The Division of Student Success at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, welcomes John Lacey to the University Honors faculty, marking the program’s fourth full-time faculty hire to the Chancellor’s Honors Program (CHP).
University Honors’ growing faculty is part of the nationally-ranked program’s positive momentum as a top honors program nationwide. Recently ranked as No. 8 Best Honors College by College Transitions, UT’s honors program leads in program rigor and value.
A design strategist, systems thinker, and educator, Lacey has more than 18 years of experience spanning communications, project management, and program development.
“This appointment significantly strengthens the Chancellor’s Honors Program by bringing deep, real-world design and syste
ms-thinking expertise directly into the classroom,” said Dr. Pat Akos, associate vice provost for student success and executive director of University Honors. “As an Assistant Professor of Practice, he bridges industry experience, statewide impact, and human-centered problem-solving, complementing our existing faculty in powerful ways. His exceptional teaching evaluations as an adjunct in CHP already demonstrate the value he brings to our students—connecting theory to practice while engaging them in the world’s most complex, real-world challenges.”
Before joining University Honors, Lacey led the UT Grand Challenges Initiative for three years, guiding the statewide program focused on addressing complex challenges in education, rural community development, and addiction.
“I’m thrilled with the opportunity to work alongside our University Honors scholars as they learn not just to solve problems, but to see them differently,” said Lacey. “It’s a privilege to guide young thinkers and learners as they build the skills to take on some of the world’s toughest issues. I’m also grateful to join a collaborative, innovative department where my colleagues have already taught me a great deal and sharpened my own thinking and approaches.”
Lacey begins his academic appointment as Assistant Professor of Practice in July 2026 and will teach in the Chancellor’s Honors Program minor.