A Message from Lee Williams Weldon
When I first learned about the opportunity to join the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, I was drawn to something larger than the position itself. I saw a university with extraordinary momentum, a bold vision for its future and a community that believes deeply in the power of higher education to transform lives.
Now that I’m here, that excitement has only grown.
Throughout my career, I’ve been fortunate to work alongside remarkable universities, philanthropic partners and dedicated volunteers. What I’ve learned is that lasting success is never built by one person or one office. It is created through relationships. It grows from trust, shared purpose and people who believe enough in an institution to invest their time, talents and resources in its future.
That is exactly what I see at UTC.
Across campus, I have already met faculty and staff who are passionate about student success, alumni who remain deeply connected to their alma mater, donors whose generosity is opening doors for future generations and community partners who recognize UTC’s essential role in the future of Chattanooga.
Together, those relationships have created tremendous momentum.
In recent years, UTC has celebrated record philanthropic support, transformative investments and growing engagement from alumni and friends. Those accomplishments deserve to be celebrated because they represent opportunities created for students, strengthened academic programs and a university that continues to elevate its impact across our region.
At the same time, our work is far from finished.
UTC’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan presents an ambitious vision for expanding opportunity, driving innovation, strengthening research, supporting student success and serving Chattanooga in meaningful ways. Achieving that vision will require all of us working together across campus and throughout our community as we build new partnerships and inspire continued investment in UTC’s future.
Advancement plays a unique role in helping bring UTC’s vision to life by connecting people with the places, programs and purposes they care about most. Whether through philanthropy, alumni engagement or community partnerships, our goal is to help every Moc find meaningful ways to stay connected and make a difference.
As Executive Director of the UC Foundation, I look forward to partnering with the Foundation’s Board of Trustees to steward philanthropic investments that expand opportunities for students, strengthen academic excellence and help bring the university’s boldest aspirations to life.
I’m especially excited to become part of the Chattanooga community. This city has a remarkable spirit of collaboration and generosity, and those qualities are reflected throughout UTC. I look forward to listening, learning and building relationships across campus and throughout our region as we continue writing the university’s next chapter together.
To our alumni, donors and friends: Thank you for the confidence you’ve already placed in UTC.
To our faculty and staff: Thank you for the work you do every day to change lives.
To everyone who believes in the promise of this university: I look forward to partnering with you as we build on our momentum and create even greater opportunities for generations of Mocs to come.
I can’t wait to see what we’ll accomplish together.
Go Mocs.
Lee Willliams Weldon, Ed.D.
Vice Chancellor of Advancement,
Executive Director of the UC Foundation
