The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s University Honors is ranked No. 8 nationwide by College Transitions in its 50 Best Honors Colleges list for 2026.
The ranking highlights the nation’s strongest and most comprehensive honors programs.
News & Noteworthy
WVLT: New UT Programs Target Student Success as Spring Semester Begins
Senior Published in Botanical Society of America
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, alumna Giselle Reyes has been published in the esteemed journal of the Botanical Society of America. A senior majoring in therapeutic recreation at the time of publishing, she received support from the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships (URF) in the Division of Student Success
Found in Applications in Plant Sciences, an internationally recognized, peer-reviewed journal, Reyes’s research “Serial Section Videography (SSV): A Low-Cost Protocol for Generating 3D Reconstructions of Internal Plant Structure” represents a small, yet accomplished component of her involvement in undergraduate research at UT.
Division of Student Success Announces Second Cohort of Faculty Advisory Council
The second cohort of the Student Success Faculty Advisory Council convened in late September for orientation and to outline objectives for their term.
Comprised of faculty from various academic areas, the council supports the Division of Student Success and its mission to enhance the academic, well-being and career experience of undergraduate students. With new graduation and persistence goals as well as a new divisional strategic plan, the advisory council will help shape priorities to create an unparalleled student experience at the University of Tennessee.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Named Finalist for National Excellence in Student Success Award
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is among the top five finalists for the inaugural Excellence in Student Success Award from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities (APLU).
The award recognizes institutions demonstrating a comprehensive, systemic commitment to advancing student success. Through sustainable and innovative initiatives, the finalist institutions enhance degree completion, improve outcomes, and reduce barriers to educational attainment.
“We are honored to be recognized for our innovative commitment to student success,” said Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor John Zomchick. “Selection as a finalist for this award would not have been possible without the dedication of our talented faculty and staff who collaborate to create an environment where all students can achieve their dreams.”
Career Champion: Amy Robinson
At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, staff and faculty exhibit a tireless dedication to student success, ensuring scholars remain aware of the endless opportunities the university has to offer. Dr. Amy Robinson is the embodiment of that never-ending commitment, striving to help every Volunteer reach their fullest potential with the resources available.
Inaugural Strengths Day Honors Chancellor Plowman and Showcases UT’s Commitment to Student Success
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, hosted Strengths Day, an inaugural celebration of the university’s partnership with Gallup and its CliftonStrengths talent assessment.
University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Office Expands Mission, Adds Service-Learning and New Name
The start of the academic year brings with it a bustling campus and a chance for new beginnings. Embracing the renewed spirit, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships is adopting a new name: Undergraduate Research, Fellowships and Service Learning (URFS).
UT Student is Tennessee Veteran of the Year
Kevin Ho now competes for votes to receive the national honor
At the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, one who accepts the responsibility of bearing the torch ensures those around them are guided by its light. Nominated for Military Friendly’s Veteran of the Year® 2025, a national honor, student Kevin Ho holds the torch high, empowered by a mission to continue to
serve others.
Recently named Tennessee Veteran of the Year, Ho’s nomination demonstrates his endless dedication to supporting veterans and advocating for the student-veteran experience. Appreciative of the encouragement he received from all those involved with UT’s Veteran Success Center, Ho hopes to continue to provide that same level of service to others.
Haslam Leadership Scholars Welcomes 14 New Scholars
University Honors is delighted to welcome 14 new scholars this fall to the 2025 class of Haslam Leadership Scholars at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
The university’s premier undergraduate honors program, the Haslam Leadership Scholars program focuses on leadership, service, and scholarship. Founded in 2008 through a generous gift from the Haslam family, Haslam Leadership Scholars receive an endowed scholarship that covers the cost of tuition, fees, housing, and funding to support individual research.