The Great Smoky Mountain Journal
Tuesday, January 01, 2019 02:50 PM
Interim UT Chancellor Wayne Davis Officially Takes Office Today
Officials announced the interim selection Thursday morning. President DiPietro and the interim chancellor plan to address media outlets Monday at 11 a.m. at the Tyson Alumni House.
"Wayne Davis is a proven and respected University leader who has served the flagship campus in numerous capacities for more than four decades. As its dean, he has presided over a thriving Tickle College of Engineering, growing in enrollment, research productivity and achieving new heights of national recognition," DiPietro said. "I greatly appreciate Wayne and his wife, Sylvia, postponing retirement to continue serving their alma mater during this critical time."
DiPietro said Davis has served in faculty and administrative roles for 44 years, including experience as assistant dean of the Graduate School from 1985 through 1988 and as its associate dean from 1988 through 1991. He became interim dean of the Tickle College of Engineering in 2008 before assuming the role permanently in 2009.
"It is always unsettling when there is a sudden change in a senior leadership position within the university, and this situation is no exception," Davis said. "The University of Tennessee holds a special place in my heart. As an alum, a faculty member and an administrator, I have been committed to this great University and its journey toward excellence for more than 45 years. I am deeply honored to be asked to serve in this interim role as the university identifies the next steps toward its search for a new chancellor."
Beverly Davenport's appointment as chancellor will end on July 1 as she becomes a member of the faculty in the College of Communication and Information. In a letter to Davenport obtained by WVLT, President DiPietro cited relationship issues between Davenport and other leadership members at UT, saying, "There has been a lack of trust, collaboration, communication, and transparency in these relationships," in part. The full termination letter can be found here.
Lynne Parker has been named interim dean of the Tickle College of Engineering, replacing Davis. Parker, the associate dean for faculty affairs and engagement for the college, takes the role effective Monday.