United States Presidents Who Have Visited the University

Woodrow Wilson gave the UT commencement address in 1890 (while still professor of political science at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut—he moved that fall to Princeton). He gave the speech “Leaders of Men,” first delivered in December at Wesleyan). Lyndon B. Johnson was on campus in 1964. Richard Nixon participated in the Billy Graham Crusade in 1970. Gerald Ford (as former president) spoke on campus in 1985. A presidential briefing of Ronald Reagan was held on campus in 1985. George H. W. Bush spoke on campus in 1990.

While first lady, Eleanor Roosevelt spoke at Alumni Memorial Building on March 25, 1937.

Citation Information

The following information is provided for citations.

  • Title United States Presidents Who Have Visited the University
  • Author
  • Keywords United States Presidents Who Have Visited the University
  • Website Name Volopedia
  • Publisher University of Tennessee Libraries
  • URL
  • Access Date July 22, 2025
  • Original Published Date
  • Date of Last Update October 16, 2018