A new strategic plan for the UT Institute of Agriculture charts a course for the next five years
The UT Institute of Agriculture is a special place. Here, our world-renowned researchers, educators, and experts every day create and deliver Real. Life. Solutions. that address some of society’s most pressing issues. And, beginning this year, a new five-year strategic plan, Growing Greatness, will help ensure that UTIA continues to serve the state, the nation, and even the world at the highest level possible.
“As one of the few land-grant university institutes of agriculture in the country, we are uniquely poised to serve Tennessee and beyond,” says Keith Carver, UTIA senior vice chancellor and senior vice president. The institute is home to UT AgResearch, UT Extension, the Herbert College of Agriculture, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. “Together, these units collaborate to create outstanding opportunities in agriculture, natural resources, and life sciences,” he continues.
Collaboration is at the heart of the new plan. Over the course of several months beginning in September 2023, strategic planning committee members from across UTIA and the UT System engaged faculty, staff, students, alumni, and external stakeholders—among them, advisory council members, key state and federal agencies, foundations, peer organizations, and industry partners—to determine needs. This feedback serves as the foundation for the next five years.
“Service to the people of Tennessee and beyond is at the heart of the institute’s mission” says Carver. “We are grateful to everyone who provided input as we chart our future. Together, we will continue to set the bar high, growing greatness for years to come.”
Our Mission
We provide Real. Life. Solutions. through teaching, research, and outreach.
Our Goals
- Expand educational opportunities
- Foster innovation and discovery
- Encourage and increase collaboration
- Share our collective success
- Nurture our talent
Our Priorities
- Develop skilled, lifelong learners and citizens and a resilient workforce
- Secure a safe, nutritious, and affordable food system locally, nationally, and globally
- Improve the safety, well-being, and health of humans and animals
- Ensure the profitability of agricultural producers and the sustainability of communities
- Enhance and protect natural resources and a sustainable environment
Our Impacts
- UT Extension offices in all ninety-five counties
- UT AgResearch saw a 43 percent increase in research sponsored expenditures over the past five years
- Largest 4-H program membership in the country
- Enrollment in the Herbert College of Agriculture up 14 percent over the past four years
- Largest College of Veterinary Medicine class ever 2024
- The Smith Center for International Sustainable Agriculture doubled the number of students that graduated with a global experience since 2019.
- Strong partnerships with Tennessee Farm Bureau, the Tennessee Department of Agriculture, and producers across the state and around the world
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