News Summary
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has been appointed as the first female chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, marking a historic milestone for the university. With a proven record in academic leadership, Bruce aims to enhance student success and workforce readiness at UTC. She previously served as provost at Tennessee Technological University, where she oversaw significant academic advancements and infrastructure improvements. Her appointment follows a rigorous selection process, and Mayor Tim Kelly has expressed eagerness to support Bruce in her new role.
Chattanooga – Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has been appointed as the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman to hold the position in the university’s 138-year history. The UT Board of Trustees approved her appointment during a special meeting held on June 16, with her official start date set for June 30.
Currently serving as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Technological University (Tennessee Tech), Bruce has a strong track record in academic administration and student success. In her current role, she has managed academic operations for over 10,000 students and eight academic colleges. Her notable achievements at Tennessee Tech include raising annual research funding from $16 million to over $46 million and improving campus infrastructure with over $350 million in investments for new science and engineering facilities and major renovations.
Bruce led Tennessee Tech to achieve a perfect score for academic program quality from the state — a feat the university had not experienced in over four decades. Moreover, she initiated several new academic programs at various levels, strategically aligning them with workforce needs in the region. With her emphasis on mission-driven leadership, Bruce plans to enhance student health and wellbeing as one of her key focuses at UTC.
The process of selecting Bruce involved a national search overseen by UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman. The search included campus visits and public forums featuring finalists, including Bruce, which took place in April. Notably, UT System President Randy Boyd endorsed Bruce, highlighting her dynamic leadership style and dedication to student success as significant factors in her selection.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Bruce has deep roots in Tennessee, growing up on a working farm in Lincoln County. Her upbringing instilled in her the values of hard work and a commitment to education. She earned her 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 in electrical engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.
As she transitions into her new role, Bruce has expressed her intent to prioritize student success and workforce preparedness as core components of UTC’s mission. Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly has expressed enthusiasm about Bruce’s appointment, voicing the desire to collaborate with her to enhance UTC’s resources and research capabilities further.
Looking ahead, Bruce is anticipated to play a crucial role in guiding UTC toward achieving R2 research university status, taking advantage of faculty expertise to foster research and innovation. The interim chancellor, Robert Dooley, conveyed optimism about Bruce’s appointment, viewing it as a significant advancement for UTC. Bruce’s first 90 days as chancellor will focus on listening to the community and revitalizing marketing efforts to elevate UTC’s visibility in the educational landscape.
Dr. Lori Mann Bruce’s appointment signifies a new chapter for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, promising improvements in student experience, academic quality, and research opportunities.
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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: University
- WDEF News
- Google News: UTC Chancellor 2025
- Local 3 News
