KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The children’s center at the University of Tennessee-Martin was named Thursday by the UT Board of Trustees in honor of retired chancellor Dr. Margaret Perry.
The 9,000-square-foot facility will be known as the Margaret N. Perry Children’s Center.
The center, which Perry has called one of the major accomplishments of her 11-year administration, offers early childhood programs for the sons and daughters of UT students, faculty, staff and area residents.
UT President Joe Johnson said naming the center for Perry was the board’s way of expressing appreciation for the former chancellor’s years of service.
“The board’s action is fitting recognition for the outstanding contributions Perry made to the university and her community,” Johnson said.
Perry appointed a task force in 1990 to plan for the center, which was constructed by UT-Martin physical plant personnel at a cost of $500,000. Dedication of the facility was April 30, 1993.
“I am honored and flattered to have my name associated with the center,” Perry said. “It is a wonderful center that is serving a need, and it exemplifies the spirit of the campus during the time I was there.”
User fees pay for the center, which offers learning and development opportunities for preschool and school-aged children.
Center programs are directed by the human environmental sciences department, providing UT-Martin students with practical experiences to complement their academic work.
With its new name, re-dedication ceremonies for the center are planned in August. Perry retired in January.
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Contact: Bud Grimes (901-587-7615)