Outlining a clear vision, the importance of working as a team, and embracing change and addressing the challenges that come with it, were some of the main topics highlighted during the DASH ERP kickoff event at UT Gardens. 

The UT System is leading the effort to migrate to the new DASH enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that will replace IRIS. The new system is expected to rollout to all campuses in summer 2024. 

Employees who will help lead the campus through this transformational project are known as DASH Champions. DASH Champions from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville and the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture gathered at the McIlwaine Friendship Pavilion at the UT Gardens on June 29 to celebrate the start of the project and prepare for the important work that will take place over the next two years.  

Guest speakers included Senior Vice Chancellor for Finance & Administration Chris Cimino who is part of the DASH ERP Executive Committee, Chancellor Donde Plowman, and Head Women’s Basketball Coach Kellie Harper. Chancellor Plowman encouraged DASH Champions to work together and see the broader impact of their work. She said the DASH ERP project ties directly to a goal outlined in the university’s Strategic Vision to “make ourselves nimble and adaptive.” Through the DASH ERP project, employees across campus are innovating and collaborating at all levels to launch a new, modern system that will more effectively and efficiently support our students and employees.  

Coach Harper drew on her experience leading the Lady Vols basketball team in times of significant change, such as recent developments with Name Image Likeness (NIL) and the transfer portal. She also challenges her players each year to decide their legacy. The same is true for the DASH ERP project team. In this case, Harper challenged DASH Champions to leave behind a legacy of successful, positive change for the university. 

DASH Champions enjoyed ice cream catered by Cruze Farm, received t-shirts and other swag, and participated in team building activities.