Host partner

Greetings from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Welcome to Rocky Top!

At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, we place a priority on finding innovative new ways to meet students’ needs and help them thrive both in and out of the classroom. That’s why we are pleased to host Student Success US 2024.

Universities are successful when our students are successful, and we all know that students have the best chance of succeeding when they feel accepted and supported. It’s not enough to recruit and enroll students; we all share the responsibility of making sure they persist toward graduation and the future they want.

That’s why UT created the Division of Student Success to enhance the student experience and maximize each student’s academic potential by supporting their unique strengths. Since its establishment in 2019, the division has implemented initiatives tailored to the needs of veteran, first-generation, underrepresented, and first-year students. These programs have contributed to the highest retention rates in school history, with 91 percent of first-year students returning for their second year in fall 2023.

During the conference, you will be part of meaningful conversations on building a campus culture, infrastructure, and programming that center student well-being and lead to better outcomes. You’ll join colleagues from around the country to explore the latest research, share experiences, and learn best practices.

Thank you for being part of these important conversations. We look forward to seeing you in October!

Donde Plowman

Chancellor

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

36,000

Students

14

Colleges and schools

91%

First to second year retention rate

About UT

UT is the state’s flagship land-grant research institution. Founded in 1794, UT serves Tennesseans through academic excellence, groundbreaking research, community investment, and industry partnerships—all powered by the Volunteer spirit of leadership and service.

With a footprint that spans the entire state, including the main campus in Knoxville, the Space Institute in Tullahoma, and the Institute of Agriculture and its Extension offices in all 95 counties, UT is proudly committed to discovery, creativity, learning, and engagement for the benefit of all Tennesseans.

UT educates more than 36,000 students—including 28,000 undergraduates—and employs more than 1,800 full-time instructional faculty in 14 degree-granting schools and colleges and 900 programs, degrees and certificates.

The university is known for its academic excellence in nuclear engineering, supply chain management, information sciences, accounting, printmaking, and theatre, among other fields. Its six-year graduation rate of 73.5 percent is the highest among Tennessee’s public institutions, and its record first-to-second-year retention rate is 91 percent.

UT has more than 275,000 alumni around the world. More than half of its graduates remain in Tennessee, giving back as leaders in industry, government, and communities across the state.

 Visit Tennessee's website