“UT Martin is built on relationships. Relationships between students, faculty and staff. … I think that the biggest lesson I’ll take from my time here is the value of relationships and trust.” – Dr. Keith Carver, chancellor
UT System President Randy Boyd announced Jan. 26 that Dr. Keith Carver, UT Martin chancellor, will become the senior vice chancellor and senior vice president of the UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) on March 1.
The leadership change is pending approval from the UT Board of Trustees, which meets Feb. 23-24 in Chattanooga.
Carver became UT Martin chancellor in 2017. During the past six years he has made a lasting positive impact on campus, students and faculty. According to the announcement email from Boyd, UT Martin has achieved great success under Carver’s leadership, including increased freshman class enrollment, the creation and engagement in strategic enrollment plans, and creating an office of Research, Outreach and Economic Development at UT Martin.
But, arguably, Carver’s greatest success, as many students and staff will say, cannot be so easily measured by statistics and graphs alone. Rather, it is Carver’s ability to easily connect with others, both in-person and on social media, and his unwavering dedication to creating a safe and engaging college environment that has made UT Martin feel like home to numerous students.
“We have enjoyed representing UT Martin across West Tennessee and the surrounding region, celebrating with you at university events and opening up our home for meals, card games and s’mores,” Carver said in an email to campus faculty, staff and students.
Although the move appears sudden, Carver said the decision was made after careful consideration and planning.
“The position was vacated and needed leadership immediately,” he said. “We are in the beginning stages of the legislative session and we’ll need someone in place there to help with advancing priorities for the organization.”
Given Carver’s reputation within the UT System as having pervasive energy and passion, it’s no surprise that he was quickly tapped for the UTIA position.
“His experience across the UT system, collaborative spirit and his deep appreciation for UT’s land grant mission made him an obvious choice for this role,” Boyd said in a press release from the UT Communications office.
According to that press release, Carver will head UTIA in a two-year limited duration appointment so as to provide necessary stability as the institute continues to thrive “… with record research expenditures, increased enrollment, expanding programs, including its first School of Natural Resources, and a strong Extension presence in all 95 counties.”
“It’s an incredible enterprise with a presence in every county across the state,” Carver said.
When asked what part of his new position he is most excited about, Carver said that it was the ability to assist in growing the research program and the academic programs. “I’m also very excited about the UT Extension program across the state,” he added.
“Perhaps the biggest reason, however, is family,” he said. “We have two adult children living in Knoxville and are expecting our first grandchild in June. Very excited about that!”
Of course, as with all growing seasons, there is a tinge of pain at saying farewell. During his time in Martin, Carver has connected with his UT Martin community and the region. However, this may not be the last the university sees of Carver and his iconic bowties.
“I for sure want to attend commencement in May,” Carver said. “And rodeo … I really want to come back for rodeo!”
As for his advice to university Provost Philip Cavalier as he becomes interim chancellor, Carver simply said to “buckle up and enjoy every day!”
“All of us in higher education need to be focused on a ‘student first’ philosophy,” Carver added.
“This is an amazing campus with incredible students, faculty and staff. Be the biggest advocate for UT Martin and our region that you can be!”
In his email to the campus community, Carver expressed plenty of optimism.
“I’m confident that the best days for this great university are yet to come because of you – our outstanding students, faculty, staff and alumni,” he said.
