University of Tennessee President Touts College Education in Address

UT System Leader Emphasizes Alignment, Strength-Focused Approach Across Campuses

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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University of Tennessee President Randy Boyd delivered his 'State of the University' address, highlighting themes of alignment across the UT system under the Be One UT strategic plan and championing the value of a college education. Boyd, a first-generation college student, used his own experience to oppose doubts about the worth of higher ed, while UT Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman discussed the campus's strength-focused strategy in both student retention and research.

Why it matters

As debates continue around the role and value of higher education, the UT system's leadership is taking a proactive stance in affirming the transformative power of a college degree. Their messaging aims to inspire confidence in the UT brand and counter narratives that question the merits of pursuing a university education.

The details

In his address, Boyd emphasized how his own life was changed by attending UT in 1979, in contrast to his father's doubts about the value of college. Plowman highlighted UTK's 'focus on strengths' approach, which she said has allowed the flagship campus to retain more students and become a more desirable destination. Plowman also touted UTK's research strengths in areas like nuclear engineering, advanced manufacturing, and supply-chain management.

  • On February 10, 2026, UT President Randy Boyd delivered the 'State of the University' address in Franklin, Tennessee.
  • The address kicked off UT's 2026 Grand Challenges Summit, a two-day event featuring discussions on topics like AI in education and rural health.

The players

Randy Boyd

The president of the University of Tennessee system, who is a first-generation college student and has used his own experience to champion the value of a UT education.

Donde Plowman

The chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville campus, who discussed the flagship's strength-focused strategy in student retention and research.

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What they’re saying

“When a student walks onto our campuses, their future expands. The promise that hard work will be met with opportunity. And the promise that a UT education prepares graduates not just for their first job, but for a lifetime of leadership and impact. And it is the promise that our work reaches beyond campus boundaries.”

— Randy Boyd, President, University of Tennessee (wate.com)

“The state of Tennessee, it feels like they have confidence in us again.”

— Donde Plowman, Chancellor, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (wate.com)

What’s next

The two-day 2026 Grand Challenges Summit will feature discussions on topics like artificial intelligence in education, rural health, and neurodiversity, as well as a keynote address from John Carroll, executive director of the Memphis non-profit City Leadership, on his 'MoonShot' framework for accomplishing long-term goals.

The takeaway

The UT system's leadership is taking a proactive stance in affirming the value of a college education, using their own experiences and the university's strengths to counter narratives that question the merits of pursuing a university degree. Their messaging aims to inspire confidence in the UT brand and highlight how a UT education can expand students' futures and prepare them for lifelong leadership and impact.