Chancellor Nick Dunagan doesn’t mind telling people he is a St. Louis Cardinals baseball fan or a UT Martin Skyhawk fan. He’s attended more games than the average fan or any college student.

When his beloved Cardinals won the World Series in October, he was thrilled. As the UT Martin football team soared to the top of the Ohio Valley Conference standings and earned some long overdue respect with an eight-game winning streak, Dunagan went from super Skyhawk fan to rabid.

For most students and alumni, all they see is Dunagan the fan. Behind the scenes the UT Martin chancellor has been a vital cog in athletics.
Dunagan agreed to support the fund-raising project that resulted in the Bob Carroll Football Building. “More specifically he agreed to build the building at the football stadium to illustrate his commitment to football,” said Phil Dane, director of intercollegiate athletics.

He agreed to allocate a funding plan for a new basketball floor and new basketball seating in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center.

He also supported an increase in the athletic activity fee to fund gender equity initiatives and the re-establishment of an athletic training program.
“In general, he has supported me by allowing me to direct the athletic program without micro-managing hiring decisions, administrative policies, etc.,” Dane said.

Dunagan also has taken an active role in the Ohio Valley Conference for UT Martin.

“Chancellor Dunagan has been a very active part of the board of presidents for the OVC,” said Dr. Jon Steinbrecher, Ohio Valley Conference commissioner. “When I am on campus, I always make time to visit with him. He has helped to educate me about the education[al] ... and financial issues in Tennessee higher education. His leadership over the years at the University of Tennessee at Martin is very impressive; I wish him and his wife, Cathy, the very best in their new endeavors. Chancellor Dunagan has long been a great ambassador for UT Martin and the Ohio Valley Conference.”