By Laura Tenpenny (’11)
Volunteer alumni, donors and friends led the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, to another historic milestone of $581 million in philanthropic support for fiscal year 2025-26.
This record total—more than double the donor support received just three years ago—culminates three years of historic donor investment, positioning UT among the nation’s leaders in higher education fundraising. The sustained support reflects a remarkable vote of confidence among alumni and donors in the university’s vision and mission as Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university.
“Our alumni and donors believe in what this university stands for and what it can accomplish,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman. “Every gift is an investment in the future of the University of Tennessee and in the people we serve. We are grateful for their confidence and generosity, which are expanding opportunities for students, advancing world-changing research, strengthening communities and helping build a stronger Tennessee.”
More than 70,300 donors contributed to areas across the university, supporting everything from scholarships and career readiness to academic programs, faculty and athletics—demonstrating the broad impact of philanthropy across campus.
$581
million received
70,300+
donors
12,000+
donor funded scholarships
Paving the Way for the Future
A landmark moment of the year was the $130 million investment from alumni Dee and Jimmy Haslam—the largest in UT history—which has ignited transformational opportunity in student success and research.
This investment will expand business honors programs, scholarships, faculty chairs and career readiness initiatives in the Haslam College of Business, as well as support the recruitment of top faculty across the university.
“The university is experiencing extraordinary momentum, and we are proud to help elevate its national reputation, attract world-class faculty and support the next generation of leaders—all while keeping the best and brightest here in Tennessee,” Dee and Jimmy Haslam said in a joint statement.
Expanding Opportunity for Students
UT has also seen continued year-over-year growth and record-high alumni engagement—demonstrating the power of the Volunteer spirit and support for fellow Vols. Putting their affinity into action, alumni and donors around the world continue to invest in the student experience, reinforcing UT’s national leadership in student success.
This year, more than 12,000 donor-supported scholarships were awarded, helping contribute to record outcomes, including a 92.4% first-to-second year retention rate. UT also surpassed 40,000 students enrolled in fall 2025, with plans to increase to 55,000 students by 2030 to help meet the needs of Tennessee’s workforce.
Philanthropy is shaping every stage of the student journey:
- The Linda and David Bohan Center for Global Engagement will expand study abroad and international learning opportunities for students in the College of Communication and Information, thanks to a generous gift from alumnus David Bohan and his wife, Linda Bohan.
- The Epstein Family Meal Plan Scholarship is addressing food insecurity through the Center for Basic Needs for current Vols, supplied through support from alumni Suzie and Jason Epstein.
- UT System President Randy Boyd’s support was recognized through the naming of Randy Boyd Hall, a new building for the Haslam College of Business.
- Former men’s basketball forward Grant Williams gave back to multiple sports programs and established a scholarship to honor mentors Rick Barnes, Karen Weekly and others who guided his success on and off the court.
For students like Heather Taylor, investments like these are life changing.
A first-generation college student from Knoxville and a rising senior studying public affairs and English, Taylor recognizes the impact of philanthropy on her preparation for a career in law and policy work.
“Donor support has not only made my education possible but has also opened doors I never imagined,” said Taylor. “Thank you, not just for funding my education but for investing in my future and in the futures of so many others. Donors empower us to dream bigger, achieve more and one day give back in the same spirit of generosity that made our success possible.”
Donor support has not only made my education possible but has also opened doors I never imagined. Thank you, not just for funding my education but for investing in my future and in the futures of so many others.”
Heather Taylor (Class of 2027)
Driving Discovery and Innovation
As a major research institution, UT continues to expand its impact through world-class faculty and strategic investment in high-impact fields. Priority areas include nuclear energy, health and wellness, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and quantum computing—disciplines critical to the future of Tennessee and the nation.
Philanthropic support for endowed professorships remains central to UT’s concerted effort to recruit more world-renowned faculty members. In January, an investment from the Tennessee Valley Authority endowed the department chair for nuclear engineering and will expand research and recruitment of top talent.
Research endeavors will also be reinforced by donor investment in state-of-the-art facilities. The forthcoming Charles and Julie Wharton Chemistry Building, supported by the generosity of alumnus Charles Wharton in honor of his late wife Julie, will provide cutting-edge labs and collaborative spaces to support both innovation and student learning.
The newly opened UT Medical Nursing Building is equipping future healthcare professionals with flexible classrooms and real-world training environments, helping to meet a critical workforce need in nursing across Tennessee and beyond.
Looking Ahead: Momentum for Tennessee
Donor investment is expanding access for students, accelerating discovery and strengthening the university’s role as an economic and intellectual engine for the state.
“Behind every gift is a Volunteer who believes in the life-changing impact of higher education for our students and the University of Tennessee,” said Senior Vice Chancellor for Advancement Brian Broyles. “We are grateful for those who are helping light the way, and we invite others to join us in creating even greater opportunities for Tennessee.”
This year’s fundraising total contributes to the wider UT System’s historic $654 million received from donors in fiscal year 2025-26 across its five campuses statewide.
With a three-year fundraising average now exceeding $447 million in philanthropic commitments, UT Knoxville is translating historic donor investment into lasting impact. As one of the fastest-growing public fundraising organizations in higher education, the university is expanding its capacity to serve Tennessee at an even greater scale.
UT raises funds through the University of Tennessee Foundation, an independent nonprofit corporation that seeks to enrich the lives of UT students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends through alumni engagement, financial stewardship and private investments. The foundation is the preferred channel for all private contributions benefiting faculty and students at all schools within the University of Tennessee System.
