Interim Chancellor Robert S. Dooley, Ph.D.

Chancellor Robert Dooley assumed his role as Interim Chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga on January 1, 2025, bringing decades of leadership experience and a deep connection to the University as a two-time alumnus.

Dr. Dooley earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and religion and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from UTC. He later completed a Ph.D. in business administration with a focus on strategic management at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. His career has been defined by a commitment to academic excellence and innovative leadership.

Before serving as interim chancellor, Dr. Dooley was Dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at UTC from 2011 to 2024. As dean, he secured the largest private gift in UTC history—a $40 million donation from Gary and Kathleen Rollins in 2018—transforming the business school and leading to its renaming. He also secured a $30 million gift in 2024, matched by state funding, to support an 82,000-square-foot expansion of the college.

Dr. Dooley’s leadership goes beyond fundraising. He expanded academic programs, forged partnerships with local and international businesses, and developed experiential learning opportunities that prepared students for real-world success. He championed faculty development and fostered an environment where innovation and collaboration flourish.

Before joining UTC, Dr. Dooley was Associate Dean for Graduate Programs and Research at Oklahoma State University’s Spears School of Business. His academic work has been featured in leading publications, including the Journal of Business Research and the International Journal of Organizational Analysis. He has earned numerous awards for teaching and research excellence, reflecting his dedication to advancing education and knowledge.

Dr. Dooley’s leadership philosophy is grounded in collaboration, strategic vision and a commitment to UTC’s mission of transforming lives through education, research and community engagement. As interim chancellor, he continues to guide the University toward progress and innovation, building on its legacy of excellence.