Pulaski, TN – The University of Tennessee Southern proudly announces that Claire Paul, Assistant Professor in the Division of Education and Program Coordinator for Special Education, has been honored with the prestigious 2024 President’s Award. This accolade was presented by University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd during the annual UT Board of Trustees meeting held earlier this week in Knoxville.
The President’s Awards are the highest honor bestowed upon UT System faculty and staff, recognizing their exceptional contributions, dedication, and alignment with the University’s Be One UT values. This year, fifteen distinguished individuals from across the UT System were selected for their outstanding achievements.
President Boyd expressed his admiration for the awardees, stating, “The President’s Awards highlight the exceptional work and commitment demonstrated by our faculty and staff throughout Tennessee. Their contributions are invaluable in making this the greatest decade in UT history. It is an honor and privilege to work alongside them in serving the people of our great state.”
“Claire embodies the spirit of excellence and innovation that we hold dear at UT Southern. Her dedication to advancing special education and her unwavering commitment to her students have made a profound impact on our campus community,” said Dr. Linda C. Martin, Chancellor, UT Southern. “This recognition through the President’s Award is a well-deserved testament to her hard work, passion, and leadership. We are incredibly proud of Dr. Paul and grateful for her contributions to our University’s mission and values.”
Claire Paul has been recognized in the Bold and Impactful category, which celebrates faculty members who have made significant and lasting contributions to their fields and the University. Her innovative work in special education and dedication to fostering an inclusive learning environment have distinguished her as a leader and advocate within the UT Southern community.
Established in 2016, the President’s Awards annually honor UT System faculty and staff who exemplify the University’s mission to educate, discover, and connect. Each award recipient receives a commemorative plaque inspired by the University of Tennessee president’s medallion and a monetary award of $3,000.
The 2024 recipients represent a diverse group from UT Knoxville, UT Chattanooga, UT Southern, UT Martin, UT Health Science Center, UT Institute for Agriculture, UT Institute for Public Service, and the UT Space Institute in Tullahoma. A complete list of this year’s recipients and previous awardees is available online.
The honorees will be celebrated during a special luncheon hosted by President Boyd and his Be One UT cabinet in August. For more information and to access the photo file of award recipients, please click here.
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About The University of Tennessee Southern
The University of Tennessee Southern, established in 2021 through the acquisition of Martin Methodist College (founded in 1870), is the fourth undergraduate campus in the UT System. As the only public four-year institution of higher education between Chattanooga and Memphis, and located approximately 70 miles south of Nashville and 40 miles north of Huntsville, Alabama, UT Southern offers a comprehensive and dynamic educational experience. Committed to academic excellence and community involvement, it prepares students for successful and meaningful careers. For more information about UT Southern, visit: utsouthern.edu.