Dr. Lori Mann Bruce joined the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga as chancellor in June 2025, becoming the 19th leader in University history and the first woman to hold the role.
Bruce brings many identities with her to the office. She is an engineer, a mom, a wife, a traveler and a crafter. As chancellor, she moves easily between campus and the community. She shows up in student spaces and in meeting rooms across Chattanooga, learning the rhythms of UTC while helping shape what comes next.
Her first semester at UTC, as captured through the lens of University photographer Angela Foster.
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Behind the scenes of Chancellor Bruce’s first headshot session with Dan Henry at UTC’s most photo-worthy locations, she showed her excitement as she explored some of the spots for the first time.
As Bruce took the helm, Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley stepped away. Before this, the two met to discuss the transition of power.
Bruce spent her birthday moving into her West Campus apartment where she lived for her first weeks as chancellor. Though she said she had planned a UTC-themed shopping spree, a basket of blue and gold awaited her when she walked in the door for the first time.
On June 30, her official first day as chancellor, Bruce walked to her Founders Hall office from her West Campus apartment. Students greeted her as she made her way.
Later in the day, she attended the UT System Board of Trustees meeting where she formally met Scrappy.
Bruce recalled one of the first friendly faces she met on campus—beloved Aramark employee and well-regarded UTC figure ‘Miss Cassandra.’ It was Bruce’s special request to visit Crossroads on a busy Monday morning and take a photo with Cassandra Robinson.
To share her messages with campus and the Chattanooga community, Bruce took part in several media interviews, including Local 3 News, NewsChannel 9’s “This N That,” Jed & JR Mornings, and WUTC’s “Scenic Roots.”
After only a few weeks on campus, Bruce participated in the groundbreaking for the Oak Street Residence Hall. “It has already become clear to me that even in this short time, expanding our infrastructure is essential to meeting our enrollment goals and providing the type of student experience that sets UTC apart,” she said.
Bruce held her first meeting with UTC’s Executive Leadership Team, where she recounted a story of being asked about the “new chancellor” in a local eatery.
After seven summers of construction, the on-campus UC Foundation Apartments concluded its $52 million renovation project. On July 25, Bruce toured the residence hall.
Riverfront Nights, a free weekly concert series at Ross’s Landing, is one of Chattanooga’s favorite summer traditions that has continued for nearly two decades. Alongside Mocs Football Coach Rusty Wright, Bruce took the stage to introduce herself to her new Chattanooga community.
On July 28, Bruce joined city and University leaders at a news conference announcing a $500,000 state grant to support UTC-led research intended to improve pedestrian and driver safety at Chattanooga intersections.
Ahead of the first home game, Chancellor Bruce introduced herself—and her dogs Lucy and Brody—to the Chattanooga Mocs football team. As they geared up to play against Tennessee Tech University, where Bruce served as provost just months earlier, she made her allegiance clear: she was team Mocs all the way.
Campus became lively again as students and their families moved into residence halls on Aug. 13 as part of “Operation Move In.” Bruce welcomed newcomers and returning students from across the country.
Aug. 18 marked the first day of the fall semester. The sweltering heat did not prevent students from lining up to meet their new chancellor on Chamberlain Field.
Bruce connected with community leaders during a Cleveland Rotary Club meeting before touring Cleveland State Community College with President Andrew White.
Bruce and her husband, Professor of Electrical Engineering JW Bruce, held up many “Power C’s” at the Mocs football home opener. She enjoyed spending time with the UTC twirlers, as she was a baton twirler herself in high school. The Mocs defeated the Stetson Hatters 63-0.
To kick off the Halloween-themed Homecoming festivities, students congregated in Lupton Hall to show off their costumes. Bruce applauded and congratulated the Homecoming court as the honorees were announced.
Chancellor Bruce donned her new regalia for the first time ahead of her investiture ceremony.
Despite the loss after a close game against Western Carolina, the spirit of Homecoming remained palpable. Bruce embraced the many students, alumni and families who attended the Nov. 1 game.
Bruce shared laughs and posed with prospective students and their families at the Power C Tour Chattanooga event.
Dr. Bruce was formally installed as chancellor at the Nov. 21 investiture ceremony. In attendance were University and UT System leaders, students, community members, alumni and family—including her son, Walker, and parents, Charles and Judy Mann. “Today’s celebration is as much about you as it’s about me,” she said. “It is a celebration of our University’s legacy, a legacy of vision and impact.”
Bruce shook the hands of more than 800 graduates as they walked the stage during her first commencement as UTC’s chancellor.
