January 12, 2025

UT Southern mourns the loss of Grant Fairchild, who served as Director of Sports Medicine at UT Southern since 2001. Grant touched countless lives in his nearly 24 years on campus, leaving a lasting impact on our community. 

Grant served as the Director of Sports Medicine for Martin Methodist College and later the University of Tennessee Southern since 2001. During this time, he made a profound and meaningful impact on the campus, as well as on our athletic programs, coaches, and student-athletes. Over his nearly 24 years on campus, he touched countless lives, serving as a mentor, role model, and valued colleague. He will be deeply missed by the entire UT Southern family.

A native of Meridian, Mississippi, Grant earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training from the University of Southern Mississippi ('99) and a Master of Education in Exercise Sports and Science from Augusta State College ('01). He was named Southern States Athletic Conference Trainer of the Year in 2014 and received the inaugural MMC Servant Leadership Award. Additionally, Grant was actively involved with Special Olympics in Giles County for over 10 years, serving as a member of their Leadership Board.

UT Southern is working to provide dedicated counseling sessions to support UT Southern students, faculty, and staff.