The University of Tennessee System's interim president, Randy Boyd, was in Chattanooga on Tuesday for his second official day on the job as he tours state campuses.
During his stop, the former gubernatorial candidate and Knoxville businessman commended the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and its focus on developing talent.
"I've been here many times and I enjoy every visit to the campus. The university is doing some amazing things and leading the state in many ways," Boyd said. "UTC is a shining jewel in the University of Tennessee system."
UTC is the top producer of talent in the Chattanooga region, said the former economic development chief.
"For the community, UTC is an incredible asset. It provides the talent ... businesses come to where they can find the talent," he said. "UTC is the producer of that talent in this region."
To continue to produce and develop talent, Boyd said, the system needs to focus on student success.
"One of the most important things that we do is produce more talent for the state. We want to increase talent output, so the best way we do that is to make sure that students are successful," he said. "We have to make sure that more students who come here with a dream of graduating graduate."
Talent is a top priority for Boyd, who on Monday included that in his six key priorities for his tenure, as well as his desire to recruit the new president, advance engagement and strengthen relationships across the system.
UTC Chancellor Steve Angle was encouraged by Boyd's focus on student success.
"His comment about students first is something we've had as a push for university," Angle said. "So to hear him saying that, it is definitely in line with UTC's priorities."
Angle said that shortly after Boyd was appointed to lead the system, he visited UTC in October and they took him on a tour of the campus. They discussed the community, what programs the university offers and what "UTC is all about," Angle said.
Boyd was appointed in September after former President Joe DiPietro announced his retirement. He had recently lost a run for governor to Bill Lee in the 2018 Republican primary.
Boyd previously served as an adviser to Gov. Bill Haslam, helping him create education initiatives such as the Tennessee Promise program for free tuition at state community colleges. In December 2014, Haslam named Boyd the next state Economic and Community Development commissioner, a post he filled until January 2017.
Boyd also was an architect of Haslam's Drive to 55 initiative, which is aimed at increasing the number of Tennesseans with a post-secondary degree or certificate to 55 percent by 2025.
Some objected to the pick, noting Boyd's lack of academic experience and arguing he wouldn't be an advocate for diversity or inclusion.
Angle said he feels Boyd's political experience will be beneficial in the role, citing that many leaders in the system have academic experience but Boyd will know how to navigate legislators.
Boyd met with the Faculty Senate, some of the college deans, as well as UTC students Tuesday. He also attended the university's holiday party and open house.
He also mentioned continued efforts to fundraise for the university, citing large gifts that UTC raised in the past year, such as the $40 million from Gary and Kathleen Rollins to the university's business school, and his plans for recruiting his replacement and a new chancellor for University of Tennessee-Knoxville.
In January, a search committee will be announced to begin looking for a chancellor for the Knoxville campus, Boyd said. The search for his replacement, a permanent system president, will begin in 2020.
When asked if he had a short list of possibilities, Boyd said there would be a very long list that the committee would gather.
Contact staff writer Meghan Mangrum at mmangrum@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6592. Follow her on Twitter @memangrum.