As Dr. Keith Carver looked onto a crowd of UT Martin community members he proclaimed his love for Martin saying, “I will have other jobs but I don’t know that a job will ever have my heart like the last six years at UT Martin. I love you. My family loves you and I will always love you.” on Wednesday, February 22 at 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Latimer Smith building.
The celebration was set to allow student, faculty, staff and community members to congratulate Carver on his successes during his time at UT Martin, thank him for all he has done and give their well wishes to Carver and his family.
Carver was accompanied by his wife, Hollianne Carver, and youngest son. The trio were surprised before the event by community members lining the sidewalk as they walked from the Hall Moody Administration Building to the Latimer Smith Building. Guests waved blue and orange pom poms and cheered as they made their way through the quad.
Once the Carvers entered the building, a large crowd started to gather in the lobby area. Weakley County Mayor Jake Bynum also presented Carver with a special recognition due to his distinguished service by declaring Tuesday, February 28, 2023, Dr. and Mrs. Keith and Hollianne Carver Day in Weakley County.
Carver also spoke at the event explaining his thankfulness for the campus community stating, “None of the work… would have been possible without this collective group of people.” He continued by speaking on how the university took a chance on him and his family, as Carver did not have experience as a chancellor before the university hired him six years ago. As audience members and members of the Carver family shed tears the Chancellor reassured everyone saying, “I won’t be a stranger. I’ll be around.”
The speeches were followed by the crowd transitioning into a large line to speak with the family as well as refreshments.
Guests from all different parts of the community filtered in one-by-one to thank the Carver family for the service they have provided over the past six years and shared memories.
The UTM Alumni page also created a link to submit memories and well wishes to be sent to the Carver family that was displayed on tables at the event.
Carver will begin his new position as leader of the UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) on March 1, 2023.
