Director of Rocky Top Gateway - Division of Student Success - UTK

Housed within the Division of Student Success, Rocky Top Gateway provides a unique and powerful opportunity for students to live the Volunteer experience from day one—on campus, in the classroom, and connected to all that makes UT special—all while completing their first-year coursework in partnership with Pellissippi State Community College (PSCC). It is designed to help students start strong, belong early, and transition smoothly into full-time UT life during their second year. Rocky Top Gateway expands access to a UT degree by offering a clear and supported pathway for a broader range of students, strengthening UT’s overall talent pipeline. Serving approximately 550 students annually, the program ensures that those who begin their studies through PSCC can still participate fully in UT’s community and resources while establishing foundational academic habits and early campus engagement.

The inaugural Director of Rocky Top Gateway provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for Rocky Top Gateway program, a signature student success initiative within the Division of Student Success. The Director oversees all aspects of this high-impact partnership between the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and Pellissippi State Community College (PSCC). Supervised by the Senior Director of First-Year Experience and Undergraduate Pathways, this position leads a proactive, relationship-driven support model that expands access to UT, increases first-year student success, ensures students meet semester-by-semester academic requirements, and prepares at least 80% of participants to seamlessly transfer to UT as sophomores. The Director manages program operations, recruitment and yield initiatives, inter-institutional collaboration, staff supervision, budget, assessment, and continuous improvement while advancing a full UT student life experience, cohort-based living-learning environment, and curated academic and social engagement for all Rocky Top  Gateway students annually.

Strategic Leadership & Vision

-Develop and implement long-term goals, policies, and structures for Rocky Top Gateway aligned with UT’s mission and Division of Student Success priorities.

-Establish a high-touch, proactive support model that increases retention, preparedness, and UT matriculation.

-Guide strategic planning, assessment design, and continuous quality improvement.

-Remain informed of best practices in transfer student experience and student success.

-Build and foster Rocky Top Gateway as a nationally recognized access and transition program.

Program Operations, Recruitment, & Partnership Management

-Oversee all daily operations ensuring consistent communication, progress tracking, and proactive student support.

-Lead yield and recruitment strategies with Undergraduate Admissions, highlighting affordability, support structures, and full UT student life access.

-Effectively communicate program benefits to prospective students and families.

-Serve as primary liaison between UT and PSCC, ensuring alignment across advising, academic support, enrollment process, student fees, and student services.

-Partner with academic colleges, advising units, Student Life, Financial Aid, and Enrollment Management to integrate coaching, major exploration, and engagement opportunities.

-Work with OIT partners on development and use of technology and data tools to support program operations.

Supervision & Staff Development

-Supervise and evaluate the Associate Director and Assistant Director.

-Provide leadership, training, and professional development for staff.

-Foster a culture of care, accountability, collaboration, and student-centered service.

-Assist with future staff hiring and onboarding as programs expand.

Budget & Fiscal Management

-Manage and monitor the Rocky Top Gateway budget, including any donor or foundation funds as available.

-Approve expenditures, analyze financial needs, and ensure compliance with university and state policies.

-Identify opportunities for efficient resource usage or revenue enhancements.

        Data & Assessment

-Implement assessment tools to measure retention, academic progress, engagement, and student satisfaction.

-Use data to inform program improvements and strategic decision-making.

-Provide regular reports to Division of Student Success leadership and key stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• Education