“He always had time for students.”
Those words captured the spirit of Dr. Phillip Watkins’ career at the University of Tennessee at Martin when the quote appeared on the April 27, 2000, cover of his retirement event program.
His love for students is how many will remember the longtime student affairs leader who died Nov. 12 in Martin. Watkins served as a higher education educator and administrator for 43 years until his retirement in 2000, which included 36 years at UT Martin. He was the first to hold the vice chancellor for student affairs title at the university.
“Dr. Watkins was well-known and respected in student affairs circles,” said UT Martin Chancellor Yancy Freeman. “As a longtime vice chancellor for student affairs, I appreciate the foundation he helped to lay for how we serve UT Martin students today.
“His strong legacy lives on.”
The Rives, Tennessee, native earned a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in 1956 from UT Martin Branch. While a student, he completed his master’s degree in 1959 and his doctorate in 1961, both from the University of Illinois.
He then worked at Clemson University in South Carolina from 1961 to 1964 as an assistant professor of agronomy and returned to UT Martin in 1964 as assistant professor of biology. He was promoted to assistant dean of instruction in 1968, and from 1969-1971, he was the acting dean of liberal arts and the assistant to the vice chancellor for academic affairs.
In 1971, Watkins became the associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and an associate professor of biology. In 1973, he was named UT Martin’s first vice chancellor for undergraduate life, which later became vice chancellor for student affairs.
Together with his colleague and friend, the late Harold Conner, the first African American administrator at UT Martin, Watkins is credited with helping to develop the university’s international programs and began the Freshman Studies program (now the First-Year Experience) and the Peer Enabling Program, both created` to help new students adjust to college life. Watkins helped to expand Boling University Center services, created the Office of Campus Recreation and formed the university’s Student Activities Council.
As vice chancellor, Watkins worked with the Student Government Association, student housing, The Pacer student newspaper, The Spirit yearbook staff and pre-health science majors. He was a former Student Government Association president and was voted Mr. UTMB by the student body.
“Phil Watkins loved UT Martin, and you could count on him to always put students first,” said UT Martin Chancellor Emeritus Margaret Perry. “He truly was the students’ best friend and leader.” Watkins was a member of the chancellor’s staff during Perry’s time as chancellor from 1986-1997.
At his 2000 retirement, the university announced the Watkins Student Leadership Development Fund to celebrate his career devoted to UT Martin students. The Phillip W. Watkins Auditorium was also named that day for Watkins in recognition for his dedication to students.
Then, in October 2007, the Friends Statues in the university quad were officially named in recognition of the lifelong friendships forged among students, faculty and staff. The statues are also a tribute to Watkins and his work as a Student Government Association adviser and to Dr. Paul Blaylock Jr. and other former SGA officers.
“The positive impact he had on the lives of UTM students is unmeasurable,” said Dr. Andy Lewter, the university’s current vice chancellor for student affairs. “His advice when I was a student led me to a career in student affairs.
“His wisdom will be missed by me and many others.”
The quote on Phillip Watkins’ retirement program cover wasn’t attributed to anyone, but no attribution was needed. Even though years have passed since his time at the university, most who knew him would still express the same sentiments as UT Martin remembers a man who always put students first.
Visitation is scheduled from 1-3 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 29, at Martin First United Methodist Church. Services will begin at 3 p.m. at the church.
PHOTO: Dr. Phillip Watkins is pictured in this file photo when he spoke during the Transfer Boot Camp on July 21, 2023, next to the Friends Statues, located on the quadrangle. As part of the camp, the UT Martin Legends Tour provided incoming transfer students the opportunity to hear alums speak about their university experiences. The Friends Statues were officially named in October 2007 to recognize lifelong friendships forged among students, faculty and staff. The statues are also a tribute to Watkins and his work as a Student Government Association adviser and to Dr. Paul Blaylock Jr. and other former SGA officers.
