Fields of Play: An Evening of Collaboration

Earlier this fall, Bank of America partnered with the University of Tennessee’s Herbert College of Agriculture, the Haslam College of Business and the FIFA 2026 World Cup to host an event showcasing the power of partnerships across sectors in innovation, economic development and global impact.

Hosted at the University of Tennessee’s Herbert College of Agriculture, the event brought together business leaders, university faculty and community stakeholders for an evening of discussion. For business leaders, this was an opportunity to explore how the University of Tennessee’s resources, from the well-rounded talent pipeline to the extensive partnerships, can be leveraged to fuel both business success and the continued development of the university and the region.

“For Bank of America, events like this are more than just opportunities to connect with business leaders – they’re a chance to invest in the future of our community,” said Lina Evans, Market Executive for Bank of America Knoxville. “These conversations are a reminder of the power of our shared vision and goals.”

The event featured remarks from leaders from the university and Bank of America. Dave White, Dean of the Herbert College of Agriculture, shared the college’s vision for the future while Steve Mangum, Dean of the Haslam College of Business, spoke on the university’s integral role in the Knoxville community. The discussion was facilitated by Shannon Lilly, Treasurer at Bank of America.

Bank of America remains a dedicated partner in supporting growth and economic success in the Knoxville community, fostering collaboration across industries and disciplines across the state.

Attendees left the evening with a renewed understanding of how strategic partnerships between businesses, academia and global organizations can shape a brighter future for communities both locally and worldwide.