J. Miles Cary

Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten, left, is helped with his gown by University of Tennessee officials Fernandez West, center, and Dan Carlson before an informal graduation reception on Tuesday= at the Thornton Athletics Student Life Center. Witten, who last played for the Vols in 2002, re-entered the school through the Renewing Academic Commitment program in 2005 and will complete his bachelor's degree in sports management later this month.

Six years after leaving the University of Tennessee, Jason Witten is returning to the University of Tennessee on Tuesday for an informal graduation reception at the Thornton Student Life Center.

Witten left the university in 2002. He re-enter the school through the Renewing Academic Commitment (RAC) program in 2005 and will complete his bachelor’s degree in sports management later this month.

The RAC program works with former student-athletes by assisting them with advice on remaining degree requirements, course scheduling, tutoring, employment and internships opportunities offered through the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program, as well as use of the Thornton Center for their everyday needs.

Witten was a consensus All-SEC choice and Academic All-SEC selection for the 2002 Vols when he caught 39 passes for 493 yards and five touchdowns. He finished his UT career with 68 catches for 797 yards, an 11.7-yard average, and seven TDs. Since leaving UT, Witten as a member of the Dallas Cowboys has played in four Pro Bowls during his brief but sparkling five-year career.