The newly named James A. Haslam II College of Business honors one of the university’s greatest benefactors and his family. On the day the UT Board of Trustees voted to rename the college, the three generations of the Haslam family announced a gift of $50 million to the college. Haslam (Knoxville ’52) is a former vice chair of the UT board, distinguished alumnus and the founder of Pilot Corp. LLC, now Pilot Flying J, the largest operator of travel centers and travel plazas in North America.
Photo (above): UT President Joe DiPietro, Jim Haslam, Natalie Haslam, UT Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek and Steve Mangum, dean of the James A. Haslam II College of Business, mark the historic naming of the college in October.
Big Freshman Class
Nearly 4,700 freshmen—possibly the largest first-year class ever—began classes this fall. The campus’ on-time graduation rate has been rising, so there’s more room for new students. Welcoming more freshmen also is part of a plan to boost undergraduate enrollment to 21,500. More students are choosing to live on campus, too.
Space Institute Marks 50 Years
This fall, the Space Institute celebrated its 50th anniversary. The institute was established in 1964 in Tullahoma, adjacent to what is now the Arnold Engineering Development Center. In the 50 years since opening, the institute has had more than 2,000 graduates, including 250 doctoral students and nine astronauts. UTSI graduate Barry Wilmore is serving as the next International Space Station commander.
A Lovely Walk
Part of the Student Union construction project, a new pedestrian bridge that spans Phillip Fulmer Drive and connects the Johnson-Ward Pedestrian Walkway to the Hill, opened just in time for the start of classes. New landscaping near the bridge and a beautiful inlaid Torchbearer seal on its walkway make it a stunning addition to campus.
