CHATTANOOGA – Chancellor Roger Brown of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga today announced his decision to retire from his position effective September 30, 2012.
Brown previously announced in June he would remain in the position until a new chancellor could be identified, but he said he has reconsidered that plan. In a letter to University of Tennessee President Joe DiPietro, Brown explained his reason to leave earlier than originally planned.
“As you know, the loss of my wife Carolyn was a severe blow. I have struggled with regaining the focus of my duties and responsibilities to UTC, the University of Tennessee, and to the students, faculty, and staff who look to me for leadership,” Brown wrote. “I now realize that my emotional and physical health demand that I take some time to heal, reflect, and prepare for the next challenge in my life whatever that might be.”
Brown became chancellor of the University in July 2005. DiPietro described his service as a time of noteworthy achievements facilitated by a keen insight.
“Chancellor Brown has guided UTC through a period of major growth and significant milestones including the institution’s 125th anniversary and record-high enrollments,” DiPietro said. “Among the strengths that enhanced his effectiveness are his understanding of the unique and strong attachment of UTC to the Chattanooga community and efforts to grow and improve the educational mission of UTC. Chancellor Brown has recognized and appreciated the value of the community’s care and concern. As a result, he and the city of Chattanooga worked together and now have a better university to show for it.”
Under Brown’s leadership, 2012 will be the eighth consecutive year of record enrollment at UTC. In fall 2012, UTC welcomed 11,660 students to campus.
During Brown’s tenure, the UTC Office of Development raised $81.2 million to support scholarships, professorships, academic programs, and athletics at UTC for the “Time to Achieve” campaign, UTC’s component of the UT System’s “Campaign for Tennessee.”
The University’s external grant funding has increased, climbing to $12.2 million in fiscal year 2011.
Since Brown became chancellor, more than $100 million in construction and capital improvements have been brought to the campus. The new $48 million library being built at the corner of Vine and Douglas Streets will be a state-of-the-art academic and research hub and is scheduled for completion in 2013.
DiPietro has named Dr. Grady Bogue to serve as interim chancellor at UT Chattanooga. His first day on the job will be Thursday, September 20.
Bogue was a professor of leadership and policy studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville from 1991 until his retirement earlier this year. He was chancellor of Louisiana State University in Shreveport from 1980-1991, interim chancellor for one year at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, and named chancellor emeritus of LSU Shreveport by the LSU Board of Trustees in 1991.
Bogue was chief academic officer for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission from 1974 to 1980. Prior to joining THEC, Bogue was on the administrative staff at the University of Memphis for ten years.
Bogue earned the first doctoral degree granted by the University of Memphis, from which he also earned a master’s degree, and a bachelor’s degree in mathematics. In 1986, the university named him a distinguished alumnus.
“We are fortunate and I am grateful that Dr. Bogue is willing to take on this challenge,” DiPietro said. “He has a stellar record of broad-based service to higher education in the areas of policy, leadership and faculty experience. In addition to his obvious knowledge, he is bringing energy and enthusiasm, along with a calm and steady hand.”
As a condition of his appointment as UTC interim chancellor, Bogue has agreed not to be a candidate for the permanent position.
The search for a permanent successor to Brown as chancellor began in late August. UT Institute of Agriculture Chancellor Larry Arrington is chairman of a search committee comprised of UTC staff, faculty and student leadership; Chattanooga-area UT trustees; UC Foundation Board leadership; and leaders and representatives of the Chattanooga community. The search process is anticipated to have a new chancellor in place by summer 2013.
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