<blockquote>“There is no education like adversity.” – Benjamin Disraeli</blockquote>
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This has been one of the strangest and most difficult weeks I’ve ever encountered. The crisis concerning COVID-19 has caused the entire university community to make quick changes, adjusting classes, travel and programs. It’s not been an ideal situation for anyone.

But just as this photo suggests, there is hope. I have seen students helping other students move their belongings. I’ve seen faculty assisting students who need extra help getting ready for a transition to online instruction. I’ve seen staff staying well beyond normal working hours to support students and faculty with questions.

I’ve seen a campus community that- despite much uncertainty- is committed to working together and providing the BEST educational experience possible for our students in this situation.

I am encouraged.

Thank you to our students who are resilient and flexible. Thank you to our faculty who are working diligently to create different, creative instructional platforms for our students. Thank you to our staff who are going above and beyond to address individual issues that face our faculty and students. Thank you to our five regional centers across West Tennessee who are addressing unique obstacles of their own.

And thanks to the many alumni, friends and parents of the University of Tennessee at Martin who have offered donations, services and prayers to our campus community. We realize this has complicated your own lives, so we appreciate the concern and care you are extending to us.

The mission of UT Martin is to educate and engage responsible citizens to lead and serve in a diverse world. I firmly believe that we will someday look back on this experience and see incredible growth from this current challenge.

Creativity. Resolve. Toughness. Compassion. Flexibility.

I’ve never been prouder to be a Skyhawk.

We will have new challenges that arise over the next few days and weeks, but we will meet these obstacles with the same resolve that’s existed on this campus since 1900.

I remain hopeful.

If you have individual questions that need addressing, please contact me at kcarver@utm.edu.

You can also find all of the campus updates to the COVID-19 situation at our website, utm.edu/coronavirus.

Thank you so much!

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