University of Tennessee at Martin

Established in 1900, the University of Tennessee at Martin (UT Martin or UTM) is a public university in Martin, Tennessee.

Nestled in the small town of Martin, Tennessee, the University of Tennessee at Martin (UTM) serves as a vital cultural, academic, and economic force for the development of rural West Tennessee. UTM’s history traces back to the Hall-Moody Institute, a private Baptist institution established in 1900, which later evolved into a teacher training normal school. As the Baptist organization decided to close its doors, the University of Tennessee recognized the importance of establishing a presence in the western part of the state and brought the institution under its system. Today, UTM enrolls over 7,500 students and boasts more than 50,000 alumni. The university features a Division I athletics program and offers academic resources that play a crucial role in driving economic growth throughout the region. In 2025, UTM celebrates its 125th anniversary.

Samuel Richardson, an associate professor, serves as the director of the Alliene and Jimmie S. Corbitt Special Collections and Archives at UTM. This collection focuses on the history and culture of the university and the 21 counties in Tennessee’s western division. Nathan Morgan is a documentary photographer and serves as the assistant director for news and visuals in the Office of University Relations at UTM. He has been with the Office of University Relations for over 12 years. Karen Elmore is the senior library assistant for Special Collections and Archives and has been with the department for over 25 years.