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The Tennessee General Assembly has officially passed its $59.8 billion budget for FY 25-26, and it includes transformational investments that will benefit University of Tennessee campuses and institutes across the state. We are especially grateful to the Tennessee General Assembly and Gov. Bill Lee for their continued support and investment in the UT System. Their commitment helps fuel our momentum as we continue building the greatest decade in UT history.
And this incredible year wouldn’t have been possible without you. Your dedication, voices, and support were instrumental in securing these wins. Thank you for all you did to champion the University of Tennessee and help make this possible.
Key Investments Included in the Budget:
Record Infrastructure Investment
- UT Knoxville Chemistry Building – A historic $165.2 million investment will modernize lab spaces, enhance research capacity, and boost workforce preparation. This is the largest state investment ever awarded for a single higher education project in Tennessee’s history.
- UT Martin College of Business and Global Affairs – A $57.5 million investment to replace an aging facility and meet the growing economic and workforce needs of West Tennessee.
- 4-H Camp Enhancements – $45.5 million in grant funding will improve facilities and expand youth opportunities across the UT Institute of Agriculture’s 4-H camps statewide.
- Capital Maintenance – $18.35 million for maintenance projects across the UT System to ensure safe, functional, and modern facilities.
Investments in People and Operations
- A 2.6% salary pool for higher education employees.
- $1.9 million recurring to support enrollment and performance growth at UT Southern.
- $10.3 million to upgrade critical scientific and educational equipment at UT’s non-formula medical education units:
- $7.8 million to UT Health Science Center
- $2.5 million to UT College of Veterinary Medicine
- $2 million recurring for a new local planning function at the Institute for Public Service and a statewide landowner education program through UT Extension.
- $20 million to launch a new state research and development innovation matching fund, providing state cost-sharing for major federal grant opportunities.
- $1.4 million recurring to expand the Institute of American Civics and its work with K-12 educators and students.
- Approval to begin design and planning for a new UTHSC College of Medicine facility.
- $500,000 to establish a statewide law enforcement leadership development program through the UT Law Enforcement Innovation Center.
These strategic investments directly advance our mission of education, research, and service. They strengthen the UT System’s ability to drive innovation, improve lives, and support communities in every corner of our state. Again, we are incredibly grateful for your support. Your voice made a difference, and we couldn’t have done it without you. |
