News Summary
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has been appointed as the 19th chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, making history as the first woman to hold this position. Her selection was approved by the UT Board of Trustees following a strong recommendation. Bruce brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as provost at Tennessee Technological University, where she notably increased research funding and launched new academic programs. Her leadership philosophy centers on turning challenges into opportunities, with a personal commitment to enhancing educational access.
Chattanooga, TN
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has been named the 19th chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), marking a significant milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold this position in the university’s 138-year history. The appointment was officially approved by the University of Tennessee (UT) Board of Trustees on May 16, 2025, following a recommendation from Randy Boyd, the president of the UT System.
Background and Previous Experience
Before joining UTC, Bruce served as the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Technological University (TTU) since 2018. In her role at TTU, she managed academic operations for more than 10,000 students across eight colleges, achieving a perfect academic program quality score from the state—an accomplishment not matched in over four decades.
During her tenure at TTU, Bruce initiated the development and launch of several new academic programs aimed at meeting evolving workforce needs. She significantly increased annual research funding at TTU, boosting it from $16 million to over $46 million. Furthermore, Bruce was responsible for facilitating $350 million in capital improvements to the campus infrastructure, showcasing her commitment to enhancing the educational environment.
Leadership Philosophy and Goals
Bruce is known for her leadership philosophy that encourages viewing challenges as opportunities. She has established the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence at TTU, which highlights her dedication to faculty development. Additionally, she conducted a compensation study that led to pay increases for faculty and staff, reflecting her commitment to improving working conditions in academia.
As she steps into her new role at UTC, Bruce has expressed her vision for the institution, particularly its potential to achieve Carnegie R2 research status in the near future. She emphasizes the importance of preparing students for sustainable careers in an ever-evolving workforce and advocates for resilience and determination as key traits for success, particularly for first-generation college students.
Personal Background
Bruce’s commitment to education is influenced by her upbringing on a working farm in Lincoln County, Tennessee. This background has instilled in her a resourcefulness and a passion for making education accessible to all. She holds a bachelor’s and a Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, as well as a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech. In addition, she completed joint graduate coursework in biomedical engineering at Georgia Tech and Emory Medical School.
Throughout her academic career, Bruce has been involved in research projects that have attracted over $20 million in funding, resulting in more than 150 peer-reviewed publications. Her extensive knowledge and experience in higher education make her a valued addition to UTC’s leadership.
Family and Community Engagement
Alongside her new position at UTC, Bruce and her husband, Dr. JW Bruce, who is also an academic professional, are both eager to contribute to the UTC community. Their son, Walker, is currently a sophomore at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, majoring in industrial engineering. Outside of their academic pursuits, Bruce has a passion for hands-on creative projects, particularly in sewing and textiles, further illustrating her diverse interests.
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce’s appointment as chancellor represents a breakthrough for gender representation in leadership at UTC and reflects a commitment to advancing the university’s educational offerings and research capabilities.
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Additional Resources
- Times Free Press: QA with UTC Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce
- Chattanooga Pulse: New UTC Chancellor Dr. Lori Bruce Brings Vision and Voice
- Go Mocs: Chattanooga Statement on House Settlement
- News Channel 9: Dr. Lori Mann Bruce Named New Chancellor of UTC Chattanooga
- Local 3 News: UT President Names Committee for UTC Chancellor Search
- Wikipedia: Lori Bruce
- Google Search: Lori Mann Bruce
- Google Scholar: Lori Mann Bruce
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Lori Mann Bruce
- Google News: Lori Mann Bruce
