Paperwork and administrative meetings dominate Chancellor Jimmy Cheek’s days, but the head of UT Knoxville took a break Wednesday night to hone his culinary skills in Hodges Library.

“This isn’t my first time making pancakes,” Cheek admitted while sporting a black apron.

Cheek participated in the event to alleviate the stress of the final week of classes.

“Our student body president said he thought this would be great to break up some of the study and stress with free food,” he said.

Crowds of students lined the halls of the second floor of Hodges Library to be served an array of breakfast food, stuffing themselves with sausage, bacon, fruit and pancakes.

Some even added whipped cream and chocolate chips to their plates of administrative pancakes.

“I think one of our things that we’re trying to accomplish is interact with students more in an informal matter,” Cheek said.

Students such as Montana Bazzell walked away with full bellies and memories.

“As a freshman, I remember coming to events like this and meeting more people than just going to class,” Bazzell, the undecided sophomore, said.

Bazzell was not alone in her feelings toward this event. Andrew Dillon, a graduate student in English who received his undergraduate degree from UT as well, believes this type of event encourages students to branch out and make friends.

“This kind of event is really great to get to know people from different disciplines,” Dillon said.

Dillon’s motives toward attending the event wasn’t just to make friends. He had put in a long day’s work.

“I had been on campus since two, and I’ve been grading papers since,” Dillon said. “I was just excited to get food.”

Students weren’t alone in their journey to find free food and socialize. Cheek got in on the conversation, too.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know students, what they’re studying … and what they’re doing this summer,” Cheek said. “This is a really great experience for me as well.”