I have been looking forward to this week since I was appointed chancellor.

Over the summer, I have been getting to know our campus by meeting with departments and holding weekly office hours at Hodges Library. I look forward to visiting with even more of you throughout the semester.

On Saturday, I met many new Vols and their families during move-in, and on Monday I joined first-year students at Torch Night, where they received the tassel they will wear on graduation day in four years. What a great tradition. They will need your help in making this goal a reality, and I know you join me in looking forward to that challenge.

This year we will celebrate the university’s 225th anniversary. Throughout the fall and spring semesters, a number of events will mark this historic moment, and we will work together to chart our path forward. I am excited to work alongside you to build a shared vision and write the next chapter in UT’s history.

Good luck in the semester ahead.