July 4, 2002

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:

I am glad that the state Legislature has passed a revenue measure and an
appropriations bill that returns the state and the University to normal
operations.

This budget is not all that we need to move the University forward, but it
is a much better outcome than the no-new-taxes proposals. Those would have
had a devastating effect on the University of Tennessee.

We will use these dollars wisely and get to work immediately to give
Tennessee the very best university this budget will allow.

A number of people have worked diligently on behalf of the University
during this legislative session. I thank the students, faculty, staff,
alumni, the Governor, members of the General Assembly, trustees and many
others who have represented the University's interests so effectively.

I am pleased that the appropriations bill allows us to develop a plan that
will redress problems created for our staff during this week's partial
shutdown of state government.

I welcome our dedicated and loyal UT faculty and employees back to work on
Friday, July 5th, and I am happy that we can proceed with the second
session summer classes.

Cordially,
John W. Shumaker
UT President