Moving into a new decade, the University of Tennessee System realizes the importance of being nimble and flexible in order to engage students, faculty and staff in meaningful ways.
On Oct. 23, the UT Board of Trustees reaffirmed the University’s standing diversity statement. This reaffirmation clarifies the intent and opportunity of UT to foster campus communities that are diverse and fully inclusive. Campuses that are enriched by individuals from a variety of backgrounds can create environments that are supportive—where all individuals may flourish academically and professionally.
UT is deeply committed to the work of enhancing inclusion (I), appreciating diversity (D) and providing opportunities for engagement (E) of all members of our community. We are embarking on a positive and productive systemwide journey that will help our campuses, institutes and state move forward together.
To facilitate this movement, UT IDE is a reimagined presidential committee that will guide our direction to operate and manage all efforts involving diversity, inclusion, equity, engagement and belonging. Through UT IDE, we will create a strategic alliance to help us develop strategic direction, spark robust dialogue and facilitate awareness opportunities.
The overall vision of UT IDE committees is to be an active resource for all efforts involving inclusion, diversity and engagement at the University of Tennessee, which supports and develops world leaders from all backgrounds. In moving forward, we will be transparent in our efforts and will share opportunities for you to be part of this exciting journey.
– Delphia Howze, executive director, UT Inclusion, Diversity and Engagement
“‘Embrace Diversity’ is an important component of our Be One UT values. As the president of the University of Tennessee System, one of my main goals is to make the university a strong and welcoming community for everyone. What makes a university great are its people—students, faculty, staff—and the opportunities to impact the future. Our experiences and our differences make us stronger together than we could ever be separately. I’m eager to witness the impact UT Inclusion, Diversity and Engagement will have on our System, campuses and state.”
—Randy Boyd, president, The University of Tennessee System
