Chancellorship at UT Martin

Dr. Philip W. Conn served as the seventh chancellor of the University of Tennessee at Martin from 1998-2000.

Conn saw the college through several years of major change, including the reorganization of the university system around core research institutions.

He accepted a brief re-assignment as vice president for special projects under then-UT President Wade Gilley before leaving the UT System to accept the presidency of Western Oregon University, where he served until his retirement in 2005.

Early Life and Education

Conn was born in Decatur, Alabama, on Jan. 4, 1942, and later moved to Cleveland, Tennessee.

He graduated from Bradley Central High School in 1960 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology from Berea College in 1963.

In 1966, he received a diploma in social policy from the Institute of Social Studies in The Hague, Netherlands.

Early Career and Community Service

Conn held several roles in community development, including associate director of Appalachian Volunteers and field representative for Volunteers In Service To America (VISTA).

He later worked with the Bradley/Cleveland Community Action Corporation and returned to Berea College as director of alumni affairs, editor, and placement director.

Public and Academic Leadership

Conn worked in Kentucky government, including roles with the Kentucky Legislative Research Commission, eventually becoming vice president of research and development.

He served as vice president for university and regional services at Morehead State University and earned a master's degree in public administration from the University of Southern California in 1982.

He later became vice president for university advancement at Central Missouri State University, where he completed a doctoral degree in public administration in 1991.

In 1994, he became president of Dickinson State University in North Dakota, serving until he joined UT Martin in 1998.