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Welcome from the UTSI Support Council

The United States Air Force and the associated scientific community recognized the critical need for an affiliated research and graduate education institution when the Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) was established near Tullahoma, TN in 1951. After the U. S. government donated the 365 acres to expressly establish the University of Tennessee Space Institute (UTSI), local area business men and women began lobbying efforts with national, state, and local politicians to make UTSI happen. With assistance from Andy Holt, then president of the University of TN, Governor Frank Clement, and with the urging of Morris Simon, Nelson Forrester, Dr. Ewing Threet, Wm. R. Carter, and many others, UTSI became a reality and opened it’s doors September 24, 1964.

Since UTSI’s inception, AEDC employees alone have earned 480+ Master’s Degrees and 48+ Doctorate of Philosophy Degrees.. Over the years, the number of AEDC employees enrolled at UTSI varied from a high of 375 to a recent low (2001) of 35.

The University of Tennessee Systems newly appointed (2005) President, Dr. John Petersen, stated “the University of Tennessee is currently involved in a partnership with the U. S. Department of Energy to build world-class programs in math and science that will maintain the State of Tennessee’s competitive edge. For the university to succeed we must have a large number of young people following the math, science, and engineering paths that prepare today’s students for tomorrow’s workplace.”

Realizing that UTSI would become a integral part of building a world-class math, science, and research program Dr. Petersen and his search committee, after a thorough and exhausting search to find a replacement for the retiring (28 years) Dr. John Caruthers, hired Dr. Don Daniel to renew and revitalize UTSI’s effort to return UTSI to “world-class status.” A great leader – a great choice. The right man at the right time at the right place.

Taking the reins June 5, 2006 Dr. Daniel challenged our Support Council to assist in “Growing UTSI.” The Support Council’s Executive Committee addressed the request and agreed unanimously to accept the challenge. In order to Make It Happen we further unanimously agreed our first goal would be to “Grow our Council.”

Therefore, I am happy to announce and endorse The University of Tennessee Space Institute Support Council’s first campaign for “Growing our Council.” Presently, we have one hundred and seven (107) regular members, thirteen (13) ex-officio members, fifteen (15) honorary members, and four (4) life-time emeritus members. Our goal – by December 31, 2006 we are seeking to increase our membership to 125 regular members and raise $12,500.00 in Support Council capital. Second phase - December 31, 2007 – 200 members and $20,000.00 in Support Council capital. Third phase – December 31, 2008 – 250 members and $25,000.00 in Support Council capital.

Not only is UTSI seeking a rejuvenated partnership with AEDC as they replenish their aging workforce, our Support Council is seeking a partnership with the professional, financial, educational, and business community in the entire Southern Middle Tennessee region. Only by Growing our Council can we assist in Growing UTSI. By focusing on fundamentals and acting to keep higher-paying jobs here at home, a thriving and flourishing UTSI will offer unrivaled opportunity and prosperity as a world leader in technology and scientific advancement for generations to come.

UTSI and our UTSI Support Council are partners in the economic vitality and quality of life in Middle Tennessee. Please call me or any member of the Support Council Executive Committee if you have any questions or advise regarding our mission to grow our support group.

Thanks, let’s go to work, and get ‘er done.

James R. (Dick) Farrar
Chairman - UTSI Support Council
2006 - 2008