University of Tennessee at Chattanooga to Launch Search for New Chancellor
Chattanooga, TN — A 15-member search committee is set to begin its pursuit of a new chancellor for the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) early next year, following the announcement that Chancellor Steve Angle will step down at the end of December. The UT System informed the public on Monday about the formation and objectives of this committee.
Who is Leading the Search?
The search committee will be chaired by Yancy Freeman, who currently serves as the chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Martin. Freeman previously spent 31 years at UTC and is poised to bring valuable insights to the search process.
What Happened to the Current Chancellor?
Chancellor Angle, who has led UTC for 11 years, announced in November that he will be transitioning from his leadership role to join the university’s faculty starting January 1, 2025. This decision has prompted the necessary search for his successor.
Who Will be on the Committee?
The search committee comprises a diverse group representing various stakeholders from the university and broader community. Members include:
- Tiffany Carpenter – UT System vice president for communications and marketing
- Beth Crawford – UTC Faculty Senate president and professor
- Jay Dale – Chattanooga market president of First Horizon Bank and UTC alum
- Jordan Fall – UTC Student Government Association president
- Brent Goldberg – UTC vice chancellor for finance and administration
- Ken Jones – UTC Alumni Board president
- Susan Lazenby – Chair of the UTC Exempt Staff Council
- Melita Rector – Chair of the UTC Non-Exempt Staff Council
- Valerie Rutledge – UTC College of Health, Education and Professional Studies dean
- Mina Sartipi – Executive director of the UTC Research Institute
- David Watson – UT board of trustees member
- Artanya Wesley – UTC vice chancellor of enrollment management and student affairs
- Mark Wharton – UTC vice chancellor and director of athletics
- Todd Womack – UTC Advisory Board member
When Will the Search Start?
The committee plans to kick off its search efforts in January 2025, with the goal of selecting a new chancellor by June of the same year. The tight timeline reflects the university’s need to fill the crucial leadership position promptly to ensure continued progress and stability within the institution.
Why is This Important?
The appointment of a new chancellor is a significant event for UTC, especially after Chancellor Angle’s long tenure that spanned over a decade. The new leader will have the opportunity to influence the university’s direction during a pivotal time as UTC strives to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education.
As one of the most prominent educational institutions in the region, UTC’s leadership search is expected to attract attention not only from within the university but also from alumni and community members who are interested in the future of the institution.
With a robust team representing various facets of the university community, the search committee is set to undertake the important task of identifying a successor who can effectively lead UTC into the future.
