Rendering of the proposed UTHSC College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building
On February 2, Governor Bill Lee delivered his final State of the State Address and released his proposed budget, which includes multiple investments in higher education and the University of Tennessee System.
One notable proposed budget item carries significant implications for the state’s growing health care needs: a historic proposed investment in the UT Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Building. The state request of $311 million, paired with $39 million in university support, will deliver a modern training environment for the next generation of high-demand health care workforce.
This new facility would expand medical student enrollment by 29%, double the size of the physician assistant program and support clinical training at nearly 800 sites across Tennessee. With a projected shortage of 6,000 physicians by 2030 and acute demand for health care providers in underserved communities, this building is a critical investment in the quality of health care provided to Tennesseans.
Additional investments in Gov. Lee’s proposed budget include:
- $13.9 million annually to fund the state’s share of group health insurance cost increases.
- $12.3 million in performance growth funding for UT campuses.
- $3.8 million in operating cost and salary support increases for UTHSC, UT Veterinary Medicine Center and the UT Institute for Public Service.
- $24.2 million for Healthy Smiles, a partnership between the UTHSC and the Tennessee Department of Health that expands access to oral health care and strengthens the state’s dental workforce. Through Healthy Smiles, UTHSC has increased enrollment in its doctor of dental surgery program by 30% and doubled enrollment in the dental hygiene program.
- $4.23 million for the UT Martin Cattle Outreach and Workforce (COW) Facility. This investment will provide hands-on workforce development and outreach for Tennessee’s beef industry, strengthening students’ practical skills and supporting the state’s top industry, agriculture.
- $27.1 million for capital maintenance projects across the UT System.
These proposed investments reflect targeted commitments designed to deliver the greatest impact for Tennesseans and strengthen the UT System’s ability to serve the state at the highest level. We are grateful to Gov. Lee and our legislative partners for their continued partnership and trust. Together, we are shaping the greatest decade in UT’s history, one that expands opportunity, advances innovation and leaves a lasting legacy for Tennessee.
UT Advocates can access Governor Bill Lee’s full State of the State Address on the State of Tennessee’s website.
