Growing Together

TSU College of Agriculture Leaders Visit UT Institute of Agriculture to Strengthen Partnership

By Zekeya Harrison

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. --- Leaders from the Tennessee State University College of Agriculture visited the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture (UTIA) on Tuesday, July 28, for a day of discussions focused on expanding collaboration in research, academics, Extension and student opportunities.

Growing Together

Led by Dean and Director of Research/Administrator of Extension Dr. Chandra Reddy, the TSU delegation met with UTIA Senior Vice Chancellor and Senior Vice President Dr. Keith Carver, college deans, department leaders and other university officials.

Growing Together

The visit included discussions on strengthening existing partnerships, exploring opportunities for joint research initiatives, enhancing Extension programming across Tennessee and expanding academic pathways for students. Participants also learned more about the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine’s admissions process and discussed ways to better prepare TSU students pursuing careers in veterinary medicine.

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“Our goal is to continue strengthening the partnership between our two institutions,” Reddy said. “In a short period of time, we had the opportunity to meet with UTIA’s senior leadership and discuss several ways to enhance our ongoing collaboration. It was a fantastic visit.”

Carver echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the unique role both land-grant institutions play in serving Tennessee.
“Tennessee is blessed to have two very active land-grant universities,” Carver said. “When you look at UT AgResearch, UT Extension and our colleges, the opportunities to work together are tremendous. I’m excited about continuing to build on our long-standing partnership.”

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Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Chair Dr. Samuel Nahashon said the discussions centered on maximizing the collective strengths of both institutions.

“The key theme throughout the day was collaboration,” Nahashon said. “By working together in teaching, research and Extension, we can better serve Tennessee’s agricultural communities, strengthen faculty partnerships and create additional opportunities for our students.”

Growing Together

The visit concluded with both institutions reaffirming their commitment to continued collaboration and identifying future opportunities to work together in support of agriculture, research, Extension and workforce development across the state.