Our Mission
We foster the pursuit of comprehensive excellence through the holistic development of each student-athlete. We cultivate champions for life by maintaining a culture of integrity, utilizing an innovative approach, and displaying leadership while honoring and fulfilling the volunteer spirit.
We are Thornton!
 
Our Vision
We will be constant in our pursuit of excellence through transformative programs and services that set the national standard. We will inspire greatness that transcends sport by empowering student-athletes to become self-directed learners and thinkers, developing ambassadors who embody the volunteer spirit, and preparing graduates for global success.

Thornton Athletics Student Life Center
Opened in 2001, the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center is a state-of-the-art, 33,000 square foot facility that houses comprehensive academic and career development services for over 500 student-athletes. With 19 full-time staff members, the Thornton Center offers academic counseling services, proactive one-on-one mentoring and tutoring programs, career, professional, and leadership development programming, community engagement opportunities, and the William H. Freeman Fueling Station.

How Was The Thornton Center Named?
The Thornton Athletics Student Life Center was dedicated in honor of John "Thunder" Thornton, his wife, Eileen, and their family, in recognition of the commitment they made to the establishment of the facility. Their family's generous gift funded construction of one of the most significant buildings in the University of Tennessee Athletics Complex. The Thornton Athletics Student Life Center, an academic home for over 550 University of Tennessee student-athletes, reflects his belief that success starts with academics.

"The University of Tennessee has to do its best to provide the atmosphere and academic assistance to the young men and women who come to school here and participate in athletics," he has said.

A Blount County native, Thornton has built an impressive resume of business success and community service. A former member of UT's Board of Trustees, Thornton and his family have served the University well over the years and his legacy will be reflected in the lives of each of the young student-athletes served within the facility.