The University of Tennessee has retained the services of national search firm, NES. Please refer to the details following the position description to formally express interest or apply.
The Opportunity
Reporting to Kari Alldredge, Vice Provost for Enrollment Management, the AVP serves as a key member of the Enrollment Management Executive Leadership Team, responsible for advancing campuswide recruitment strategy, admissions operations, and student pipeline initiatives. The AVP leads comprehensive recruitment, outreach, and application management strategies for future Volunteers, with a strong focus on pipeline development and funnel growth across all stages of the student journey. Alongside a team of 90+ dedicated admissions professionals, the AVP will play a crucial role in shaping the Volunteer Experience for 62,500+ applicants and 32,000+ undergraduates each year.
As a senior leader in Enrollment Management, the AVP also oversees Admissions Operations and Application Management, ensuring innovative and effective use of the university’s CRM (Slate) to streamline workflows, improve student experience, and maintain compliance while increasing operational efficiency and scalability. In partnership with Enrollment Management Communications, the AVP drives robust, data-informed marketing and communications strategies to support recruitment, yield, and the university’s enrollment goals.
In addition, the AVP serves as a key collaborator across campus, building strong partnerships with Academic Colleges & Schools, Student Success, Student Life, Access & Engagement, Academic Affairs, the Office of Innovative Technologies, the Bursar, the Center for Global Engagement, and other critical units to align recruitment strategy with academic capacity and student success priorities.
The AVP will lead a mission-driven and passionate team of 90+ undergraduate admissions professionals, including 30+ regional counselors complimented by numerous student ambassadors. As part of its dynamic organization, the AVP will play a crucial role in defining the Volunteer Experience and collaborating across the Division of Enrollment Management and the UT campus to identify new ways to elevate UT’s enrollment growth and success, guided by the university’s five-year strategic enrollment plan. In addition, the AVP will have the following responsibilities the following five key areas:
Strategic Leadership & Enrollment Outcomes
Collaboration & Campus Partnerships
Admissions Operations & Application Management
Innovation, Technology & Continuous Improvement
Communication & Institutional Engagement
It is required that the new AVP has a bachelor’s degree (an advanced degree is strongly preferred). Additionally, this role requires a minimum of seven years (ten preferred) of progressively responsible leadership experience in higher education admissions or enrollment management, as well as demonstrated success executing enrollment strategies and achieving enrollment goals. Further, the chosen candidate should demonstrate expertise in undergraduate admissions operations, recruitment strategies, and compliance. Experience leading high-performing teams in a complex higher education environment is a must, as is strong communication, collaboration, and relationship management skills. Finally, the new AVP will possess a demonstrated commitment to expanding student access and enrollment opportunities.
The chosen candidate should also possess the following qualifications and personal characteristics:
Ability to handle challenging situations and problem solve with grace, positivity and resilience.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
The University of Tennessee System is improving the lives of Tennesseans today and for future generations through its five campuses and two statewide institutes. UT Knoxville is Tennessee’s land-grant university, the flagship campus of the University of Tennessee System, and a lead driver in enrollment growth across the UT System.
UT Knoxville at a Glance
UT System - Statement of Aspirations
We are dedicated to expanding access to educational opportunities, striving to remove barriers, and making academic pursuits more affordable. Consistent with the University’s commitment to high academic standards, student achievement, and the preparation of responsible citizens, we believe that engaging with individuals from all backgrounds and perspectives fosters a vibrant learning environment that enhances critical thinking and intellectual growth. Our collective strengths make us stronger, and we are committed to promoting an atmosphere where all members of the University community feel welcome, can thrive, and achieve success.
Vision and Goals
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville serves the state by educating its citizens, enhancing its culture, and making a difference in people’s lives through research and service. We embody excellence in teaching, research, scholarship, creative activity, outreach, and engagement.
Vision
A world enriched by our ideas, improved through our action, and inspired by the Volunteer spirit of service and leadership. As the flagship land-grant university of the state, we are dedicated to amplifying the Volunteer spirit of selfless leadership in every life we touch.
Goals
Connect with every Tennessean and with communities around the world, inspiring future Volunteers to join our community
Undergraduate Enrollment
There has never been a better time to become a Volunteer! More students than ever before have applied to join us on Rocky Top. UTK serves more than 40,000 Volunteers, including 32,000 undergraduate students and a yearly transfer class exceeding 2,300. In Fall 2025, it enrolled 7,100+ first-year students with an average ACT score of 28.7 and an average high school GPA of 4.18. As the #1 public university in Tennessee, UTK proudly offers 14 colleges and schools, 900+ programs of study, and a 92% first-year retention rate.
Faculty and Staff
Enrollment is a team sport. They rely on key campus partnerships with over 10,000 faculty, staff, and service employees, including 2,000+ instructional faculty, to deliver on the Volunteer Experience for its students. The University of Tennessee, Knoxville has been recognized for multiple years by Forbes as a Best Employer for New Graduates and as one of America’s best large employers.
Alumni
More than 290,000+ Volunteers located in 100+ countries around the world are part of their vibrant alumni community. They partner with an extensive alumni network on a number of initiatives, including fundraising, scholarships, continuing education through non-credit programs, student recruitment, and the Welcome a Vol campaign to welcome every new Volunteer with a letter handwritten by an alumni.
Athletics
The University of Tennessee has 24 team national championships, including one in baseball, eight in women's basketball, six in football and a combined seven championships in track & field. Vols and Lady Vols have also captured 175 individual/relay national titles.
Leadership
UT Chancellor Donde Plowman is a decisive leader, consensus builder, and an innovative educator who is dedicated to investing in student success. Under Chancellor Plowman’s leadership since 2019, the University of Tennessee, Knoxville has set new records in student retention and graduation, research, instructional spending, alumni giving, and state support. Plowman oversees a campus budget of $2.3+ billion as well as more than 40,000 students, 9,000 staff and temp employees, and 2,000 members of faculty.
Enrollment Management at UTK
The Division of Enrollment Management focuses on undergraduate recruitment and admissions, student services, retention and graduation. They are dedicated to expanding access to educational opportunities, striving to remove barriers, and making academic pursuits more affordable. They are dedicated to expanding access to educational opportunities, striving to remove barriers, and making academic pursuits more affordable. They are committed to their work as a visionary unit defining an enhanced student experience, navigating the changing landscape of higher education, and pursuing the next level of enrollment management through innovation and impact.
SEP 2030 | UT’S Integrated Growth Plan
UT’s work is driven by its commitment to their students and its covenant with the state. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant institution, its top priority is serving the people of the state while continuing to attract top talent from across the nation and around the world. UT’s 2030 comprehensive growth strategy is dedicated to expanding educational access, enhancing academic excellence, and delivering an unparalleled Volunteer experience. The aim is to empower and prepare Tennessee’s economy for the future through workforce development and innovative research while fostering a community where every Vol is prepared to thrive.
Total Enrollment Goals for 2030
55,000 Students Enrolled by 2030, On-Campus & Fully Online
41,000 Campus-Based Students
14,000 Fully Online
Leadership
Kari Alldredge serves as the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville providing leadership to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, University Registrar, One Stop, Enrollment Communications, Undergraduate Admissions, Transfer Center, International Recruitment and Enrollment Research & Analysis. During her time at UT, the University has experienced record enrollment levels in size and quality and launched new initiatives focused on student success, transfer students and defining the UT experience. Alldredge leads an executive leadership team that has a combined 130 years of experience in higher education and 37 years of experience serving UT.
Vision
A world enriched by our ideas, improved through action, and inspired by the Volunteer spirit of service and leadership.
Goals
A division centered by student-first initiatives and policies, empowered by our Strengths, and stewarded by our most important resource – its people, who are driven by radical collaboration across units, elevated by courageous conversations, and improved by a willingness to innovate our work, restructure our processes, and develop ourselves.
Values
Thought Partnership • Radical Collaboration Trust • Innovation • Development
Strengths
CliftonStrengths isn’t just for students at the University of Tennessee. As a Strengths-based organization, the institution recognizes the importance and value of investing in our staff’s Strengths-based development. They believe that understanding and utilizing our strengths is one way to strengthen our teams, our partnerships, our work, and our impact.
Enrollment Management Offices and Departments
Undergraduate Admissions
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville is investing in pathways that provide access to an affordable and valuable education for more Volunteers. Strategic partnerships with high schools, community colleges, and higher education organizations enable us to support enrollment growth and develop new opportunities for academically prepared students who see themselves on Rocky Top. The University wants to grow Tennessee’s talent pipeline by supporting scholars from across the state, the country and the globe. The Office of UG Admissions is supported by a dedicated team of regional admissions counselors serving territories across Tennessee, in all 50 states, and throughout the world. They foster a culture of continuing education for scholars at every stage of life. More than 2,300 transfer students join the Volunteer family every year, and its growing online enrollment brings a UT education to adult learners wherever they’re located.
UTK EM At a Glance
Knoxville, Tennessee
Nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, Knoxville has a metropolitan statistical area population of more than 850,000 people. The Knoxville community offers a dynamic culture featuring arts and entertainment, including a vibrant and diverse music scene offering a symphony orchestra and an opera company, several theaters, world-class restaurants, numerous cultural festivals and an active downtown area featuring a market square and minor league baseball stadium.
Surrounded by lakes and the Tennessee River, the Knoxville area boasts wonderful year-round water activities, including boating, fishing, and swimming that make for scenic and breathtaking views of the area. Hiking, camping, and peaceful drives in the mountains are especially popular for locals and tourists during the fall season. Knoxville is located within easy driving distance to Asheville, Nashville, Atlanta, and the Great Smoky Mountains; and a day’s drive to Memphis, Chicago and Washington D.C. Located 12 miles from campus, McGhee Tyson Airport offers flights on Delta, American Airlines, and other major airlines. The University of Tennessee is adjacent to downtown Knoxville, accessible via foot, car, bike, bus, and trolley, and the rejuvenated South Knoxville waterfront, providing residents with multiple parks, walking paths, and riverfront views. World’s Fair Park is anchored by the Sunsphere, an iconic part of the skyline since its installation in 1982.
Compensation and Benefits
Compensation for the position will be competitive and based on the skills and experience of the selected candidate and the agreed upon title and portfolio of responsibilities. For additional details, contact NES. This is an on campus position based in Knoxville, Tennessee. UTK also offers a competitive and excellent comprehensive benefits package
To Apply
NES, a higher education search firm specializing in enrollment management searches, is assisting the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in identifying the University’s next Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission. For more information, or to nominate someone for this position, contact Catherine Capolupo (catherine.capolupo@nessearches.com) or Laura Robinson (laura.robinson@nessearches.com). All conversations will remain confidential unless otherwise stated and agreed. Interested candidates should submit a résumé and a letter of interest describing their unique qualifications for the Associate Vice Provost for Enrollment Management and Executive Director of Undergraduate Admission position at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Candidates should also provide the names and contact information of at least five professional references. For confidentiality, references will not be contacted without permission. For best consideration, all application materials should be submitted electronically to UTK@nessearches.com no later than January 28, 2026. The position is campus-based and the preferred start date is Summer, 2026.
The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has shaped leaders, changemakers, and innovative thinkers since its founding in 1794. The university is home to more than 38,000 students and 10,000 statewide employees—the Volunteers—who uphold the university’s tradition of lighting the way for others through leadership and service.
UT Knoxville offers over 900 programs of study across 14 degree-granting colleges and schools. As Tennessee’s flagship land-grant university, its footprint spans the entire state. The university holds the highest Carnegie classification for research activity and has deep partnerships with industry leaders and the US Department of Energy’s largest multidisciplinary laboratory, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
The Knoxville campus serves and recruits for UT Knoxville, including the Institute of Agriculture and the Space Institute, as well as the UT Institute of Public Service.
UT Knoxville considers its employees its number one asset. With values that focus on work-life balance, compensation, and innovation leadership, all Vols are supported to advance professionally. Employees have access to career development and coaching, continued education, and an extensive list of development and training possibilities. The Volunteer employee experience implements structures and practices to attract and retain top-tier talent, fostering a strong staff community and supporting a culture of involvement and engagement for everyone.
The university holds a strong commitment to its land-grant mission of learning and engagement, with a tradition of service and leadership that carries that Volunteer spirit throughout the state and around the world. It has been ranked nationally as “Best Employer for New Graduates,” “One of America’s Best Large Employers,” and “Best Workplace for Women,” and has been designated as “Best Place for Working Parents” by Forbes Magazine.
Apply today and join the Tennessee Volunteer community!
