News Summary
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has announced the appointment of Dr. Lori Mann Bruce as its new chancellor. This significant leadership transition follows a national search led by UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman and highlights Bruce’s extensive experience in higher education and her commitment to student success and community engagement. As UTC’s 19th leader, she aims to enhance academic programs, infrastructure, and the university’s connection to the local community.
Chattanooga – The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) has announced the appointment of Dr. Lori Mann Bruce as its new chancellor. The decision, which marks a significant leadership transition, was made during a special meeting of the UT Board of Trustees on June 16. Dr. Bruce will officially take office on June 30, becoming the 19th leader in UTC’s history.
Currently serving as the provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Technological University (Tennessee Tech), Bruce has played a critical role in overseeing academic operations for over 10,000 students across eight colleges. She has been instrumental in enhancing the institution’s academic standing, highlighted by Tennessee Tech achieving a perfect academic program quality score from the state—an unprecedented milestone in the past four decades.
During her tenure at Tennessee Tech, Bruce has overseen a remarkable growth in research funding, increasing it from $16 million to over $46 million. Additionally, she has directed over $350 million in campus infrastructure improvements, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing educational facilities and resources. Bruce has also been proactive in launching multiple new academic programs designed to align with regional workforce needs, fostering a strong connection between the university’s offerings and local job markets.
Dr. Bruce’s selection for the chancellorship followed a comprehensive national search. This process was led by UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman, who worked closely with UTC faculty, staff, students, and community members. The search included public forums and campus visits in April, allowing finalists to present their visions and priorities for the university. Bruce highlighted her commitment to a mission-driven leadership approach that prioritizes student health and well-being, which resonated with the UTC community.
With nearly 30 years of higher education experience, Bruce has previously held various academic and administrative positions at Mississippi State University. Her academic credentials include a Ph.D. and bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, along with a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology.
During her appointment announcement, Bruce emphasized the transformative power of higher education, drawing from personal family experiences related to educational opportunities. The significance of her appointment is notable, particularly regarding representation: UTC’s Student Government Association President highlighted that both finalists in the chancellorship race were women, underscoring a transformative moment for the university.
Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley expressed strong support for Bruce, noting her exceptional leadership capabilities and vision for the university’s future. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly also conveyed optimism about Bruce’s potential to elevate UTC to a top-tier university while maintaining its connection to the community and regional stakeholders.
In her upcoming role as chancellor, Dr. Lori Mann Bruce aims to prioritize student success and foster community engagement, setting a collaborative tone for her leadership at UTC. This appointment is expected to lead to advancements in both academic and community-oriented initiatives at the university, promising a forward-looking direction for UTC as it continues to serve its diverse student body.
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Additional Resources
- News Channel 9
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Chattanooga Pulse
- Google Search: Dr. Lori Mann Bruce UTC Chancellor
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- WDEF News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: UTC Chancellor
- Times Free Press
- Google News: UTC Chancellor
