Richard Gulley, Chief Information Officer and Director for Information Technology, retired after more than 28 years with The University of Tennessee Space Institute.

A native of Decherd, TN. Gulley joined the staff of the Space Institute part-time in 1988 as a waste water treatment operator while still employed with AEDC where he started in 1982. He began full-time at UTSI in 1990.

After graduating from Franklin County High School, Gulley earned an AS degree from Motlow State Community College in Lynchburg, TN. and went on to earn his BS degree from Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN.

Gulley transferred to the Information Technology Department in December of 2001 as a Senior IT Technologist II and advanced to IT Administrator II in October of 2003. In July of 2008 he became the Director for the IT Department and then on to Chief Information Officer and Director for IT until his retirement in January 2017.

At Gulley’s retirement party, Kanawful Massingille praised Gulley, citing his major work ethics in being responsible for all aspects of information technology. “Gulley’s humility in every area of his life makes him one of the most special individuals I have known,” added Massingille.

Gulley, with his deep baritone singing voice, has provided musical entertainment as well as playing the part of Santa Claus for the Space Institute’s holiday luncheons for numerous years. While watching photo slides at his retirement celebration pan through the years of events, he reminisced about the many events and his enjoyment through the years.

One of Gulley’s many talents is woodworking and his fellow workers presented him with a monetary retirement gift to purchase two new hand planes and a couple of attachments for his CNC machine which will be used in woodworking projects.

“UTSI has been good to me,” Gulley said. “Everybody that came into my office brought me joy. Most when they entered and some when they left.” Gulley added, “I’d like to thank all those that have given me the opportunity to advance while at UTSI. It has been an honor and privilege to work with you all. I wish all of you success and know I am leaving the department in very capable hands.”

Gulley and his wife, Melissa, reside in Decherd. They have two daughters, Penny (Michael) and Benji (Steven), and 4 grandchildren.