MARTIN, Tenn.– Dr. Margaret N. Perry, chancellor of the University of Tennessee-Martin since 1986, announced Thursday she will retire Jan. 31, 1998.
Addressing a fall meeting of UT-Martin faculty, Perry said her years as chancellor have been a “pleasure and a privilege.
“I have been privileged to work with some of the best people on earth,” Perry said. “It is time for someone else to bring new insight, new change, new enthusiasm and new direction to the campus.”
UT President Joe Johnson said he was grateful for Perry’s leadership, achievements, and devotion to UT.
“I understand fully her decision,” Johnson said. “She has worked long, hard and successfully as chancellor of UT-Martin for 11 years.”
Johnson said he will appoint an advisory committee of UT trustees, alumni, donors, students, faculty and administrators to help identify candidates to succeed Perry.
Among Tennessee colleges and universities, Perry is currently the longest-serving chancellor or president.
UT-Martin, with Perry’s leadership, has increased enrollment, raised admissions standards , and improved retention and graduation rates.
Recent goals have included an integrated technology system for campus and reaching the university’s 21st Century Campaign fund raising targets.
A native of Waynesboro, Perry earned the bachelor’s degree from UT-Martin and the master’s degree and doctorate from UT-Knoxville.
She was associate vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville when she was appointed chancellor at UT-Martin.
—
Contact: Bud Grimes (901-587-7615)