Two new endowed chairs established at University of Tennessee Knoxville

Peyton Manning, a 1997 alumnus of the University of Tennessee, has established two new endowed chair positions at the University of Tennessee Knoxville via a donation of $4 million. His gift will establish the Faye Julian Dean’s Chair Endowment and the John Haas Director’s Chair Endowment in honor of two academic mentors who supported Manning throughout his education at the University of Tennessee.

According to an article on the University of Tennessee’s website, Chancellor Donde Plowman was quoted as saying of the donation from Manning, “As a university, we have been vocal about our desire to be known for our unparalleled student experience — both in and out of the classroom. This gift will help ensure that generations of future Volunteers in the College of Communication and Information will have access to resources and programs that help them thrive. We are so grateful to Peyton, who has always been an incredible ambassador for UT and who has generously given back with his time, his gifts and his advocacy for decades.”

The two individuals these endowed chairs will honor are Faye Julian and John Haas, both of whom served as mentors to Manning during his time at the university. Julian served in several roles at UT over her 40-year career. She became the inaugural dean of the newly formed College of Communication and Information in 2002. She retired in 2005 and passed away in 2018.

Speaking of his relationship with Julian, Manning said, “Dean Julian was an incredible mentor and a steady source of encouragement during my time at Tennessee. One of the best parts of my college experience was the community of high-achieving students she helped introduce me to, students who challenged each other and constantly raised the bar. Being part of that group pushed me to grow not just as a student but as a person. I’m proud to honor her legacy and help ensure future students have the same kind of meaningful experience.”

Haas, who came to UT in 1989, was the director of the School of Communication Studies for 27 years. After stepping down from that role in 2022, he now teaches undergraduate and graduate students in organizational communication, interpersonal communication, and research methods. He was an advisor to Manning during his time at the university.

Dean Joseph Mazer, the inaugural Faye Julian Dean’s Chair, said, “Peyton Manning’s transformational gift to establish the Faye Julian Dean’s Chair Endowment and John Haas Director’s Chair Endowment is a powerful investment in the future of the College of Communication and Information. These endowments honor the legacy of two impactful academic leaders and will empower the college to pursue bold strategic initiatives. Support like this fuels our ability to advance faculty research, attract and retain top talent, foster innovation and create a best-in-class experience for our students.”

Manning has had a large impact on the university since his graduation, having made many donations and provided support, financial and otherwise, to the university. In 1998, he established the Peyton Manning Scholarship. In 2018, he provided a $1 million gift to the university to establish the John Haas Student Experiential Learning Endowment. He also serves as a Professor of Practice within the College of Communication and Information. His entertainment company, Omaha Productions, serves as an internship placement for the university’s journalism and media students.

For more information about the University of Tennessee Knoxville, visit the school’s website.