The university received its first direct appropriation from the state of Tennessee in 1903. The legislature appropriated $10,000 to purchase the Thomas Tract, about 36 acres of river-bottom land which had previously separated almost all of the university’s farm from the Tennessee River. The university had bought two tracts, including a 262-acre farm and other … Continued

The university instituted a retirement plan in 1941. The faculty had sought a retirement plan since the 1920s.

The 1917 Intercollegiate Outdoor Rifle Team of the university won the national outdoor matches and brought the national trophy to Tennessee in 1917. The national matches were then suspended because of the war. In 1932 and 1933 the ROTC Rifle Team won the national Hearst Trophy. In 1941 the UT ROTC Rifle Team of 10 … Continued

The first institutional president (as Blount College) was Samuel Carrick, appointed in 1794.

In 1971 the board of governors of the UT Alumni Association established scholarships of $500 to be offered to the top two graduates of Tennessee community colleges. These were the first scholarships established for community college alumni by a Tennessee university.

The Coors Motor Spectacular Tractor Pull on January 30, 1988, was the first nonathletic event to be held in Thompson-Boling Arena after two scheduled rock concerts cancelled their dates. Earth, Wind and Fire cancelled because of low-ticket sales; Yes cancelled because their lead guitarist became ill. Fifty truckloads of dirt were used to construct the … Continued

Parking stickers were first issued in 1944.

The War Department, Bureau of Insular Affairs, Office of the Philippine Government Board in the United States for the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition, placed six Filipino students at UT for the 1904–5 school year. The students, who had spent the previous year in southern California schools, were highly recommended. William A. Sutherland, superintendent of Filipino … Continued

In July 1967 Dr. Herman Spivey announced that juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts (now Arts and Sciences) with at least 96 hours and a 3.0 overall average during each of the final six quarters at UT could take a course for elective credit on a pass or fail basis beginning in … Continued

Ann Tanner Taylor, Knoxville native and journalist for National Public Radio, received the inaugural Notable Woman award at the 1996 Charter Day banquet for her contributions to broadcasting. She earned a degree in English and history from UT and was, at the time of the award, news anchor for NPR’s All Things Considered.