Tim Cross to be Recommended Next UT Institute of Agriculture Chancellor

KNOXVILLE – Tim Cross, longtime University of Tennessee leader, faculty member, and interim chancellor of the UT Institute of Agriculture since September, has been selected by UT President Joe DiPietro to serve as permanent chancellor. DiPietro will ask the UT Board of Trustees to vote to confirm Cross at its meeting on Thursday in Nashville. An agenda for the meeting and link to a live webcast are available online.

“Tim is a respected leader within the University and throughout Tennessee’s agricultural community,” DiPietro said. “He will do an outstanding job in the role of chancellor, and without question, is the right person to advance the institute’s mission. I’m honored to work alongside him in service to our state.”

Cross was appointed interim chancellor in September following the retirement of Larry Arrington, who had served as chancellor since 2011. A national search was conducted to fill the position permanently.

Cross has been with the UT Institute of Agriculture for almost 23 years. He served as dean of UT Extension from 2008 to 2016 and assistant dean from 2001 to 2006. He was professor of agricultural economics for three years and associate professor for four years prior. Before coming to UT in 1994, Cross spent 11 years at Oregon State University as assistant professor of agricultural and resources economics and as an instructor. He also served as an instructor in the department of agriculture at Fort Hays State University in Kansas.

Cross earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agricultural economics from Oklahoma State University and a doctoral degree in agricultural and resources economics from Oregon State University.

The chancellor search was conducted by a 20-member committee of faculty, staff, students and community members chaired by UT Institute for Public Service Vice President Herb Byrd. The committee selected three finalists to participate in open forums in November and December. To learn more about the search and Cross’ background, visit the search website.

Cross takes his work home with him as he and his wife, Denise, live on a small working farm in east Knox County, where they raised their children Jarod, Nick, Hannah and Justin.

Tags: Featured, Joe DiPietro, Tim Cross, UT Institute of Agriculture