Donde Plowman

Donde Plowman is the current Chancellor of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT), having assumed the role on July 1, 2019. She is recognized for her decisive leadership and innovative approaches to higher education, particularly in enhancing student success and institutional growth.

Educational Background

Plowman holds a PhD in Strategic Management from the University of Texas at Austin, a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Texas, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Southern Methodist University. Her academic career began at the University of Texas at San Antonio, where she progressed from Assistant Professor to Professor and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies and Research.

Career Highlights

Before her chancellorship at UT, Plowman served as:

• Executive Vice Chancellor & Chief Academic Officer at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) from January 2017 to June 2019.
• Dean of the College of Business at UNL from July 2010 to January 2017.
• Department Head in the Department of Management at UT from August 2007 to July 2010.

During her tenure as Chancellor, Plowman has overseen significant achievements:

• A 19% increase in enrollment, contrasting with trends at many other institutions.
• Record highs in student retention, alumni contributions, state funding, and research expenditures, with annual research awards reaching $428 million.
• The establishment of the Division of Student Success, which has positively impacted student retention and graduation rates.

Leadership Initiatives

Plowman has emphasized a collaborative vision for UT, launching initiatives that focus on community engagement and academic excellence. She has also been active in addressing challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring that educational programs continued effectively while prioritizing student safety.

In addition to her administrative roles, she is involved in athletics governance as a member of the NCAA Presidential Forum and was elected vice president of the SEC Executive Committee in 2023.

Personal Life

Plowman is married to Dennis Duchon, who is also an academic leader at UNL. They have two grown sons.

Overall, Donde Plowman's leadership has positioned the University of Tennessee, Knoxville as a prominent institution focused on innovation and community service, reflecting its identity as a land-grant university dedicated to public good.