The University of Tennessee System
The University of Tennessee System represents one of the most comprehensive public university networks in the nation, serving students and communities across the entire state of Tennessee. With six distinct campuses and specialized institutes, the UT System provides accessible, high-quality education to tens of thousands of students while driving economic development, conducting cutting-edge research, and strengthening communities statewide.
As a UT alumni, you're part of this remarkable system—regardless of which campus awarded your degree. The UT Alumni Association serves graduates of all UT institutions, recognizing that the orange and white create bonds that transcend individual campuses.
UT Knoxville
As the flagship campus of the UT System, UT Knoxville stands as Tennessee's premier public research institution. Founded in 1794 as Blount College, it's among the oldest public universities in the nation and the state's land-grant university.
With enrollment exceeding 30,000 students, UT Knoxville offers more than 300 degree programs across 11 colleges. The campus is classified as an R1 research university, indicating the highest level of research activity. Notable strengths include engineering, business, agriculture, nuclear science, and supply chain management.
Located in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the Knoxville campus features iconic landmarks including Neyland Stadium (the nation's fifth-largest stadium), the Hill (the university's historic core), and the Torchbearer statue symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge.
The campus is home to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory partnership, providing unique research opportunities in energy, materials science, and computing. According to the National Science Foundation, UT Knoxville ranks among the top public universities for federal research funding.
UT Chattanooga
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga serves approximately 11,500 students in the scenic Scenic City, combining the intimacy of a smaller campus with the resources of a comprehensive metropolitan university.
UTC offers more than 100 degree programs with particular strengths in engineering, nursing, business, and fine arts. The campus has earned national recognition for community engagement, entrepreneurship education, and sustainability initiatives.
Chattanooga's transformation into a tech hub has created exceptional opportunities for UTC students and graduates. The campus collaborates closely with local industries, providing internships, research partnerships, and career pathways in advanced manufacturing, technology, and healthcare.
UTC's SimCenter is one of the nation's leading facilities for computational engineering and sciences research, attracting grants from NASA, Department of Energy, and major corporations.
UT Martin
Located in rural West Tennessee, UT Martin serves approximately 6,500 students with a strong commitment to personalized education and student success. The campus consistently ranks among the best values in public higher education.
UTM offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs, with particular excellence in agriculture, engineering, education, and business. The campus maintains a student-centered focus, with small class sizes and faculty who prioritize teaching alongside research.
UT Martin's agricultural programs benefit from the university's 800-acre research farm and strong connections to Tennessee's farming communities. The campus plays a vital role in economic development across rural West Tennessee.
UTM's distinctive Quad remains one of the most beautiful collegiate spaces in the South, and the campus community takes pride in creating a welcoming, supportive environment where students thrive academically and personally.
UT Health Science Center (Memphis)
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis is the primary healthcare education institution for Tennessee, training physicians, dentists, nurses, pharmacists, and allied health professionals who serve communities across the state and beyond.
With six colleges (Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions, and Graduate Health Sciences), UTHSC produces approximately one-third of Tennessee's healthcare workforce. The campus also conducts extensive research in areas including cancer, neuroscience, genetics, and infectious diseases.
UTHSC operates in close partnership with major Memphis healthcare institutions including Regional One Health, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. These collaborations provide students with clinical training at world-class facilities.
The Health Science Center's research programs attract more than $150 million in external funding annually, advancing discoveries that improve healthcare outcomes for patients worldwide. Research areas include drug development, surgical innovations, and health disparities affecting underserved populations.
UT Southern (Pulaski)
Formerly known as Martin Methodist College before joining the UT System in 2021, UT Southern in Pulaski offers a distinctive liberal arts education as the system's newest member.
With approximately 900 students, UT Southern provides an intimate learning environment emphasizing close faculty mentorship, undergraduate research, and community engagement. Programs include education, business, sciences, and humanities, all delivered with a commitment to developing the whole student.
The addition of UT Southern expands the system's geographic reach in Middle Tennessee and demonstrates UT's commitment to accessible, high-quality education in all regions of the state.
UT Space Institute (Tullahoma)
The UT Space Institute near Tullahoma specializes in graduate education and research in aerospace, mechanical engineering, and related fields. This unique facility serves students pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in a focused research environment.
Located near Arnold Air Force Base, UTSI conducts cutting-edge research in propulsion systems, advanced materials, computational fluid dynamics, and aviation systems. The institute collaborates extensively with government agencies, aerospace companies, and research organizations.
UTSI graduates have contributed to major aerospace achievements including NASA missions, commercial aviation advances, and defense technology development. The institute's specialized programs attract students from around the world seeking expertise in aerospace engineering.
Statewide Institutes
Beyond the campuses, the UT System includes two major institutes serving all 95 Tennessee counties:
UT Institute of Agriculture
The Institute of Agriculture encompasses research, extension, and teaching programs addressing agricultural production, food safety, rural development, and environmental sustainability. With facilities across Tennessee, UT Agriculture supports farmers, foresters, and rural communities while conducting research that advances sustainable food systems.
UT Institute for Public Service
The Institute for Public Service provides research, training, and technical assistance to Tennessee's local governments, communities, and non-profit organizations. Programs focus on economic and community development, government management, and public policy analysis.
One System, One Community
While each campus and institute has its unique identity and strengths, all share the common mission of serving Tennessee through excellence in teaching, research, and service. As a UT graduate, you're connected to this entire network—a community of scholars, students, and alumni dedicated to advancing knowledge and improving lives.
The UT Alumni Association celebrates the diversity of the system while fostering connections across campuses. Whether you earned your degree in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Martin, Memphis, Pulaski, or Tullahoma, you're part of one united Vol family.