Priorities at UT

[JosephBaileyOne]

What should the top priorities be at UT?  This is an important question in light of budget cuts and the general mood of the economy in 2009. 

[jetfan27]

The priorities should be increasing enrollment. The priorities are their sports. They are going in the wrong direction. I know it generates a lot of money, but I'm sorry, that is not the purpose of  a University. Unfortunately, they have to cut unnecessary programs and should increase some like nursing. There is a MAJOR shortage of nurses in this Country and this would be  the perfect way to increase enrollment.
  They should also cut from the top. I'm sure there are a lot of  leeches in Administration that are useless to say the least. They could probably save  a couple of hundred thousand there. Cut down on the campus fleet vehicles. I'm sure there are a lot of people who don't need to drive from one building to the next. If they are unable to walk, let them take the Campus buses.
  I would hate to see the University go to rack and ruin financially. Their medical programs are second to none. They have  a wonderful Agricultural and Veterinary program also. I also love the gardens and the whole Horticulture program.

[UTMomma]

I know that Sports isn't the reason for going to UT.  But from all the money that they generate they give large amounts to the academics that wouldn't be there without them.

[jetfan27]

But from all the money that they generate they give large amounts to the academics that wouldn't be there without them.

I know the Athletics department generates a lot of money, but how much goes to the University and how much stays in the Athletics department. Just salaries alone suck a lot of the money generated. Not to mention all the schmoozing of prospective athletes and paying the scouts. I would bet that very little, if any, goes to the University for education.

[TLC1ST]

I know the Athletics department generates a lot of money, but how much goes to the University and how much stays in the Athletics department. Just salaries alone suck a lot of the money generated. Not to mention all the schmoozing of prospective athletes and paying the scouts. I would bet that very little, if any, goes to the University for education.

I would bet you are probably right!

[JosephBaileyOne]

I know the Athletics department generates a lot of money, but how much goes to the University and how much stays in the Athletics department. Just salaries alone suck a lot of the money generated. Not to mention all the schmoozing of prospective athletes and paying the scouts. I would bet that very little, if any, goes to the University for education.

That money stays in athletics, were it should because without there would be no 8 NCAA Women's titles, among other things.  The Athletics Department generates its own money, as all of them should, but without that football team drawing in the $$$$, Title IX would negate everything.  Everyone should support the football program because it literally funds the bulk of all athletics at UT.

[jetfan27]

Sorry Joe, you are wrong. College is not about sports. OK, it's great when you have a winning team, but to dump everything into sports and not education, that's just wrong. I'm sorry, but I totally disagree with you. If I was a college president, I would rather have my College be known as the University that had graduated the Doctor that did the first artificial heart operation than the University that had the best football team for a season.

[JosephBaileyOne]

Sorry Joe, you are wrong. College is not about sports. OK, it's great when you have a winning team, but to dump everything into sports and not education, that's just wrong. I'm sorry, but I totally disagree with you. If I was a college president, I would rather have my College be known as the University that had graduated the Doctor that did the first artificial heart operation than the University that had the best football team for a season.

I'm only talking about money generated from sporting events and while you make a good point, I dare say that if you were to ask whether or not women in sports has helped, they would all say yes.  The only "dumping" is money raised by the athletics department, they don't receive funds from the university.

[jetfan27]

Your point is well taken, Joe. And no money should be given to the sports. They are their own entity and can survive with or without the University.

[Parnelli]

I moved here in 1982, I found out one thing that's always been true. Football will always come first at UT. There's no doubt about it. Look at all the people that wear Orange around here. The thing that scares me the most is they graduate from UT, go into the work force, can't count change, but sure as heck can sing Rocky Top.

[jetfan27]

This IS scary. I agree with you Jonesey. I went to College at the University of Georgia. If you want to see craziness, they used to call the National Guard in for every home game and turn every street in Athens, one way. And all the streets one way out of Athens after the game. And the tailgate parties would go on from Thursday until Saturday. And this was 1973, long before there was tailgating. But I understand the enthusiasm and there is nothing wrong with sports, but like you stated they can't count change or read. Education has to take front row. That's why I applaud Kiffen for dumping those players. They might be great players, but absolutely useless to Society.

[Katie08]

Hmmmmm how I hate generalities. Let's see here - Peyton Manning, Tee Martin, Heath Shuler, Philip Fulmer, Darryl Dickey  - I am not sure but I think all of these GRADS can count change and read.  Now lets look at the Lady Vols - every single one of Coach Summit's players have graduated...did I mention that Nikki Anasticke has a triple major....hmmm I think she can read and count change. Seems that I have seen Kara Lawson on ESPN repeatedly and she either memorizes her lines awfully well or she can sure read. And how many of Coach Summit's grads have become collegiate coaches....I do believe that they can read and count change.  And I sure do enjoy my season tickets to the Lady Vols games - and what a role model Coach Summit is. Athletics are a viable part of the University experience.  Heck, a lot of the students become athletic trainers, orthopedic surgeons and marketing execs - all because of the leadership and opportunities of the athletic department.  I am glad that they are not only self supporting but also give to the university from their hard work and profits. Obama would be pleased that they are redistributing their wealth.  But truth be told, your donors to UT are athletic supporters and grads......and they can read and count change.  So generalities be D***ed.

As for Kiffin, he isn't the first coach to kick players of the team and he won't be the last.  However, he has been the first coach to be disciplined for recruiting infractions so quickly - 4 of them in 4 months.  Let's hope he doesn't get UT put on probation or the entire University will be hurting when there is no wealth to redistribute!

[jetfan27]

Katie08, I thinkyou would disagree with anything I say or do. I'm sorry you feel that way. If we look hard enough  we can find exceptions to everything.Sure, there are a lot of smart,decent kids on these teams. I never disagreed with that. But, why should a student get a free ride just because he can throw a ball. I listen to a lot of these players, football ,basketball, etc. and many of them don't have a clue about the English language. Now, I want to know how they get into a University that has a pretty tough entrance. Enough of all this, I was just stating in my first message that UT needs to concentrate on education more than sports. Like I said, their medical and nursing schools are excellent and they should promote things like that. That's all I was saying.

[Katie08]

Jet - I am surprised at you.  You and I agree more than you and any other conservative.  You are the one that admitted that fact first :-)  So chin up. Yes, there are exceptions and the exceptions are those that can't read intelligently or speak correctly.  Those are the exceptions and they happen in any of the UT schools.  No one profession is more important than another - in my opinion so the #1 priority should be an education...PERIOD.  Doesn't matter to me if it is doctor, nurse, ESPN commentator or collegiate coach.  Some of your nursing and medical students are also on a free ride - called scholarship.  There is no difference.  I don't beleive that the School of Business is any less important than the school of nursing.

That said, I will go one step further.  Todd Helton of the Colorado ROckies is a personal friend of my sons and me.  I can't tell you how disappointed I was that he did not complete his senior year at UT but chose to go in the MLB draft.  But more than disappointed I was disgusted that he took 3 years of scholarship money that could have gone to someone else that wanted an education FIRST.  For that reason, I have always contended that anyone that accepts a scholarship - bit academic or athletic - and does not complete his degree, should be forced to pay back every dime he was awarded.  Of course, your infamous exceptions would have to be considered - ie family death,etc.  But all in all,  I do beleive that gift shoudl be returned if not utilized as intended.  Those that accepted athletic scholarships and go pro - heck they can afford to pay it back.  Others that just quit after 2 or 3 years of free ride would soon realize how expensive responsibility can be and regret what they threw away.

[jetfan27]

You are right Katie08. I am sorry, but I was carrying the defense mode from one thread into this one. Gotta learn not to do that. I just used health care as an example because of the crisis in nursing in this Country. I agree that any and all education is important.