February 4, 2025

In This Email:
1. Latest News
2. Upcoming Events of Interest
3. Employee Spotlight

LATEST NEWS

Last month, the UT System hit an important milestone: the launch of its Employee Central Hub, a SharePoint-driven intranet designed for all UT employees across the state. This new space is part of a larger initiative to improve how we share information and promote our statewide system. 

Getting started is easy! Simply log in using your UT NetID and password upon accessing the Central Hub.

Note, the Central Hub does not replace existing campus and institute intranets. It is a companion to those platforms—housing information about central services and resources—and allows seamless navigation to and from public-facing websites and intranets.

Questions abut the Employee Central Hub should be directed to Michael Folkerth.

DASH has launched a new feature on the Friends of DASH website — "DASH Did You Know?" This new feature is designed to bring employees insights and updates regarding DASH. Be sure to check out this new feature regularly for news and updates!

As valued members of the University of Tennessee System, employees are encouraged to explore available opportunities for career advancement and growth. With our new ERP, DASH, that process is easier than ever!

To explore internal positions available within the UT System:

Once the career questions are answered, employees will receive a list of opportunities that align with their interests. Employees can also sort the postings by title, posting date or work location. 

Visit the Opportunity Marketplace and find the next step in your career with the UT System today!

Feb. 13-14. 2025
Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center
Murfreesboro, TN

Don’t miss the University of Tennessee System’s upcoming Grand Challenges Summit Feb. 13-14 in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This event is a unique opportunity to explore innovative research and projects happening across the UT System while connecting with colleagues from all campuses and institutes. The Summit will feature presentations covering topics related to K-12 education, rural communities and overcoming addiction – critical areas where collaboration can lead to meaningful impact.   

For more information on the Summit, including the lineup of presenters and presentations, visit the Grand Challenges Summit page on our website.

Last month, the Enrollment, Student Success and UT Impact Dashboards were updated with the latest data. Highlights include:

Want to stay informed? Opt-in here to receive future dashboard updates in your inbox.

From snow covered campuses to scholarship winners, January brought a lot fun and excitement across the UT System. Relive these moments and many more via our photo recap album.

There are so many perks to being an employee of the UT System, it can be easy to lose track of them all. To help keep you informed on what's available, we highlight a few perks we think you'll enjoy each month.

This month's incredible perk (and very seasonally fitting): 20% off Valentine's Day flowers, plants and gifts from Florists' Transworld Delivery (FTD).

For over 110 years, as the floral-gifting experts, FTD has been helping give with more care, with greater ease and with more meaning. With a large selection of florist designed and delivered arrangements, FTD helps you express your most important sentiments for everyone in your life.

To learn more about discounts available for UT System employees, visit  Employee Discounts.  

UPCOMING EVENTS OF INTEREST

University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd will host his fifth State of the University Address on Thursday, Feb. 13, at noon CST/1 p.m. EST at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro. 

Boyd will be joined by UT leadership to share updates on the University’s record-breaking enrollment, graduation rates, research advancements and financial growth. The event will also be streamed live at tennessee.edu. 

Led by UT System Chief Wellness Officer Jessi Gold, the new “Well Informed” series kicks off at UT Chattanooga on Tuesday, March 4. The first topic will focus on an issue that affects communities across the state: opioids and overdose prevention.

We know many of you may not be able to attend in-person, therefore a virtual option will be available for those who may want to attend remotely. Hear from President Randy Boyd, as well as our keynote speaker Dr. Stephen Loyd, chief medical officer at Cedar Recovery, and a panel of experts tackling this critical issue.

Jeff Flowers, CRPC®, and Bryan Sodomora, retirement plan advisors with Empower Retirement (Retire Ready Tennessee), UT System's 401k and 457 provider, will be at UT Tower in on March 5 for in-person retirement planning meetings. Scheduled meetings with the advisors will begin at 8:30 a.m. EST and consist of:

Meeting times are limited, so employees are encouraged to schedule their appointments soon.

If all times are booked, employees may email Jeff or Bryan for information on future dates.

More than 20 of your UT System Administration (UTSA) colleagues are already in — will you join them?

The 2025 Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon (April 5–6) has something for everyone! Run, walk, tackle the four-person relay or 5K, or volunteer. All efforts count toward our Fittest Company Challenge score.

By joining the UT System team, you'll:

Sign Up Now
Don't wait - register by Feb. 15 for the lowest price! Select "University of Tennessee System" under corporate teams and use the password UTS2025 when prompted.

If volunteering, enter "University of Tennessee System" when asked about the Fittest Company Challenge.

Click here for more details or contact Jason Moody at jmoody9@tennessee.edu.

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Assistant Vice President of Academic Systems and Operations

Lyndsay Pittman joined the UT System team on Jan. 6. Pittman holds multiple degrees and is currently working on her doctorate of education in higher education and adult education from the University of Memphis. She has 14 years experience as a Registrar, four of which were spent at the UT Health Science Center before being promoted to assistant vice chancellor. A native of Oklahoma, Pittman enjoys attending live music events, playing guitar and singing, spending time outdoors and enjoying quality time with her friends, family and two yellow labs, Whitley and Oakley. 

Administrative Coordinator, Division of Academic Affairs

Nickie Gates joined the UT System team on Jan. 13. Gates is a U.S. Army veteran and holds multiple degrees in education. She has professional experience in business development, community engagement and project management. A lifelong Tennessean, Gates enjoys spending time outdoor with her family camping, fishing, biking, hiking and running, among other activities. 

Safety Compliance Officer

Jillian Vann joined the UT System team on Jan. 21. Vann holds multiple degrees including a master's degree in adult education from UT Knoxville, where she is currently pursuing a doctorate in adult learning. The Florida native has over 14 years of professional experience with the UT System, working in various capacities including accreditation and records management at the UT Police Department, serving as Clery Coordinator for UT Knoxville and teaching business administration courses for the Haslam College of Business. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, OrangeTheory Fitness, teaching dance classes and especially spending time with her family. 

Assistant Technology Manager, UT Foundation

Derek Eitzmann joined the UT Foundation team on Jan. 27. Eitzmann holds a doctorate in chemistry from Iowa State University and has been a research assistant in the field of bioanalytical chemistry for five years. Outside of work, the Lincoln, Nebraska, native enjoys cooking, reading and playing golf.

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.