It is with heavy hearts that the Natalie L. Haslam College of Music shares the news of Mrs. Natalie L. Haslam’s passing. Words cannot fully capture what Mrs. Haslam meant to our College and to the generations of students whose lives she touched through her generosity and belief in the arts. Each day, we experience her legacy when we walk through the doors of the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center, a lasting symbol of her love for music and her unwavering support of education. Because of the Haslam family’s vision and 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.
We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Haslam and the entire Haslam family during this difficult time.
By Cassandra Sproles, January 17, 2026
Whenever a singer’s voice echoes in the halls of the music building, an actor takes the stage in the Jenny Boyd Theatre, or a visitor spends time wandering through exhibits at the McClung Museum, they may not realize how the kindness of another lover of arts and culture helped make it all possible.
Natalie L. Haslam, a 1952 alumna whose love for the University of Tennessee only strengthened throughout the course of her life, passed away on January 16, 2026. Born in 1931, she was 94 years old. A native Knoxvillian, Haslam studied French and participated in honors societies and the Chi Omega sorority during her time at UT.
A central figure in the Haslam family, which continues to be among the university’s most generous supporters, Haslam married Pilot Corporation founder James Arthur “Jim” Haslam II (’52) in 1976. Jim placed formidable trust in her as a partner in life, business, and the family legacy.
“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 Chancellor Donde Plowman. “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. She will be dearly missed.”
Read more about Mrs. Haslam’s legacy on the Torchbearer website.