Dr. JAy Blackman (photo credit: Chattanooga Athletics)
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chancellor Steven R. Angle has appointed Dr. JAy Blackman as the University’s vice chancellor of communications and marketing, effective Oct. 1, 2024.
Blackman, who has served as the University’s deputy athletics director for internal operations since April 2021, brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the UTC community to his new role—having worked for the institution since 2008.
Blackman currently oversees the athletics department’s communications and digital media services efforts and is the communications liaison between campus and the athletics department. His many roles include oversight of the football and wrestling programs, McKenzie Arena, creative services, social media, business affairs, strength and conditioning, branding, equipment and facilities—as well as serving as tournament director of the Southern Scuffle wrestling tournament. In addition, he has been the athletics department liaison on the Wolford Family Athletic Center project.
In his new role, he will oversee all facets of the University’s communications, creative and marketing teams.
“JAy’s experience, knowledge of UTC, and all that he has been able to accomplish in intercollegiate athletics provides a strong foundation for leading our communications and marketing group at the campus level,” Angle said. “He has the educational background and the hands-on experience that’s required to be a successful vice chancellor.”
Blackman’s UTC career began in December 2008 as the athletics department’s director of communications and media relations, with promotions to assistant athletics director in 2010 and associate athletics director in 2012. He has overseen communications and digital media services, budget and finance, and various athletic programs—contributing significantly to the University’s visibility and engagement strategies.
“I have been very fortunate to work with JAy for the last seven years and he’s a big reason behind the success of our athletics program,” said Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton. “While we’re going to miss him, I’m excited that he has received this opportunity to stay in Chattanooga, move to a campus role and use his expertise to elevate the University. He’s going to do great things.”
Blackman’s leadership has been instrumental in implementing the Southern Conference’s agreement with ESPN+ to produce home events in all sports, enhancing UTC’s presence on national platforms. He has also solidified the communications and digital media units as critical members of the Mocs’ athletics department, leading to record attendance at home events and multiple awards—including over 20 National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators “Best of” Awards and 16 national and regional honors for publications, design and writing.
“I have great trust in him,” Angle added. “I have seen JAy operating under pressure and have confidence he will do an outstanding job. He cares about the University and our programs, and he has been a vital member of the Intercollegiate Athletics Leadership Team for a number of years.
“He knows what it means to be a Moc, and I look forward to working with him.”
Blackman earned a bachelor’s degree in physical education from the University of North Carolina; a master’s degree in sport management from Appalachian State University in North Carolina; an MBA from the University of New Mexico; and a Ph.D. in sport administration from the University of New Mexico. During his undergraduate days at North Carolina, he served as the team manager for the 1997 Final Four men’s basketball team during Hall of Fame Coach Dean Smith’s final season.
He is also a 2023 graduate of the University of Tennessee Leadership Institute and was part of the inaugural cohort of the Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association Fellows program.
“I would like to thank Chancellor Angle, Dr. Hale and the entire search committee for this amazing opportunity,” Blackman said. “After 15 incredible years with UTC Athletics, where I had the privilege of watching our student-athletes grow into champions and work for a dynamic leader like Mark Wharton, I’m excited to take on this new role.
“My time with athletics showed me the power of storytelling and the importance of connecting with our community. I look forward to bringing the same passionate energy to this new position and helping to elevate the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s voice and impact on a broader scale.”
