The Role of the Provost

The Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor has primary responsibility for the academic activities on the Knoxville campus. While the Chancellor and Provost confer regularly in setting overall academic priorities, the Chancellor focuses his attention more on external constituencies, while the Provost attends to the day-to-day functioning of the University.

The Provost meets with the Chancellor and other Vice Chancellors to discuss campus policies and practices, and to address campus-wide issues that cross divisional lines. The Provost is responsible for the budget allocations to academic units and for strategic initiatives undertaken by these units. The Provost also assists in the development of strategic initiatives, including fundraising and development strategies.

Reporting to the Provost are nine academic colleges on the Knoxville campus, the instructional programs of the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, University Libraries, the Student Success Center, Enrollment Services, the Chancellor's Honors Program, as well as a number of academic support offices. The Provost works with these units for planning, development, implementation, assessment and improvement of all academic programs, policies and supporting infrastructure including facilities and information technology. The Provost has direct responsibility for the recruitment, retention, and renewal of the faculty, and contributes to maintaining the infrastructure that assists the faculty in teaching and research.

In addition, the Provost has the responsibility for the education of approximately 20,000 undergraduate students on the Knoxville campus, and approximately 6,000 graduate students. She sets priorities with regard to admissions and financial aid, and works to ensure student retention and timely graduation. She is also in charge of all cross-college programs, including general education. One of her priorities over the next few years is the implementation of the “Ready-for-the-World” initiative. With regard to curriculum and education the Provost works in close consultation with faculty and the Faculty Senate in the spirit of shared governance.

The Provost is assisted in carrying out her duties by a Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs and a Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.

Dr. Susan Martin
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor