The UT Government Relations and Advocacy team recently coordinated a meaningful federal relations trip to raise the University of Tennessee System’s visibility in Washington, D.C. Many organizations host D.C. receptions and meet with their Congressional delegations, but this trip was distinguished from typical visibility events due to its parallel focus on Congressional, White House, and Agency relationships. To that end, this trip represented a broader federal government relations strategy wherein all three of these relationships play critical roles. There were numerous opportunities to continue building relationships that will lead to productive partnerships for the University of Tennessee with key departments and offices such as the Department of Energy, the Department of Commerce, The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and The White House Rural Council. An equally important objective was the opportunity to engage in high-level conversations regarding national policymaking—providing feedback and input to agencies such as the Department of Education. The day concluded with a reception honoring members of the Tennessee Congressional Delegation, which over 135 congressional staff, agency staff, and government relations professionals attended.
