The Office of Provost was created by Chancellor Jack Reese in 1983 to replace vice chancellors of academic affairs and graduate studies and research, in accord with the recommendation of the Task Force on Institutional Effectiveness. Dr. George Wheeler was appointed the first provost in 1984. In 1989, with the reorganization of campus and system functions instituted by President Lamar Alexander, Dr. John Quinn was appointed to serve both the provost and the chancellor roles for the Knoxville campus. The vice chancellor for academic affairs position was filled (by Dr. John Peters) during Dr. Bill Snyder’s tenure as chancellor (1992–99). Dr. Snyder reinstituted the title “Provost” in 1999 as part of the reorganization of campus functions. Dr. John Peters was elevated to provost and senior vice chancellor for academic affairs.
When Dr. Snyder stepped down, UT President Wade Gilley determined that the title “Chancellor” would not be continued and that the chief officer for Knoxville was the provost. The board of trustees named Peters provost, senior vice president for academic affairs, and chief operating officer (COO) for the Knoxville campus in February 2000. Peters left UT in 2001, and Dr. Loren Crabtree was appointed provost. The title “Chancellor” was reinstated in 2003, and Dr. Crabtree assumed it, naming Dr. Anne Mayhew vice chancellor for academic affairs. The title “Provost” was reestablished with the appointment of Dr. Robert Holub.