UT Knoxville chancellor search continues

The University of Tennessee at Knoxville has begun its search for a new chancellor.

The university is currently accepting nominations for the position, and expects to announce their decision in time for the spring 2017 semester.

The UT chancellor serves as a member of the UT System’s leadership team, who reports directly to the university president.

“Campus by campus, the University of Tennessee has broadened its reach and strengthened its impact, demonstrating the value and true spirit of what it means to be part of the UT System,” said UT President Joe DiPietro. “I’m grateful to Chancellor Jimmy Cheek for his energy, vision and continued service. He has transformed the UT Knoxville campus and enabled record-breaking success for the benefit of Tennesseans and beyond.”

Cheek has served as UT chancellor since February 2009. His tenure saw the emergence of UT Knoxville as one of the country’s most prolific research institutions. In addition, the campus has reached record fundraising goals, and secured $1 billion in construction and renovation grants during his time in the position. He will remain in office until the next chancellor is found.

The selection committee is working alongside Parker Executive Search to find, recruit and recommend potential candidates on a national level, as well as help facilitate the searching process. Linda Hendricks Harig, UT vice president and UT Knoxville vice chancellor for human resources, and Ashlie Czyz, director of HR programs and system executive recruiter, are serving as advisers to the committee.

The finalists have been narrowed to three individuals. Dr. Pamela Whitten, Dr. Beverly Davenport have each participated in an open forum and discussion on the UTK campus, with the last of the candidates, Dr. Alexander Cartwright, presenting on Nov. 10.

Whitten has acquired a BSM from the Tulane University school of business, master’s in Organizational Communication from the University of Kentucky and Ph.D from the University of Kansas.  She is currently the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost at the University of Georgia.

Davenport currently serves as the Interim President of the University of Cincinnati where she was previously the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs & Provost. She has held multiple positions at other institutions including the University of Kentucky, University of Kansas, Virginia Polytechnic and State University and Perdue University. She has a Ph.D from the University of Michigan and bachelor’s degree from Western Kentucky University.

Cartwright holds a bachelor’s degree and doctorate in Electrical and Computer Engineering in 1989 and 1995 from the University of Iowa.  His previous employment in higher education includes various positions at institutions within the State University of New York system.  He is currently the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor.

To learn more about the candidates or watch the live-stream and recorded forums, visit http://tennessee.edu/execsearch/ut-knoxville-chancellor/.