KNOXVILLE — The University of Tennessee has received a gift of $100,000 in consulting services from the Ingram Group, a statewide public affairs firm, UT President Eli Fly announced Monday.
Over the next year, the Ingram Group will provide the university’s leadership with public relations and government relations consulting services through its offices located across Tennessee. Through its donation the firm will become a member of the university’s Benefactor’s Society.
“This is an extraordinary gift that will truly help the university during a critical time for the institution,” Fly said.
“During the next 12 months our university will undergo a search for a new president and, at the same time, face a challenging budget year on capital hill. It has ever been more important for the university to effectively communicate its good work, its vision for the future and its needs. There is no group of professionals better prepared to help us do this than the Ingram Group.”
The Ingram Group will work with Fly and his team to develop the university’s statewide communications strategies — how to let Tennesseans know about the university and its strengths, said David Jarrard, the firm’s president.
“We pride ourselves on our understanding of Tennessee — its people and its politics,” Jarrard said. “We believe as the university progresses, so will our state. Its success is fundamental to our state’s long-term prosperity.
“We are delighted to offer our services to the university during this critical time.”
The Ingram Group is an 18-year old public affairs firm with offices in Nashville, Memphis, Chattanooga and Knoxville. The group’s team of consultants include former journalists, state cabinet members, political campaign managers, congressional aides and press secretaries, lobbyists and publicists.
The Ingram Group works for a diverse group of more than 70 clients across Tennessee and the nation. The firm represents companies from almost every industry sector — including health care, engineering, telecommunications, arts and entertainment, manufacturing, corrections, financial and business services — as well as trade associations and not-for-profit organizations.