As my leadership team and I assess where we are as a university in relation to the Vol Vision 2020 strategic goals, we recognize the need to communicate where we stand on Priority 6—Diversity and Inclusion.

It is a time to honor the academic and service achievements that represent the best of our university.

An internal search to fill the new campus ombudsperson position is in progress. I want to encourage tenured faculty members to apply, with the goal of having this important position filled this spring.

I am honored to announce that UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Advanced Manufacturing Suresh Babu has been chosen as the next director of the Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education effective January 3.

I’m pleased to announce that I have appointed Tyvi Small UT’s interim vice chancellor for diversity and engagement, effective January 2, 2019. The vice chancellor for diversity and engagement will lead efforts to coordinate existing student success programs and diversity initiatives across the university.

Tisha is a thoughtful, well-respected, and trusted leader in the state. She has extensive experience with large, complex organizations and brings a unique perspective to this position.

In response to recent acts of hate intended to threaten and divide our campus community, the chancellor’s cabinet seeks your guidance and collaboration as they take action and address the underlying issues.

By standing together and taking care of and respecting one another, we will ensure our campus is a community in which everyone feels welcome and safe.

In celebration of National First-Generation College Student Day, Interim Chancellor Davis pledges support to first-generation students at UT.

Lee Riedinger, director of UT’s Bredesen Center for Interdisciplinary Research and Graduate Education, informed me this week that he plans to retire at the end of 2018. He was appointed in 2010 to serve as the center’s first director.