Dr. Keith Carver on UT Martin Campus. (Photo / University Relations)
An email from UT President Randy Boyd, sent to the UT System community this morning, reads:
“Earlier today, I tapped UT Martin Chancellor Keith Carver to serve as senior vice chancellor and senior vice president of the UT Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) effective March 1, pending approval by the Board of Trustees at our Feb. 23 meeting.
“I am very excited to have Keith move into this statewide role with UTIA. 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.
“UTIA is thriving with record research expenditures, increased enrollment, expanding programs, and a strong Extension presence in all 95 counties. With an impressive track record at UTM and knowledge of UT, I couldn’t think of anyone better than Keith to lead UTIA to even greater heights as we strive to make this the greatest decade in UT’s history.
“Under Keith’s leadership, UTM has achieved great success:
- Incoming freshmen class enrollment has gone up by 17% compared to the Fall 2016 level.
- Secured the two largest gifts in school history, including a $79.5 million gift (2021) and a $22 million gift (2019)
- Implemented the first comprehensive strategic plan for the UT Martin campus in 40 years
- Guided UT Martin’s first new academic building project in 4 decades, a 120,000 square foot academic building for STEM education
- Engaged in an aggressive Strategic Enrollment Plan in 2019-2020; with 6 new or expanded academic programs in high-need areas
- Created an office of Research, Outreach and Economic Development at UT Martin that coordinates with chamber and economic development efforts across northwest Tennessee
“Keith will serve in the role in a two-year limited duration appointment to provide stability for UTIA. UT Martin Provost Philip Cavalier will serve as interim chancellor. We will launch a national search for a new chancellor in the coming weeks to build on the many successes already underway.
“Keith has become part of the fabric of the UT Martin community, and I know his departure will be sad for many.
“As he leaves UT Martin, he will be leaving a thriving campus that is experiencing great momentum. I hope you will join me in thanking Keith and his wife, Hollianne, for their service to UT Martin and their continued service to the University of Tennessee.”
