State Relations

With a presence in all 95 counties, the University of Tennessee (UT) System maintains a strategic and highly valued partnership with the State of Tennessee. UT’s Office of State Relations plays a critical role in strengthening this relationship, serving as the primary liaison with the Office of the Governor, the Tennessee General Assembly, and other key state government leaders and agencies.

The Office supports the UT President in shaping legislative and budget priorities and spearheads efforts to advocate for these initiatives at the state level. During each legislative session, the Office tracks over 1,500 bills, actively engaging with those that have the potential to impact UT’s operations or policies.

Beyond legislative matters, the Office assists in securing administrative rules through the Joint Government Operations Committee and facilitates contractual matters through the Fiscal Review Committee.

Additionally, the Office strives to deliver exceptional constituent services to government officials and stakeholders, enhancing UT’s service to Tennessee communities. By working closely with UT leaders across the state, it creates platforms for government officials to experience firsthand the excellence of UT’s students, faculty, and staff, further positioning UT as Tennessee’s leading resource for addressing complex statewide challenges.