Blake Cantrell builds relationships throughout UT faculty and alumni circles to help deliver the arts and sciences advantage.
Blake Cantrell took on the role of senior director of development in early 2026, overseeing advancement opportunities for all three divisions of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).
He joined the college in March 2024 as a director of development focusing on the Division of Social Sciences, bringing more than nine years of fundraising experience in higher education. He built strong and valuable relationships with alumni and faculty as he got to know that division and the college.
“I worked with former Divisional Dean of Social Sciences Patrick Grzanka and now Interim Divisional Dean Gina Owens. These are relationships that have benefitted me with the vast knowledge and curriculum within CAS,” said Cantrell. “Jessi Arnidis, my previous supervisor on the advancement team, also greatly helped me prepare for this senior role.”
He is grateful to the college leadership and culture for adding to his continued growth as a fundraiser and preparing him for his senior director role.
“Executive Director Elizabeth Weatherly has built and cultivated a very solid development team with Jane Gulley, Olivia Keltner, Ryan Gibbons, Michael Jordan, and Sidney Smith,” said Cantrell. “Robert Hinde becoming permanent executive dean was also great news for the future of the College of Arts and Sciences. There’s no better person to lead the college.”
A native of Dandridge, Tennessee, Cantrell holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration for logistics/supply chain management from East Tennessee State University and a master’s degree in business administration from Tusculum University. Before coming to UT, Cantrell served as assistant athletics director for development and Eagle Club Director at Carson-Newman University, overseeing fundraising, corporate partnerships, ticketing, and game-day operations for the athletic department.
Prior to that role, Cantrell worked in athletics development for Western Carolina University and as a development officer for Tusculum University in both academics and athletics. He also spent six years working in supply chain management for Tennessee Valley Authority before transitioning to a career in higher education.
Cantrell and the arts and sciences advancement team worked throughout spring 2026 on a hiring search for a new frontline fundraiser as their office prepares for upcoming UT Knoxville campaigns.
“I will continue to learn and work to assist our team in fundraising goals to close out this fiscal year and move forward into 2027–2028,” said Cantrell. “We are living in the glory days of both CAS and UT Knoxville, and I am thrilled to be a part of it.”
by Randall Brown