Jimmy Cheek, Ph.D.

We are very honored and excited to welcome Jimmy Cheek, Ph.D. to our advisory council. Cheek is Chancellor Emeritus and Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Higher Education in the Department of Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) and former director of the Postsecondary Education Research Center. Cheek was the seventh chancellor of the UTK, 2009-2017. Prior to his appointment at the UTK, he spent 34 years of his career at the University of Florida. He served as the Senior Vice President for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dean and Associate Dean of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and Professor of Agricultural Education and Communication.

Cheel received an Outstanding Alumni Award from the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and the College of Education and Human Development.

He earned his bachelor’s degree with high honors, his doctorate from Texas A&M University, and a master’s degree from Lamar University. Cheek currently serves on the United Way Greater Knoxville Board of Directors, is Chair of the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities Commission for the Food Systems Leadership Institute, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Howard Baker Center for Public Policy at UTK.

Cheek's impressive experiences and accomplishments will surely elevate the quality of input and feedback we receive from our board.