Randy Boyd, the University of Tennessee's interim president, on Monday unveiled his priorities for the statewide system, a day before a planned visit to Chattanooga.
The Knoxville businessman and former gubernatorial candidate was approved by the university's Board of Trustees for the position in September, after former President Joe DiPietro announced he was retiring.
Boyd's priorities include a increase in developing talent, strengthening relationships across the system's multiple campus and institutes and launching a search for the next chancellor in 2020.
"I am truly honored to have the opportunity to serve my alma mater, the University of Tennessee, and my state. We have experienced eight years of unprecedented success under Dr. Joe DiPietro, and we are deeply appreciative of his leadership. We must ensure we do not lose momentum during the transition to the next generation of visionary leadership," Boyd said in a news release. "It is vital that we continue to do the important work currently underway, from building the endowment to enhancing educational opportunities."
Boyd plans to launch the search for the system's next president soon into his tenure, according to a news release. Boyd was appointed interim president for up to 24 months or until a permanent president takes over.
Before the trustees' vote in September, some objected to the pick, noting Boyd's lack of academic experience and arguing he wouldn't be an advocate for diversity or inclusion. United Campus Workers, a union representing employees in the state university system campuses, also issued a release against the "conservative, corporate impulses and the xenophobic language that characterized his gubernatorial bid."
Boyd himself is a Tennessee alumnus. He lost to Bill Lee in the 2018 Republican gubernatorial primary.
"I have always been passionate about helping students achieve their dream of a college education. I'm excited to have the opportunity to continue this work as a part of the University I love and that has meant so much to me, my community and my state," Boyd said in a statement. "While these are my initial observations and priorities, they will likely evolve as I continue to listen, learn and discuss with individuals across the system and the state."
His priorities for the university system include:
» Succession planning and recruitment of the new president
» Increase talent development, with a focus improving graduation rates, recruitment of both in-state and out-of-state students and growing online education programs
» Enhance the relationship with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which UT co-manages
» Advance engagement directly with the community and bringing greater visibility to the system's program across the state
» Strengthen and clarify the relationship between UT System Administration and its campuses and institutes
» Build the brand by providing greater transparency, accountability and by data analytics to give the university meaningful reports
Boyd will be in Chattanooga on Tuesday to meet with UTC campus representatives and attend a holiday open house in the University Center on campus.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
Contact staff writer Meghan Mangrum at mmangrum@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6592. Follow her on Twitter @memangrum.