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

Today is Big Orange Give, a one-day initiative to raise support for programs and colleges across campus. We have set a goal of raising $2.25 million as a celebration of the 225 years of leadership and service at the University of Tennessee.

There are three more opportunities to chat with Chancellor Plowman this semester.

Join me Wednesday for the investiture ceremony and my first flagship address.

UT Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Engagement Robert Nobles has announced plans to leave UT to become vice president of research administration at Emory University.

Beginning November 1, the Office of Community Engagement and Outreach will shift from the Office of Research and Engagement to report to Vice Chancellor for Diversity and Engagement Tyvi Small.

In the three months I’ve been holding these office hours, most people who stop by have identified a problem they’d like help solving, have an organization or program they want to tell me about, or just want to connect.

I am pleased to announce that Tyvi Small, who has been serving as interim vice chancellor for diversity and engagement since December, will take on the role permanently.

Hate aimed at one Vol is aimed at all Vols. When faced with hate, we will respond decisively, peacefully, and as one Volunteer community. We have taken specific actions and plan to do more.

This morning, Interim Vice Chancellor Tyvi Small, Vice Chancellor Vince Carilli, and Dean Shea Kidd-Houze joined me in meeting with a group of student leaders and faculty advisors from Hillel. Our first concern is one of care for people who are hurting in our campus community.