Dr. Lori Mann Bruce was approved as chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga during a special meeting of the UT Board of Trustees on May 16, 2025. Photo courtesy of Tennessee Technological University.
On Friday, May 16, Dr. Lori Mann Bruce was named the 19th chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Here is what university leaders, elected officials and community members are saying about her appointment:
Randy Boyd – President of the University of Tennessee System
“One of the most important responsibilities I have as president is hiring outstanding people to lead our campuses and institutes. Lori is a dynamic, forward-thinking leader with a strong track record of academic excellence, innovation and a deep commitment to student success. I believe she will be a transformative leader for UTC and the greater Chattanooga community.”
Bo Watson (UTC ’83) – Tennessee State Senator District 11
“As a proud 1983 graduate of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, I’m pleased to welcome Dr. Lori Bruce as our new Chancellor. With a strong background in academic leadership, research growth and program development, she brings valuable experience that will serve UTC well in the years ahead. I look forward to the innovation and vision she will bring to our campus and our community. Welcome to Chattanooga, Chancellor Bruce. Go Mocs!”
Todd Gardenhire (UTC ’72) – Tennessee State Senator District 10
“I’d like to extend a warm welcome to Dr. Lori Bruce. As the new chancellor of UTC, her leadership will advance the university to the next level, which will have a positive impact on the community. I look forward to working with her and wish her success.”
Dr. Robert Dooley (UTC ’83, ‘91) – Interim Chancellor of UTC
“I am thrilled that President Randy Boyd has recommended Dr. Lori Mann Bruce as the next chancellor of UT-Chattanooga. Dr. Bruce’s background and exceptional leadership experience in higher education make her the right chancellor to move UTC forward. I look forward to welcoming her to Chattanooga and supporting her as she transitions to UTC.
Dr. Phil Oldham – Current President of Tennessee Tech and former Provost at UTC
“Lori has been an exceptional leader, collaborator, and visionary at Tennessee Tech. Her commitment to academic excellence, research growth, and faculty advancement has left a lasting mark on our university. While we will deeply miss her leadership, we are thrilled to see her take on this historic role as Chancellor at UTC. On behalf of the entire Tennessee Tech community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for her continued success.”
Dr. Yancy Freeman (UTC ‘92, ’98, ’18) – Current UT Martin Chancellor, Search Committee Chair and Former Vice Chancellor at UTC
“Dr. Bruce emerged from a highly qualified candidate field as the right person to lead UT Chattanooga. She will clearly place students first in any decisions that she and her leadership team make as the university moves forward. Dr. Bruce has the vision and the energy to keep UT Chattanooga on its upward trajectory as a primary campus in the UT System.”
Dr. Donde Plowman – University of Tennessee at Knoxville Chancellor
“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Bruce to the UT System and to our team of chancellors. Dr. Bruce’s experience in helping students achieve success as a leader in Tennessee will be invaluable as we all work together to benefit our state and the people of Tennessee.”
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly
“I want to congratulate the UT System and President Randy Boyd on an inspired choice to lead UTC in Dr. Lori Mann Bruce. There are great students, faculty and staff at UTC and I know given her background and success at Tennessee Tech, Dr. Bruce will hit the ground running. I want to partner with Dr. Bruce to champion UTC and ensure it receives the resources it needs to be a great university, especially when it comes to research. There are no great cities without great universities, and the Chattanooga region and state of Tennessee would benefit greatly from UTC continuing its strong momentum and reaching its full potential.”
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp
“UTC is a vital part of our community’s success. Its impact reaches far beyond the classroom. A strong partnership between Hamilton County and the university is key to preparing students for meaningful careers, strengthening our workforce, and supporting the long-term growth of our region. We look forward to working with Dr. Bruce to advance these priorities.”
Ken Jones (UTC ’17, ’19) – Search Committee Member and President of the UT Alumni Board
“I was truly inspired by Dr. Bruce’s vision during her recent interview, where she emphasized making UTC a student-centered, community-connected institution. As President of the UTC Alumni Board, I wholeheartedly share that vision. Our Alumni Association remains committed to engaging our alumni base to build strong, lasting connections with campus and support our students. By collaborating with Dr. Bruce, the UTC campus, Chattanooga community, and our alumni, we can collectively enhance the student experience and strengthen UTC’s reputation as a leading public university rooted in student success and community engagement.”
