AGTA & University of Tennessee, Knoxville:
A Strategic Partnership Advancing Transportation Leadership
The Airport Ground Transportation Association (AGTA) and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville share a deep, mission-driven partnership that strengthens innovation, education, and real-world impact in the ground transportation and aviation sectors.
AGTA is uniquely managed in collaboration with UT Knoxville, showcasing UT’s leadership in transportation research and industry engagement. The University is the only university actively involved with AGTA, and UT faculty and staff play key roles within the association’s leadership team, including AGTA’s Executive Director and Member Services & Events Manager positions.
Central to this partnership are two key units at UT Knoxville:
• Department of Supply Chain Management (Haslam College of Business)
The Supply Chain Management department at the Haslam College of Business is one of the most respected programs in the country, offering undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. education in supply chain and logistics. The department emphasizes rigorous, real-world-relevant research and teaching that span the full supply chain spectrum—from transportation and distribution to procurement and planning. Its faculty lead industry-engaged initiatives such as the Global Supply Chain Institute and Transportation and Logistics Collaborative, fostering research and partnerships that directly inform transportation policy and practice.
• Center for Transportation Research (College of Engineering)
The Center for Transportation Research (CTR) is a nationally recognized research unit within UT’s Tickle College of Engineering focused on interdisciplinary transportation research, workforce development, and industry service. Since 1972, CTR has advanced solutions in transportation planning, safety, freight analytics, and mobility, providing students and researchers with opportunities to work on practical challenges affecting transportation systems locally, statewide, and nationally. CTR’s work helps prepare highly skilled transportation professionals while supporting public and private partners with cutting-edge research and technical expertise.
Currently, Dr. Jeff Trombly of the Department of Supply Chain Management serves as AGTA’s Executive Director, and Misty Richards of the Center for Transportation Research serves as AGTA’s Member Services & Events Manager. Jeff began his role within the association in 2023, while Misty started in 2022.
Through this partnership, UT faculty and students gain unparalleled access to industry professionals, data, and operational insights. UT supports AGTA’s work on industry-critical initiatives such as comprehensive airport fees and fares surveys and innovative approaches to curb management, ground operations, and transportation technology. Faculty and student involvement enhances academic learning with hands-on experience, research opportunities, and conference leadership roles. This bridges classroom knowledge with real industry challenges and solutions.
By working side-by-side with AGTA’s more than 200 member organizations, the University of Tennessee is helping shape the future of airport ground transportation while preparing the next generation of transportation professionals.