Sent on behalf of Provost Jerold Hale:

Dear UTC faculty and staff,
As I'm sure many of you have heard, Jennifer Faires, the heart and soul of the Provost's Office since 2015, will soon be leaving UTC. Her last day with the University is Friday, June 30.
This is a tremendous loss for the University, but a fantastic opportunity arose for Jennifer. She is returning to her hometown of Oneida, Tennessee, to be a wellness coach and assist Scott County Schools in developing a school-based counseling program. In addition to moving closer to her family, this will allow her to utilize the knowledge and skill set she developed while completing her Master of Education: Counseling (M.Ed.) in December 2021.
Some of you might have been aware of her master's degree pursuit. Others may be aware that, along with her full-time job, she has been working to complete the clinical hours required to become a licensed counselor. Her new position will allow her to use the full breadth of her intellect, and it was an opportunity too good to pass up.
Counting interims, Jennifer has worked for four provosts and the dean of Arts and Sciences during her tenure at UTC-and she has been my trusted confidante since I first arrived on campus in 2019. She has been the bearer of institutional knowledge while taking care of a delicate job with tremendous grace and compassion.
Most importantly, Jennifer is an amazing campus citizen. She has a great deal of affection for UTC, and it shows in what she does for all of us on a daily basis. She's willing to help anybody who needs assistance, often at a moment's notice, and the combination of her terrific work ethic and skill set will serve her well in her next endeavor.
Vice Provost Matt Matthews has worked closely with Jennifer since 2014, when he became the department head of mathematics and she worked for the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. Matt reminded me of her significant role in helping him transition into that position, just as she did when he transitioned into the vice provost role. In fact, everyone here in this office has learned what we needed to do because she has taught each of us. Jennifer is the long-term memory of this office, and that's probably what we will miss most.
I am both elated for Jennifer and saddened about her departure. She has been an incredible colleague to work with, and she does so many things to make sure this office runs smoothly and that Academic Affairs is responsive to the needs of the University and the community. Thanks to her outstanding work in leading all of us, she has made the job a lot easier for the next person in this position.
Jennifer's last official day in the office is this Wednesday, June 28. If you can, please stop by Founders Hall and wish her the best as she departs for her next adventure.

Thank you,

Jerold L. Hale
Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs