While his comment is not "politic", it's an empirical question. Are lower grades and lower ACT scores the norm or UTC?

Real life is not as entertaining or exciting as what students have seen in the media so it's hard work staying focused. Maybe a national service for all youth is what is needed and then they will be ready to chose college, a trade or starting their own business or all three.

Provost Oldham might be substandard or he might enjoy Chattanooga, the UT system or the challenge of undermotivated students.