Chief Strategy Officer
Lauren Rucker is the Chief Strategy Officer for Enrollment Management at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she leads the strategic development, implementation, and assessment of comprehensive enrollment initiatives. She collaborates with university stakeholders to align data-driven enrollment strategies with institutional priorities, ensuring a cohesive approach to student recruitment, retention, and graduation.
Since joining the division in 2015, Rucker has played a vital role in refining enrollment processes and communications. Before stepping into her current role in October 2024, she led the Enrollment Management Communications team, overseeing messaging strategies to highlight UT’s mission, value, and the Volunteer experience.
Her leadership extends to overseeing enrollment communication strategies, operational processes, and budget alignment while leveraging data analytics and market trends to drive strategic decision-making. She also serves as the chief liaison between Enrollment Management and key university partners, ensuring collaboration across divisions.
Rucker holds a Master of Science in Communication and Information with a focus on Strategic & Digital Communications and a BA in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing and logistics. A proud UT alumna, she was also a dedicated member of UT’s Pride of the Southland Marching Band for four years.
“My favorite spot on campus is the Torchbearer Plaza on Volunteer Ave. As a member of the marching band, every Saturday we marched to Neyland Stadium to cheer on our Vols. I have so many memories of marching by the plaza while playing Rocky Top and seeing my family and friends cheer me on.”
CliftonStrengths: Achiever, Learner, Includer, Positivity, Restorative.