Name Change?

[molsen81]

It took awhile but I finally got my graduate degree. As I was reading it, I noticed something weird yet similar. When did we become "The" University of Tennessee?

 

[aaronvol]

september 10, 1794 i think.

 

[whobethis16]

It took awhile but I finally got my graduate degree. As I was reading it, I noticed something weird yet similar. When did we become "The" University of Tennessee?

I'm all but positive my bachelor's says that. Graduated in 2010.

 

[molsen81]

Ok but Ohio State makes it seem like they're so original and arrogant with those three letters.

 

[pismonque]

Most "University of..." schools have "The" at the beginning of their official titles since they are the singular namesake institutions in their respective states. "X State University" names, however, typically do not. Although they are state universities the "X" could be a geographical name, a person's name, or whatever. For instance, you have The University of Mississippi and Mississippi State University.

With OSU, for whatever reason the official name was set down as The Ohio State University, and that wonky singularity has been picked up on as an assertion of elitism, a connotation that's either proud or arrogant, depending on whether you went there.

 

[joevol33]

september 10, 1794 i think.

Bravo sir,bravo

 

[Hacksaw]

Ok but Ohio State makes it seem like they're so original and arrogant with those three letters.

Evidently you haven''t noticed before now, but Ohio State is a collection of dorks.

 

[Pappy]

Clemson is THE University of South Carolina

 

[HoptownVol]

It took awhile but I finally got my graduate degree. As I was reading it, I noticed something weird yet similar. When did we become "The" University of Tennessee?

Since forever. And I got green money that says the word The is not highlighted in quotes as implied in your post.

 

[BearCat204]

It took awhile but I finally got my graduate degree. As I was reading it, I noticed something weird yet similar. When did we become "The" University of Tennessee?

Congrats!!!! It has always been "The", we just aren't obnoxious clowns that feel the need to emphasize it.

 

[VFL-82-JP]

Ohio State makes a big deal about it because of an inferiority complex.

Ohio University (not Ohio State) was founded in 1804. That's a lifetime before Ohio State University (1870) came into existence. Ohio U also claimed the liberal arts focus for the state, leaving Ohio State with (in its early days) a mechanical and agricultural focus (witness Texas vs Texas Tech vs Texas A&M, or Tennessee vs Tennessee Tech). So one might rightfully conclude that Ohio U, not Ohio State U, is the flagship university of the state.

But somewhere along the way, OSU eclipsed OU in size and prestige. Dunno how or why, though I'm sure folks from Ohio State would be happy to fill in the blanks.

And so when you hear Ohio State fans and alumni emphasize the "The," realize that they're only doing it as a manifestation of their "little brother outgrows big brother" sense of insecurity.

And that's why we have no need to emphasize the "The" on UT diplomas. UTK has always been and remains the flagship institution of higher learning in the state of Tennessee.

 

[volboy81]

All 50 states have a land-grant university. Tennessee's is UT. Others are Clemson, Auburn, A&M, Purdue and probably Ohio, but I'm not sure. Ohio States pompous attitude prompts the THE, so they'll stand out. Another reason to dispise those Yankees.