Cheryl Montgomery
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga has named Cheryl Montgomery as chief of staff to Chancellor Lori Bruce, effective Monday, Nov. 3.
In this key position, Montgomery will serve as a strategic advisor to the chancellor, providing executive-level support in advancing institutional priorities, managing complex initiatives, and fostering collaboration across the University and the broader Chattanooga community.
During her career, she has extensive professional engagement experience across government, higher education and industry, working in roles that bridged policy, philanthropy, economic development and institutional advancement.
“Cheryl brings an extraordinary blend of experience, diplomacy and strategic insight to the Chancellor’s Office,” Bruce said. “Her leadership in higher education and public service, along with her deep understanding of complex organizations, make her an exceptional addition to our University.”
Montgomery will oversee daily operations of the Chancellor’s Office, coordinate strategic projects, and serve as a liaison with senior leaders, faculty, staff, students and external partners throughout the UT System and beyond.
“I’m honored to join UTC as chief of staff. The chancellor’s strategic vision and collaborative approach, combined with the commitment I’ve seen from faculty, staff and the community, make this an exciting opportunity,” Montgomery said. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked to bring people together around common goals. I look forward to working with all of our stakeholders to create meaningful opportunities for students and advance the University’s mission.”
Montgomery comes to UTC from Tennessee Technological University, where she has worked since 2007. At Tennessee Tech, she served in multiple leadership roles within the College of Business, most recently as the director of program development and engagement.
She led strategic initiatives that advanced institutional visibility, secured major philanthropic gifts, and aligned capital projects with academic goals. Her work included serving as team lead for the $30 million state-funded renovation of Johnson Hall and directing high-profile events that brought national attention to the university.
Before her tenure in higher education, Montgomery held leadership roles in the government, corporate and nonprofit sectors—including six years with Sprint Corporation as client relationship and economic development manager.
From 1996 to 2000, she served on Attorney General Janet Reno’s staff at the U.S. Department of Justice as assistant to the U.S. attorney general and director of scheduling and briefing. Prior to that, she was scheduling manager for U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper. Early in her career, she was a staff assistant to U.S. Sen. Al Gore.
A native of Gainesboro, Tennessee, Montgomery earned her bachelor’s degree in history from Rhodes College.
