Land Life and ScienceSpring 2025

Innovations That Advance Agriculture and Society

A mission to discover and deliver Real. Life. Solutions. is at the heart of everything we do at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. Join us for an exploration of innovations underway at the institute that are advancing agriculture and society, here in Tennessee and beyond the Volunteer State’s borders.

Kristin Riggsbee holding up a healthy plate in front of Morgan Hall

Innovations That Serve Tennesseans

Our land-grant mission is to create opportunities for Tennesseans and residents of communities well beyond our state’s borders through practical solutions that improve their lives.

Students in a rain forest holding up a Tennessee Power T flag

Innovations That Create Opportunities for Students

To ensure students will thrive and lead in the career paths they choose requires academic programs to be nimble and in sync with the changes around us and the challenges that lie ahead.

UTCVM workers and first responders tending to a dog

Innovations That Assist Both People and Animals

Veterinary medicine study is constantly innovating, from educating students about the latest findings and discoveries of their chosen profession to pioneering new ways to serve, and advance, the human-animal bond.

Three people sitting at a table together with books and a presentation board

Thinking of ALICE

UT Family and Consumer Sciences professionals work to serve a critical demographic in our communities

Cacoa

Securing a Sweet Future of Cacao

The global demand for cacao continues to rise as millions of people indulge in their favorite chocolate delicacies

Hops growing on a trellis

Brewing Success

How a UTIA research team is paving the way for hops production in Tennessee

Pat Keyser in a native grasslands field holding a laptop

Growing Greatness

A new strategic plan for the UT Institute ofAgriculture charts a course for the next five years

Keith Carver and Paul Plummer walking the halls of the new Teaching and Learning Center

Getting to Know Our New Veterinary Medicine Dean

Paul J. Plummer joined the Institute of Agriculture last year as the sixth dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine

Walking the Same Halls

Ann Ward followed in the footsteps of her father, Homer Ward, to the University of Tennessee . . . and around the world

Denita sorting through cacao pods

Smith Global Leadership Fellows Program Expands Opportunities for Faculty

UTIA faculty connect with collaborators around the world on everything from the health of vampire bats to how migrating birds disperse seeds

Courtney Doss in front of Morgan Hall

Great Grads – Courtney Doss

Doss of Dallas, Texas, has a heart for supporting students and empowering people to realize their full potential

Molly Brinkmann in a white lab coat

Great Grads – Molly Brinkmann

After a few videos went viral, Brinkmann found herself in the unexpected position of being an influencer

Two veterinary technicians examining the eye of a horse

In Appreciation for Veterinary Technicians

Drawing and analyzing blood, taking x-rays, providing emergency care, and caring for patients in the intensive care unit are just a few of the many roles of licensed veterinary medical technicians in a clinical setting