University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy Cheek has decided to step down from his post and join the faculty, UT President Joe DiPietro announced Tuesday.
Chancellor Cheek, who has served as chancellor since February 2009, will remain in office until his successor is found. A search is expected to begin immediately after the board of trustees annual meeting, which takes place on Wednesday and Thursday. Dr. DiPietro said he hopes to have a candidate to recommend to the board at its spring 2017 meeting.
“Leading a campus with thousands of employees, students and stakeholders is a demanding role that comes with numerous challenges, but it also has many rewards,” Dr. DiPietro said. “Chancellor Cheek has served us well, and I am grateful for the energy and vision he has brought to the University of Tennessee and our Knoxville campus.”
Dr. DiPietro said, "As chancellor, Cheek led UT Knoxville to attract some of the world’s leading researchers, faculty and staff who are experts in their fields. Cheek also raised the UT Knoxville’s status as one of the country’s most prolific research institutions by maintaining its strong relationship with Oak Ridge National Laboratory through exponential growth in joint appointments and shared programs.
“On Chancellor Cheek’s watch, UT Knoxville also has moved forward with record fundraising success and an unprecedented $1 billion in new construction and building renovation, including a new student union, a redeveloped residence hall village and a number of new classrooms and laboratories.
“With an innate understanding as a first-generation college student, himself, Chancellor Cheek worked to broaden diversity and student access to the University. His work led to his participation in the White House Summit on increasing college opportunities for low-income students.”
“Jimmy Cheek has led the University of Tennessee at Knoxville with skill and patience," said U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander. "He has helped to make a fine university even better.”