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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, William. R. Carter, and many others, UTSI became a reality and opened its 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.

Dr. Jimmy Cheek announced that Dr. Robert "Buddy" Moore, Associate Dean for Research and Graduate programs for the College of Veterinary Medicine, was named Executive Director of the University of Tennessee Space Institute, effective January 1, 2010.

"Dr. Moore is a very well respected and proven administrator who will lead the institute’s research and instructional mission with an eye for building new partnerships and graduate enrollment. He is a proven leader who can help implement strategies to enhance interdisciplinary projects and take advantage of opportunities," said Cheek. "His experience with the university and several key research centers provides a broad framework for enhanced collaboration with UT, as well as other universities and public and private partners."

The University of Tennessee Systems newly appointed (2010) President, Dr. Joe DiPietro, stated “I believe it is important for the president to create an atmosphere that inspires people and values integrity, ingenuity, leadership, performance, partnerships and effective communication. As president, I strive to be accessible to faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends and the public. I am accountable to all these constituencies and the people of this state for which the University exists to serve.”

The Support Council’s Executive Committee addressed the need to reinvigorate the UTSI Support Council by being involved with Dr. Moore as he has taken on the task of reinventing UTSI. One of our first goals is 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 eleven (111) regular members, six (6) ex-officio members, sixteen (16) honorary members, and four (4) life-time emeritus members. Our goal – by December 31, 2011 we are seeking to increase our membership to 125 regular members and raise $15,000.00 in Support Council capital. Second phase - December 31, 2012 – 200 members and $23,000.00 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 advice regarding our mission to grow our support group.

Sincerely,



            Steve T. Cope
Chairman - UTSI Support Council
             2010 - 2012