News Summary
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has been appointed as the first female chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Her leadership is set to enhance the university’s regional role and student success. Bruce, with extensive experience in academia and administration, aims to foster community engagement and innovation at UTC as she begins her tenure.
Chattanooga, TN – Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has been appointed as the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), marking a significant milestone as she will be the first woman to hold this position in the university’s 138-year history. Her appointment is pending approval by the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees and is set to take effect on June 30, 2023.
The search for Bruce’s appointment follows the interim leadership of Robert Dooley, who has been filling the role since January 1 after former Chancellor Steve Angle stepped down after over a decade in his position. Bruce brings extensive academic and administrative experience to UTC, having previously served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Technological University.
During her tenure at Tennessee Tech, Bruce played a pivotal role in achieving a perfect academic program quality score from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, a notable achievement not reached by any institution in over 40 years. Additionally, she oversaw a significant increase in annual research funding, which grew from $16 million to over $46 million. Bruce also spearheaded over $350 million in campus infrastructure improvements, including the construction of new science and engineering facilities and significant renovations across the campus.
A native of Tennessee, Bruce grew up in Lincoln County and has shown a strong commitment to education and community engagement throughout her career. She holds a Ph.D. and a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville, along with a master’s degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Bruce’s blend of academic prowess and hands-on administrative experience makes her well-suited for the role of chancellor.
In her new role at UTC, Bruce aims to enhance the university’s position as a regional leader while improving student success. Her leadership approach emphasizes transparency, community engagement, and the importance of preparing graduates for a growing and changing workforce. In the initial 90 days of her chancellorship, she plans to focus on listening to the campus community and renewing marketing efforts to promote UTC’s strengths and achievements.
The selection committee responsible for Bruce’s appointment included faculty, staff, students, and community representatives, indicating a broad engagement in the process. Student Government Association president Beeta Baghaevaji expressed support for Bruce’s appointment, noting her ease in engaging with students and her overall fit for the culture at UTC. In addition, Erin Ryan, a UTC professor, pointed out that Bruce’s appointment is a significant step forward for women in leadership roles in the university and beyond.
Tennessee state Senator Bo Watson also welcomed Bruce’s appointment, praising her academic leadership background and experience, which will be invaluable in guiding UTC toward future successes.
Overall, Dr. Lori Mann Bruce’s appointment represents a new chapter for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, aiming for innovation and excellence in higher education while fostering an environment of support and success for all students.
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Additional Resources
- Chattanoogan: Dr. Lori Mann Bruce Is Coming To Town
- Wikipedia: University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
- Times Free Press: Lori Mann Bruce Named Next Chancellor of UTC
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Chancellor (education)
- Chattanooga Pulse: Dr. Lori Mann Bruce Approved as Next Chancellor of UTC
- Google Search: Lori Mann Bruce
- News Channel 9: Dr. Lori Mann Bruce Named New Chancellor of UTC
- Google News: UTC Chancellor
- WDEF: Board Approves Dr. Lori Mann Bruce as UTC Chancellor
- Google Scholar: Lori Mann Bruce
