It’s great to be a Tennessee Vol!
For Volunteer alumni, that phrase is more than a greeting—it’s a way of life. I am a proud 1993 graduate of the Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and I am honored to begin my term as president of the UT Alumni Board of Directors.
Since its founding in 2009, the board has brought together UT alumni from every walk of life to represent our nearly 300,000 graduates around the world. Together, we work to strengthen the university’s reputation, deepen student engagement, expand alumni involvement, and grow the ranks of alumni donors.
I want to thank the Office of Alumni Relations for its continued partnership and dedication to our alumni community, and I look forward to working alongside them this year. I would also like to thank past president Clay Hart (’00) for his leadership and continued service.
There is a great deal to be proud of on campus right now—more than 70,300 UT donors powered a historic $581 million fundraising year, the university hit a record 92.4 percent first-to-second year retention rate, and state-of-the-art facilities like the UT Medical Nursing Building, and forthcoming Charles and Julie Wharton Chemistry Building keep Tennessee on the cutting edge. These developments reflect a university that continues to grow while staying true to its roots.
So many of us can trace pieces of who we are back to our time on Rocky Top, and that’s exactly why staying engaged matters.”
Jeff Abbott (’93)
Jeff Abbott (’93) will serve as UT Alumni Board of Directors President for the 2026-27 term.
For the 2026-27 year, the board is focused on three priorities:
1. We will provide a $100,000 matching gift to support Big Orange Give, UT’s annual day of giving.
2. We will continue our support of the Division of Student Success for a sixth year. Up to eight board members will serve as presenters through the Alumni Speaker Series, while others will serve as mentors to Vol Edge students.
3. We will extend and strengthen the university’s reach and brand by elevating alumni board members’ voices and mobilizing our networks.
Each priority reflects our shared commitment to giving back to the place that gave so much to us.
The board is also adding a new category of member: Ex Officio VFL. These high-profile alumni—beginning with Alvin Kamara, Grant Williams (’19), and Trey Smith (’20)—will garner great attention for the university and board.
On a personal note, two of my children just graduated from UT this year. My heart is full. To see the pride, ambition, and wonder of the next generation of Vols is to truly have hope for the future. So many of us can trace pieces of who we are back to our time on Rocky Top, and that’s exactly why staying engaged matters.
I’m grateful for the chance to serve, and I look forward to a great year ahead together.
Thank you and go Vols!
Jeff Abbott (’93)
