The athletics department announced Tuesday they will provide an additional $1 million of support to academics on the Knoxville campus for the next 15 years, beginning in 2009-2010.

The $1 million is in addition to the more than $7 million in direct cash support the university receives each year. That amount includes $75,000 raised for the Libraries from the proceeds of the Orange and White Game this past spring. Other support for the university’s academic mission includes $1.375 million in academic scholarships awarded to non-student athletes and $107,000 each year for the turfgrass research partnership.

“This new funding will have a direct impact on the way we educate students, conduct research, and, ultimately, serve the people of Tennessee,” said UT Knoxville Chancellor Jimmy G. Cheek.

The money, which is designated from the Southeastern Conference’s new television contract, will be distributed in three ways on the UT Knoxville campus, in order to ensure the funding has the broadest effect on the student population.

The Student Success Center, which provides tutoring and counseling services for all UT students, will receive $100,000 as will the Tennessee Teaching and Learning Center, which provides faculty programs, services, and resources that promote significant learning experiences for students. Another $800,000 will be used to fund up to 40 assistantships for graduate students.