KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The University of Tennessee System has promoted Erin Crisp to assistant vice president for learner success and workforce pathways. In this newly established role, Crisp will lead collaborative efforts to expand accessible, workforce-aligned education pathways, advance student success initiatives and further the work of the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center. Crisp started the new position on Oct. 1.
“What excites me most about this role is ensuring that all learning counts,” said Crisp. “Whether it’s on-the-job learning, college coursework or employer-driven training, everyone benefits when we translate learning into credentials that open doors to high-demand occupations.”
With 36.8 million U.S. adults holding some college credit but no credential — more than 900,000 of them in Tennessee — and two in five employers expressing concerns about student readiness for careers, her leadership will be instrumental in bridging the gap between the University’s degree pathways and Tennessee’s workforce needs.
“To make this the greatest decade in UT history, we must focus on programs that meet Tennessee’s workforce needs and support learners wherever they are,” said UT System President Randy Boyd. “Dr. Crisp’s leadership and dedication to helping learners succeed will open doors for more Tennesseans to achieve their educational and career goals while fueling economic growth and workforce development across the state.”
Crisp will lead efforts focused on expanding work-to-learn pathways in high-demand industries as well as prioritizing initiatives including:
- Reengaging adults with some college credit but no degree.
- Supporting transfer students to improve enrollment and retention.
- Expanding apprenticeships and work-to-learn opportunities.
- Strengthening partnerships with employers and workforce organizations to create meaningful opportunities for students.
In addition, Crisp will advocate for modern systems and technologies that streamline enrollment, credit transfer and prior learning assessment processes, making higher education more efficient and accessible for all learners.
Crisp’s role will also oversee the UT Promise scholarship program and UT System contributions to statewide initiatives such as Tennessee Transfer Pathways, Tennessee Reverse Transfer and Tennessee Reconnect. Through collaboration with campus leaders, employers and key state partners, she will help ensure that pathways to and through the University meet Tennessee’s workforce development needs.
As part of her new responsibilities, Crisp will maintain oversight of the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center. Kate Hall, formerly associate director of the center, has stepped into the role of director.
Crisp’s Legacy at the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center
Tennessee was the first state in the nation to sponsor teacher occupation apprenticeship programs, setting a national standard for innovation in workforce-aligned education.
As a part of this initiative, Crisp joined the UT System in 2022 as executive director of the Tennessee Grow Your Own Center, which was launched with a $20 million state grant to address teacher shortages through registered teacher apprenticeship programs.
Under her leadership, the center has achieved:
- Partnerships with 15 educator preparation providers and 90 school districts across Tennessee.
- Enrollment of over 800 teacher apprentices, with 168 now actively teaching in Tennessee classrooms.
- A 91% success rate for program participants.
“Dr. Crisp has demonstrated a remarkable ability to turn challenges into opportunities,” said Bernie Savarese, vice president for academic affairs, research and student success. “Her dedication to connecting education with workforce needs has already transformed lives and communities across Tennessee. We are eager to see her further advance this mission in her new role.”
For more information, contact Erin Crisp at erin@tennessee.edu.
About the University of Tennessee
The University of Tennessee is a statewide system of higher education with campuses in Knoxville, Chattanooga, Pulaski, Martin and Memphis; the UT Institute of Agriculture with a presence in every Tennessee county; and the statewide Institute for Public Service. The UT System manages Oak Ridge National Laboratory through its UT-Battelle partnership; enrolls about 62,000 students statewide; produces about 14,000 new graduates every year; and represents more than 454,000 alumni around the world.
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