The University of Tennessee System will begin searching for the next UT Knoxville Chancellor in 2019.
Interim president-elect Randy Boyd will establish a search advisory committee for a national search after he takes over in November. That search is expected to begin in January.
Current UT system president Joe DiPietro dismissed former chancellor Beverly Davenport back in May.
Randy Boyd has said the chancellor search for the Knoxville campus is a top priority but the timing of it will be determined by the board.
"DiPetro issued the following statement on the search:
During the past few weeks, I have had conversations with Interim President-Elect Randy Boyd and UT Board of Trustees Chair John Compton regarding the search for the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Once in office in late November, Interim President Boyd will establish a search advisory committee in preparation for a national search beginning in January. He will communicate more about the process and timeline in December.
I sincerely appreciate Interim Chancellor Wayne Davis for postponing his retirement earlier this year to guide our flagship campus. His remarkable leadership and tremendous dedication to his alma mater for the past four decades has left a lasting legacy. I am grateful for his intention to remain in the position until the search is completed and a permanent chancellor is in place to assume the duties of the office.
Thank you for all that you do day in and day out to advance the University of Tennessee.
All the best,
Joe"
Former Knoxville area lawmaker Jamie Woodson is now a member of the UT Board of Trustees. Governor Bill Haslam made the announcement Monday.
Woodson served in the state senate for 12 years where she worked as a champion for many education issues.
Decosta Jenkins, the president, and chief executive officer of Nashville Electric Service, will also join her on the board. Both Jenkins and Woodson are UT graduates.