Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has been appointed the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), following approval by the University of Tennessee board of trustees during a special session held May 16. Her appointment, recommended by UT System President Randy Boyd, will officially begin June 30.
Bruce, currently serving as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Technological University will become the 19th chancellor in UTC’s history. She brings nearly three decades of academic and administrative experience in higher education to her new role.
“Dr. Bruce is a dynamic, forward-thinking leader with a strong track record of academic excellence, innovation and a deep commitment to student success,” Boyd says. “I believe she will be a transformative leader for UTC and the greater Chattanooga community.”
Proven record in higher education
At Tennessee Tech, Bruce has overseen academic operations for more than 10,000 students across eight academic colleges. Under her leadership, the university achieved the state’s highest academic program quality score, an accomplishment unmatched in more than 40 years. She helped launch numerous academic programs at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels aligned with Tennessee’s workforce needs.
Bruce also led initiatives that increased Tennessee Tech’s annual research funding from $16 million to more than $46 million, with further growth projected for 2025. During her tenure, the university saw over $350 million in infrastructure improvements and the establishment of the Center for Advancing Faculty Excellence. She also spearheaded a campuswide compensation study that led to significant salary increases for faculty and staff.
“I was deeply honored and humbled to be recommended by President Boyd to serve as the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga,” Bruce says. “UTC is a dynamic institution with a proud tradition of academic excellence, innovation and community engagement. I look forward to working collaboratively with faculty, staff, students and the Chattanooga community … to lead UTC into its next chapter.”
National search and campus vision
Bruce was selected after a national search chaired by UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman. The search committee, which included UTC faculty, staff, students and community leaders, hosted public forums with finalists in April.
During her visit, Bruce emphasized mission-driven leadership, student health and well-being and a vision for UTC focused on inclusive excellence, community engagement and innovation.
“Dr. Bruce emerged from a well-qualified candidate field as the right person to lead UT Chattanooga,” says Freeman. “She will clearly place students first in any decisions that she and her leadership team make as the university moves forward.”
Bruce pledges to keep student success at the center of UTC’s efforts. “We will ensure access and support, help students graduate career-ready and equip them to contribute meaningfully to a rapidly evolving workforce,” she says. “We will also strengthen UTC’s role as a regional leader in research, innovation and economic development.”
Strong Tennessee roots
A native of Lincoln County, Tennessee, Bruce grew up on a working farm about 90 minutes west of Chattanooga. Her parents did not attend college immediately after high school, but education remained central in her upbringing. Her mother later earned a bachelor’s degree, which Bruce says influenced her belief in the transformative power of higher education.
“Education opens so many doors of opportunity,” she says. “Seeing my mother’s life change because of her education made a lasting impression on me and shaped my commitment to helping others access those same opportunities.”
Bruce holds a doctorate and a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and a master’s degree in electrical engineering from Georgia Tech. She also completed graduate coursework in biomedical engineering through the Georgia Tech and Emory University joint program.
Extensive leadership and research background
Before joining Tennessee Tech, Bruce held several academic leadership positions at Mississippi State University, including associate vice president for academic affairs, dean of the Graduate School and associate dean for research and graduate studies in the Bagley College of Engineering. She was also executive director of the High Performance Computing Collaboratory and interim director of the Raspet Flight Research Laboratory.
As a faculty member, Bruce led research projects funded by federal and industry partners totaling more than $20 million, resulting in over 150 peer-reviewed publications with more than 6,000 citations.
Community and campus support
Bruce’s appointment has received broad support from UT leadership, public officials and community members.
Dr. Robert Dooley, UTC’s interim chancellor since Jan. 1, says Bruce is well-positioned to lead UTC forward. “Her background and exceptional leadership experience in higher education make her the right chancellor to move UTC forward. I look forward to supporting her as she transitions into her role.”
UTC alumni and local lawmakers also praising Bruce’s selection. State Senator Bo Watson, a 1983 UTC graduate, says her background in academic leadership and research will serve the university well. Senator Todd Gardenhire, also a UTC alumnus, says her leadership would positively impact the broader community.
Dr. Phil Oldham, president of Tennessee Tech and former UTC provost, describes Bruce as a “visionary” leader who left a lasting mark on Tennessee Tech. “Her commitment to academic excellence, research growth and faculty advancement has been exceptional.”
Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly calls Bruce’s appointment “an inspired choice” and adds, “There are no great cities without great universities and the Chattanooga region and state of Tennessee would benefit greatly from UTC continuing its strong momentum.”
Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp highlights UTC’s vital role in workforce development and regional growth. “A strong partnership between Hamilton County and the university is key to preparing students for meaningful careers. We look forward to working with Dr. Bruce to advance these priorities.”
Ken Jones, UTC alumni board president and a member of the search committee, says Bruce’s student-centered approach aligns with the university’s mission. “She emphasized making UTC a student-centered, community-connected institution. By collaborating with Dr. Bruce, we can collectively enhance the student experience and strengthen UTC’s reputation.”
Dr. Donde Plowman, chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Knoxville, says Bruce’s leadership experience will benefit the entire UT System. “Her experience in helping students succeed in Tennessee will be invaluable as we all work together to benefit our state.”
Looking ahead
As she prepares to assume leadership at UTC, Bruce says she’s eager to connect with the campus and Chattanooga communities.
“This is an exciting moment. UTC has all the right ingredients – talented students, dedicated faculty and staff and a strong community. I’m committed to helping build on this momentum and advancing the university’s mission in meaningful and measurable ways.”