The UTFI President’s Award is a highly prestigious award which recognizes outstanding achievements by advancement staff in applying creative concepts to improving performance, advancing fundraising and alumni engagement efforts and promoting a better understanding of the systemwide advancement activities and asset management services of UT Foundation. Those honored have demonstrated commitment to personal and professional growth and organizational development, supports collaborative efforts, fosters employee and customer loyalty, serves as a mentor to other colleagues, adheres to core values and provides vision through leadership efforts.
Recipients are nominated by supervisors/managers, and a committee of previous year recipients select up to six employees to receive the honor.
Please join us in congratulating our 2026 UT Foundation President’s Award recipients.
Matt Borden
Director of Annual Giving
UT Martin
Matt Borden has transformed annual giving at UT Martin through innovation, determination and a strong commitment to student success. Under his leadership, annual giving reached new heights while alumni engagement and philanthropic participation continued to grow. Matt approaches challenges with creativity and an entrepreneurial mindset, developing new programs and refining existing efforts to maximize impact. His work has strengthened support for students, faculty and campus initiatives while creating meaningful opportunities for donors to engage with UT Martin. Beyond his fundraising accomplishments, Matt is a dedicated mentor who invests in student employees and colleagues, helping them develop professionally and personally. His collaborative approach, integrity and passion for the university have made him a trusted partner and a driving force behind UT Martin’s continued advancement success.
Kate Brimer
Director of Digital Fundraising & Campaign Strategy
Central Services
Kate Brimer has transformed digital fundraising across the UT Foundation through innovation, collaboration and a passion for creating exceptional donor experiences. As the Foundation’s resident GiveCampus expert, she helps campuses maximize fundraising opportunities by providing strategic guidance, technical expertise and thoughtful support. Her work has contributed to record-setting giving day success, strengthened online donor engagement and generated new revenue through enhanced digital fundraising tools. Kate combines creativity with attention to detail, building reliable systems and processes that ensure long-term success. Colleagues across the UT System value her responsiveness, problem-solving skills and willingness to share her expertise. Through her leadership and service-minded approach, Kate continues to expand the Foundation’s digital fundraising capabilities and strengthen support for campuses and donors alike.
Kelly Davis
Executive Director of Development, College of Medicine
UT Health Sciences
Kelly Davis has built lasting philanthropic support for UT Health Sciences through integrity, relationship-building and a steadfast commitment to donor service. Throughout his career, he has helped secure transformational support for key initiatives while strengthening connections among donors, alumni, volunteers and campus leaders. Kelly is known for his thoughtful approach to complex opportunities, bringing patience, creativity and sound judgment to every challenge. He excels at connecting donors with the people and programs their giving supports, creating meaningful relationships that endure over time. As a mentor and leader, he generously shares his experience and encourages growth in those around him. His collaborative spirit and dedication to advancing UT Health Sciences continues to make a lasting impact on students, faculty and patients.
Diannah Eagle
Executive Director of Advancement, CEHHS
UT Knoxville
Diannah Eagle has elevated fundraising for the UT Knoxville College of Nursing through strategic leadership, innovation and an unwavering commitment to relationships. This year, she led all UT Knoxville fundraisers in booked gifts, generating more than $37.7 million and securing multiple major commitments that will shape the college’s future. Her ability to navigate complex donor situations, build trust and connect donors to meaningful opportunities has resulted in transformational support for nursing education. Diannah finds creative ways to engage alumni, including launching a first-time football tailgate that strengthened connections and inspired philanthropic support. A collaborative partner and generous mentor, she invests deeply in colleagues, students and donors alike. Her leadership, professionalism and passion for the college continue to advance the College of Nursing’s mission and impact.
Leia Haney
Assistant Vice President & Chief Human Resource Officer
Central Services
Leia Haney has strengthened the UT Foundation through thoughtful leadership, strategic vision and a deep commitment to people. She has helped shape a more intentional approach to talent development, employee performance and organizational growth, ensuring teams have the support they need to succeed. Leia is known for creating meaningful opportunities for employees while fostering accountability, consistency and professional development across the organization. Her ability to navigate complex personnel matters with empathy, discretion and sound judgment has earned the trust of colleagues throughout the Foundation. A collaborative partner and mentor, she invests in employee success while positioning the organization for long-term growth. Through her leadership, Leia continues to build a strong, mission-focused culture that supports both employees and the Foundation’s future.
Juliette Kesterson
Executive Director of Donor Experience and Stewardship
UT Knoxville
Juliette Kesterson is a trusted leader whose expertise, collaboration and commitment to donors strengthen stewardship efforts across UT. She is known for transforming complex information into practical solutions, helping colleagues navigate reporting, systems and processes with confidence. Juliette played a key role in successfully completing and coordinating fiscal year endowment reports while onboarding new team members and managing competing priorities. She also created tools, training resources and peer learning opportunities that have improved consistency and strengthened stewardship practices systemwide. Whether assisting campus partners, responding to donor needs or mentoring colleagues, Juliette approaches every interaction with professionalism and care. Her willingness to share knowledge, build relationships and support others has made her an invaluable resource and a respected leader throughout the Foundation.