Honoring A Legacy of Support
I am not a musician, but music has always meant a lot to me. If we are lucky, music is a part of our lives at almost every turn – from the church services and weddings we attend, to football, basketball and other sports functions, and even to the parties, movies, plays and social activities in our lives. There’s always music. At the University of Tennessee, we are blessed to have an amazing music program, and Jim and I appreciate that very much. I’m honored to have my name associated with it.”
Natalie L. Haslam
Namesake of College
A Legacy of Generosity and Love for the Arts
Whenever music fills the halls of the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, when students rehearse late into the evening, performers take the stage, or visitors gather to experience the arts, they are living within a legacy shaped by extraordinary generosity and a lifelong love for the University of Tennessee.
Natalie L. Haslam, a proud alumna and devoted champion of the arts, believed deeply in the power of music, education, and creative expression to transform lives. Her kindness and vision helped make possible a space where generations of students could learn, perform, and discover their voices, often without realizing the remarkable individual whose belief made it all possible.
Transformative Leadership and Philanthropy
In 2006, Mrs. Haslam, alongside her husband Jim Haslam and the Haslam Family Foundation, made a transformative $32.5 million gift to the University of Tennessee. Of this historic contribution, $10 million was designated specifically for the School of Music, enabling the construction of the state-of-the-art Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, which opened in 2013.
The Music Center serves as a hub for musical excellence, housing rehearsal spaces, performance venues, and educational facilities that support a wide range of musical disciplines and foster collaboration across the College.
Honoring an Enduring Legacy
In recognition of her enduring commitment to the University and the arts, the University of Tennessee Board of Trustees approved the naming of the College of Music in her honor in June 2024. This distinction acknowledged Mrs. Haslam’s pivotal role in elevating the College’s prominence and her vision for a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking music community.
“Natalie Haslam was a tireless champion of the University of Tennessee, and her family’s unwavering belief in this institution has left an indelible mark on the lives of so many students,” said Donde Plowman, Chancellor of the University of Tennessee. “Natalie embodied so much of what makes UT special. She was a true Volunteer whose leadership and generosity on our campus and throughout the community has left a legacy that will continue for generations.”
A Champion of the Arts and Community
Beyond her extraordinary contributions to the University of Tennessee, Natalie L. Haslam was a dedicated leader and advocate for the arts and civic life across East Tennessee. She served as the first female president of the Knoxville Symphony Society and held leadership roles with the East Tennessee Foundation, the East Tennessee Historical Society, the Knoxville Garden Club, and the Arts Council for Greater Knoxville.
Her commitment to preserving and enriching the region extended to founding Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and serving on numerous boards, including the Tennessee Arts Commission and Zoo Knoxville.
In recognition of her service and leadership, Mrs. Haslam was named the University of Tennessee’s Volunteer of the Year in 1992 and the East Tennessee Historical Society’s East Tennessean of the Year in 2018. She and her husband, Jim Haslam, were jointly named Distinguished Alumni by the University of Tennessee in 2009.
Impacting Generations of Music Vols
The Natalie L. Haslam College of Music stands as a living reflection of Mrs. Haslam’s vision – one that honors tradition while embracing innovation. Through a comprehensive curriculum spanning performance, education, composition, music technology, and more, the College prepares students to thrive in an ever-evolving musical landscape.
Initiatives such as the Natalie L. Haslam Distinguished Artist/Lecturer Residency Series bring world-class artists and scholars to campus, fostering collaboration, creativity, and transformative learning experiences for students and faculty alike.
Jeffrey Pappas, Founding Dean of the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music, reflected on the depth of her impact:
“Natalie was the kindest, most gracious, and most generous person I have ever met. You cannot think about the College of Music without recognizing her influence. Beyond her unwavering support of the arts throughout our Knoxville community, she taught me – and so many others – that kindness can be given freely. Her impact will resonate for generations.”
Jeffrey Pappas,
Founding Dean
Words cannot fully capture what Mrs. Haslam meant to our College and to the countless students whose lives she touched through her generosity and belief in the arts. Because of the Haslam family’s vision and enduring commitment, Music Vols will continue to learn, create, and make a meaningful impact in their communities for years to come. This is a legacy we are honored to carry, and we are forever proud to bear her name.
