KNOXVILLE, Tenn.– The University of Tennessee and IBM, the nation’s largest information technology company, are making an official commitment to seek more opportunities for joint ventures.
UT-Knoxville Chancellor Bill Snyder said a partnership agreement will be signed Monday.
“The explosion in information sciences around the world makes renewing this partnership even more important,” Snyder said. “We look forward to exploring new challenges with IBM.”
Dr. Jose Marie Griffiths, acting vice chancellor for computing and telecommunications at UT-Knoxville, said the move boosts UT’s commitment to improving its information systems and telecommunications environment. The partnership will benefit both UT and IBM, she said.
“It could include equipment acquisitions, hiring UT graduates and student interns, and taking more research initiatives,” Griffiths said. “IBM will get a better understanding of the needs of academia to use in designing their products and be able to share UT faculty resources for their research.”
Terry Moore, IBM Knoxville locations manager, said the company has had a long working relationship with UT since IBM opened its Knoxville office in 1934.
“We will continue to create innovative solutions, as we have in the past, to address 21st century challenges in higher education and research,” Moore said. “This agreement is the dawn of a new era of sharing resources and exploring new collaborations with IBM.” ___
Contact: Dr. Jose Marie Griffiths (615-974-3730)
Terry Moore (615-595-2506)