Lori Mann Bruce has been tapped as the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. If approved, she will become the first woman to hold the role in the university’s 138-year history.
Her appointment follows a monthslong national search to succeed interim Chancellor Robert Dooley, who has led the school since Chancellor Steve Angle stepped down Jan. 1 after more than a decade in the position.
“University leadership is not about shining a light on us, it’s about shining a light on you,” Bruce told a public forum at UTC. “It’s about putting students, faculty and staff at the focus … it’s also about illuminating a pathway forward … creating a clear vision of where we want to go, what do we want to become and how do we get there.”
According to a statement from UT System President Randy Boyd, the University of Tennessee board of trustees will vote on Bruce soon, and if she’s accepted, Bruce will begin her role June 30.
“One of the most important responsibilities I have as president is hiring outstanding people to lead our campuses and institutes,” Boyd said in a release from the system. “Lori is a dynamic, forward-thinking leader with a strong track record of academic excellence, innovation and a deep commitment to student success. I believe she will be a transformative leader for UTC and the Greater Chattanooga community.”