UTM 125th anniversary book now available for purchase

MARTIN, Tenn. – Published in time for the kickoff of the University of Tennessee at Martin’s 125th anniversary celebration, a book containing the history, memories and many, many photos throughout the timeline of the university and commemorating its quasquicentennial is now available for purchase through the UT Martin alumni website at alumni.utm.edu/125book.

“The University of Tennessee at Martin” contains historic documents, rare photos and personal stories that trace UT Martin’s roots from its 1900 establishment as the Hall-Moody Institute.

“The University of Tennessee at Martin” commemorates 125 years of growth and development from the Hall-Moody Institute to UT Martin. The book is now available for purchase.

Sam Richardson and Karen Elmore of UT Martin’s Paul Meek Library Special Collections department and Nathan Morgan of the UTM Office of University Relations researched the book, an effort that took them deep into the university’s archives, campus administrative files and local community collections.

UT Martin staff members who researched information and gleaned through hundreds of photographs for “The University of Tennessee at Martin” publication are (l-r) Nathan Morgan of the UTM Office of University Relations and Sam Richardson and Karen Elmore, both of Paul Meek Library Special Collections and Archives. The book commemorates the 125th anniversary of the founding of UT Martin in 1900 as the Hall-Moody Institute.

The book includes captivating moments from the university’s history, featuring vintage photographs artifacts and memorabilia, including rare photos of Pat Head Summitt, one of the most noted names in women’s basketball history who played for UT Martin.

The book was published last October by Arcadia Publishing as part of its Campus History Series and costs $25 for each book.

Richardson said he started gathering historical information about the university to follow up on Bob Carroll’s book, “The University of Tennessee at Martin: The First 100 Years,” which was published in 2000.

“Since I had already started digging into research and collecting materials for an Arcadia book, I took the lead, along with the help of Nathan Morgan and Karen Elmore, on writing about the early years of the university, including Hall-Moody, UTJC and UTMB,” he said. 

“I also worked on parts of the book and the chapter introductions. Nathan, with support from Karen and me, handled most of the section covering UT Martin’s more recent history. Karen was an invaluable part of the team. She helped us track down information and photographs and shared her deep institutional knowledge, which added so much richness and accuracy to the project.”

Elmore said she wanted to take part in the project to help create a historical resource for the university.

“With the elimination of the yearbook and the Pacer student newspaper going digital for the most part, we have lost many resources to document the history of the university and our students,” she said. “I hope this book shines a light on all that we have accomplished.

“Over the next quarter-century, I hope UT Martin continues to be a place where all students feel welcome, that we continue to grow, but don’t forget our roots.”

Morgan, who serves as the assistant director for news and visuals in the Office of University Relations, said he appreciated the opportunity.

“Being part of the team that put together the 125th anniversary book was such a great experience,” he said. “I’ve always loved history, and working at UT Martin has only made me even more interested in our own story. Getting to help with a project this meaningful really meant a lot to me. 

“I’m not going to lie; it was a lot of work in a short amount of time, but it was absolutely worth it. I’m proud of how the book turned out, and I hope our alumni and friends enjoy it as much as we enjoyed making it.”

UT Martin’s 125th anniversary celebration will continue through October 2026. A list of events can be found at alumni.utm.edu/celebration.

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