Kari Alldredge
Vice Provost for Enrollment Management

Kari Alldredge leads the University’s Division of Enrollment Management, which focuses on undergraduate recruitment, admissions, student services, and retention. Under Alldredge’s leadership, the division strives to recruit, enroll, and retain a thriving and engaged student community. She collaborates with key campus leaders to establish enrollment goals, plans strategically across Enrollment Management units, and evaluates recruitment opportunities that align with institutional goals. She also collaborates on scholarship and financial aid strategies and leads enrollment analysis to guide strategic directions and decision-making.

Enrollment Management

Beth Avery Foster
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs

Beth Avery Foster is the Interim Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. As a member of the Provost’s senior leadership team, Foster oversees undergraduate academic programs, collaborates with key committees, and contributes to various university initiatives that ensure academic excellence across campus. She oversees processes related to curriculum development, academic policies and procedures, and accreditation, including the Office of Institutional Effectiveness. Her leadership enhances the quality of undergraduate education at our university, ensuring is aligns with UT’s Strategic Vision, meets accreditation standards, and caters to the needs of students and the job market.

Academic Affairs      Institutional Effectiveness

Veerle Keppens
Vice Provost for Faculty Affairs

Veerle Keppens, a highly regarded leader within our university, oversees the Division of Faculty Affairs. The division consists of Academic Personnel Services (APS) and Faculty Development and Advancement (FDA), which includes Teaching & Learning Innovation (TLI). With a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, she ensures faculty excellence by fostering a supportive environment that empowers faculty members to thrive personally and academically. Keppens seeks to drive faculty growth and achievement, while also cultivating a campus community that values the contributions of every faculty member and promotes their ongoing growth and success.

Faculty Affairs      Teaching and Learning Innovation

Ozlem Kilic
Vice Provost and Dean of the College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies

Ozlem Kilic provides leadership to foster innovative, interdisciplinary programs that address critical issues and emerging fields of study. Her role involves strategic planning, faculty development, and resource management to build a dynamic college that advances collaborative research, teaching, and outreach. She also works closely to develop partnerships across departments, colleges, and external organizations. Kilic also oversees academic innovation efforts such as AI initiatives.

College of Emerging and Collaborative Studies

Gretchen Neisler
Vice Provost for International Affairs, Director of Global Engagement

Gretchen Neisler leads UT’s efforts to enrich Tennessee through international development, global awareness, and service on the world stage. She leads our university’s strategic international agenda and represents us to external constituents globally. She oversees the Center for Global Engagement, which includes offices dedicated to Asia Engagement, Programs Abroad, International Support Services, International House, English Language Institute, Global Research, and Communications.

Global Engagement

David Sholl
Executive Director and Vice Provost

David Sholl is the Executive Director and Vice Provost for the University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII). He leads the research partnership between the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, fostering innovative collaboration in areas of national importance. His role involves setting strategic priorities, building multidisciplinary research teams, and advancing the Institute’s mission to address complex scientific and societal challenges.

University of Tennessee-Oak Ridge Innovation Institute

Dixie Thompson
Vice Provost and Dean of the Graduate School

Dixie Thompson oversees all aspects of graduate education, supporting recruitment, admission, and academic achievement of graduate students. Her responsibilities include collaborating with the Graduate Council, managing Graduate Admissions and Training, and approving theses and dissertations. She develops initiatives for student development, facilitates interdisciplinary research, manages funding, and maintains engagement with professional organizations promoting graduate education. Thompson’s leadership fosters a thriving environment for graduate success.

The Graduate School

Amber Williams
Vice Provost for Student Success

Amber Williams, our inaugural Vice Provost for Student Success, leads the University of Tennessee’s comprehensive efforts to support the academic goals of all students. With a focus on retention and graduation, Amber spearheads the development, implementation, and evaluation of student success initiatives. She recognizes the unique stories of each student and works to create programs and policies that cater to their individual needs, ensuring they are well-equipped not only for graduation, but also to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Student Success

Owen Driskill
Associate Provost, Chief Operating Officer

As associate provost and chief operating officer, Owen Driskill manages the operations of the Office of the Provost and special projects aligned with the university’s mission and vision. He plays a crucial role in ensuring effective communication and information flow to stakeholders, as well as managing central communications on behalf of the office. Driskill collaborates with key university leaders to coordinate major initiatives of the Provost’s Office, ensuring seamless collaboration among relevant units, information sharing, and achievement of goals and deadlines.

Institutional Research and Strategic Analysis

Gary Gray
Assistant Provost for Finance and Administration

Gary Gray plays a vital role in the Office of the Provost, providing leadership in various areas such as budget development, resource allocation, planning, policy, data management, and systems development. He works to oversee the budgets and financial operations of units under the Office of the Provost and supports colleges with budget development, reporting, planning, and analysis.