Tennessee releases statement confirming Beverly Davenport is out as chancellor

In a statement released this afternoon, the University of Tennessee confirmed the reports that Beverly Davenport will in fact be leaving her position of chancellor. Jimmy Hyams broke the story earlier today, saying that Davenport had been fired.

While Davenport will no longer be the chancellor, she will stay on as a member of the faculty in the College of Communications and Information.

Here is a portion of the press release from University of Tennessee President Joe DiPietro.

“It is my responsibility as UT president to ensure the success of every campus, beginning with the leadership of every campus. A great deal is at stake in these hires, particularly given the importance of the flagship campus both to fulfilling the UT system mission and to that mission’s impact on the lives of all Tennesseans. Upon realizing that UT Knoxville needed a change from Dr. Davenport’s leadership, I decided to take action to address the leadership need.

“Dr. Davenport and I have had several conversations during her tenure as chancellor to lay out expectations, and discuss concerns. Unfortunately, issues arose that have progressed and, while I am disappointed to have to make this change, it is necessary and in the best interests of the University.”

DiPietro’s termination letter to Davenport was also released.

“I have decided that it is in the best interest of The University of Tennessee to change the leadership of our flagship campus and terminate your appointment as Chancellor of The University of Tennessee, Knoxville,” DiPietro wrote.

DiPietro cited “numerous areas of unsatisfactory performance” that Davenport was “unwilling or unable to improve.” Specifically, a lack of trust, communication skills, lack of organization and failure to accept responsibility were mentioned as reasons that led to her demotion.

The full letter is below, if you would like to click and zoom in to read.

Davenport will officially be out as chancellor on July 1st, 2018. She will then become a professor in the communications department — which is just all too ironic.