The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, announces the launch of the Chancellor’s Commission for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. The commission will serve as an advising body with university administration to bring attention to the challenges and opportunities facing the campus’ Asian American and Pacific Islander community.

“The commission provides a place for the AAPI community members and allies to
support each other and celebrate the cultural diversity on campus and in our
community,” said Rachel Rui, CFAAPI co-chair. “Our grand challenge this year is to
begin creating an understanding community working to solve common issues that we are experiencing.”

Along with advising on the planning, implementation, and evaluation of programs,
policies, and services on campus, the commission will provide a forum for Asian
American and Pacific Islander community members to connect, collaborate, and engage in campus wide equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives.

“I am grateful for the leadership of Rachel Rui and Ling Zhao, along with the 29
founding commission members, in launching this commission,” said Lamar Bryant,
Associate Vice Chancellor for Strategic Initiatives in UT’s Division of Diversity and Engagement. “Their passion and commitment will help ensure a campus climate of mattering and belonging for our Asian American and Pacific Islander community.”

The CFAAPI joins other chancellor commissions: Commission for Blacks, Commission for Disability, Commission for LGBT People, and Commission for Women. The Commission for LatinX is proposed to launch in 2023.

CONTACT: Jeff Tippett jtippett@utk.edu