Dee and Jimmy Haslam invest $130M in University of Tennessee, its largest gift ever

Dee and Jimmy Haslam have pledged a $130 million donation to the University of Tennessee, the largest gift in its history, with $100 million allocated to the Haslam College of Business for faculty hiring, scholarships, and academic programs. The remaining $30 million will support university-wide initiatives under Chancellor Donde Plowman’s 'Next Level' plans, including a $50 million match for alumni donations." "article": "Dee and Jimmy Haslam, University of Tennessee alumni and business leaders, are donating $130 million—the largest gift in UT System history—to advance education and student success. The Haslam College of Business will receive $100 million to recruit top faculty, fund scholarships, expand the Division of Student Success, and launch an undergraduate honors program. An additional $30 million will support university-wide hiring of preeminent scholars as part of Chancellor Donde Plowman’s strategic vision for UT’s future. The donation includes $50 million designated to match other alumni contributions, increasing the total impact to $180 million. This follows the Haslams’ previous $195 million in gifts to UT, reinforcing their long-term commitment to the university. Chancellor Plowman, Dean Stephen Mangum, and UT System President Randy Boyd led efforts to secure the investment, which aligns with the Haslams’ belief in UT’s role as a flagship institution. The Haslam College of Business, named after Jimmy Haslam’s father, will benefit most directly from the funding. The remaining $30 million will bolster UT’s broader academic mission, including faculty recruitment and research initiatives. Dee Haslam emphasized the family’s pride in supporting UT, calling the donation an opportunity to create lasting impact for students. This multigenerational partnership reflects the Haslams’ dedication to higher education and its transformative potential. The investment will enhance UT’s academic programs, student support systems, and faculty expertise, positioning the university for continued growth.