The University of Tennessee at Martin kicked off its fourth and most ambitious capital campaign, “RISE,” on September 11 where university officials announced a goal of $175,000,000.
<blockquote>“Today, public colleges and universities are required to operate at new levels of accountability, efficiency and entrepreneurship,” Dr. Charley Deal, vice chancellor for university advancement, said.</blockquote>
“Today, public colleges and universities are required to operate at new levels of accountability, efficiency and entrepreneurship,” Dr. Charley Deal, vice chancellor for university advancement, said. “To achieve our aspirations, we know we must RISE to the challenge of becoming more innovative and consistently seek to strengthen partnerships with alumni, friends, businesses and other organizations”

UT Martin recently completed the “Prepare for Takeoff” five-year strategic plan which was instrumental in the planning of this bold endeavor. This “roadmap” is the product of a thoughtful, inclusive process involving more than 600 administrators, faculty, staff, alumni, students, and members of surrounding communities.

The “RISE” Campaign priorities are aligned with the strategic plan and focus on two of the strategic themes. It is within these themes that UT Martin will seek out partnerships and invite donors to RISE to the challenge throughout this comprehensive campaign effort. Those are Strategic Theme One: Enhance Student Outcomes (Recruit, retain and graduate students who are prepared to be responsible, informed and engaged citizens and leaders); and Strategic Theme Two: Strengthen Our Engagement (Be a model of responsible stewardship while improving the vitality and prosperity of West Tennessee and beyond).
<blockquote>“UT Martin is embarking on its fourth capital campaign in our 121-year history,” said Dr. Keith Carver, UT Martin chancellor.</blockquote>
“UT Martin is embarking on its fourth capital campaign in our 121-year history,” said Dr. Keith Carver, UT Martin chancellor. “This effort essentially serves two purposes: achieving more successful outcomes for graduates and generating more donations to the institution.

“It also creates a virtuous cycle of well-served students becoming giving – of their time and money – alumni, and therefore paying it forward to serve future students well. Our mission is the reason our campaign, “RISE,” is important. I believe we, as a university, community and nation, will do just that.”

For additional information about the campaign and funding priorities or to make a gift, please visit give.utm.edu, call 731-881-7620, or email <a href="mailto:development@utm.edu">development@utm.edu</a>.
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