Dr. Bogue Announced Interim Chancellor for UTC

Dr. Bogue was a professor of leadership and policy studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville from 1991 until his retirement earlier this year. He was chancellor of Louisiana State University in Shreveport from 1980-1991, was interim chancellor for one year at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and named chancellor emeritus of LSU Shreveport by the LSU Board of Trustees in 1991. Dr. Bogue was chief academic officer for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission from 1974 to 1980. Prior to joining THEC, Dr. Bogue was on the administrative staff at the University of Memphis for 10 years.

Dr. Bogue earned the first doctoral degree granted by the University of Memphis, from which he also earned a master’s degree, and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics.

In considering Dr. Bogue for this interim post, I sought advice and received strong support for his appointment from UTC leadership, Board of Trustees members, the Chair of the UC Foundation Executive Committee, and members of the Chattanooga community.

Their support for Dr. Bogue – and his broad and varied background including heading campuses within the LSU system, in higher education policy with THEC, and as graduate faculty in higher education leadership at our Knoxville campus – was unanimous.

Dr. Bogue has agreed to serve as UTC’s interim chancellor until a permanent successor takes office. As a condition of his appointment, he has agreed not to be a candidate for the permanent position. The search process was launched at the end of August and is expected to have a new chancellor in place by summer 2013.

While I regret the circumstances that hasten Dr. Brown’s departure, I support his decision.

Chancellor Brown has guided UTC through a period of major growth and significant milestones including the institution’s 125th anniversary and record-high enrollments. Among the strengths that enhanced his effectiveness are his understanding of the Chattanooga community and its unique and strong attachment to UTC. Chancellor Brown has recognized and appreciated the value of the community’s care and concern. As a result, he and the city of Chattanooga worked together and now have a better university to show for it.

Dr. Brown led UTC even as he faced the loss of his beloved wife, Carolyn Thompson. I’m grateful for his strength and courage through that difficult time. Having discussed with me his personal health challenges and his belief that it is in both his and UTC’s best interests that a change of leadership – even for an interim period – be made now, Chancellor Brown sought to work with me to best facilitate his immediate retirement.

He, I, and Dr. Bogue, along with the Chattanooga community, all share a commitment to ensuring UTC’s continued progress and prosperity.

Dr. Bogue is clear on his task of guiding the campus through this transition, and I’m confident he will do so with a calm and steady hand. UTC is an important and valued member of the University family, and I will be closely engaged throughout this interim period and chancellor search.

Chancellor Brown and I will host a press conference to discuss these developments at 1 pm today in the Chattanooga Room of the University Center. UTC faculty and staff are welcome to attend the press conference. If you can’t attend but would like to watch the live webcast, please go to this link.

UTC faculty and staff also are invited to visit with Chancellor Brown, Dr. Bogue and me during an informal coffee, also in the UC Chattanooga Room, at 2 pm.