Randy Boyd (university president)

Randy Boyd
President of the University of Tennessee system
Incumbent
Assumed office
November 22, 2018
Interim: November 22, 2018 - March 27, 2020
Preceded byJoseph A. DiPietro
Personal details
Born (1959-10-24) October 24, 1959 (age 65)
Knoxville, Tennessee, U.S.
EducationUniversity of Tennessee, Knoxville (BA)
University of Oklahoma (MA)

Randy Boyd is an American entrepreneur and academic administrator, currently serving as the President of the University of Tennessee (UT) System.

Life

Boyd was born on October 24, 1959, in Knoxville, Tennessee.[1]

Boyd earned his bachelor's degree in Industrial Management from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.[2]

In 1991, Boyd founded Radio Systems Corporation, a company that designs and manufactures pet products under various brand names, including PetSafe, Invisible Fence, and SportDOG.[2][3] Boyd sold Radio Systems Corporation to private investment firm Clayton, Dubilier, & Rice in 2020.[4]

In 2015, Boyd was appointed commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development by Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam.[5]

Randy Boyd ran for governor of Tennessee in 2018, and faced a crowded field in the Republican primary that included Bill Lee, Diane Black, and Beth Harwell, and perennial candidate Basil Marceaux. Boyd finished second behind Bill Lee who went on to become the 50th governor of Tennessee.[6]

Boyd purchased the Tennessee Smokies, a minor league baseball team in 2013.[7] The team will move to Knoxville upon completion of a new stadium in 2024.[8]

Boyd is also known for his philanthropic efforts. He and his wife, Jenny, have contributed to various causes, particularly in education and animal welfare. The couple established the Boyd Foundation,[9] which supports numerous charitable initiatives, including the creation of greenways and public parks.[10]

The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees hired Boyd as interim president of the statewide university system in 2018.[11] He was named permanent president of the university on March 27, 2020.[12] Boyd's contract with the University of Tennessee system was extended to 2030 on June 27, 2024.[13]

References

  1. ^ "Randy". Randy Boyd. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  2. ^ a b "Randy Boyd". Office of the President | University of Tennessee. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  3. ^ "Company History | PetSafe Brands". petsafebrands.com. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  4. ^ "Private investment firm buys Radio Systems Corporation". wbir.com. May 12, 2020. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  5. ^ "Haslam Announces Randy Boyd as TNECD Commissioner - News". Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  6. ^ "Randy Boyd (Tennessee)". Ballotpedia. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  7. ^ "Randy Boyd fulfills long-time dream with purchase of Tennessee Smokies". www.knoxnews.com. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  8. ^ Wilusz, Ryan. "Why 'Knoxville' will be part of the team name when Smokies baseball moves downtown". Knoxville News Sentinel. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  9. ^ "About". The Boyd Foundation.
  10. ^ "Boyd Foundation to offer dog park grants across Tennessee". WTVC. Associated Press. April 20, 2022. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
  11. ^ Tamburin, Adam. "Randy Boyd tapped to serve as interim president of the University of Tennessee". The Tennessean. Retrieved August 1, 2024.
  12. ^ Cook, Craig (2020-03-27). "Interim President Randy Boyd to become President". Office of the Chancellor. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
  13. ^ Morgan-Rumsey, Camruinn (2024-06-24). "UT Board of Trustees reappoints Randy Boyd as president through 2030". www.wvlt.tv. Retrieved 2024-08-01.