Jim Tracy, Tennessee’s state director for the United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development, will serve as keynote speaker Dec. 15 during the University of Tennessee at Martin’s fall commencement exercises. Commencement will begin at 11 a.m. in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.

Originally from West Tennessee, Tracy spent 13 years as a Tennessee State Senator for the 14<sup>th</sup> Senatorial District from 2004-2017 and was an advocate for rural and agricultural issues during his time in office. He also has 24 years’ experience as a small-business owner and is a former high school agricultural education teacher. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural education from UT Martin. He and his family currently live in Shelbyville.

UT Martin’s fall commencement exercises will grant degrees to those students who completed academic requirements during either the summer or fall semester. Fall commencement is not a ticketed event; however, seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Some handicap seating is available at court level.

The event will be available for live viewing online courtesy of the OVC Digital Network at <a href="http://www.ovcdigitalnetwork.com/watch/?Live=6896">ovcdigitalnetwork.com/watch/?Live=6896</a>.

For more information, contact the UT Martin Office of University Relations at 731-881-7615.

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