Pulaski, TN – The University of Tennessee Southern is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Prentice T. Chandler as the new Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. Dr. Chandler, an esteemed academic leader with a distinguished career in higher education, will officially begin his role on November 1, 2024.
Dr. Chandler joins UT Southern from Austin Peay State University, where he has served as the Dean of the Eriksson College of Education since 2017. Under his leadership, the college has seen remarkable growth and innovation, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the field of education. Among his many accomplishments, Dr. Chandler spearheaded the creation of the first federally registered teaching apprenticeship program in the United States, a groundbreaking initiative that has set a new standard for teacher preparation and professional development.
In addition to this pioneering program, Dr. Chandler successfully launched Austin Peay’s first doctoral degree program, the Ed.D. in Educational Leadership, which has become a cornerstone of the university’s graduate offerings.
Chancellor Dr. Linda C. Martin expressed her enthusiasm for Dr. Chandler’s appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Chandler to the UT Southern family. His innovative leadership, deep commitment to academic excellence, and passion for creating inclusive learning environments align perfectly with our strategic vision. We are confident that Dr. Chandler will bring a transformational impact to our campus, advancing our mission to provide exceptional educational opportunities for our students.”
Dr. Chandler’s extensive experience in academic administration, combined with his forward-thinking approach to education, positions him to guide UT Southern through its next chapter of growth and development. His expertise in building strong partnerships, enhancing student success, and driving institutional innovation will be invaluable as the university continues to expand its academic offerings and strengthen its ties to the local and regional community.
As we welcome Dr. Chandler, we also want to express our deepest gratitude to Dr. Judy Cheatham, who has served as Provost for the past nine years. Dr. Cheatham’s strong leadership and unwavering commitment to the success of UT Southern have been instrumental in shaping the university’s academic excellence and community impact. Her legacy of dedication will continue to inspire us as we move forward.
Dr. Chandler is a published scholar with a focus on social studies education, teacher education, and higher education leadership. His work has been widely recognized, contributing to the advancement of educational practices at both the K-12 and higher education levels.
Reflecting on his new role, Dr. Chandler stated, “I am honored to join the University of Tennessee Southern at such a pivotal time in its history. I look forward to working closely with the faculty, staff, and students to build on the university’s strong foundation and to explore new opportunities for innovation and growth. Together, we will continue to elevate UT Southern as a premier institution of higher learning.”
A formal introduction and welcome event for Dr. Chandler will be scheduled shortly after his arrival, providing an opportunity for the campus and broader community to engage with the new Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Photo Credit: Sean McCully | Austin Peay State University