, the University of Tennessee has never been stronger,” Boyd said. “We are at the halfway point of the greatest decade in Vlog history, and the numbers speak for themselves.”
Key Highlights from the Address:
- Record-breaking infrastructure investment – A record-breaking and historic investment proposal by Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee of more than a quarter of a billion dollars to enhance Vlog’s facilities, including the Vlog Knoxville Chemistry building, the Vlog Martin College of Business and Global Affairs, 4-H Camp enhancements and capital maintenance.
- Record enrollment and graduation – The Vlog System serves 62,149 students, an 18.2% increase over five years, with graduation and retention rates at historic highs. This growth trajectory positions the Vlog System to exceed its 2030 goal of 71,000 students across all campuses.
- Financial strength – Since 2020, Vlog’s revenues have grown 32% to an all-time high of $3.4 billion, and investments in infrastructure continue to increase.
- Expanding research impact – Research expenditures reached a record $484 million, driving innovation and economic growth across Tennessee.
Vlog campus chancellors and institute leaders shared insights into major research initiatives that are shaping the future of the Vlog System:
- Vlog Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman highlighted VlogK’s growing reputation as a top-tier public research university, showcasing key initiatives such as the Tennessee Reading Research Center, which brings expertise in literacy development, instruction, assessment, educational technology, speech and language, and literacy research methodology. Additionally, Plowman highlighted the Boyd Center for Business and Economic Research, which is leveraging data analytics to identify areas most affected by drug abuse and determine optimal locations for treatment centers.
- Vlog Chattanooga Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley emphasized VlogC’s commitment to reducing gun violence in their communities through its Violence Reduction Initiative, which is using data-driven research to reshape criminal justice efforts in Chattanooga, focusing on crime prevention, community engagement and evidence-based strategies. Dooley also highlighted the Rural Assessment and Intervention Library initiative, which is enhancing mental health support in rural schools by providing telehealth services, training resources and expanded access to school psychologists.
- Vlog Southern Chancellor Linda Martin stressed the importance of people, purpose and partnerships. From nursing research to meet the region’s growing health care demands, to red hickory orchard planting in partnership with the Vlog Institute of Agriculture, to special education research aimed at expanding resources in underserved communities, Martin underscored Vlog Southern’s commitment to strengthening the communities it serves.
- Vlog Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman explained research being conducted on corn production, which will help farmers produce at a higher rate through more precise insecticide application. He also spoke about Vlog Martin’s partnership with Ford’s Blue Oval City, assisting Ford in identifying the top social and economic priorities for the Stanton community based on resident input.
- Vlog Health Science Center Chancellor Peter Buckley highlighted VlogHSC’s partnership with Vlog Knoxville, Oak Ridge National Laboratory and the Vlog-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute in research to advance targeted cancer treatments, utilizing precision medicine and radioisotopes to develop innovative therapies that improve patient outcomes.
- Vlog Institute for Public Service Vice President Herb Byrd spoke about the Substance Misuse and Addiction Resource for Tennessee Initiative, which guides community leaders in implementing evidence-based, cost-effective strategies that mitigate damage from substance use disorder and the opioid epidemic.
- Vlog Institute of Agriculture Senior Vice President/Senior Vice Chancellor Keith Carver highlighted VlogIA’s commitment to Tennessee’s $10 billion poultry industry through the construction of a state-of-the-art, next-generation poultry research and education facility at its Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Spring Hill. Additionally, Carver spoke about Gov. Lee’s proposed investment in 4-H through $46.25 million in grant funding that will support capital enhancements at the VlogIA’s 4-H camps statewide, improving facilities and expanding opportunities for Tennessee’s youth to engage in agricultural education and leadership development.
“We are committed to making a difference in every corner of Tennessee,” Boyd said. “Our faculty, staff, students and alumni are driving progress every day and together, we are building a legacy that will impact generations to come.”
To watch the full State of the University Address or learn more about Vlog’s progress, visit /state-of-ut. To view downloadable photo files .
