UT-Knoxville Chancellor Beverly Davenport makes remarks at a welcoming reception hosted by business leaders.
Beverly Davenport, UT-Knoxville’s new chancellor, charmed more than 200 Knoxville business and community leaders recently with her enthusiasm and openness at a reception held in her honor at the Knoxville Convention Center.
Costs of the reception were paid for entirely by three sponsors: Pilot Flying J, First Tennessee Bank and University of Tennessee Medical Center.
In brief remarks, Davenport thanked the crowd for the “Big Orange welcome” and discussed her pleasure over finding a historic home to purchase within minutes of the UT campus.
As chancellor, Davenport is the top-ranking official in charge of the Knoxville campus. She reports to UT President Joe DiPietro who heads the entire University of Tennessee system, which includes additional campuses in Chattanooga and Martin; health sciences campus in Memphis; research institute in Tullahoma; and various extensions throughout the state.
Davenport is the first woman to hold the position in the 222-year history of the Knoxville campus. A native of Bowling Green, Kentucky, Davenport came to Knoxville from the University of Cincinnati, where she was interim president.
(All photos in this blog post were taken by Gary Heatherly on behalf of Moxley Carmichael, except where otherwise noted.)
Sponsors pause for a photo with Chancellor Davenport. From left, Joe Landsman, president and CEO of UT Medical Center; Pam Fansler, chairman of First Tennessee Bank’s East Tennessee region; Davenport; and Jim Haslam, chairman and founder of Pilot Flying J.
Davenport, left, with Mary Bogert, general manager of the Knoxville Convention Center, and Tom Catani, vice president of U.S. Cellular.
From left, Tom Ballard, Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Jai Templeton and Natalie Haslam.
Knox County Commissioner Hugh Nystrom with his wife, Angelia, left, and Frankie Wade.
From left, state Sen. Becky Massey, Morton Massey, Register of Deeds Sherry Witt and Jay Gingrich.
Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett, right, with Albert Harb and Sue Atchley.
From left, federal Judge Tom Varlan, UT President Emeritus Joe Johnson and Pace Robinson.
Knox County Trustee Ed Shouse, left, with Jack Hammontree.
From left, Tiffany Gardner, Mintha Roach and Dan and Kathy Hamilton.
Knoxville Police Chief David Rausch with Phyllis Nichols and Jim Decker.
The Convention Center’s Cumberland Concourse provided a bright and airy space for the party.
Big Orange cupcakes were a hit. Orange and white (of course) posies from The Flower Pot were beautiful.
From left, Janet Testerman, Joey Creswell and Bill Lyons.
Jim Haslam and Beverly Davenport in the receiving line. (Photo by Pam Rhoades)
John Gill and Margie Nichols chat with Haslam in the receiving line. (Photo by Pam Rhoades)
Davenport with Knox County Commissioner Bob Thomas.
Jacque and Cliff Hawks.
Elaine and Eric Zeanah, left, with Tami and Bruce Hartmann.
From left, Alan Hill, Joanne Hall and Danielle Hemsley.
Knoxville Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Rachel Ford, left, and Music Director Aram Demirjian.
From left, Joe Bailey, Jenny Williams, Grady Regas, Janet Testerman Crossley, Bill Regas and Tom and Pattye Barnes.
Loida Velazquez, left, and Patricia Robledo.
From left, Margie Nichols, Amber Parker, Elaine Streno and Bo and Beth Townsend.
Lofton Stuart, left, and Jon Brock.
Laurens Tullock and Polly Ailor with Gay Lyons, right.
Judge Tom and Danni Varlan, left, with Carolyn and Ron Lawrence.
Robert Kidd, left, and Dick Ray.
From left, Angelia and County Commissioner Hugh Nystrom, Ellen Bebb, City Councilman Finbarr Saunders, Lisa New and Lauren Miller.
Steve Catlett and Marilyn Elrod.
From left, Mike Strickland, Allison Burchett and Bette and Richard Bryan.
Sue and Cindy Atchley.
From left, Marigail Mullin, Susan Martin, Paul Barrette and Dorothy Bryson.
Paul Barber and Betsy Child.
Alan Carmichael, right, with Jim and Phyllis Nichols.
Knox County School Board members Patti Bounds, left, and Amber Rountree.
Haha! UT-Knoxville Chancellor Emeritus Bill Snyder with County Commissioner Michele Carringer and Regina Dean.
Michelle Hardin and City Councilman Duane Grieve.
From left, Lee Patouillet, J. Ford Little and Bruce Bosse.
Nick Cazana, left, and Doug Kennedy.
From left, Pam Fansler, Mike Edwards, Doug White and Joe Landsman.
Jennifer Holder and Doug Tabor.
From left, County Commissioner Evelyn Gill, state Sen. Becky Massey, Kim Trent, Wayne Davis, Gay Lyons and Michael Gill.
Jeff Knight and Tiffany Gardner.
Becky Hancock with Davenport.
Charley Sexton, left, with Municipal Judge John Rosson.
John Craig, left, and Tom Catani.
Judith Foltz and Scott Bird.
Ben Landers, left, and Thomas “Tank” Strickland.
Mary Bogert and Mike Murray.
Melanie Wilson, left, and Dorothy Bryson.
Mike Winchester, left, and Jim Atchley.
County Commissioners Hugh Nystrom and Charles Busler with Morton Massey, right.
Pace and Karen Robinson.
A final shot of Chancellor Davenport and Jim Haslam at the podium. Thanks so much to all the sponsors for a great evening.
I ate two cupcakes and two cheesecakes. They were delicious. As always, a Big Orange welcome and well-executed event.
Glad you enjoyed, Maria! I didn’t get to eat a bite, although I heard rave reviews about the food.
I am always so impressed with the Moxley Carmichael team, and so glad to contribute to a warm welcome for Chancellor Davenport!
Emily: We love working with you and your team at The Flower Pot. We can tell that customer service is important to you. We have not always had that experience with other florists. Thanks so much.
Thank you for sharing a monumental event for UTK and Knoxville. So proud to welcome Mrs. Davenport to our community and institution. Especially happy to see pics of one of my mentors- Mr. Jack Hammontree.
Hi, Marti! I agree that it was great to see Jack again. I believe Chancellor Davenport is off to a very good start. I am confident she will love Knoxville as much as you and I do.
Well planned and executed event! Glad to be included and get to meet Chancellor Davenport and see friends from my Knoxville days.
Great seeing you, Frankie! Glad it worked out so well.
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