Lori Mann Bruce tapped as next UTC chancellor, would be first woman in role

By Mason Edwards, Chattanooga Times Free Press

The next University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Chancellor, Lori Mann Bruce, who formerly served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Technological University, spoke at the second public forum in the search to replace Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley. April 30, 2025. Staff photo by Mason Edwards / Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Lori Mann Bruce has been tapped as the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. If approved, she will become the first woman to hold the role in the university's 138-year history.

Her appointment follows a monthslong national search to succeed interim Chancellor Robert Dooley, who has led the school since Chancellor Steve Angle stepped down Jan. 1 after more than a decade in the position.

"University leadership is not about shining a light on us, it's about shining a light on you," Bruce told a public forum at UTC. "It's about putting students, faculty and staff at the focus ... it's also about illuminating a pathway forward ... creating a clear vision of where we want to go, what do we want to become and how do we get there."

According to a statement from UT System President Randy Boyd, the University of Tennessee board of trustees will vote on Bruce soon, and if she's accepted, Bruce will begin her role June 30.

"One of the most important responsibilities I have as president is hiring outstanding people to lead our campuses and institutes," Boyd said in a release from the system. "Lori is a dynamic, forward-thinking leader with a strong track record of academic excellence, innovation and a deep commitment to student success. I believe she will be a transformative leader for UTC and the Greater Chattanooga community."

Before being recommended for the new role, Bruce served as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Tech. During her tenure, the school saw record-setting research growth, expanded academic programs and major infrastructure investments, including over $350 million in campus construction projects, according to the UT System website.

Under her leadership, the university also earned a perfect academic quality score from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission -- a first for any institution in the state in more than four decades.

A Tennessee native, Bruce earned her doctorate in electrical and computer engineering and has held faculty and administrative positions at Mississippi State and Tennessee Tech. Her research in hyperspectral remote sensing and precision agriculture has been widely published, and she has mentored dozens of graduate students throughout her career, according to her online resume.

"I am deeply honored and humbled to be recommended by President Boyd to serve as the next chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga," Bruce said in a statement. "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 Greater Chattanooga community to build on this strong foundation and lead UTC into its next chapter of growth and opportunity."

During the public forum April 30, Bruce emphasized a leadership approach grounded in transparency, student success and community engagement, and she discussed teaching students ethical ways to use AI.

"I believe UTC is well positioned to grow in impact and reputation," she said during one forum. "I'm excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of this university and the region it serves."

Then, she mentioned her first 90 days will be spent listening, and she plans to renew marketing efforts.

"I want to understand what makes UTC truly special," she said. "The more I dug, the more impressed I became with the institution ... but on the other hand, why did I have to dig so hard to find those positive nuggets? We need this university to be telling its story boldly."

The newly elected UTC Student Government Association president for the 2025-26 academic year, Beeta Baghaevaji, attended the chancellor search lunches with multiple candidates.

"You could just tell she was comfortable in a room full of students," Baghaevaji said. "Compared to the other candidates, the school she's coming from, Tennessee Tech, is pretty similarly in size to UTC, with that in mind, I think she's better equipped to handle a college our size."

Baghaevaji spoke to the pragmatism underlying the decision for the next UTC chancellor to be a woman.

"First and foremost, right now more than ever, women are the majority enrolled in college. ... It is nice to see that being reflected within leadership," she said. "I think having a woman in this role could bring a unique touch to this. Women can be seen as more caring and compassionate. I think (Bruce) embodies that."

UTC professor and communication department head Erin Ryan, who was hired last year, said she is looking forward to working with Bruce.

"Her appointment marks an inspiring moment of progress, and I'm especially proud to see a woman leading us forward," Ryan wrote. "This is a pivotal time for higher education, and I'm hopeful that her leadership will guide us through today's challenges with vision and purpose."

Tennessee state Sen. Bo Watson, R-North Chattanooga, welcomed Bruce as the new chancellor in a statement, although the final decision still sits with the University of Tennessee board of trustees.

"As a proud 1983 graduate of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, I'm pleased to welcome Dr. Lori Bruce as our new chancellor," his statement said. "With a strong background in academic leadership, research growth and program development, she brings valuable experience that will serve UTC well in the years ahead. I look forward to the innovation and vision she will bring to our campus and our community."

If approved by the board of trustees, Bruce said she will ensure that student success is at the heart of everything UTC does, from ensuring access and support to helping students graduate career-ready and equipped to make meaningful contributions in a rapidly evolving workforce.

"We will also continue to strengthen UTC's role as a regional leader," Bruce said, "leveraging the expertise of our faculty to drive research, innovation and economic development across the Greater Chattanooga region and beyond."