Campus Colleagues,
After more than 37 years of outstanding and dedicated service to the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and the University of Tennessee System, UTC Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance Richard Brown will transition into a newly created position within UTC and the UT System, January 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.
Richard will serve in a dual role as a special advisor to both me as UTC Chancellor and UT System President Randy Boyd.
When Dr. Brown informed me that he had made this decision, I encouraged him to stay full-time with UTC, but I understand his desire to also work at the UT System level.
Richard has been instrumental to the success of UTC. His impact has been both broad and deep. He has been an outstanding leader and on top of new developments. In addition, he has been a trusted advisor and partner. I know many other leaders across our campus feel the same way.
As part of his new role as a special advisor, Dr. Brown will work closely with President Boyd on selective and strategic special projects within the statewide UT System. President Boyd said that “Dr. Brown’s experience and reputation are unmatched in UT Statewide and I am so happy that he is willing to share his talents with the System to address some of our big opportunities.”
Dr. Brown has been a cornerstone of UTC since being hired by Chancellor Fred Obear in 1984. He had ascended to the position of vice chancellor of administration when Bill Stacy, UTC chancellor from 1997-2004, added financial responsibilities to Richard’s job description.
His integrity, transparency and commitment to excellence can be observed in everything he undertakes. Richard has guided the University’s financial stewardship for over 20 years, flawlessly balancing the institutional budget with no significant audit issues. His leadership and thoughtful—yet inclusive—approach to budget and finance enhanced the institution’s financial position and supported three major SACSCOC campus accreditation cycles.
Richard led the campus-built environment’s major transformation, developing and implementing two full campus master plans and a land-use plan that included the acquisition of over 291 acres at Enterprise South. He has directed the investment of over $600 million of capital projects, including a new $50-million library, over $200 million of new student housing developments and more than $450 million of new and renovated facilities. He helped envision the creation of the Chamberlain Plaza, which provided a new strategic heart of the campus.
Other highlights of his time at UTC include the creation of UPRAC (University Planning and Resources Advisory Council), ensuring every university division is engaged and involved in the budget and resources allocation process. He was selected by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission (THEC) to help design and implement the new formula-based funding model for Tennessee higher education institutions.
Richard has long been recognized for his community engagement efforts on behalf of UTC. He has served on the boards of United Way, Hamilton County Juvenile Court Commission, Bessie Smith Cultural Center, Urban League of Chattanooga, Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation, Tennessee Center for Performance Excellence and Tennessee American Water Board of Advisors, and he is currently chairman of the Hamilton County Emergency Communications District. He has been honored with the statewide Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award and as the NAACP’s James R. Mapp Citizen of the Year.
Richard had the confidence of all of the former chancellors he worked with: Fred Obear, Bill Stacy, Roger Brown and the late Grady Bogue. On behalf of all the chancellors Dr. Brown worked with, I say “Thank You” for all of your hard work on behalf of the university and congratulate him on his new position. If you would like to congratulate Dr. Brown, his email is Richard-Brown@utc.edu.
To ensure the smooth continuity of the University’s budget and finance functions, Tyler Forrest will take over duties of the vice chancellor for administration and finance effective January 1, 2021. An announcement will be forthcoming.