Magazine

It’s hard to imagine what Blount College’s first scholars in 1794 would say about the university’s current research efforts in areas like artificial intelligence, driverless cars, advanced materials manufacturing, and big data. But many of the programs and courses upon which our innovation efforts rely have been a foundation of education at the institution from the very beginning.

Curious about how and when our traditions began? We’ve got you covered with this extensive (but not exhaustive) timeline.

A timeline of integration at the University of Tennessee.

On January 4, 1961, Theotis Robinson Jr. arrived on campus as an undergraduate student. It was his application and subsequent meetings with UT administrators, including President Andy Holt, that led to the change in the admissions policy that barred black undergraduate students.

As a land-grant university, UT has always been committed to creating opportunities for more Tennesseans to receive an affordable high-quality education, and the funding of scholarships is one of the ways this accessibility is accomplished.

From our roads to our schools and hospitals, you don’t have to look far to see the positive impact the University of Tennessee is making in all 95 counties of the state we call home.

A UT scientist is researching how virus-infected bacteria could help in the fight against climate change.

Ask what it means to be a Vol, and chances are you’ll hear a lot about serving others. Service is one of the strongest elements of our shared identity—it’s literally what makes a Volunteer a Volunteer. That strength is reflected in the many campus initiatives aimed at giving students, faculty and staff, and alumni opportunities to serve.

Betsey Creekmore possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of University of Tennessee history and traditions—that she has translated into an enduring gift to present and future Vols: an online encyclopedia of university history, facts, legends, and traditions.

From early classrooms to our first cheerleader, take a look at these snapshots of life at the university.