The University of Tennessee - Martin

Bret (Bret Campbell is men's basketball coach):  

The "Character Counts" game and the accompanying work in the schools of Weakley County by you and your team are such great ideas.  It is hard to really imagine the amount of good this effort has brought to the young people of Weakley County.  So many are in need of a respected person such as yourself, and no doubt the young men who play for you, to offer them an image that engenders hope and inspires wholesome attitudes and actions.  I am especially appreciative of the "reaching out" by the UTM community to the greater community in Weakley County.  We can't do too much from either perspective to foster good will.  Again, thank you for what you have done and will continue to do as a community leader.

Gordon Morris, Chairman
Weakley County Board of Education

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Dr.  Toston (Dr. Margaret Toston is Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs):
 
Just a short note of THANKS to you and your staff for a campus visit my family made a few weeks ago.
 
My youngest son, Alec, was considering the engineering programs at both UTM and (another university).
 
After our visit to UT Martin and discussions with the faculty and especially the UTM Housing staff and tour of the new housing, his mind was made up.  UTM is the place of choice!  We cancelled our visit to (the other university).
 
A real bright spot for your division is the housing staff.  Mr. Earl Wright went out of his way to talk with us, show us the housing options and give us a great overall feeling of Alec’s potential on-campus experience.
 
I just wanted to share a little good news.  We don’t hear it often enough.
 
We look forward to becoming a part of the UTM family.
 
 Joe Mills
Clarksville, TN
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Dear UT Martin Administration:

I recently went through the process of assisting my child in his college search and enrollment. I had never been to UT Martin before we did a campus visit and tour this past spring. It has a BEAUTIFUL campus and I was, and continue to be, so impressed with the level of contact and concern the administration showed in his enrollment, housing, financial aid, etc...

It is a real change for me because I went to a different state university and had a different experience. I had to really dig in and really watch out for myself every step of the way. It never seemed like anyone was looking out for me or trying to coordinate the process. It seems that you view prospective students with a caring, excellent customer-service approach. The faculty and staff of UT Martin are doing a lot of things right. I want you to know that your efforts and focus are not going unnoticed.

Sincerely,
Leigh Averitt-Neperud
Clarksville, TN 37040

Mr. Grimes (Bud Grimes, Director, Office of University Relations):

I think one of the most stressful days between parents and their college-bound child is dorm move in day.  Let me tell you about mine from yesterday.

We arrive at the Ellington dorms around 930am after a 3 hour drive in a pick up truck loaded over the roof.  I was directed to the "circle"  by a police officer posted at the main entrance,  cars and people were everywhere unloading and moving about.  I had no sooner parked and I was greeted by a man named Cesar (Rivas-Sandoval, Skyhawk linebackers coach),  he ask me what room and he would have someone help me.  He put about six large football players on the job and I was out of the way in about five minutes.

Cesar and the University turned a very stressful day into a delightful one that I could spend with my daughter.  THANK YOU

It is refreshing to see a school with such a positive attitude and a culture that promotes a caring and learning atmosphere.

David Bowers

Collierville

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Dear Nola (Dr. Nola Jones is Director of Bands):

On behalf of myself, and the West Tennessee School Band and Orchestra Association, I would like to thank you for your help in preparation for the West Tennessee Concert Band Festival. Even though it was Spring break, I know that our use of your fine facility caused some extra work and inconvenience on your part. Without the help and cooperation that occurred on the UT Martin campus, this festival would not have taken place.

Knowing that you were there to lend a helping hand made my job as festival coordinator much easier to handle. Your attitude and actions toward not only myself but all of the participating directors and students was just one more example of the class act that has been the driving force in the resurgence of the band program at Martin. For all of the many things that you did behind the scenes to make this event a success, a very special thank you.

Historically, the Martin campus has been a strong supporter of music education in West Tennessee. This past week, close to one thousand students from every corner of West Tennessee performed on the stage of the Harriet Fulton Theatre and visited your campus. This is further proof of your support of the young people in this region who love music.

Once again, thanks for your help and support!

Sincerely,

Mike Tucker

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