Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science John Sorochan Among Recipients
CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. — University of Tennessee System President Randy Boyd announced the 17 winners of the 2025 President’s Awards during the annual UT Board of Trustees meeting in Chattanooga today.
“These awards celebrate the dedication and remarkable work of our faculty and staff throughout the state,” Boyd said. “Their contributions create a better University of Tennessee and also impact the state and far beyond. Each play an important role as we continue building the greatest decade in UT history.”
Faculty and staff members from across the UT System received the awards in recognition of their accomplishments and dedication to the University and its Be One UT values. Award recipients were nominated by campus and institute leaders then selected from a systemwide pool. They will be honored by the president and his Be One UT cabinet during a special luncheon in August.
Established in 2016, the President’s Awards annually recognize the achievements of UT System faculty and staff who contribute to the University’s mission to educate, discover and connect. The awards are the highest honor an employee can receive from the University. Each winner receives a commemorative plaque inspired by the University of Tennessee president’s medallion and a monetary award of $3,000.
John Sorochan, distinguished professor in Turfgrass Science within the Department of Plant Sciences, is the faculty member among the Bold and Impactful Honorees. Sorochan is internationally recognized for his leadership in sports turf innovation and safety. He directs the UT Center for Athletic Field Safety and serves as the primary investigator for research supporting the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and 2026 FIFA World Cup. A consultant for FIFA, the National Football Players Association and other major sports leagues, his work enhances athlete safety and turf sustainability worldwide. With over $12 million in research funding and 80-plus published studies, Sorochan also teaches plant sciences at UT Knoxville and supports global outreach, including co-founding Dream Academy Soccer in Botswana. He lives in Knoxville with his wife and two children.
Visit the President’s Awards website for a full list of winners and nominees.