“I think the importance of it is that it’s there for everyone, if you’re lucky to be surrounded by music,” Natalie L. Haslam said after the college of music here at UT was named after her.
Born in 1931, Natalie L. Haslam was an alumnus of UT, where she met her husband Jim Haslam, and started their legacy even farther beyond just giving to the school.
While attending UT, Haslam was involved in many different organizations around campus — Girl’s Cotillion Club, Chi Omega sorority, and Junior League.
However, there is one certain area of UT that stood out for Haslam the most. That would be the College of Music.
Haslam gave 10 million dollars to the College of Music in 2004, to help fund the 40 million dollar music building that was completed in 2013.
Thanks to her efforts, the building was named the Natalie L. Haslam Music Center in 2024.
“Mrs. Haslam’s support made all the difference when it comes to innovation within our college” Jeffery Pappas, Founding Dean of the College of Music said.
“Her belief in the college gave us the confidence to think boldly, and her trust empowered us to innovate with purpose.”
It’s not only the staff that saw the difference Haslam made in the college.
Ellen Moscardelli, a music business major, is only a freshman here at UT. However, the impact Haslam has made on herself as an individual is something special.
Moscardelli had seen Haslam be described as a “servant leader” which she thinks is something extremely special throughout the College of music.
“I think that applies to a lot of the kids in our program,” Moscardelli said. “It just makes sense.”
Pappas also agreed with this sentiment. Not only was she a servant leader, but her character also shined through, above being a philanthropist.
“I will take many important lessons from my interactions with her,” Pappas said. “Including the idea that kindness can be given freely.”
Haslam’s involvement in the arts did not stop with UT.
From 1995 to 1997, she was the first ever female president of the Knoxville Symphony Orchestra, and she did not stop there in terms of being involved in the arts.
She held leadership roles in organizations such as Arts Council for Greater Knoxville, Tennessee Arts Commission, and served on the College of Arts and Sciences Board of Visitors.
One of Haslam’s most notable accomplishments was being named “UT’s Volunteer of the Year” in 1992, for her service and dedication to the University.
Along with the long list of accolades, the College of Music was the first building in the Southeastern Conference to be named after a woman.
“She was really well-rounded,” Moscardelli said. “I think that is something that everyone could take some advice from.”
Natalie L. Haslam passed away Jan. 17, 2026, but she will not be forgotten within the UT and Knoxville community.
When Dean Pappas was asked what he thinks Haslam would be most proud of, he mentioned the students.
“She would take pride in seeing graduates who are not only outstanding musicians, but thoughtful leaders, educators, and advocates,” Pappas said. “Not only for the arts, but other causes they find important in their communities.”
Haslam is outlived not only by the UT family, but by her husband James A. Haslam II, three children from her first marriage, three stepchildren, 18 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.
