Dear UTC Colleagues,

Earlier today President Boyd sent a message to the UT System that noted our appreciation of the unwavering support of Governor Bill Lee and our state legislators for higher education that continues as a top propriety for the State of Tennessee.  I second this expression of gratitude.

Last night Governor Lee delivered the State of the State Address and released his budget for the coming year.  The Governor’s budget places a high priority on education and includes funding for the renovation and expansion of the Rollins College of Business.  The General Assembly will now take up the Governor’s budget as we move toward a final state budget.

This proposed project will be a transformational investment in our campus and our community.  It will allow the Gary W. Rollins College of Business to achieve excellence and meet the needs of our students as well as the community.  It will double the size of the college and provide space for community engagement as well as developing programs in data analytics, logistics, entrepreneurship, marketing/sales, and management.

The proposed state investment in the renovation and expansion of Fletcher Hall, home to the Rollins College, will be augmented by a $30M gift from Gary and Kathleen Rollins.  We thank the Rollins for their trust and confidence in UTC.

We are particularly thankful for the hard work and support of our local Hamilton County delegation, especially Budget Committee Chairs Hazelwood and Watson.  Our delegation has been unwavering in their support in moving the project forward.  UT President Randy Boyd and the UT Government Relations Team led by Carey Whitworth also have been instrumental in reaching this milestone.

We look forward to this proposed investment in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business and the impact it will have on the future success of the Chattanooga community, our region, and the state. With the help of our esteemed partners, we will work hand-in-hand to continue moving our campus forward.