University of Tennessee, Knoxville President Donde Plowman joined Arizona State University President Michael Crow to discuss a groundbreaking partnership between the two universities to expand access to higher education. Their discussion took place as part of the annual ASU+GSV Summit, the premier global education innovation conference.
ASU Executive Vice President and University President Nancy Gonzalez moderated the discussion.
UT and ASU are collaborating to rapidly expand innovative digital teaching and learning opportunities to serve millions of residents in Tennessee and Arizona. Both universities are working together to better serve students by combining resources, sharing best practices, and leveraging our collective expertise in a digital format.
This collaboration addresses the diverse needs of today's learners, including students who cannot participate in a traditional campus environment and working adults with families pursuing further education. It aims to engage learners in their educational journey and address the evolving needs of the workforce. He is one of nearly 1 million people in Tennessee who have college credits but do not have a degree.
“We’re both very mission-driven organizations,” Plowman said. “For us, it’s all about supporting the nation in terms of economic development at all levels.”
The agreement includes course exchanges, joint technology solutions efforts, and operational advisory services from ASU designed to accelerate the continued development of UT's independent infrastructure and operational capabilities.
UT currently offers more than 70 fully online degree and certificate programs across approximately 80 areas of interest. Through this partnership, UT plans to launch additional programs later this fall and more next year.
“The opportunity to partner with ASU helped us with our escalation,” Plowman said.
Our partnership with ASU is a testament to UT's commitment to academic excellence and access. This expanded platform will enable more individuals to benefit from the flexible education options that are increasingly in demand in today's higher education environment.
ASU is known for its global leadership in digital learning and high-quality academic programs.
“This partnership is a way for us to learn from UT Knoxville and for them to learn from us. This is part of a process that we all benefit from,” Crow said. “We are people who pursue social outcomes.”
—
Media contact:
Tyra Haag (865-974-5460, tyra.haag@tennessee.edu)