I wrote this email to President DiPietro:
"I write you to stress my concern for the way my beloved University is being ridiculed and laughed at across the country. I attended Tennessee for almost 7 years. I received my bachelors with honors and I graduated from Tennessee Law where I was in the top of my class. My point is academics are important to me, but that's not why I came to Tennessee.
I'm glad the University takes academics seriously and strives to become a top 25 public institution. I know there is value in my degrees. I'm happy to look around and see the new construction and campus growing. However, when did we lose focus on our athletics? I chose to come to Tennessee because I remember holding my parent's hand as we rushed to make kickoff. I remember learning to sing Rocky Top, battling the freezing cold to see some amazing games, watching some of the best players in the history of football play in Neyland, seeing Pat cut the nets down, and so many more amazing, cherished memories on Rocky Top. The Vols make fan's Monday's better, their hard times easier, and give them a reason to smile in a tough world. The University of Tennessee Volunteers brought my family together, they bring this State together, and they bring people together all across the country.
The current administration has embarrassed Tennessee and made us look like fools. We are frequently mocked and the punch line of many jokes. I'm sure you've seen where we finished dead last in the SEC in fall sports. I wonder if you have seen the numerous tweets, articles, and letters from national media members detailing how our beloved University is incompetent, "whack-o", and other foolish names. How we are being outdone by Alabama, Kentucky, Florida, and other schools all across the country. It seems our University is more in the news for trying to eliminate gender pronouns and Christmas parties than athletic success.
I know academics are important, but so are athletics, especially at Tennessee. We can improve in both. Think about the results of a successful athletic department on the furtherance of the University's academic goals. More students, more money, more publicity, and the benefits go on and on. Tennessee is not an Ivy League school, while we can improve academically and be a top 25 public institution, our greatest asset is that we are the home of the Vols. We must be true to ourselves and be proud of our identity: A strong southern school that plays a little football on the weekends.
The University of Tennessee means a lot to a lot of people, including me. It is dear to my heart. I love the University of Tennessee and I will always advocate on its behalf. Tennessee deserves nothing but the best. It means something to wear that Power T on your chest. But lately people have been ashamed and embarrassed to show their pride for Tennessee because they know they'll be met with laughs and ridicule. We want our Vols back. We want David Blackburn for the athletic director of Tennessee. Please quit delaying this process and begin restoring Tennessee's national reputation. Thank you! "
