Photo Credit / The University of Tennessee System

On Feb. 10, 2026, UT System President Randy Boyd delivered the 10th annual State of the University address. The purpose of the address is to discuss the future of the UT system, along with plans across all of the campuses within the system. 

The address started with a performance from The Singing Mocs, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student choir. The songs performed were meant to set the tone and inspiration for the address, presenting ideas such as hope and community.  

Before the address’s formal start, a video played with Boyd proclaiming that this will be the greatest decade in history for the UT System. He believes that this is achievable due to the “Be One UT Strategic Plan.”  

The plan was originally introduced in May 2021 after a year of traveling the state and speaking with different members of the UT System, including administrators, faculty/staff, students and alumni. Boyd compiled different aspects of what makes each UT campus the way it is. To make it more manageable and memorable, it would become an acronym: Be One UT.

Be One UT meaning according to our.tennessee.edu : 

B – Bold and Impactful: Serving the state by tackling grand challenges

E – Embrace Diversity: Respecting our individual and organizational uniqueness that makes us stronger

O – Optimistic and Visionary: Empowering courageous leadership

N – Nimble and Innovative: Inspiring creative and transformational action

E – Excel in All We Do: Committing to continuous improvement and outstanding performance

U – United and Connected: Collaborating internally and externally for greater collective impact

T – Transparent and Trusted: Fostering integrity through openness, accountability and stewardship

Boyd discusses the many challenges the state of Tennessee faces as a whole, from issues such as subsistence abuses, improving K-12 education and supporting rural areas. He explains the important role that the UT System has played in helping improve these situations. By working with local experts and nonprofits in collaboration with the university’s efforts, the state has been making strides in each field. 

Important moments from open remarks include:

• Nearly 65,000 students are enrolled in the UT System.
• More than 55% of students are graduating debt-free from UT schools.
• 98% of employers hiring UT graduates say that they are prepared for the workforce. 

“This work matters because the promise is real,” said Boyd during his closing remarks. “It is about creating pathways, supporting communities and building a future that honors the trust that is placed in us.” 

Chancellor Yancy Freeman was asked about how the University of Tennessee at Martin is preparing students for the workforce along with creating programs to align with the growing requirements for employment. Freeman explained that UT Martin has added many new master’s programs that allow students to advance their education within their selected majors, along with creating partnerships with Ford’s BlueOval City and building strong relationships with the UT Institute of Agriculture to allow students transitions into the workforce.

The address is only one part of the weeklong summit that is held throughout the UT System.