Shumaker, John—Orange Carpet in the President’s Suite

When John Shumaker assumed the presidency of UT, the President’s Suite on the eighth floor of the Andy Holt Tower was carpeted in orange carpet. In April 2003 Shumaker ordered new carpet. Instead of orange, or a neutral color, he ordered $40,000 worth of “crimson flow” carpet—the color of arch-rival Alabama, as well as of the University of Louisville, where he had been president before coming to UT. In September 2003 Interim President Joe Johnson announced that the carpet would not be installed (an activity that would have cost an additional $13,000) but would be stored until a suitable use for it could be found. In November 2003 the carpet was included in a surplus property sale, with a minimum bid of $40,000. Two bids were received.

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  • Title Shumaker, John—Orange Carpet in the President’s Suite
  • Author
  • Keywords Shumaker, John—Orange Carpet in the President’s Suite
  • Website Name Volopedia
  • Publisher University of Tennessee Libraries
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  • Access Date July 20, 2025
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update October 16, 2018