Tickle College of Engineering
Annual Report 2024
A Message from the Dean
It’s a great time to be on Rocky Top and an even better time to be an Engineering Vol.
I continue to be inspired by the talent, creativity, and dedication of our students, faculty, and staff within the college. The impact of our research continues to grow as we focus our resources and expertise on discoveries that make life and lives better for Tennesseans and beyond.
Over the last three years, the Tickle College of Engineering has experienced strategic growth in nearly every metric we track. From student enrollment numbers and retention rates to research expenditures and patents filed and issued, the college has positioned itself as a leader on the state, regional, and national level in educating the next generation of engineers.
Combine that with the planning well underway for the new Department of Applied Engineering and a stand-alone Department of Biomedical Engineering, the college continues to think creatively about how to elevate our programs and better engage students. Both departments are scheduled to launch in fall 2025.
This report shares just a handful of examples to show how TCE is on the move, and strategically positioning itself to provide even greater impact on the state and globe through our world-class research, education and outreach programs. From our faculty and staff to our students and alumni, our community is poised for success.
Thank you for your support of the university and college and Go Vols!
Matthew M. Mench
Dean and Wayne T. Davis Dean’s Chair
Tickle College of Engineering
College Profile
Leadership Team
Matthew M. Mench
Dean and Wayne T Davis Dean’s Chair
Michael Danquah
Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs
William Dunne
Associate Dean for Research and Facilities
Paul Frymier
Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs and Engagement
Keith Stanfill
Edwards Assistant Dean for Integrated Engineering Design
Jeremy Kirk
Assistant Dean for Access and Engagement
Amy McBride
Assistant Dean of Finance and Administration
John Schmisseur
Executive Director, UTSI; Associate Dean
Department Heads
Julie Carrier
Biosystems Engineering and Soil Science
Chris Cox
Civil and Environmental Engineering
Brian Wirth
Nuclear Engineering
Philip Rack
Materials Science and Engineering, Interim
Art Ragauskas
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Acting Head
Mingzhou Jin
Industrial and Systems Engineering
Kivanc Ekici
Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering
Garrett Rose
Electric Engineering and Computer Science
Accreditation
All engineering programs at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org. The computer science program at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, is accredited by the Computer Accreditation Commission of ABET, http://www.abet.org.
Board of Advisors
Check out the full list of our Board of Advisors.
Rankings, Facts, and Stats Update
The college is progressing in many ways. Including enrollment, research expenditures, programs offered, and academic support. Take a look at how we’re doing.
Data accurate as of 12/18/2024.
Academics
Ranked 37th (undergraduate) and 29th (graduate) among public colleges of engineering (U.S. News & World Report 2025).
Eight departments with nationally ranked programs and seven internationally known research centers.
Total Full-Time Enrollment
Fall 2024
- Undergraduate: 4,344
- Graduate, MS: 719
- Graduate, PhD: 782
Total: 5,845
Degrees Granted
AY23-24
- Bachelor of Science: 724
- Master of Science: 280
- Doctor of Philosophy: 121
Total: 1,125
Research
$113.6M in annual research expenditures
Faculty Profile
- 208 T/TT Faculty
- 106 professors
- 49 associate professors
- 53 assistant professors
- 79 non-TT faculty
- 3 National Academy of Engineering members
- 52 endowed chairs/professorships and faculty fellows
- 9 UT-Oak Ridge National Laboratory Governor’s Chairs
- 28 Early Career Awardees since 2016 (NSF, DoE, DARPA, ARO)
- 1 Distinguished Scientist
- 2 University Distinguished Professors
Alumni
31,600+ living alumni across all 50 states and 95 countries (As of September 2023)
Financial Update
(For Fiscal Year 2024)
Total Expenditures
Total: $205.7 Million
- Externally Funded Gifts, Grants & Contracts | $113,625,189
- Recurring & Nonrecurring State Funds | $92,064,895
Resources: Recurring & Nonrecurring State Funds
Total: $92.1 Million
- Salaries & Benefits | $67,974,693
- Miscellaneous Operating Expenses | $19,929,890
- Equipment & Software | $4,160,312
Gifts, Grants, & Contracts by Department/Center
Total: $116.1 Million*
- Administration | $3,044,752
- Biosystems Engineering* | $2,539,086
- Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering | $7,265,867
- Civil & Environmental Engineering | $12,661,336
- Cook Grand Challenge Honors Program | $92,214
- Electrical Engineering and Computer Science | $16,951,502
- Engineering Fundamentals Division | $32,427
- Industrial and Systems Engineering | $5,163,281
- Materials Science and Engineering | $8,492,874
- Mechanical, Aerospace, and Biomedical Engineering | $19,121,963
- Nuclear Engineering | $17,895,176
- UT Space Institute | $7,311,185
- Research Centers | $18,131,697
Development Update
Dear friends of the Tickle College of Engineering:
In the spirit of gratitude, we are proud to highlight another outstanding year of philanthropic achievement for the Tickle College of Engineering. Through the generosity of our alumni, corporate partners, friends and philanthropic foundations, the college continues to expand opportunities for our students, provide support for our faculty, advance groundbreaking research, and strengthen our role as a leader in engineering education.
In fiscal year 2024, more than 3,200 generous supporters contributed over $22 million to our college, making a significant impact on scholarships, student programs, faculty positions, and other various strategic initiatives. One particular act of philanthropy led to the official naming of the Jessica M. Morris Women in Engineering Program, when Ronald T. Morris (BS/EE, ’69) made a significant gift to endow the program in honor of his late wife, Jessica. The power of philanthropy is on full display with this gift and our college has been forever changed as a result of Mr. Morris’ generosity.
As we look to the future, my team and I remain committed to partnering with our generous supporters to drive innovation and provide transformative opportunities for our students and faculty. Thank you to everyone who has played a role in this year’s success. Together, we are shaping not only the college but the future of engineering as well.
Sincerely,
Adam Prescott
Executive Director of Advancement
Tickle College of Engineering
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