University of Tennessee Lands Record $130 Million Gift as Haslams Push Business School Growth
Updated
Updated · Forbes · Jun 4
University of Tennessee Lands Record $130 Million Gift as Haslams Push Business School Growth
3 articles · Updated · Forbes · Jun 4
Summary
$130 million from alumni Dee and Jimmy Haslam marks the largest gift in University of Tennessee history, with the Knoxville flagship saying the money will help take the school "to the next level."
$100 million is earmarked for the Haslam College of Business, which enrolls more than 30% of UT undergraduates, to fund student-success programs, graduate scholarships and a new undergraduate honors program.
The remaining $30 million will support recruitment of leading faculty across multiple disciplines, matching the donors' stated goal of lifting UT's national profile and attracting world-class talent.
The Haslams' lifetime giving to UT now exceeds $195 million, after a $50 million family gift in 2014 named the business school and another $40 million donation in 2020.
How will the Haslams' $130M gift reshape the University of Tennessee's future and its role within the state?
With billions invested across sports, healthcare, and education, what is the ultimate goal of the Haslams' philanthropic empire?
Do mega-gifts to business schools risk creating academic inequality within public universities?
Record $130 Million Haslam Gift to University of Tennessee: Elevating Business Education, Research, and Student Success
Overview
Dee and Jimmy Haslam have pledged $130 million to the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, marking the largest single investment in the UT System's history. Their donation reflects a deep commitment to advancing the university's mission and impact. Of the total pledge, $100 million is dedicated to the Haslam College of Business, while $30 million supports university-wide initiatives. University Chancellor Donde Plowman expressed gratitude for the Haslams' generosity and vision, noting that the Haslams quickly recognized the potential in the university's goals to reach the next level. This historic gift is set to transform UT Knoxville's future.