FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 22, 2025
PULASKI, Tenn. — University of Tennessee Southern Chancellor Melinda Arnold, PhD. delivered her first State of the University address on Wednesday, outlining a bold, future-focused framework that redefines how the university aligns its people, programs, and priorities around one shared goal: an exceptional student experience.
In her address, Arnold emphasized that the changes announced are not about structure for structure’s sake, but about building intentional alignment that connects every part of the university—from academics to operations—to strengthen communication, collaboration, and impact.
“We’re innovating not for novelty, but for alignment—with who we are and how we serve,” Arnold said. “This framework places the student experience at the center of all we do—ensuring that every decision, every division, and every investment directly supports student success.”
At the heart of the plan is a redesigned leadership and organizational model that positions UT Southern for sustainable growth and long-term impact. Key among the updates is the creation of Integrated Enrollment and Brand Strategy, a new division that unites recruitment, admissions, and marketing to expand enrollment and elevate the UT Southern brand. The university will also introduce a new Academic Affairs and Student Experience division, bringing academics and student life together under one umbrella to strengthen continuity and connection from classroom to career.
These efforts are guided by UT Southern’s first Strategic Enrollment Management Plan, developed in partnership with Huron Consulting Group and a cross-campus team. The plan centers on three pillars: marketing and recruitment, student success, and academic alignment with workforce demand.
“This is how transformation happens—not through isolated change, but through alignment,” Arnold said. “We’re creating a connected ecosystem that enables every member of this community to contribute to student success and institutional momentum.”
The address also previewed key investments in data infrastructure and scholarship expansion, new academic pathways in high-demand fields, and expanded community partnerships to advance access and workforce readiness across Southern Middle Tennessee.
Arnold concluded by reaffirming her commitment to transparency and shared governance, announcing a series of campus Town Halls beginning in November to engage faculty and staff in continued dialogue.
“UT Southern is writing its own playbook,” Arnold said. “We measure our success not by scale, but by impact—and by the lives we change through the power of a connected, student-centered university.”
###