UT Board of Trustees Reappoints President Randy Boyd
The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees has voted to extend the employment of UT System President Randy Boyd through the fiscal year ending on June 30, 2030.
This decision reflects the Board's confidence in Boyd's vision and his ongoing commitment to the University’s mission of fostering educational excellence, innovation and community engagement, according to UT Board of Trustees Chairman John Compton.
Prior to the board vote, Compton noted, “This recommendation is based on several important considerations, including the positive momentum of the University, the strategic initiatives underway and, most notably, the favorable feedback received from and widespread alignment among key stakeholders, internally and externally. He and his teams are leading the way in enrollment growth, first-year retention, graduation rates, research and endowment growth.”
Stakeholders consulted included faculty, student, staff and alumni leadership, chancellors, senior administrative staff, board of trustee members, members of the Tennessee General Assembly, Gov. Bill Lee, among others.
"Under President Boyd's dynamic leadership, the University of Tennessee System has achieved significant milestones and strengthened its role as a cornerstone of higher education in the state," Compton said. "His dedication to increasing access, affordability and the overall quality of education has positively impacted our campuses and communities statewide. We are excited to continue this journey with him at the helm."
"Serving as president of the University of Tennessee is the honor of my life," Boyd said. " The progress we have achieved together thus far inspires great confidence and enthusiasm for what lies ahead. As we approach the second half of the greatest decade in UT history, I’m excited about all the things we will accomplish together.”
Since his appointment in 2018, Boyd has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have propelled the UT System forward. Since fall 2019, total enrollment has increased 13.8%, while six-year and four-year graduation rates have increased 3.8% and 3.0%, respectively. Bachelor’s degrees awarded grew 9.3%, while graduate and professional degrees increased 17.1%.
A hallmark of his tenure, Boyd established UT Promise, an undergraduate scholarship program guaranteeing free tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying Tennessee residents attending UT’s campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and Memphis. Additionally, he led the effort to acquire UT Southern, the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System, which represents the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis.
As with the first five years of Boyd’s service to UT, he has requested no salary for the remainder of his employment. The University will continue to provide Boyd with a stipend in the amount of $10,000 per year to cover costs related to enrollment in the state group health insurance plan during the remainder of his term of service.
