More than 100 faculty members at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center were recognized for their promotion in rank or for being awarded tenure in the 2023 – 2024 academic year.
“Your work matters, it matters not just to science, to education, and to health care in Tennessee, it matters nationally. It is a privilege to go out and see your faces each and every day,” Peter Buckley, MD, chancellor of UT Health Science Center, said during the recent Celebration of Promotion and Tenure.
This year’s event marked the first Celebration of Promotion and Tenure held since the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s certainly time that we start these again.” said Cindy Russell, PhD, chief academic officer and vice chancellor for Academic, Faculty, and Student Affairs.
The event celebrated the dedication and achievements of faculty members who contribute to the university’s excellence in education, research, and clinical care.
“This year, we had a total of 10 promotions to assistant professor, 74 to associate professor, and 34 to professor,” Dr. Russell said. “These 118 promotions represented a 136% increase from last year. Six faculty members received the award of tenure, with two of those being for early tenure”
“Supporting faculty in their personal growth and leadership development is a shared effort of all of us,” she continued. “The processes aren’t easy, to move up in rank or to achieve tenure takes dedication, focus, effort, and a significant investment of time. It fills me with great pride to be here at the UT Health Science Center, where such phenomenal faculty are making a difference every day.”
Representatives from each of the university’s six colleges presented nominees from their respective college. Each took the opportunity to highlight the achievements of their faculty members and the diverse and impactful work being done across the university.
“It fills me with great pride to be here at the UT Health Science Center, where such phenomenal faculty are making a difference every day.”
Cindy Russell, PhD
Douglas Dixon, PhD, DMD, who was the representative for Ken Tilashalski, DMD, dean of the College of Dentistry, said, “Those being promoted today make us feel optimistic about our future, because they see beyond the present challenges. They inspire all of us, not just through their individual achievements, but also by their unwavering belief that we can achieve more together.”
The Celebration of Promotion and Tenure supports UT Health Science Center’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan. Faculty members whose diligent and dedicated work is reflected in their award of promotion or tenure tangibly demonstrate the institution’s BE ONE UTHSC values, particularly Excelling in all we do. This event not only honors the achievements of the faculty, but also reinforces the university’s commitment to fostering a supportive and dynamic academic environment.
The event concluded with a reception, allowing faculty members, administrators, and guests to mingle and celebrate the achievements of their colleagues.
“We need people to have career opportunities, not just professional advancement,” Dr. Buckley said. “The institution is working for you, because you do your best work here, and because you continue to grow as leaders at this institution. It is profoundly impressive, the activity on an individual level, and also to see the corpus of work and the significance, it is truly profound.”
A full list of all faculty who were awarded tenure or received a promotion in the 2023–2024 cycle can be found here: https://uthsc.edu/afsa/faculty-affairs/awards-honors-recognition/promotion-tenure/2024-tenure-promotion.php. Additional celebrations of promotion and tenure will be conducted at the UT Health Science Center’s other locations later this fall.