When it comes to loyalty, education and community improvement, Bud and Virginia Grimes stand out, both holding prestigious positions here at UTM.
Bud Grimes, the current director of University Relations, pursued a career in communications with a clear sense of passion. After earning his Bachelors in Communications with a concentration in Broadcasting, the pursuit of a higher degree in the discipline was absolute. Grimes continued on to earn his Masters in Communications concentrating in Journalism at UTK.
Grimes held radio broadcasting jobs in Clarksville and Mckenzie, but also utilized his particular set of skills in a variety of areas prior to accepting the University Relations position. His involvement in the UT system started across state, working in a communications position for the Institute of Agriculture at UTK.
One of his most iconic jobs, however, was his position at Pellissippi State Community College that allowed him to meet his future wife, Virginia Carpenter, a native of the Knoxville area and respected leader of the WestStar Leadership Program at UTM.
“We met each other at Pellissippi State, while we were both employed there,” Virginia Grimes said.
The two eventually married and the couple moved to Martin in the fall of 1990. The move to West Tennessee was inspired by the position he now holds, and they find it humorously convenient concerning the location of their offices. WestStar’s office is located on the third floor of the Hall-Moody Administration Building, just down the hall from the Office of University Relations.
“I started this job in Oct. 1990. Same job, same title ever since,” Bud Grimes said.
Virginia Grimes has also remained with the same program, bringing enthusiasm and dedication each day. The couple also raised two children in the area, who both became members of the UTM community.
“I’m very glad to see our daughter Ashley so close to graduating, and our son Wesley started this fall. It’s very nice to see them receive a quality education from here,” Virginia Grimes said.
Both speak highly of the faculty and students, recognizing the diversity and efficiency of the university. Bud Grimes cherishes each and every day, remarking on the variation that comes with his job.
“Each day is different in my office; I absolutely love that,” said Bud Grimes.
With 23 years of service to the UTM community, they have spent many long days organizing meetings and events. Despite all of this, they remain thankful for their roots and continue those same traditions while serving the surrounding area. With their background, they remind students to also remember their homes during the pursuit of education and jobs.
“The community you grew up in needs you, too,” said Virginia Grimes.
Both have unquestionably earned their respected positions at this institution and are valued members. Contributing to the power of education has been a lifelong conquest for them, and they continue loyally serving an area that has so much meaning for them.
