Four representatives of the University of Tennessee at Martin were selected to participate in the 2027 cohort of the University of Tennessee System’s UT Leadership Institute.
Those chosen from UT Martin were Matt Borden, director of annual giving, Office of Alumni Relations; Laura Larkins, assistant director of the Office of Housing; Dr. Michael O’Neill, director of the Department of Public Safety; and Dr. Clinton Smith, chair of the Department of Educational Studies.
“This year’s participants have demonstrated excellence in their current roles, a commitment to continued growth and a clear willingness to lead with purpose,” said Dr. Linda Martin, executive vice president of the UT System. “They will build on these strong skills and professional characteristics throughout the program by engaging in small- and large-group activities focused on decision-making, ethical leadership, team engagement and cross-campus collaboration.”
This year’s UT Leadership Institute cohort consists of 50 members, with representatives from campuses and institutes across the UT system.
The UT Leadership Institute is a rigorous, research-based leadership development experience for high-performing academic and administrative leaders across the UT System. Through an intensive, week-long curriculum, the UT Leadership Institute strengthens participants’ understanding of leadership in higher education and equips them with practical tools to lead others, enhance self-awareness, navigate organizational dynamics and foster a thriving culture aligned with UT’s mission and Be One UT values.
“Selection for the UT Leadership Institute is both an honor and a commitment,” Martin said. “These participants have chosen to step forward, invest in their development and take on the challenge of strengthening their leadership capacity in service to their teams, their campuses and the university.”
Others selected to take part in the 2027 cohort of the UT Leadership Institute were:
• UT System (4): Jeremy Bradford, Kate Hall, Janna Hixson, Charles Primm.
• UT Foundation (1): Leia Haney.
• UT Knoxville (21): Rebecca Alcorn, Thomas Boleyn, Angela Briggs, Marla Bruner, Laura Bryant, Lindsey Michelle Burke-Melton, Bridgit Carpenter, Tom Cervone, Jayne Dadmun, Leigh Ann Elkins, Cameron Freeman, Alissa Galyon, Amy Gilliland, Elyssa Gould, Heather Hartman, William Jennings, Blythe Kanaswood, Katy Malone, Mike Stanley, Samantha Ward, Caroline Wienhold.
• UT Chattanooga (11): Victoria Bryan, Julia Bursch, Brooke Epperson, Lindsey Felix, Brett Fuchs, Brittney Holder, Max Jordan, Jordan King, Christina Policastro, Michelle Prince, Lucy White.
• UT Health Sciences (4): Tonya Brown, Risa Handman, Aditi Kesari, Holly Rounds.
• UT Southern (1): Jessica Conrad.
• UT Institute of Agriculture (2): Denita Hadziabdic Guerry, Cassie Johnson.
• UT Institute for Public Service (1): Angie Carrier.
• UT Space Institute (1): Meghan Morris.
The UT Leadership Institute alternates years with the UT Executive Leadership Institute. UT Martin representatives who took part in the 2025 cohort of the UT Leadership Institute were Dr. Brad Baumgardner, Dr. Anthony Delmond, Kameron Echols, Landy Fuqua, Dr. Carrie Humphreys, Rachel Martin and Dr. Adnan Rasool. UT Martin representatives who took part in the 2026 UT Executive Leadership Institute were Dr. Jeffrey Bibbee, Ben Jones, Dr. Jamie Mantooth and Dr. Erik Nordberg.
Since 1981, the institute has supported leadership development across the UT System through a week of collaborative learning and facilitated sessions. Representing a strong cross-section of the university, the 2027 cohort will meet in Chattanooga in March for the weeklong program.
For more information about UT Martin, visit www.utm.edu or call 731-881-7000.
PHOTO: The four UT Martin representatives named to this year’s UT Leadership Institute cohort are (l-r) Matt Borden, director of annual giving, Office of Alumni Relations; Laura Larkins, assistant director of the Office of Housing; Dr. Michael O’Neill, director of the Department of Public Safety; and Dr. Clinton Smith, chair of the Department of Educational Studies.
