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Two Cluster Hire Proposals Chosen for Final Review

After much consideration, two proposals have been chosen to undergo a final review to be our next cluster hires:

  • Quantum Materials for Future Technologies, proposed by Cristian Batista, Willis Lincoln Chair of Excellence and professor of physics
  • Center of Food and Activity for Healthy Communities, proposed by Hollie Raynor, professor of nutrition and interim assistant dean for research in the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences

During the next few weeks, the faculty members involved with these two projects will sit down with representatives of the Office of Research and Engagement and the Office of the Provost to work through important details such as the financial models, engagement of existing faculty, and plans for hiring new faculty members.

We’ll also circle back to department heads and deans to make sure everyone involved is in agreement about how the cluster hires will work.

Pending this review, we hope to have a final announcement about moving forward with cluster hires for both proposals before the start of the fall semester.

We’re grateful to the campus for an enthusiastic response to our call for cluster hire proposals. Eighteen proposals were received and a multidisciplinary committee of faculty culled those down to six. These two finalists were recommended to university leadership after a review by deans, associate deans for research, department heads, and the directors of centers affected by the proposals.

View more information about these two cluster hires, as well as the other 16 proposals.

For more information about the cluster hire and grand challenge initiatives, see the frequently asked questions page. If you have additional questions, email AVCRD@utk.edu.