College Profile: University of Tennessee Knoxville (UT)

I went to college in the state of Tennessee and can say without hesitation that the state is a beautiful, diverse place with friendly people and interesting history. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT), is an exciting, large state school in a fabulous location. The students are full of school spirit and work hard for academic excellence. When I have visited, I have found an environment buzzing with activity and pride.

Fun Facts:

• "Rocky Top" Anthem: While not the official fight song, "Rocky Top" has become synonymous with UT spirit. Introduced during a halftime show on October 21, 1972, its catchy tune quickly endeared it to fans and is now a staple at athletic events.

• The Rock: Since 1980, this 97.5-ton chunk of Knox dolomite serves as a campus message board. Students paint it to celebrate events, make announcements, or showcase artistic expressions. ​

  
  

History:

• Founded in 1794: UT was established as Blount College, making it one of the oldest public universities in the U.S.​

• Land-Grant Institution: In 1869, UT was designated as Tennessee's federal land-grant institution, emphasizing its commitment to accessible education and research. ​

• Volunteer Nickname: The term "Volunteers" dates back to the War of 1812, reflecting Tennessee's reputation for volunteer soldiers. UT's athletic teams adopted the nickname in 1902. 

  
  

Traditions:

• Torch Night: Since 1925, this ceremony inducts new students into the UT community, symbolizing their commitment to the Volunteer spirit. ​

• Vol Walk: Before home football games, the team walks along Peyton Manning Pass to Neyland Stadium, greeted by cheering fans. ​

• Checkerboard Neyland: Fans coordinate attire to create an orange-and-white checkerboard pattern in the stadium, showcasing unity and school spirit. ​

  
  

Student Statistics (as of Fall 2024):

• Total Enrollment: 38,728 students. 

  • Undergraduate: 30,564​

  • Graduate and Professional: 8,164​

• Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 18:1 ​

• Retention Rate: 91.9% of first-year students return for their sophomore year. ​

• Graduation Rates: 62% graduate in four years; 74% in six years. 

• First-Generation Students: 16.7% of incoming students are the first in their families to attend college. ​

• First-Year Class Diversity: The Class of 2028 includes students from 93 Tennessee counties, 48 states plus the District of Columbia, and 36 countries, with 16.7% being first-generation college students. 

  
  

Academic Excellence and Opportunities:

• Top-Ranked Programs: UTK is recognized as the #1 public university in Tennessee, offering over 900 programs of study across 14 colleges and schools. ​

• Research Distinction: The university holds the highest research designation from the Carnegie Foundation and is a top producer of Fulbright Award recipients, reflecting its commitment to impactful research and global engagement.​

• Study Abroad and Online Learning: Students have access to over 500 study abroad programs and more than 70 online degree and certificate programs, facilitating flexible and diverse learning experiences.

  
  

UT offers a nice blend of historical significance, spirited traditions, and a supportive academic environment, making it an exciting choice for prospective students who want a large school in the South. If this sounds like the place for you, I encourage you to experience it for yourself on a campus tour. Also, check out the website at: https://www.utk.edu/.