January 16, 2003

Dear Faculty, Staff, and Students:

Earlier today the University's Board of Trustees approved my recommendation
to appoint Steven D. Leonard as executive vice president of the University
of Tennessee, effective January 16.

We are very fortunate to have an individual of Steve's experience and
background joining us at the University. He has an impressive record of
service in the corporate and government sectors, having served as a special
assistant to the Governor and deputy commissioner of the state's Department
of Finance and Administration. Before he came home to Tennessee, Steve
founded a high-tech company and a large logistics company in California and
had a distinguished career in the airline industry, serving as a vice
president for two major airlines.

He earned the bachelor of science in business administration from the
University of Tennessee and the master of business from the University of
Dallas.

Steve will serve as the chief operating officer of the University and will
have offices in Knoxville and Nashville. He will have responsibility for
new, statewide initiatives and will give special attention to strategic
planning, information technology and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The national search for the new executive vice president began in September
2002. The search advisory committee, chaired by Vice President Sylvia
Davis, reviewed the applications of 36 candidates. Two were recommended to
me for interviews, and Steve's background of working with complex
initiatives in large organizations and his excellent administrative,
planning and communications skills make him well qualified for this
position.

Steve shares our vision of the University's future and has the experience
and knowledge that will help us reach our goals. I hope you will join me in
welcoming him to the University of Tennessee.

Cordially,
John W. Shumaker
President