Dr. Thomas Rakes, has been appointed provost at UTM effective Jan. 1. Dr. Rakes will serve as the second ranking administrative officer for the campus and continue his role as vice chancellor for academic affairs.

“As provost, Dr. Rakes will serve as the university’s chief academic officer and assume a prominent role in university planning and assessment,” said UTM Chancellor Nick Dunagan. “ In his expanded role, he will continue to provide leadership involving matters related to faculty, the quality of academic programs, research and scholarship, as well as student academic life, campus technology, and elements related to student learning and student academic support services.”

The provost reports directly to the chancellor and will collaborate with the chancellor in developing academic and campus priorities and with the vice chancellor for business affairs in allocating funds to implement these plans.

UTM’s last provost was Dr. Jimmy Trentham, who served from 1973-76 and as provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs from 1976-79.

“I am honored to receive this appointment and I look forward to my involvement in a variety of critical campus operations,” said Rakes.

“This appointment also reflects the level of importance academics holds at UTM.” He added, “I am proud to be associated with the faculty, staff and students at what U.S. News and World Report recently listed as a Top 25 master’s university in the south.”

Rakes left the University of Louisiana Monroe in May, 2002, to accept an appointment as vice chancellor for academic affairs at the 6,100 student UTM campus which is one of three four-year institutions within the University of Tennessee System.