The University of Tennessee - Martin

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 [Jones, 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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Dear President Petersen:

I appreciate the partnership that has been formed between the University of Tennessee system and the Department of Correction as a result of the Grants to States for Workplace and Community Transition Training for Incarcerated Youth Offenders award.

Reentry has been an important focus area for the Department of Correction.  We are working toward improving the academic, vocational, and prerelease training that is offered to our inmates as they prepare for return into the community.  The grant award allows us to offer post-secondary education to inmates under the age of twenty-five and who are eligible for release within five years.

This is a pilot program, and its continuation is dependent upon the success of the students, positive feedback from faculty/staff from both UT Martin and Northwest Correctional Complex, and continued support from the University.  Students admitted into this program are admitted under the UT Martin category as an “Undergraduate Special Student.”  The Department of Correction will ensure the students participating in these courses have a record of exemplary conduct.

Further, all measures have been taken to ensure the safety and security of the faculty teaching the courses.  Northwest Correctional Complex has taken additional precautions to ensure the safety and security of the UT Martin faculty teaching class by placing cameras in the classrooms and placing a correctional officer on-duty outside of the classroom at all times.

I commend UT Martin’s Chancellor Rakes and the staff of the Office of Extended Campus & Continuing Education for their vision and willingness to work with us.  UT Martin also works with members of our correctional staff who are interested in furthering their education.

We are proud to be in this partnership with the University of Tennessee at Martin, and we appreciate the staff and faculty who have taken the initiative to educate this sector of our society that, all too often, is forgotten and who will hopefully rejoin our society as productive and educated citizens.

Sincerely,

George M. Little
Commissioner
Tennessee Department of Correction