UTC Names First Female Chancellor in School History

Students discussing and collaborating at UTC campus.

News Summary

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is set to appoint its first-ever female chancellor, marking a historic milestone in the school’s 138-year history. Alysson Satterlund and Lori Mann Bruce have been selected as finalists for the position. Both candidates emphasize community engagement and academic growth, offering their unique visions for the university’s future. The selection process has involved public forums and significant input from faculty, staff, and students. This change is seen as a pivotal moment for the university, fostering a new era of leadership and educational excellence.

Chattanooga, TN – The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) is set to make history by naming its first female chancellor in 138 years. Two finalists have been selected for the position: Alysson Satterlund, who currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Campus Life at the University of California San Diego, and Lori Mann Bruce, the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Tennessee Technological University. The decision comes after a comprehensive national search conducted by the UT System in collaboration with the executive search firm WittKieffer.

Both finalists recently visited UTC, engaging with faculty, staff, and students during public forums where they shared their visions for the university’s future. The selection process aimed to identify candidates with a strong commitment to student engagement and institutional growth, qualities that both Satterlund and Bruce demonstrated throughout their presentations.

Candidate Profiles

Alysson Satterlund is a first-generation college graduate with vast experience managing a substantial $140 million portfolio at a prominent public research university. Her focus revolves around cultural engagement, enhancing access to education, and storytelling as a crucial component of institutional identity. Satterlund has been actively working on initiatives aimed at improving accessibility for students, positioning herself as a candidate committed to nurturing a supportive educational environment.

Lori Mann Bruce brings a wealth of experience from her tenure at Tennessee Technological University, where she has been instrumental in implementing transformative changes. Her contributions include launching new academic programs, facilitating $350 million in infrastructure development, and tripling the institution’s annual research funding. Bruce emphasizes the importance of academic excellence, inclusivity, and creating a positive regional impact. She addresses critical challenges such as declining enrollment and skepticism regarding the value of higher education degrees.

Candidates’ Visions

During the forums, both candidates articulated their strategies to elevate UTC’s academic stature. Satterlund aims to integrate student support and storytelling into the institution’s strategy to fortify its foundations. Meanwhile, Bruce highlighted her previous success in helping Tennessee Tech attain a higher research classification, which she believes could be achievable for UTC as well.

Student Government Association President Jordan Fall remarked on the finalists’ dynamic personalities and their shared dedication to the student body and the university. He indicated that both candidates represent a generational shift for UTC, which he believes will cultivate pride among students and alumni.

Community Engagement

The public forums served as a platform for stakeholders at UTC to engage with these potential leaders, fostering an interactive environment vital for assessing the compatibility of the candidates with the university’s community. Their historical selection as the first female chancellor candidates offers a significant opportunity to inspire future leaders of the institution.

Broader Implications

As UTC prepares for this unprecedented change, the potential appointment of a female chancellor marks a pivotal moment in the university’s history. The candidates’ commitment to both academic excellence and community engagement represents a forward-looking vision for UTC, one that aligns with contemporary educational demands and regional needs.

With the announcement of the new chancellor expected soon, the university community watches closely, eager to see how this new leadership can navigate current challenges and elevate UTC’s standing in the higher education landscape.