What’s Inside?

With 18 full-time staff members, the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center offers academic counseling services, career development program, student development program, comprehensive tutoring program, writing lab, math lab, computer lab, and accommodations for students with special needs. 

When Are We Open?

Operating hours during Fall and Spring terms:

Sundays: 2:00pm-10:00pm

Mondays – Thursdays: 7:30am-10:00pm

Fridays: 7:30am-5:00pm  

Saturdays: Closed

Operating hours during Summer terms:

Sundays: Closed

Mondays – Thursdays: 7:30am-7:00pm

Fridays: 7:30am-5:00pm

Saturdays: Closed

What’s Our Mission?

The mission of the Thornton Center is to provide academic, career, and life skills programming and the learning environment in which all student-athletes have the opportunity to achieve their academic and personal goals.

The staff is committed to ensuring that students earn their college degrees and are successful in their chosen post-collegiate careers.

How Was The Thornton Center Named?

The Thornton Athletics Student Life Center was dedicated in honor of John “Thunder” Thornton, his wife, Eileen, and their family, in recognition of the commitment they made to the establishment of the facility.

Their family’s generous gift funded construction of one of the most significant buildings in the University of Tennessee Athletics Complex.

His gift to the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center project, an academic home for University of Tennessee student-athletes, reflects his belief that success starts with academics.

“The University of Tennessee has to do its best to provide the atmosphere and academic assistance to the young men and women who come to school here and participate in athletics,” he has said.

A Blount County native, Thornton has built an impressive resume of business success and community service.

A former member of UT’s Board of Trustees, Thornton and his family have served the University well over the years and his legacy will be reflected in the lives of each of the young student-athletes served within the facility.