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Division of Student Success and the Office of the Provost Host UT Thrive Summit featuring renowned author Dr. Arthur Brooks

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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Division of Student Success and the Office of the Provost welcomes New York Times best-selling author and Harvard professor Arthur C. Brooks to headline the UT Thrive Summit on Wednesday, November 15, as the event’s keynote speaker.

Brooks, who serves as the Parker Gilbert Montgomery Professor of the Practice of Public and Nonprofit Leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and Professor of Management Practice at Harvard Business School, has authored 13 books and has most recently coauthored a book with Oprah Winfrey titled Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier. He also writes a weekly column for The Atlantic called “How to Build a Life.” 

In addition to his keynote address, Brooks will also be speaking with groups of UT students, including those from various First-Year Studies courses on Tuesday, November 14.  

Dr. Brooks’ intimate conversation includes a copy of “Build the Life You Want: The Art and Science of Getting Happier” and a ”fireside chat” style interview with questions to commence afterward.  

“We are thrilled to welcome Arthur Brooks to the University of Tennessee to share his insights with our faculty and students,” said Dr. Amber Williams, Vice Provost of Student Success. “His expertise and perspective on leadership and social innovation will undoubtedly inspire and empower our community to strive for excellence.” 

The UT Thrive Summit is a one-day program designed to provide a professional development opportunity for faculty, staff, and the community at large to engage in activities with a focus on them better understanding the university’s student well-being strategy, discovering well-being practices to incorporate in the classroom, and engaging with the Volunteer community. 

“Dr. Brooks’ visit is a remarkable opportunity for our university to engage in meaningful conversations about leadership, economics, and the pursuit of happiness,” Williams said. “We believe his talk will leave a lasting impact on our students and faculty, encouraging them to embrace new ideas and take bold steps towards success.”