News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has appointed Dr. Lori Mann Bruce as chancellor, making her the first woman to lead the university in its 138-year existence. Dr. Bruce, previously the provost at Tennessee Technological University, has a proven track record in higher education, exemplified by her successful initiatives at Tennessee Tech that significantly boosted academic quality and research funding. Her selection follows a thorough national search and reflects the university’s commitment to progressive leadership and student success.
Chattanooga Appoints First Female Chancellor in 138-Year History
Chattanooga, TN – The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has announced the appointment of Dr. Lori Mann Bruce as its next chancellor, marking a significant milestone in the university’s 138-year history. The UT Board of Trustees approved her appointment, which will take effect on June 30.
Dr. Bruce’s appointment is noteworthy as she will be the first woman to lead UTC since its founding. Before accepting this new role, she served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Technological University, where she oversaw academic operations for more than 10,000 students across eight colleges.
A Proven Track Record in Higher Education
Throughout her career, Dr. Bruce has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic excellence and institutional growth. Under her leadership at Tennessee Tech, the university received a perfect score for academic program quality from the state, a feat that had not been accomplished in over 40 years. Furthermore, she increased annual research funding at Tennessee Tech from $16 million to over $46 million, showcasing her ability to enhance the university’s financial resources for research.
In addition to her achievements in academic program quality and funding, Dr. Bruce led campus infrastructure improvements exceeding $350 million during her tenure at Tennessee Tech. This commitment to enhancing the campus facilities reflects her focus on creating a conducive learning environment for students.
Selection Process and Community Engagement
Dr. Bruce’s selection came after a comprehensive national search conducted by a dedicated committee comprising UTC faculty, staff, students, and community representatives. Finalists for the chancellor position participated in campus visits and public forums earlier in April, allowing the campus community to engage and provide input on the selection process.
Throughout her public forum, Bruce emphasized her leadership approach, prioritizing transparency, student success, and community engagement. She articulated her intention to illuminate a clear vision for UTC’s future and place student needs at the forefront of the university’s initiatives.
Support from the UTC Community
The new UTC Student Government Association president expressed confidence in Dr. Bruce’s ability to connect with students, anticipating that her leadership will foster a strong relationship between the administration and the student body. Additionally, a UTC professor highlighted the significance of Bruce’s appointment as a critical milestone for women in academic leadership.
Numerous local leaders and stakeholders have welcomed Dr. Bruce to her new role, commending her extensive background in academic leadership and program development. State Sen. Bo Watson acknowledged her experience as a valuable asset that will contribute significantly to UTC.
Goals and Vision for UTC
In her upcoming role, Dr. Bruce aims to solidify UTC’s position as a regional leader in research, innovation, and economic development. She envisions enhancing programs that support student success, from access to career readiness, aligning academic initiatives with workforce demands in the region.
Background and Credentials
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has nearly three decades of experience in higher education, including previous positions at Mississippi State University. She holds a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering and has contributed to research in hyperspectral remote sensing and precision agriculture, adding to her robust academic portfolio.
As Dr. Bruce prepares to assume her responsibilities at UTC, the university community anticipates a new era marked by progressive leadership and a dedicated focus on enhancing the educational experience for all students.
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Additional Resources
- Chattanoogan: Dr. Lori Mann Bruce Is Coming To Town
- Chattanooga Pulse: Dr. Lori Mann Bruce Approved as Next Chancellor of UTC
- Times Free Press: UT Board Names Lori Mann Bruce UTC’s New Chancellor
- WDEF: New UTC Chancellor Recommended to UT Board of Trustees
- News Channel 9: Dr. Lori Mann Bruce Named New Chancellor of UTC Chattanooga
- Wikipedia: Chancellor
- Google Search: Dr. Lori Mann Bruce
- Google Scholar: Lori Mann Bruce
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chancellor
- Google News: Lori Mann Bruce
