The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, has appointed John Sorochan as the newest Chancellor’s Professor. The distinction honors exceptional faculty members for outstanding scholarly achievement and contributions to their fields, with the recipients named by Chancellor Donde Plowman.
“Both of these faculty members embody our university’s highest standards, demonstrating exceptional service to their students and dedication to their research,” said Plowman. “We’re privileged to have them as members of our Volunteer community, and I’m excited to welcome them to our distinguished group of Chancellor’s Professors.”
Selection as a Chancellor’s Professor recognizes tenured faculty who have dedicated five or more years of service to the university. Candidates are nominated by their deans and recommended to the provost and chancellor by the existing cohort of honorees. Along with receiving a one-time USD 20,000 research stipend, Chancellor’s Professors serve as a strategic advisory body, meeting regularly with senior leadership on key campus issues and initiatives.
John Sorochan is the Distinguished Professor of Turfgrass Science and Management in the Department of Plant Sciences at the Herbert College of Agriculture. His research focuses on optimizing turfgrass performance for sports fields, golf courses and other high-traffic areas, exploring innovations in grass resilience, pest management and sustainable maintenance practices. As a leading industry consultant, Sorochan frequently collaborates with organizations and athletic teams, guiding them on best practices for maintaining field quality and athlete safety.
FIFA World Cup
Most recently, Sorochan is leading an expert team of researchers charged with optimizing 16 stadium fields and dozens of training fields required for the FIFA World Cup 26. Sorochan’s findings have helped elevate the standards of sports turf management, contributing directly to safer and more sustainable playing surfaces worldwide.
“It is a tremendous honor to be recognized as a Chancellor’s Professor. This distinction truly reflects the collective efforts and support of the many colleagues, graduate students, undergraduates, and staff with whom I have had the privilege to work at the University of Tennessee,” said Sorochan. “I am especially grateful to my family for their unwavering encouragement and support, both personally and professionally.”