The University of Tennessee College of Business Administration received a

pledge Wednesday for $500,000 from NationsBank of Tennessee for leadership

awards and technology upgrades.

“NationsBank’s generous gift will touch the lives of students and faculty

in one of the nation’s truly elite business schools. We are grateful for

the bank’s support, leadership and friendship,” said UT president Joe

Johnson.

The donation will allow the Department of Finance to upgrade its technology

and award students who show outstanding leadership. Half of the money will

go to the NationsBank Technology Endowment Award in Finance, $100,000 will

go to the NationsBank Student Leadership Endowment Award in Business and

the remaining $150,000 will go to the NationsBank Faculty Leadership

Scholar Endowment Award in Business.

“The fund will provide technology for students and faculty that will better

prepare students for the work force,” said James Wansley, head of the

finance department.

“NationsBank recruits UT-Knoxville graduates and we want to ensure that

these future associates are provided the best education possible,” said

Doyle Rippee, president of NationsBank of Tennessee.

Warren Neel, dean of College of Business Administration, recognized the

importance of leadership.

“It is important to recognize and reward those students and faculty who

excel in leadership,” Neel said. “Leadership is key to the success of any

institution or organization.”

The student leadership award will be given annually to two undergraduate

and three graduate students selected by a committee of faculty and

students. The Faculty Leadership Medal and a $5,000 award for excellence in

leadership in teaching, research and public service will be given to a

faculty member each year.

The donation adds to the University’s 21st Century Campaign, which has

raised over $400 million so far.