Rogersville

ROGERSVILLE — A new UT mural put on a family barn in Hawkins County emphasizes the University of Tennessee’s statewide impact on agriculture. 

“The barn sits along one of East Tennessee’s most scenic rural corridors, surrounded by farmland that reflects the rich agricultural heritage of Hawkins County,” said Jacob Rogers. 

The mural is located on the Williams family farm, which has been in Rogers’ wife, Alex Williams Rogers’, family since the early 1900s. For Alex, the mural is a deep personal honor, paying tribute to her late grandfather who loved watching UT basketball. 

“I know he’s smiling today, knowing that the family farm he worked so hard on now gets to share a small piece of UT pride with everyone in Hawkins County,” she said. 

Visible to an estimated 10,000 cars each day, this mural marks county number 68 in the statewide Everywhere You Look, UT campaign. This 48-foot-wide barn is located along U.S. Highway 11W, where the mural is visible to travelers passing through the county’s bucolic landscape. 

“A mural here beautifies the space, and celebrates the traditions, pride and landscape of East Tennessee in a way that thousands of people could enjoy every day,” said Rogers. 

Even though Rogers and his wife are not alumni, they’re excited to host the mural and showcase UT pride in their community. 

“This Everywhere You Look, UT mural is meant to make our community proud and represent the area for everyone to see in our hometown,” he said. 

To the Rogers, the mural is a tribute to agriculture’s deep roots in Hawkins County. 

“UT always runs deep for anyone who has grown up in Tennessee, even if you don’t have a personal connection to the university,” Rogers said. “Seeing people support the institution showcases its true impact.