The University of Tennessee Foundation (UTFI) has hit a new fundraising record, amassing an impressive $492.8 million in new gifts and commitments for 2025. This figure represents another significant increase, following a successful campaign last year that saw the foundation raise $400 million for the first time in its history, as reported by WVLT.
Kerry Witcher, president and CEO of the UTFI, has expressed profound gratitude, noting, "This is a defining moment in the life of the University of Tennessee," as per the University of Tennessee's news. UT Knoxville, the flagship campus, is credited with raising $428 million (about 87%) of the total funds, with over 70,000 donors contributing, an extraordinary $94 million more than the previous year's total, according to Knox News.
The funding growth reflects the broad confidence in the university's direction and leadership. In a statement obtained by the University of Tennessee's news, UT System President Randy Boyd praised the achievement, saying “Raising nearly $500 million in a single year is an extraordinary accomplishment and a powerful endorsement of the work happening across our campuses,” acknowledging the robust support from the Foundation's team and the belief in UT's mission to "educate, discover and serve the state of Tennessee."
These contributions, as explained by Jackie Wise, Senior Director of Communications, are poised to bolster operations and capital projects throughout the UT system, fostering an environment where student aspirations turn into tangible achievements. Brian Broyles, senior vice chancellor for advancement at UT Knoxville, told Knox News, "The alumni affinity we enjoy here in Knoxville is off the charts," underscoring the alumni base's significance in their fundraising successes.
