UC Foundation
Our Mission
The mission of the University of Chattanooga Foundation is to provide the necessary resources to support distinctive programs and promote bold initiatives that enrich the educational experience at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.
The Foundation serves as a catalyst for educating and supporting men and women by:
Assisting in the attraction and retention of bright, dedicated, and diverse students and faculty
Directly funding distinct initiatives
Encouraging and participating in the development of creative opportunities
Providing leadership and funding for the development of strategic partnerships
Engaging and overseeing the financial enhancement and alumni outreach of the University
Our History
The University of Chattanooga Foundation Inc. manages the private endowment of The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. The UC Foundation was created in 1969 when the private University of Chattanooga merged with Chattanooga City College and joined the University of Tennessee system of statewide campuses.
Since its inception, the foundation has been dedicated to supporting academic initiatives and educational excellence at the University, offering a wide range of support including the Guerry Professorships for top faculty, funding for arts and entertainment through the Patten Fine Arts Series, equipment grants and loans for academic departments, matching funds for chairs of excellence, scholarships and honors programs to attract the best students. In recent years, it has also facilitated high-quality student housing and an elementary school through a unique public/private partnership.
The UC Foundation’s endowment has grown from $6 million to over $170 million through the increase in asset value and substantial contributions from donors over the years. The financial growth of the foundation, coupled with the involvement of numerous community leaders who offer their time and service to the board, exemplifies the public-private partnerships that exist at UTC and serves as an exceptional model for other institutions.
