Tennessee’s 2023 Hall of Fame Class: Joan Cronan
The University of Tennessee announced its 2023 Hall of Fame class.
The school is hosting is first induction ceremony in three years due to the coronavirus pandemic. Inductees will be honored April 13-15.
Tennessee athletic administrator Joan Cronan is one of the inductees for the 2023 class.
Cronan served as a UT administrator from 1983-2012.
UT press release:
Under the vision and direction of Joan Cronan, the Tennessee women’s athletics department and the Lady Vols garnered a reputation as one of the most visible and respected brands throughout the nation. Tennessee’s success in both the athletic and academic realms spoke volumes about Cronan’s decision-making and leadership ability. A history-maker and member of several halls of fame, Cronan holds the distinction of becoming the first female director of athletics for the entire combined (men’s and women’s) department at UT when she served as Interim Vice Chancellor and Athletics Director in 2011. During her tenure overseeing women’s athletics, the Lady Vols won 10 team and 36 individual/relay NCAA championships, and they also captured 58 team and 177 individual/relay SEC titles. She hired 22 Tennessee head coaches, oversaw development and construction of multiple facilities and managed the women’s athletics program’s expansion from seven to 11 sports. Annual giving to women’s athletics increased exponentially from $75,000 to more than $2 million during her tenure. She now serves the university in an advisory role as Women’s Athletic Director Emeritus.
