IPS Leadership Academy - Memphis

The IPS Leadership Academy spent three days in Memphis in December. What a wonderful experience. In addition to great classroom time, we had a tour of the new pharmacy building and the dental lab. Josh Jones and Susan Robertson both took a turn at drilling on a tooth! We also had good food at the Rendevous and a few hours on Beale Street. The week included crazy weather with rain and snow. All in all, it was a good experience and I look forward to the upcoming session in March.

UT System Strategic Planning

As we begin the new year, a number of staff from across IPS are participating in task forces that have been formed to begin shaping the goals of the system strategic plan.

Chuck Shoopman is chairing the Outcomes and Measurement Task Force and I'm serving as the planning committee liaison to this task force

Beth Phillips - research task force
Bonnie Jones - Employer of Choice task force
Susan Robertson - external affairs task force
Andre Temple - staff affairs task force
Paul Jennings - driving investments and new revenue task force
Gail White - system-wide support systems


The work of all the task forces is to be complete by January 27, so this will be a busy month for these individuals. Thanks to them for their service.

Welcome Rhonda Campbell

Rhonda is the new IPS Development Director. She has been living in Knoxville for one year after many years in Chicago. She has great development experience including a number of years with United Way.

Paul Jennings chaired the search committee that brings Rhonda to IPS. We are excited for Rhonda to join our staff. Please welcome her when you get a chance.

Another Year Begins

Happy New Year to All!

As we begin 2012, there are many opportunities ahead of us. The general assembly convenes next week and the governor presents his new budget at the end of the month. I'm sure these activities will require some of our attention.

Our local government customers are wrapping up redistricting and turning their attention to debt management, financial management, personnel management, and all the other issues that consume their attention.

Our manufacturing customers, at least some of them, are seeing increases in business and there are some positive signs in the economy.

I'm looking forward to an exciting year and I hope you are as well.