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.

In one week, the Rock has brought out the best and the worst.

I am pleased to announce that Matthew Scoggins, who currently serves as UT’s general counsel, will be joining our campus leadership team as chief of staff. His first day will be October 1.

Service is the centerpiece of our 225th anniversary celebration because leadership through service has always defined what it means to be a Volunteer.

I am proud of the steps we have taken to make our campus a more diverse and inclusive place. I know there is more to do, and as we move forward I will keep communicating about these efforts and listening to your feedback.

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

These four tremendous scholars, researchers, and teachers represent the best of what the University of Tennessee has to offer the world.