News Summary
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has been appointed the first female chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Starting June 30, she brings extensive experience from Tennessee Technological University. Her leadership is expected to enhance student success and community engagement, making a significant impact on UTC’s future.
Chattanooga, TN
The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees has officially appointed Dr. Lori Mann Bruce as the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC). Her appointment, effective June 30, marks a significant milestone, as she will be the first female chancellor in the university’s history and the 19th leader overall.
Dr. Mann Bruce currently holds the position of provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Technological University. In her current role, she oversees academic operations for over 10,000 students across eight colleges. Her leadership has been marked by notable achievements, including a perfect academic program quality score at Tennessee Tech, a feat that has not been accomplished in over 40 years. Additionally, she has successfully increased research funding for the university from $16 million to more than $46 million during her tenure.
Under Dr. Bruce’s guidance, Tennessee Technological University also saw over $350 million in campus infrastructure improvements, demonstrating her capacity for significant institutional enhancement. Her selection to lead UTC followed a comprehensive national search, which was spearheaded by UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman. This search included input from a variety of stakeholders, including faculty, staff, students, and community representatives, culminating in campus visits and public forums for finalists in April.
Dr. Bruce’s annual salary will be $450,000, accompanied by housing and a one-time moving allowance. This salary reflects a growth from her predecessor, Steve Angle, who earned a base salary of $422,039 annually.
Dr. Bruce holds a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and brings nearly three decades of experience in higher education to her new role, having previously served at Mississippi State University before her tenure at Tennessee Tech. Throughout her career, she has secured over $20 million in research funding and has contributed to more than 150 peer-reviewed publications, underscoring her dedication to academic excellence.
Upon her arrival at UTC, Dr. Bruce has articulated a commitment to prioritizing student success and enhancing community engagement. She aims to foster a more student-centered and community-connected environment at the university. Her plans also include launching new marketing efforts to better showcase UTC and its accomplishments.
Community leaders are optimistic about Dr. Bruce’s appointment. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has expressed enthusiasm, viewing her as a vital partner in advancing UTC’s role within the community. Meanwhile, Randy Boyd, President of the University of Tennessee System, has stated that he believes Dr. Bruce will emerge as a transformative leader for UTC and the broader Chattanooga area, emphasizing the potential positive impact of her leadership on the university’s trajectory.
Dr. Bruce’s appointment marks a new chapter for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, as she prepares to lead the institution into the future with a focus on growth, engagement, and excellence in academic pursuits.
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 9
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Chattanooga Pulse
- Google Search: Dr. Lori Mann Bruce
- Times Free Press
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chancellor
- WDEF News 12
- Google News: UTC news
