In the Spring 2024 issue of Our Tennessee, UT System President Randy Boyd Randy Boyd writes:

“Stories have the power to inspire, teach and connect us, and they play a vital role in shaping our understanding of the world and each other.”

Read his full letter: t.ly/UDDcy

In Spring 2024’s “The Scene,” M’dia Walker, an organismal biology graduate from Covington, dances as she crosses the commencement stage at @UTMartin in December.

Let’s sit together—perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea or beverage of your choice—and let me tell you a story or two or three in the brand new Spring 2024 issue.

Start reading: t.ly/XaXlw

The Our Tennessee Spring 2024 issue is right around the corner! Can you guess which one of these images we chose as the cover? Keep an eye out for our next post to see if you chose correctly!

4-H and Youth Development is a big deal in Tennessee.

Ashley Stokes, dean of UT Extension, says it is inspiring to see the progress made in 4-H and Youth Development because of the addition of new agents: t.ly/AODHt

In “Serving Those Who Serve”, read about how UT Knoxville supports veteran students like Senior Master Sgt. Rusty Dawson with the 134th Civil Engineer Squadron at McGhee Tyson Air National Guard: t.ly/P6DvH

Did you know April is National Garden Month? In April 2013, Gov. Bill Haslam signed a bill designating the University of Tennessee Gardens as the official State Botanical Garden of Tennessee.

Learn about the sites in Knoxville, Jackson and Crossville: utgardens.tennessee.edu

“I was actually considering homeschooling for the rest of high school so that I could just get it over with. It just wasn’t fitting for me,” says Morgan Wyatt, a Chattanooga high schooler.

See why The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga’s University High changed her perspective: t.ly/2y5An

Guaranteed early admissions and an expanded UT Promise qualifying income level help make college more accessible and affordable for Tennesseans. Read “A One-Two Punch” to learn more about the criteria for each: t.ly/YtGdC

Joe Johnson’s letters continue to speak to us. They marked milestones, his and ours. Through the letters, Johnson uplifted, thanked, encouraged, consoled and advised us. They continue to do so.

Read “Sincerely, Joe”: t.ly/7366Z

Hear how the crucial role of support helped alumni like Terry Smith (Knoxville ‘80) and Donnie Smith (Knoxville ‘80) through their college years: t.ly/0OQtK

Marvel 🤝 Vols

Alumnus Eric Lewald is a consulting producer on the new X-Men ’97 series that dropped on Disney+ this week. Read how Lewald and two other alumni helped shape the original X-Men: The Animated Series that became a hit in the 90s.

UT Knoxville Alumni torchbearer.utk.edu/2018/03/x-fact…

The University of Tennessee System president's life defies description. Its facets come together to show an entrepreneur, donor and leader. ⁦UT System President Randy Boyd⁩ knoxnews.com/story/news/loc…

Saddened to hear of Jim Herbert’s passing. Jim was truly a volunteer. His philanthropic efforts impacted UT in many ways, and his generosity to his alma mater has supported thousands of students studying agricultural. My deepest condolences to his family and loved ones at this…

Happy first day of spring! A new season = a new issue of Our Tennessee is in the works. 😉

While you wait for new stories in the Spring 2024 issue, you can catch up on previous issues: our.tennessee.edu/issue-archive/

While there are resources available to rural Tennesseans with developmental disabilities, they’re not always getting into the hands of residents in remote areas of the state.

Learn how the Rural Disability Resource Network is addressing this: t.ly/Z3-TD

Meet some of the contributors behind Our Tennessee! You can find their work in the Winter 2024 issue: t.ly/sAB7w

Star is enjoying Pi Day with Our Tennessee this year. Drop a pic in the comments with how you’re celebrating and your choice of pi(e).

Extension is a jewel of the UT System News and does so much for so many Tennesseans. Proud of these individuals investing in themselves to become even better leaders!

Did you know March 12 is known as National Plant a Flower Day? Celebrate today by learning how to plant UT Gardens’ March Plant of the Month, Leucojum: t.ly/mrMVF

Photo Credit: Andy Pulte, UT Knoxville