Alongside running an NFL franchise, Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam is known to actively contribute to the community in Knoxville with his wife, Dee Haslam. As another move towards the development of the area, they have decided to make another major investment of $130 million towards their alma mater, the University of Tennessee.

“We are honored to make this investment in UT and the Haslam College of Business,” said Dee and Jimmy Haslam in a joint statement, via The University of Tennessee News. “The university is experiencing extraordinary momentum, and we are proud to help elevate its national reputation, attract world-class faculty and support the next generation of leaders — all while keeping the best and brightest here in Tennessee.”

The plan includes dividing the investment into two parts. $100 million will be used to bring in distinguished faculty, enhance student success initiatives, scholarships, and honors programs at Haslam College of Business.

As for the rest of the $30 million, it will be used to recruit the best faculty across academic disciplines, focused on helping the university’s betterment in research, innovation, and discovery. The university has already made a name for itself in various fields such as the future of computing, nuclear energy, and cancer treatments. Now, with the help of the investment, it will take the institute one step ahead.

Since Haslam College of Business’s inception in 2019, the institute has helped UT increase the number of graduates by 40%. Their student retention rate has also improved. Last year, more than 92.4% of first-year students returned for their sophomore year, which is a six-point increase since 2019.

While the Haslams have done all the hard work, initially, it was the chancellor of UT who put forward the idea of taking UT to the “next level.” Jimmy did not take much time to think, as he knew it would elevate his alma mater. Now that the investment is made, the chancellor conveyed her thanks to the Haslams for it.

“When I shared with Dee and Jimmy our vision to take UT to the next level, they immediately saw the possibilities in our aspirations,” said Chancellor Donde Plowman. “I am grateful for their counsel, their vision, and their generosity. This historic investment will help fuel our high standard of excellence and grow the impact our university has on the people and communities we serve across Tennessee and beyond.”

This is not the first time that they have done something for Knoxville. Previously, they donated $35 million to Knoxville’s Lakeshore Park. While everyone is showering Jimmy Haslam with praise, an NFL legend has also joined them, extending his gratitude for what they did for his alma mater.

Peyton Manning is excited about the future of the University of Tennessee

Jimmy Haslam wrapped up his university life in 1976 after graduating from Tennessee with a degree in transportation and logistics. Although he physically left the institution, UT never left him. And so, even half a century later, he is doing everything to improve his alma mater. Watching him make such a massive investment, another alma mater and an NFL legend, Peyton Manning, also expressed his gratitude.

“My time as a student at UT and the relationships I built with my professors had a profound impact on my life and helped prepare me for the opportunities I’ve received throughout my career,” said fellow alumnus Peyton Manning.

“I am grateful to Dee and Jimmy Haslam for sharing that passion and ensuring future Volunteers have that same opportunity for a transformative student experience. We are so lucky to have leaders like them who love this university deeply and who give so freely of their time and their generosity. I have never been more confident in or excited about the future of my alma mater.”

Manning joined the Volunteers almost two decades after Haslam. He was a star quarterback, leading the Volunteers to a victory in the 1997 SEC Championship Game. Later, he went on to play in the NFL, win two Super Bowls, and become one of the most decorated quarterbacks ever.

Since him, there have been other Super Bowl winners from UT like Trey Smith, Justin Coleman, and Derek Barnett. But now, with Haslam’s initiative, it is believed that there will be a massive change in the Volunteers. More players will be coming out of UT, bringing more glory to the institution.

They will use the investment for various categories, such as athletics, scholarships, and many individual colleges and programs. Even Brian Broyles, senior vice chancellor for advancement, believes it is a great thing for the university and the students, who share the Volunteers’ spirit.

“This historic investment reflects the very best of the Volunteer spirit, a belief in our students, our faculty, and the power of the University of Tennessee to change lives,” said Brian Broyles, senior vice chancellor for advancement. “It is because of visionary partners like Dee and Jimmy that we are able to dream big and create impact that will be felt for generations to come. We are profoundly grateful for Dee and Jimmy’s extraordinary generosity and continued partnership.”

All the residents of Knoxville will be proud of Jimmy and Dee Haslam after the latest reports.