Bob Lyon, Vice Chancellor for University Advancement

UTC Welcomes New Vice Chancellor for University Advancement

Bob Lyon, former Associate Vice Chancellor of University Development for Vanderbilt University, has been named the new Vice Chancellor for University Advancement. The UTC Offices of Development, Alumni, University Relations and WUTC will report to Lyon. He will also serve as the liaison with the University of Chattanooga Foundation.

"We are very excited to have Bob bring his expertise and skills to Chattanooga," said UTC Chancellor Bill Stacy. "With his track record of success in fundraising and community relations, we believe he will be a tremendous asset to our campus."

For the last three years, Lyon has managed a team of 32 staff members at Vanderbilt, representing all the schools and units with the exception of the medical center. His responsibilities included major gift fundraising for the Athletic Department, the establishment of campaign leadership committees for each school during Vanderbilt’s $1.25 billion campaign, and participation in the creation of a new accountability and performance evaluation process and a new prospect management system. Lyon maintained the personal portfolio of major gift prospective supporters and personally established the current annual giving system, incorporating an on-campus professional telemarketing program.

From 1986-2000, Lyon served as Development Officer and then Senior Vice President for Institutional Advancement at the College of Charleston in South Carolina where he designed and conducted the first comprehensive campaign in the college’s history. With a goal of $33 million, the campaign concluded with approximately $45 million raised.

"I see so much support for UTC and its mission, both on the campus and in the community," said Lyon. "I look forward to helping see that vision realized and am appreciative for this opportunity."

Lyon earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the M.Ed., Higher Education Administration from Vanderbilt University.

His commitment to community and professional programs includes service
with the Council for the Advancement and Support of Education (CASE), Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Rotary International and
Boy Scouts of America.

Lyon and his wife Regina are the parents of two children, Tyler and Mary Catherine.