Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek was interviewed by WUOT All Things Considered host Brandon Hollingsworth on March 26. In this extended version of their conversation, the Chancellor talks about investing more in infrastructure, the relationship between city and university, and UT’s academic future. On the topic of UT’s journey to the Top 25, Chancellor Cheek said UT has created benchmarks and must continue to progress toward those benchmarks. He said the toughest benchmark thus far has been the graduation rate. He noted UT has increased its national stature with the advent of the Bredesen Center and CURENT, the recruitment of eight Governor’s Chairs from top universities in the past three years, and UT’s competition for federal grants and contracts. He also discussed construction projects planned on and near the university.