The University of Tennessee is a public university system founded in 1794. Its mission as a land-grant institution centers on education, research, and outreach to drive statewide economic impact. The system operates five campuses and two institutes across the state and serves all 95 Tennessee counties through its extension offices.
The system employs over 20,000 people and has a reported annual economic impact of $4 billion. It serves approximately 64,866 students, with more than 38,000 enrolled at its flagship campus in Knoxville, which offers over 900 programs of study. The university awards more than 14,000 degrees each year.
Research is a significant component of the university's operations, with $484 million invested annually in research and development. It maintains partnerships with national laboratories, including Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Industry verticals relevant to the university's work include healthcare, workforce development, and scientific research.






