November 11-17, 2025

Updates and news for the week of November 11-17, 2025

The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to Peyton Schultz (peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu) in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

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Outstanding People of UTC

Charlie Mix (left) and Nyssa Hunt

to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in October. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $257,000 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $5,402,724 in external funding, if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in October were Charlie Mix and Nyssa Hunt in the Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science.

Mix, in collaboration with the Chattanooga Area Southern Offroad Bike Association (SORBA), received $7,500 from the Lyndhurst Foundation for the project titled “SORBA Chattanooga Mountain Biking Trail Guide Cartography.”
Mix and Hunt, in collaboration with the Lula Lake Land Trust, received $8,827 from the Land Trust Alliance for the project titled “Lula Lake Land Trust Conservation Priority Modeling.”
Mix and Hunt received $70,000 from Skytec, LLC for the project titled “TN Blueways Mapping and Spatial Analysis.”

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Three UTC teams have been awarded UT Wellness Mini Grants as part of a University of Tennessee System initiative supporting student well-being and success. The UT System awarded $50,000 in total to 10 projects across all campuses, with UTC receiving three of the grants.

Digital Wellness and Boundaries Bootcamp
Office of Title IX Compliance; Principal Investigators: Anitra Barrett, Sara Peters, Emily Rosenquist.
Students will create online modules promoting healthy digital boundaries, consent and communication.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy Group Intervention Program for High-Risk Students
UTC Counseling Center; Principal Investigators: Corinne Webster, Carisha Northcutt.
This program offers therapy groups for students struggling with chronic stress or suicidal thoughts.
Cultivating Resilience in Undergraduate Nursing Students
School of Nursing; Principal Investigators: Suzanne Ridge, Jason Peter.
The project builds peer resilience and self-care training through a “train-the-trainer” model.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

UC Foundation Professor Joey Shaw participated in a Q&A about his plant research for a Highlands Biological Station article.
An American Talk article about the Bering Land Bridge featured UC Foundation Assistant Professor Morgan Smith.
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall spoke to the Times Free Press about new apartments in Chattanooga and their effect on the local economy.
Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government Michelle Deardorff joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the nation’s first Election Day since Trump’s return to the White House.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Friday, Nov. 14: Volleyball vs. The Citadel, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 15: Volleyball vs. Furman, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 16: Women’s Basketball vs. UAB, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 17: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.

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Information sessions are taking place for the spring 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in The Balkans,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to the Balkans, visiting Italy, Croatia and Albania (tentatively scheduled for May 11-24). The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, head of data analytics and native of Albania.

Information sessions:

Today (Nov. 11): 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Nov. 20: 2 p.m., Zoom

Students earn three credit hours on the undergraduate level (MGT 4950) or graduate level (MGT 5950). For more information, contact COBInternational@utc.edu or visit COB International Programs.

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Information sessions are taking place for the summer 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in Germany,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to Germany, visiting Berlin, Nuremberg and Munich (tentatively scheduled for June 20-July 3). The Germany course is led by Dr. Michael Jones, senior associate dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.

Information sessions:

Today (Nov. 11): 2 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Nov. 20: 12:30 p.m., Fletcher Hall 109
Tuesday, Dec. 2: 3:30 p.m., Zoom

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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions for the Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, and Master of Accountancy graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate programs provide flexible course options and exclusive career support resources to elevate your education and advance your career.

MSM Information Sessions

Wednesday, Nov. 12: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
Friday, Nov. 21: Noon: Register Here

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

Thursday, Nov. 13: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MBA Information Sessions

Friday, Nov. 14: Noon: Register Here
Wednesday, Nov. 19: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSDA Information Sessions

Tuesday, Nov. 18: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MAcc Information Sessions

Thursday, Nov. 20: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

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High school students and families are invited to experience what it means to be a Moc during the Power C Tour from 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, at the Aquatic and Recreation Center. The event connects future students with UTC leaders, faculty, staff and current Mocs to learn about academics, housing, financial aid and campus life. Qualified seniors can even earn admission on the spot through the University’s “Moc Minute” program.

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Students in Dr. Katelyn Hancock’s Ethics in Criminal Justice course will showcase their artwork during the Pouring for Purpose Gallery from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, in the University Center Chickamauga Room.

The event features abstract paintings created by students exploring ethical dilemmas and solutions in the criminal justice system. Attendees can take home a student painting in exchange for a donation, with all proceeds benefiting the local nonprofit Partnership for Families, Children and Adults’ HOPE Initiative Program. Both cash and electronic donations will be accepted.

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Dr. Amy Brock-Hon, Robert Lake Wilson Professor of Geology, will lead a lecture on Raccoon Mountain Caverns and regional geology at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, in Grote Hall Room 319.

Following the lecture, Brock-Hon will guide a tour of the public section of the caverns at 5:30 p.m. (319 W. Hills Drive).

Space for the cavern tour is limited to 10 participants, but the lecture is open to all. Those interested in the tour are asked to attend the lecture first, as key background information will be shared there. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for the tour.

Click here to register for the lecture and tour and learn more about the caverns.

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The Center for Wellbeing offers a monthly lineup of trainings for faculty and staff. Please sign up here. Sessions that count toward completion of the Mental Health Ally Program are marked with an asterisk (*).

The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.

Friday, Nov. 14: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students, Zoom, noon-1 p.m.
*Friday, Nov. 14: Mental Health First Aid, Library Room 209, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

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College Quest student panelists Bentley Adkins, left, Shelby Alford, Tooba Tanveer and Lukas Wise

On Friday, Nov. 14, high school juniors and seniors interested in pursuing careers in professional health care, engineering, computer science and technology—along with their families—are invited to College Quest at UTC.

Co-hosted by UTC’s Pre-Health Professions Advising, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, and UTC Admissions, College Quest combines targeted academic sessions, lab experiences, and a student panel with a parent track that covers financial aid, housing, career services and academic support. Click here to learn more about the panelists and their UTC stories.

The half-day event takes place from noon to 5 p.m. at the Wolford Family Athletic Center. The event is free and complimentary parking is available in Lot 31. Registration for College Quest is required by Nov. 4 and is available online by visiting go.utc.edu/college-quest.

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The next Scrappy’s Market will be from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, on Vine Street.

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Faculty, staff, and community members are invited to learn more at the upcoming Professional Education Open House from 3-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 18, via Zoom.

The UTC Center for Professional Education offers flexible, career-focused programs designed to help working professionals advance their skills in Human Resources, Supply Chain, Project Management, Artificial Intelligence and Information Technology. Each program is led by industry experts who bring real-world experience into the classroom, preparing participants for certification exams and career advancement opportunities. Click here to RSVP.

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The UTC Theatre Co. will perform Euripides’ “Medea,” translated by Diane J. Rayor, from Nov. 18-22 in the Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre at the UTC Fine Arts Center. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. nightly, with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, Nov. 22.

Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors (student ID required). Tickets can be purchased online or through the UTC Fine Arts Center Box Office—by phone at 423-425-4269 or in person.

Directed by Assistant Professor Drew Davidson, “Medea” explores betrayal, exile and revenge in a fast-paced, 90-minute adaptation that balances classical language with modern accessibility.

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Join the Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science (CAGDS) on Wednesday, Nov. 19, to celebrate GIS Day, a global event recognizing the work of geographic information systems (GIS) professionals. This year’s theme highlights how today’s geospatial thinkers are “geo-generalists,” applying spatial thinking across disciplines such as public health, marketing, climate science and logistics to solve complex challenges using data-driven insight.

CAGDS will host a free workshop, “GeoAI — Deep Learning for Imagery Classification in GIS and Remote Sensing,” from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Multidisciplinary Research Building (MDRB 102). Registration is required. Participants will explore the intersection of GIS and artificial intelligence (AI), learning how deep learning techniques can analyze high-resolution imagery to:

Classify land cover types such as forests, farmland, water and urban areas
Detect and count buildings, vehicles or roads
Identify storm or wildfire damage to support disaster response

By combining AI with GIS, users can process large datasets faster, uncover hidden patterns and gain new insights about the world around us.

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The UTC Graduate School announced that the following students will be presenting their final works of research as advanced degree candidates. Everyone is invited to attend.

Thursday (Oct. 5): Evan Gildernew, MDRB Conference Room, 10 a.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

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In August, the UTC campus experienced a criminal act intended to cause disruption, chaos and trauma. While similar incidents have impacted other institutions across the country, UTC was among the first targeted this academic year—serving as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and collective resilience.

At the direction of University administration, UTC will now require mandatory Active Violence Response Training for all regular full-time employees (faculty and staff) and affiliated staff (Aramark, Barnes & Noble and Canon). This marks the first year the training is mandatory for the campus community.

To assist in delivering the program, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has partnered with Defend Systems, a life safety and security consulting firm specializing in active shooter response and emergency preparedness. The training will focus on emergency awareness, critical response actions and strategies that improve survivability. Click here to register for a session.

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Faculty and staff are invited to serve as marshals at the upcoming Chancellor’s Investiture and Fall 2025 Commencement ceremonies. Marshals play an important role in supporting these milestone events and ensuring a smooth experience for graduates and guests.

Friday, Nov. 21: 3 p.m., Investiture of the Chancellor
Friday, Dec. 12: 2:30 p.m., Graduate (all colleges)
Saturday, Dec. 13: 9 a.m., Undergraduate (all colleges)

To volunteer, fill out this form to indicate which ceremony(ies) you are available to marshal. Questions? Contact Natalie Haber.

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Often, we think of summer programs when we think of Programs for Minors, but UTC has a wealth of programs designed for our area youth that run throughout the year. The Programs for Minors policy, a UT system policy, is in place to ensure that minors (youth 17 and younger) and the individuals who work with them are protected.

If you have questions about the policy or a program you are planning, please visit the Programs for Minors webpage or contact UTCDPS_Compliance@utc.edu.

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Housing and Residence Life is looking for resident assistants for the spring 2026 academic semester and the 2026-2027 academic year. RAs are students who work and live in the residence halls to provide resources, programs and support to their fellow students. This position offers free housing, a meal plan and a stipend. Being an RA is a great way to get involved on campus and develop transferable skills for your future career. Visit utc.edu/ra to learn more

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UTC Campus Recreation is offering a new Faculty and Staff Walking Membership for $10 per month.

Payroll deduction is available for full-time faculty and staff. Sign-ups begin Nov. 3 at the Campus Recreation Office in the Aquatic and Recreation Center (ARC). Office hours can be found here. Please note that this membership is valid only for the indoor walking track. Other areas of the building, including machines and free weights along the track, are off-limits.

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The R.A.D. (Rape Aggression Defense) Program is a national self-defense course that focuses on awareness, prevention, risk reduction and realistic hands-on training. Classes are taught by certified UTC Police and Public Safety instructors.

Free for students, faculty and staff
No experience necessary
Emphasis on safety and empowerment
Offered multiple times throughout the year

Click here or email Marion Perkins to register or learn more.

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The Clarence E. Harris Chair of Excellence in Entrepreneurship in UTC’s Gary W. Rollins College of Business is excited to announce the third year of Mocs Innovate: The Harris Chair Seed Fund for Innovation. This mini-grant program is designed to foster inventive research and entrepreneurial initiatives on campus. UTC faculty and staff are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $4,000 to support new ideas with commercialization potential.

The Mocs Innovate mini-grant program aims to inspire and support creative projects at all stages of development and is open to any UTC faculty or staff member with innovative ideas that demonstrate clear pathways for licensing or entrepreneurial ventures. By providing up to $4,000 in funding, the Mocs Innovate initiative seeks to accelerate the development of ideas that can have a meaningful impact both within and beyond the University.

Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply for this cycle of grant funding is Dec. 15.

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The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) will host a training session to help the campus community transition to DASH Research, UTC’s new research administration platform.

DASH Research Safety: The Research Safety module will go live on Nov. 10, replacing the current IBC email/Word document submission process. Principal investigators will not be required to submit new registrations until Jan. 12, 2026, allowing ORI to migrate active registrations first. ORI will host an in-person demonstration of the new platform from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4. Lunch will be provided. To attend, RSVP to the IBC at ibc@utc.edu.

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The National Science Foundation Noyce Track 2 fellowship project is accepting applications from STEM-degreed professionals to prepare to teach secondary mathematics and science through the Master of Education degree program. The 2026-2027 cohort will begin coursework in May 2026. Please contact Deborah McAllister or click this link for project details.

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Are you in need of physical therapy services? The Department of Physical Therapy offers short-term care for students, faculty and staff for free. The on-campus clinic is led by PT faculty and doctoral students during the fall and spring semesters. If you are experiencing functional limitations, pain, lingering injuries, recent injuries, or would like guidance to improve overall fitness, they are happy to evaluate you.

The clinic is located in University Health Services in Maclellan Gym (545 Terrell Owens Way). Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. on Thursdays.

To schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For additional information, email ptclinic@utc.edu.

UTC Newsroom

Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole discusses his journey with marketing students.

Jesse Cole, owner of the American sensation Savannah Bananas, discussed his journey of owning the baseball team with UTC marketing students over Zoom.

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Chief Sean O’Brien (left), Deputy Chief Matt Holzmacher and Director of Emergency Management Brett Fuchs

Students in Dr. Katelyn Hancock’s criminology class recently spent their class time going on a “crime walk.” Though UTC has its own police force and safety experts, Hancock wanted her students to ask: What areas can be improved?

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Nearly 1,500 local elementary and middle school students packed the McKenzie Arena stands for the annual Education Day game last week, helping create an atmosphere that matched the energy on the court.

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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

WUTC

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IN Memoriam

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xxx. A full obituary is available here.

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This section is reserved for memorial announcements of current and former UTC employees as the Office of Communications and Marketing becomes aware. To publish an announcement, a publicly available obituary must be provided. Please send any announcements to Vice Chancellor JAy Blackman at jay-blackman@utc.edu.

November 4-10, 2025

Updates and news for the week of November 4-10, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

Looking back at Homecoming Week

Neel Patel (left) and Carolina Shank were crowned Homecoming King and Queen at the 2025 Homecoming game.

UTC celebrated Homecoming Week 2025 with a week full of events, activities and plenty of Halloween costumes.

The week culminated on Saturday, with the Homecoming football game, where UTC fell to Western Carolina 35-28 in a nail-biter. During halftime festivities, Neel Patel and Carolina Shank were crowned Homecoming King and Queen. Click here for a full recap story. The full Flickr gallery is available here.

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Public Service Award Winners named

Joshua Clay and Carolina Shank were recognized with Public Service Awards at halftime of the Homecoming game. The awards were presented by Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs Artanya Wesley and Claire Smith, president of the UTC Alumni Board of Directors.

UTC students Joshua Clay and Carolina Shank were selected as recipients of the 2025 Public Service Award, a $1,000 scholarship recognizing distinguished service to the University and the Chattanooga community.

Clay, an accounting and integrated studies major graduating in May 2026, is a Chancellor’s Ambassador, First-Generation Mentor, Orientation Leader, SGA senator, resident assistant, campus ambassador and events manager in the Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community. In the community, he serves as treasurer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Chattanooga, mentors students at Tommie F. Brown Academy and volunteers with the Chattanooga Food Bank.

Shank, a mechanical engineering and criminal justice major with a minor in mathematics, will graduate in May 2028. She is president of the Society of Women Engineers, treasurer of both the UTC Mock Trial Team and Women’s Legal Caucus, and a Chancellor’s Ambassador. Her community service includes volunteering with Operation Christmas Child, the Chattanooga Food Bank, and the Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians, where she serves as a service unit delegate.

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First-generation students forge their own path during First Gen Week

Nearly a quarter of UTC’s students are first-generation college students, and with this status come responsibilities, expectations and new experiences.

For first-generation college students, the pressure of knowing which steps to take on campus can feel overwhelming. Understanding the pressure some students may face, First Gen Week—taking place from Nov. 3-7—gives students a chance to build a community and have their questions answered. Click here for the full calendar of events.

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UTC Prepares for Federal Accessibility Deadline

The U.S. Department of Justice now requires all public institutions to make their digital content, including PDFs, webpages and other online materials, accessible by April 24, 2026.

UTC is working toward full compliance, and everyone who creates or manages digital content has a role to play. Making sure our materials are accessible helps every student, faculty member, staff member and visitor fully engage with what UTC offers.

What you can do:

Review your PDFs: Remove, archive (include “archive” in the file name), update for compliance or convert to webpages.
Check vendor sites: Let the Accessibility Task Force know if you manage external or vendor-hosted pages and include required disclaimers.
Web content: Ensure text, images, videos and links meet accessibility standards.

If someone from the Accessibility Task Force reaches out, please work with them to bring your content into alignment. Together, we can ensure UTC meets this federal requirement and maintains accessibility long term. Click here to learn more about compliance. Contact the Accessibility Task Force with any questions.

Outstanding People of UTC

From left: Dr. Veronica Warren, Erical Beasley, Becca Williams, Dr. Corinne Webster, Dr. Chris Smith, Chancellor Lori Bruce, Dr. Chris Cosby, Dr. Krikor Jansezian, Kristy Palomino, Jake Golich, Farlie Chastain, Daniel Kiser.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held last week to officially open the Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center at UTC, marking the launch of a new on-campus resource for comprehensive mental health care.

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Terrell Owens

When Pro Football Hall of Famer and UTC alumnus Terrell Owens walks across campus, he still feels at home.

Owens, who first made his mark on Chamberlain Field as a wide receiver in the 1990s, returned to Chattanooga for UTC’s 2025 Homecoming Week—a celebration of pride, purpose and community that stretched far beyond the football field.

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UTC has named Cheryl Montgomery as chief of staff to Chancellor Lori Bruce, effective Monday, Nov. 3. In this key position, Montgomery will serve as a strategic advisor to the chancellor, providing executive-level support in advancing institutional priorities, managing complex initiatives, and fostering collaboration across the University and the broader Chattanooga community.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

Chancellor Lori Bruce joined two episodes of Jed & JR Mornings. Listen to both episodes here and here.
Dr. Zihao Wang was featured by Teknovation.biz for his research in interpretable 3D image modeling.
UTC esports program coordinator Chase Daffron and esports players Jacob Rozier and Austin Mendoza were featured in a Times Free Press story.
Director for the Center for Excellence and Innovation in Education Allen Pratt spoke to the Times Free Press about Chattanooga’s time zone.
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall spoke to NewsChannel 9 about home prices rising in Chattanooga. Wall also spoke to the Times Free Press about new subdivisions in Hixson and East Brainerd.

Mark Your Calendar

Kamdyn Munro (photo courtesy of Trevor Jolley/GoMocs.com)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Friday, Nov. 7: Women’s Tennis—UTC Fall Invite, all day
Friday, Nov. 7: Volleyball vs. Western Carolina, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 8: Women’s Tennis—UTC Fall Invite, all day
Saturday, Nov. 8: Football vs. Furman, Finley Stadium, noon
Sunday, Nov. 9: Women’s Tennis—UTC Fall Invite, all day
Sunday, Nov. 9: Wrestling vs. Ohio State, Maclellan Gym, 1 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 10: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.

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The Department of History will host “Historians React to Current Events: Surviving War Edition” from 3:30-4:30 p.m. today (Nov. 4) in Grote Hall Room 131.

The event will feature Associate Professor Annie Tracy Samuel discussing “Israel and Iran at War” and Assistant Professor Michael Samuel presenting “Gaza Ceasefire” In this presentation, both will provide historical context for recent global conflicts and share their personal experiences of living in a war zone.

The event is sponsored by the Department of History. For more information, contact Michael Samuel. Click here to learn more.

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The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures is organizing a Summer Study Abroad program in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Madrid. Students can study abroad for one month in June (nine credit hours) or two months in June and July (15 credit hours).

Courses cover language, culture and literature through topics such as art, film, gastronomy, politics and sports. Students interested in participating can contact Dr. José-Luis Gastañaga to learn more about the program and available opportunities.

A general information meeting will take place at 5 p.m. today (Nov. 4) in Lupton Hall Room 239 (Language Lab).The session will include details about the program, scholarships and other forms of financial aid.

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The Decosimo Success Center will host a LinkedIn Seminar at 5:30 p.m. today (Nov. 4) in Derthick Hall Room 101, offering students tips and strategies for building standout LinkedIn profiles that attract recruiters.

Guest speakers LC Williams, co-founder and managing partner of The Ionado Group, and Randy Carroll, HR manager and privacy advisor at Olin Chemical Corporation, will share insights from their experience in cybersecurity, human resources and leadership. Attendees will gain practical advice on professional branding, networking and using LinkedIn effectively to advance their careers.

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Ministry.org, a student organization founded by UTC student Joshua Harris, will host a Pop-Up Shop clothing drive from noon-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, at Chamberlain Pavilion.

The event will feature more than 500 items of clothing available free to UTC students. Stop by to pick up free clothes, shoes, hats and more.

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Information sessions:

Wednesday, Nov. 5: 1:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Nov. 11: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Nov. 20: 2 p.m., Zoom

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Information sessions:

Wednesday, Nov. 5: 3:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Nov. 11: 2 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Nov. 20: 12:30 p.m., Fletcher Hall 109
Tuesday, Dec. 2: 3:30 p.m., Zoom

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Scrappy’s Markets are back this semester and will continue through the fall. The next markets will be from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, and Tuesday, Nov. 18, on Vine Street.

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The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.

Wednesday, Nov. 5: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, University Center Room 350, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 14: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students, Zoom, noon-1 p.m.
*Friday, Nov. 14: Mental Health First Aid, Library Room 209, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

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The College of Arts and Sciences invites you to the “AI Research Symposium: Rethinking Humanities and Social Sciences Research in the Age of AI” from 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, in the University Center Chickamauga Room.

The symposium will feature two in-person panels. The first will offer a cross-disciplinary conversation on the role of AI in research, featuring perspectives from Sarah Einstein, Lucy Schultz and Chris Vidmar. The second panel will highlight faculty research projects funded by the CAS AI Grants Program, with presentations from Feng Guo, Ruth Walker and Ahmet Kule. Coffee and lunch will be provided, and faculty, students and staff are encouraged to attend and join the discussion on how AI is transforming research and scholarship.

The keynote speaker, Dr. Jennifer Pierre, a user experience researcher at YouTube, will deliver a virtual talk via Zoom at 11 a.m. titled “Generative Creation: How GenAI Is Fueling New Forms of Content Making and Research.” Her biography is available here, and advance registration for the Zoom keynote is available here. For inquiries, contact Nagwan Zahry or Chandra Ward.

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Interested in earning a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree with a concentration in Chronic Disease Prevention and Control? Join an information session from noon-1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, via Zoom to learn more about the program and application process.

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Dr. George Siopsis, professor and director of the Quantum Leap Initiative at UT Knoxville, will present “Fun with Quantum Light” from 4-5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 6, in UTC Library Room 435. This will be the final Quantum Colloquium Series event of the fall semester.

Siopsis will explore the surprising world of quantum light, where particles can behave like waves, distant photons can share a mysterious connection called entanglement, and information can be transmitted in fundamentally secure ways. Beginning with the historical roots of quantum mechanics—Planck’s quanta, Einstein’s photons and the EPR paradox—he will explain how these once-puzzling ideas now power technologies such as quantum cryptography and quantum computing.

See all speakers and details on the Quantum Center – QCS Events page and add the event to your calendar from the UTC events page.

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Open Source Camp Chattanooga 2025—a full-day, hands-on experience—is designed for developers, designers, content editors, marketers and project managers—in other words, anyone curious about building for the web.

Trainings will be held from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, at the Business Development Center on North Shore. The Saturday, Nov. 8, sessions will take place from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the UTC Library, with UTC presenters focusing on PDF accessibility remediation. UTC employees and students can register free of charge, and lunch will be provided.

Click here to see the session list and here for the session list. Register with coupon code DCCHAA2025.

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Dr. Will Lynch from Georgia Southern University will present a Department of Chemistry seminar from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, in Grote Hall Room 411. All are welcome.

Lynch will discuss “Hierarchy in Hydrogen and Halogen Bonding in Co-Crystals.” Halogen bonds, akin to more familiar hydrogen bonds, are Lewis acid-base interactions that involve the donation of a lone pair of electrons from a donor atom to the σ* orbital (σ-hole) of an acceptor atom. In this presentation, Lynch will explore the hierarchy of bonding in pyridine and pyridine N-oxide motifs as well as in halogen versus hydrogen bonding systems where both types of interactions are available.

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The Marian Anderson String Quartet, the first African American ensemble to win a major classical music competition, will be in residence at UTC from Wednesday, Nov. 5, through Friday, Nov. 7.

The residency includes a free public concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, in Cadek Recital Hall. Free parking is available in the adjacent Lupton Hall parking garage; both the parking garage and Cadek Hall are accessible to people with disabilities.

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Dr. Amy Brock-Hon, Robert Lake Wilson Professor of Geology, will lead a lecture on Raccoon Mountain Caverns and regional geology at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, in Grote Hall Room 319.

Following the lecture, Brock-Hon will guide a tour of the public section of the caverns at 5:30 p.m. (319 W. Hills Drive).

Click here to register for the lecture and tour and learn more about the caverns.

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College Quest student panelists Bentley Adkins, left, Shelby Alford, Tooba Tanveer and Lukas Wise

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Directed by Assistant Professor Drew Davidson, “Medea” explores betrayal, exile and revenge in a fast-paced, 90-minute adaptation that balances classical language with modern accessibility.

* * * * *

Classify land cover types such as forests, farmland, water and urban areas
Detect and count buildings, vehicles or roads
Identify storm or wildfire damage to support disaster response

By combining AI with GIS, users can process large datasets faster, uncover hidden patterns and gain new insights about the world around us.

* * * * *

The UTC Graduate School announced that the following students will be presenting their final works of research as advanced degree candidates. Everyone is invited to attend.

Friday, Nov. 7: Jacob Pratt, ECS Room 426, 2 p.m., Calendar
Monday, Nov. 10: Robert Smith, ECS Room 426, 3:30 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

* * * * *

If you have questions about the policy or a program you are planning, please visit the Programs for Minors webpage or contact UTCDPS_Compliance@utc.edu.

* * * * *

Interested in UTC’s multidisciplinary Learning and Leadership (LEAD) doctoral programs. Join a virtual information session hosted by Dr. Elizabeth Crawford, LEAD programs advisor, and Dr. David Rausch, LEAD programs director.

Register here to receive an Outlook calendar invite with the Zoom meeting link.

Applications for the Summer 2026 Ph.D. and Ed.D. cohorts will be accepted from Dec. 1, 2025, through Feb. 27, 2026. Step-by-step application instructions and additional details, including FAQs, will be available on the LEAD program websites. For questions, email utclead@utc.edu.

* * * * *

UTC Campus Recreation is offering a new Faculty and Staff Walking Membership for $10 per month.

* * * * *

Free for students, faculty and staff
No experience necessary
Emphasis on safety and empowerment
Offered multiple times throughout the year

Click here or email Marion Perkins to register or learn more.

* * * * *

Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply for this cycle of grant funding is Dec. 15.

* * * * *

The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) will host a training session to help the campus community transition to DASH Research, UTC’s new research administration platform.

* * * * *

The clinic is located in University Health Services in Maclellan Gym (545 Terrell Owens Way). Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. on Thursdays.

To schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For additional information, email ptclinic@utc.edu.

UTC Newsroom

“He is an example of what the University of Chattanooga has been. His intense interest in the future represents the University that is to be.” With these words in May 1969, University of Chattanooga President William H. Masterson celebrated the retirement of Professor Irvine W. Grote and simultaneously announced the building to be named in his honor—Grote Hall.

In his role as University archivist, UC Foundation Associate Professor Noah Lasley, the researcher behind “If These Walls Could Talk,” works to acquire, arrange and describe official UTC records and other valuable materials that document the University’s history.

* * * * *

Interior architecture and design student Monse Espinoza (green shirt) worked with students in the nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy and social work programs during an escape room exercise in the Metro Annex.

UTC occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work, nursing and interior architecture students worked together to build a healthier community by completing an escape room.

* * * * *

Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

The Graduate Student Three Minute Thesis and Undergraduate Research Elevator Pitch competitions invited students to present their research in brief, accessible talks for a panel of judges from UTC and the Chattanooga community.
UTC raised $1,811,975 from 2,616 donors during its sixth annual Mocs Give Day on Oct. 7. The day’s original goal of reaching 2,100 donors was exceeded by nearly 25%.

WUTC

An episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” featured a panel discussion from UTC’s first international quantum workshop led by Charlie Brock, CEO of the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative.

October 28-November 3, 2025

Updates and news for the week of October 28-November 3, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

Calling all the Mocsters: UTC Homecoming 2025

Homecoming Week is in full swing at UTC, and this year’s theme—“Calling All the Mocsters”—brings together the spirit of Homecoming and the fun of Halloween.

Students, alumni, faculty and staff can take part in events throughout the week, including the Boo and Gold Basketball Preseason Spooktacular today (Oct. 28), and the Mocs Field Games on Wednesday, Oct. 29, on Chamberlain Field. Other highlights include Scrappy’s Haunted Trail on Wednesday, Oct. 29, the annual Lip Sync competition on Thursday, Oct. 30, and the Downtown Pep Rally on Friday, Oct. 31, at Miller Park.

Homecoming festivities conclude on Saturday, Nov. 1, with the Homecoming football game against Western Carolina at Finley Stadium. Kickoff is at 4 p.m. Click here to learn more and view the full Homecoming 2025 calendar. Photos throughout the week will be added to this Flickr gallery.

* * * * *

College of Nursing to become UTC’s fifth academic college

Conceptual rendering of the Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Sciences Building, the future home of the UTC College of Nursing.

UTC announced that the UT Board of Trustees has approved the elevation of the School of Nursing to the UTC College of Nursing—pending final approval from the Tennessee Higher Education Commission—marking a significant academic milestone for a program that has prepared nurses for the region for more than five decades.

* * * * *

SEND IN YOUR INFORMATION FOR THE UTC PARENT AND FAMILY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

It is again time to recruit campus partners to send in information for the UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter, a monthly roundup distributed to more than 5,400 parents and family members.

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email Hannah Turcotte by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29. The November newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Please keep info to one paragraph of 200 (or fewer) words.
Images or logos to accompany the paragraph may be submitted.
Click here to see a sample of a recent PFA newsletter.

* * * * *

UTC Prepares for Federal Accessibility Deadline

The U.S. Department of Justice now requires all public institutions to make their digital content, including PDFs, webpages and other online materials, accessible by April 24, 2026.

What you can do:

Review your PDFs: Remove, archive (include “archive” in the file name), update for compliance or convert to webpages.
Check vendor sites: Let the Accessibility Task Force know if you manage external or vendor-hosted pages and include required disclaimers.
Web content: Ensure text, images, videos and links meet accessibility standards.

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Jonathan McNair

Dr. Jonathan McNair’s piano composition “Rabun Gap,” written during an artist residency in the Appalachian Mountains, is featured on the Grammy-nominated classical album “Piano Crosscurrents.”

* * * * *

Dr. Zihao Wang

UTC Assistant Professor Zihao Wang is leading a research collaboration that has achieved a significant breakthrough in interpretable 3D image modeling.

Wang, who joined the UTC Department of Computer Science and Engineering faculty in 2024, partnered with researchers from the French Institute for Research in Computer Science and Automation to develop a lightweight artificial intelligence model capable of learning to disentangle shape and appearance in images.

* * * * *

Emily Thompson

Emily Thompson’s decade of experience at UTC—combined with the collective expertise of colleagues across the country—has culminated in the publication of “A Complete Guide to Creative Technology Spaces in Academic Libraries: Media Labs, Makerspaces, and More.” The book, published by ALA Editions in collaboration with Core Publishing, provides practical guidance for libraries looking to establish or expand their creative technology spaces.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

The UTC Office of Veteran and Military Affairs was recognized by U.S. Veterans Magazine as both a Top Yellow Ribbon School and a Top Veteran-Friendly School.
The Hamilton County Herald featured three stories on UTC esports players Chase Saffron, Maggie Boggs and Nate Baynes.
A WebProNews story featured Assistant Professor Zihao Wang and his lightweight AI model for interpretable 3D image modeling.
Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government Michelle Deardorff spoke to the Times Free Press about former Chattanooga Police Chief Celeste Murphy.
School Psychology Program Director Amanda Hardin joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss distraction among younger generations.
Dr. Tom Lyons joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings to discuss his new book and future economic development.
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall was featured in the Times Free Press about the potential for weak job growth in Chattanooga.
UC Foundation Associate Professor DeAnna Beasley was a recent guest on NHPR’s Critical Mast podcast about cicada emergencies.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo of team celebration courtesy of Billy Weeks/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Today (Oct. 28): Men’s and Women’s Basketball “Boo and Gold” Halloween Event, McKenzie Arena, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1: Beach Volleyball alumni match, UTC Beach Volleyball Facility, time TBA
Saturday, Nov. 1: Football vs. Western Carolina, Finley Stadium, 4 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 2: Wrestling vs. Campbellsville—Chattanooga Quad, Maclellan Gym, 11 a.m.
Sunday, Nov. 2: Wrestling vs. Huntingdon—Chattanooga Quad, Maclellan Gym, 12:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 2: Wrestling vs. King—Chattanooga Quad, Maclellan Gym, 2 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 3: Women’s Basketball vs. King University, McKenzie Arena, noon
Monday, Nov. 3: Men’s Basketball vs. Union College, McKenzie Arena, 7 p.m.
Monday, Nov. 3: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.

* * * * *

The UTC Graduate School and the Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE) invite the campus community to attend the Fall Student Pitch Competitions today (Oct. 28) in McKenzie Arena Room 301.

This year’s event features 15 graduate students competing in the Three Minute Thesis competition and eight undergraduate students participating in the Research Elevator Pitch competition. More than 10 UTC faculty, staff and Chattanooga community members will serve as judges.

The Graduate Student Three Minute Thesis will take place from 10:30-11:53 a.m., followed by the Undergraduate Student Research Elevator Pitch from 1:20-2 p.m. The competition will conclude with an award ceremony from 2:15-2:45 p.m.

* * * * *

The Center for Wellbeing offers a monthly lineup of trainings for faculty and staff. If interested, please sign up here. Trainings counting toward completion of the Mental Health Ally Program are noted with an asterisk (*).

The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.

*Today (Oct. 28): Psychological First Aid, University Center Room 350, noon-1 p.m.

* * * * *

MAcc Information Sessions

Today (Oct. 28): Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSM Information Sessions

Wednesday, Oct. 29: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSDA Information Sessions

Thursday, Oct. 30: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MBA Information Sessions

Friday, Oct. 31: Noon: Register Here

* * * * *

Information sessions are taking place for the spring 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in The Balkans,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to the Balkans, visiting Italy, Croatia and Albania (tentatively scheduled for May 11-24, 2026). The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, head of data analytics and native of Albania.

Information sessions:

Today (Oct. 28): 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Wednesday, Nov. 5: 1:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Nov. 11: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Nov. 20: 2 p.m., Zoom

* * * * *

Interested in learning more about the Graduate Athletic Training Program? Join us for one of our virtual information sessions during the fall 2025 semester. Each session will be similar in format, featuring a 30-minute program overview followed by a Q&A panel with two to four current students. Sessions will not exceed one hour total. If you’d like to attend, please fill out this form.

Upcoming sessions are 2:30 p.m. today (Oct. 28); and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

A Zoom link will be sent to you within 24 hours of the session you sign up for. If you are unable to make one of these sessions but would like more information, please email program director Shellie Acocello.

* * * * *

The second annual Nursing Fall Festival, sponsored by Sigma Theta Tau, will take place from 5-7 p.m. today (Oct. 28) on the Metro Building (518 Oak St.) lawn. All UTC students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to attend. Included in the festivities are games, snacks, popcorn, raffle, caramel apples, pumpkin painting and a costume contest. Guests must RSVP here.

* * * * *

The Gary W. Rollins College of Business is hosting an Entrepreneurship Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, in the Wolford Family Athletic Center. Carter Fowler, co-founder and CEO of Totem, will share his entrepreneurial journey, including how he leveraged viral marketing tactics to get his product off the ground. Food will be provided at this free event. Click here to register.

* * * * *

Dr. Ethan Mills will lead a discussion titled “Why Is It Fun to Be Scared? The Paradox of Horror” from 11 a.m.-noon on Wednesday, Oct. 29, in Lupton Hall Room 235.

Part of the “What’s the Big Idea?” discussion series hosted by the Department of Philosophy and Religion, the event explores why people find enjoyment in fear through the lens of philosophy and culture. Free pizza and refreshments will be provided. The series is sponsored by the UC Foundation Leroy A. Martin Professorship.

* * * * *

Everyone is invited to the UTC Library Halloween Party from 1-3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 31, on the first floor of the Library.

Several monsters have escaped from their books, and it’s up to you to solve puzzles and play games to uncover clues that will send them back where they belong—plus win a prize. The annual Costume Contest will also return, giving participants the chance to win a Starbucks gift card. Stop by for spooky fun and festivities.

* * * * *

The Department of History will host “Historians React to Current Events: Surviving War Edition” from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 4, in Grote Hall Room 131.

The event is sponsored by the Department of History. For more information, contact Michael Samuel. Click here to learn more.

* * * * *

Scrappy’s Markets are back this semester and will continue through the fall. The next markets will be from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 5, and Tuesday, Nov. 18, on Vine Street.

Scrappy’s Cupboard is also hosting its third annual Homecoming Food Fight through Sunday, Nov. 2. Offices and student groups are invited to compete to support students in need. First- and second-place winners who bring in the most donations will receive a trophy to display in their central office area. Click here to sign up for the food drive. Additional information will be sent to those who register.

* * * * *

The symposium will feature two in-person panels. The first will highlight faculty research projects funded by the CAS AI Grants Program, with presentations from Feng Guo, Ruth Walker and Ahmet Kule. The second panel will offer a cross-disciplinary conversation on the role of AI in research, featuring perspectives from Sarah Einstein, Lucy Schultz and Chris Vidmar. Coffee and lunch will be provided, and faculty, students and staff are encouraged to attend and join the discussion on how AI is transforming research and scholarship.

* * * * *

See all speakers and details on the Quantum Center – QCS Events page and add the event to your calendar from the UTC events page.

* * * * *

Click here to see the session list and here for the session list. Register with coupon code DCCHAA2025.

* * * * *

Dr. Will Lynch from Georgia Southern University will present a Department of Chemistry seminar from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 7, in Grote Hall Room 411. All are welcome.

* * * * *

The Marian Anderson String Quartet, the first African American ensemble to win a major classical music competition, will be in residence at UTC from Wednesday, Nov. 5, through Friday, Nov. 7.

* * * * *

College Quest student panelists Bentley Adkins, left, Shelby Alford, Tooba Tanveer and Lukas Wise

* * * * *

Classify land cover types such as forests, farmland, water and urban areas
Detect and count buildings, vehicles or roads
Identify storm or wildfire damage to support disaster response

By combining AI with GIS, users can process large datasets faster, uncover hidden patterns and gain new insights about the world around us.

* * * * *

The UTC Graduate School announced that the following students will be presenting their final works of research as advanced degree candidates. Everyone is invited to attend.

Friday (Nov. 7): Jacob Pratt, ECS Room 426, 2 p.m., Calendar
Monday (Nov. 10): Robert Smith, ECS Room 426, 3:30 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

Did you know that keeping expired or unused medications at home can increase the risk of accidental poisoning, misuse or overdose? In recognition of National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, we encourage you to safely dispose of medications you no longer need.

You can drop off expired or leftover prescriptions at the drop box in the Administrative Services Building—no questions asked. Proper disposal helps protect our community and environment while reducing the risk of substance misuse.

Also, remember: free naloxone is available at the Center for Wellbeing. Naloxone is a life-saving medication that can reverse an opioid overdose. Stop by to learn more or pick up a kit.

* * * * *

Mocs students, the Student Experience Survey is administered to all students across the UT System to learn about your current needs, well-being and preferences, and we need everyone’s help in completing the two-minute questionnaire. Click here to go to the survey. Student feedback informs us about the Mocs experience and helps identify opportunities for the future. Students are encouraged to complete the survey by Friday, Oct. 31.

* * * * *

If you have questions about the policy or a program you are planning, please visit the Programs for Minors webpage or contact UTCDPS_Compliance@utc.edu.

* * * * *

The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) will host several upcoming training sessions to help the campus community transition to DASH Research, UTC’s new research administration platform.

DASH Research Export Control: The Export Control module launched on Sept. 29, replacing ORI’s email/manual review process for several export control review types. Implementation will occur in phases, beginning with International Travel and Visitors Engaged in Research. A related training session will take place from noon-1 p.m. today (Oct. 28) for those who travel internationally for UTC-related activities or sponsor visiting researchers. Use of DASH Research Export Control for international travel reviews will be required starting Nov. 1.

* * * * *

UTC Campus Recreation is offering a new Faculty and Staff Walking Membership for $10 per month, available starting Monday, Nov. 3.

* * * * *

The University Center is now accepting space reservations for spring 2026. The Tennessee Room and UC Auditorium will return to service for event use, and two new first-floor meeting rooms are now available.

Meeting Room 127 includes a conference table for 26 people, while Meeting Room 124 accommodates eight. Both rooms feature standard A/V technology, including webcams for video conferencing. An additional meeting space, UC 230, will open in January with a classroom layout for approximately 60 people.

All University Center spaces can be reserved here. Third-floor meeting rooms will go offline in mid-November as the next phase of UC renovations begins around Thanksgiving. For questions about space availability, capabilities or capacity, contact the University Center at 423-425-4455.

* * * * *

Free for students, faculty and staff
No experience necessary
Emphasis on safety and empowerment
Offered multiple times throughout the year

Click here or email Marion Perkins to register or learn more.

* * * * *

Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply for this cycle of grant funding is Dec. 15.

* * * * *

The Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures is organizing a Summer 2026 Study Abroad program in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located 22 miles northeast of Madrid.

Students can spend one month in June (9 credit hours) or two months in June and July (15 credit hours) studying language, culture and literature through courses that explore topics such as art, film, gastronomy, politics and sports.

Students interested in participating can contact Dr. José-Luis Gastañaga to learn more about the program and its benefits.

* * * * *

The Center for Academic Support and Advisement offers peer-to-peer academic support at no cost to currently enrolled UTC students. All programs are internationally certified by CRLA and/or ICSI.

Peer academic coaching: Students can schedule an appointment with a peer academic coach to improve skills such as study habits, motivation, goal setting, time management, organization, navigating Canvas and using campus resources.
Supplemental instruction: The SI Program provides group study sessions twice a week for selected courses. SI leaders review challenging course content in interactive ways that build understanding through games, practice materials, discussions, simulations and study skill activities.
Tutoring: Free tutoring is available for a variety of courses, with NetTutor and walk-in options offered. Tutoring provides a personalized learning experience, encourages better study habits and enhances critical thinking skills.

For more information, email Academic Support or stop by Library Room 335.

* * * * *

The clinic is located in University Health Services in Maclellan Gym (545 Terrell Owens Way). Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. on Thursdays.

To schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For additional information, email ptclinic@utc.edu.

UTC Newsroom

Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu and graduate student Chase Guttu demonstrate their device in the Engineering and Computer Science Building.

Innovation requires inspiration, and for graduate student Chase Guttu and Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu in the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science, all they needed to do was look at their hands.

* * * * *

UTC senior Sydney Zwart has painted two murals that adorn the walls in The Hub in Lupton Hall.

Sydney Zwart, a senior integrated studies major from Gallatin, Tennessee, came to UTC as a transfer student last year. Today, her work is one of the first things students see when they walk into The Hub—the College of Arts and Sciences Student Success Center.

* * * * *

CHC-1996-066-063, Historical Society of Buster Brown Comics and Marketing window display eye-level view, undated.

A new state grant is helping the UTC Library’s Special Collections make the story of United Hosiery Mills—a Chattanooga textile powerhouse for nearly a century—accessible to the public, with the assistance of student research.

* * * * *

Academic Coaching Program Coordinator Teresa Harrison talks to Kamila Vargas and Theresa Hodgson in the Center for Academic Support and Advisement.

Note-taking is a way for students to learn and memorize what their professors are teaching them, but there is always room for improvement.

WUTC

Chancellor Lori Bruce

WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” debuted a new episode of “Chatting with the Chancellor” with Dr. Lori Bruce. She discussed the new Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community, open dialogue on campus, and esports.

October 21-27, 2025

Updates and news for the week of October 21-27, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center at UTC is now open

The Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center is located off the UC Foundation Apartments courtyard.

The Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center at UTC is now open, bringing expanded mental health resources to our campus community. The center provides a welcoming, office-based space where licensed therapists offer individual and group therapy for UTC students, faculty and staff. Located off the UC Foundation Apartments courtyard (Suite 5217), the center is open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. The phone number is 423-680-5595.

Therapists at the Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center support treatment for a wide range of mental and emotional health needs—including anxiety, depression, mood disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trauma and life transitions. They are committed to helping members of our campus community find care close to where they live, learn, work and study.

For students, the center serves as an additional resource when needs go beyond the short-term counseling or crisis intervention available through the UTC Counseling Center. Counselors can coordinate directly with Parkridge clinicians to ensure continuity of care and comprehensive student support.
For faculty and staff, the center offers a convenient, confidential option for professional counseling on campus. Employees can contact the center directly to schedule appointments.
Parkridge accepts most insurance plans and is committed to making care affordable for anyone who seeks support.

The UTC community is invited to a ribbon-cutting celebration at 11 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 27, in the UC Foundation Apartments courtyard to mark the center’s official opening. Light refreshments will be served.

* * * * *

Calling all the Mocsters: UTC Homecoming 2025

Get ready for a spirited week of celebration during Homecoming 2025 from Saturday, Oct. 25-Saturday, Nov. 1. This year’s theme of “Calling all the Mocsters” combines campus pride with Halloween fun for a week packed with events, traditions and lifelong memories.

Stop by the Vine Street Potions and Promos tabling event from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23, for themed drinks, swag and information about the upcoming week’s events. To stay up to date, follow @utchomecoming on social media.

Visit utc.edu/homecoming to see a full schedule of events.

* * * * *

SEND IN YOUR INFORMATION FOR THE UTC PARENT AND FAMILY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

It is again time to recruit campus partners to send in information for the UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter, a monthly roundup distributed to more than 5,400 parents and family members.

Please keep info to one paragraph of 200 (or fewer) words.
Images or logos to accompany the paragraph may be submitted.
Click here to see a sample of a recent PFA newsletter.

* * * * *

UTC Prepares for Federal Accessibility Deadline

The U.S. Department of Justice now requires all public institutions to make their digital content, including PDFs, webpages and other online materials, accessible by April 24, 2026.

What you can do:

Review your PDFs: Remove, archive (include “archive” in the file name), update for compliance or convert to web pages.
Check vendor sites: Let the Accessibility Task Force know if you manage external or vendor-hosted pages and include required disclaimers.
Web content: Ensure text, images, videos and links meet accessibility standards.

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Mengjun Xie

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) provided its first-quarter report for the 2026 fiscal year, including a downloadable PDF: Q1 FY26 YTD Report PDF.

Among those receiving awards during the quarter was Dr. Mengjun Xie (National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense), who received $765,245 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled, “Collaborative Research: Renewal: Strengthening the National Cybersecurity Workforce.”

* * * * *

UTC students Gracie Crooks, Mychael Allen-Fennessee and Ainsley Henderson are participating in the EPB Strategic Research Fellowship.

Three UTC students are helping Chattanooga’s public utility tackle big questions at the intersection of energy, housing and technology—and the city’s future. Through a research fellowship with EPB, they’re gaining firsthand experience connecting academic research to real community challenges.

* * * * *

The UTC Research Institute has announced the 2026 recipients of the CEACSE Research Innovation and Strategic Expansion (RISE) awards, an internal funding program supporting early-stage, high-potential research aligned with the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP) and the Quantum Center.

The RISE program advances applied computational science and engineering, fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, and helps position faculty for competitive external funding.

Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP)

Dr. Mehdi Khaleghian–Enhancing Traffic Safety by Identifying Road Risk Areas Using Intelligent Tire Technology
Dr. Maged Shoman–Scaled Platform for Cooperative Driving Automation
Dr. Huu (Eric) Nguyen–Toward Quantum-Enabled Intelligent Transportation Systems via Hybrid Graph Representation Learning
Dr. Pengyuan Sun and Dr. Yu Liang–A Novel Quantum-AI Approach to Large-Scale Traffic Simulation

Quantum Center

Dr. Reetesh Ranjan–Toward Hybrid Quantum-Classical Modeling of Turbulent Combustion

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Vicky B. Gregg Chair of Gerontology and UC Foundation Associate Professor Kristi Wick and UTC’s MobileMoc were featured in a HealthScope magazine article about mobile health care units.
Three members of the UTC family were selected to the newest cohort of Leadership Hamilton County Schools: Director of Center of Excellence and Innovation in Education Allen Pratt, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Meredith Perry and ESL Institute Director Yvonne Dunham Slobodenko.
A Local 3 News story featured Dr. Dawn Ford, who discussed a study she and her students conducted that found evidence of West Nile virus in Hamilton County.
Dr. Sean Richards, professor of environmental science, joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings to discuss climate change and fire-prone areas of the United States.
School Psychology Program Director Amanda Hardin joined Jed & JR Mornings for a discussion about kids experiencing changes in sensitivity due to social media.
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall spoke to NewsChannel 9 about Tennessee lawmakers’ push for the end of grocery tax.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Thursday, Oct. 23: Volleyball vs. ETSU, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 24: Men’s and Women’s Tennis—UTC Steve Baras Fall Classic, all day
Friday, Oct. 24: Volleyball vs. Mercer, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 25: Men’s and Women’s Tennis—UTC Steve Baras Fall Classic, all day
Saturday, Oct. 25: Wrestling—Blue-Gold Match, Maclellan Gym, 2 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 26: Men’s and Women’s Tennis—UTC Steve Baras Fall Classic, all day
Monday, Oct. 27: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.

* * * * *

Career Connections is hosting the Fall Job and Internship Fair from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. today (Oct. 21) in the Wolford Family Athletic Center.

The event connects students with employers eager to meet talented Mocs and share career and internship opportunities. Encourage your students to attend and explore:

Jobs: Regional organizations are seeking motivated students and graduates to fill current and future openings.
Internships: Many employers will be offering or promoting internships that provide meaningful, hands-on experience.
Networking: Students still exploring options can benefit from learning about different industries and building professional connections.

Your support in spreading the word and motivating students to participate makes a significant difference in helping them prepare for their careers. For more information, contact Career Connections at 423-425-4184 or career@utc.edu, or visit the office in University Center Suite 103.

* * * * *

Scrappy’s Markets are back this semester and will continue through the fall. The next market will be from 2-4 p.m. today (Oct. 21), on Vine Street.

Here is the upcoming Scrappy’s Market schedule:

Wednesday, Nov. 5: 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 18: 2-4 p.m.

Scrappy’s Cupboard will also host its third annual Homecoming Food Fight from Oct. 25-Nov. 2. Offices and student groups are invited to compete to support students in need. First- and second-place winners who bring in the most donations will receive a trophy to display in their central office area. Click here to sign up for the food drive. Additional information will be sent to those who register.

* * * * *

Information sessions are taking place for the spring 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in The Balkans,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to the Balkans, visiting Italy, Croatia and Albania (tentatively scheduled for May 11-24, 2026). The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, head of data analytics and native of Albania.

Information sessions:

Today (Oct. 21): 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Oct. 28: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Wednesday, Nov. 5: 1:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Nov. 11: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Nov. 20: 2 p.m., Zoom

* * * * *

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

Today (Oct. 21): Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MAcc Information Sessions

Tuesday, Oct. 28: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSM Information Sessions

Wednesday, Oct. 29: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSDA Information Sessions

Thursday, Oct. 30: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MBA Information Sessions

Friday, Oct. 31: Noon: Register Here

* * * * *

This year, UTC’s annual Take Back the Night event will be hosted by the Office of Title IX Compliance at 6 p.m. today (Oct. 21), on Chamberlain Field. Take Back the Night is an internationally recognized stand against power-based violence, which will consist of a community art project, march through campus and a survivor speak out. The goal is to build community and bring awareness to these issues.

Students can also submit anonymous stories to be read during the speak out. If you are interested in volunteering, sign up here. Refreshments and free sweatshirts will be included.

* * * * *

Walgreens will be on campus Oct. 22-24 to offer flu vaccine clinics from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in 120 Lupton Hall Commons. No appointment is needed. Just bring your current insurance and pharmacy benefits card. If you don’t have insurance, free vouchers will be available.

Please click here to visit our website for more information and to complete and print your vaccine consent form.

COVID-19 boosters will not be available at the clinics. They will be available at the Walgreens at the 110 N. Market St. location in the pharmacy for those who are eligible. Click here to schedule an appointment online for your COVID-19 booster.

* * * * *

The Graduate School will offer a professional development workshop, “Digital You,” via Zoom from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22. Participants will learn how to use social media and online tools to grow their professional network and advance their careers. The session includes sign-ups for free headshots in partnership with Career Connections. More information is available at utc.edu/gradschool, and students can RSVP on MocSync.

Graduate students are also invited to take part in a Grad School Tour from 5-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 23 to explore campus, discover new opportunities and learn more about UTC’s advanced degree programs. Visit utc.edu/gradschool to reserve a spot.

* * * * *

The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.

*Wednesday, Oct. 22: Suicide Prevention Using Question, Persuade, Refer and the C-SSRS (Zoom), 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
*Tuesday, Oct. 28: Psychological First Aid, University Center Room 350, noon-1 p.m.

* * * * *

The Decosimo Success Center in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business will host the Elevate Financial Bridge Luncheon from noon-1 p.m. in Fletcher Hall Room 214 on Wednesday, Oct. 22. RCOB students can register here.

* * * * *

A panel of quantum business leaders will take part in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business “Quantum Conversations” at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22, in the Max Fuller CIE (Mapp Building). The discussion will highlight the benefits of having the world’s only commercially available quantum network and accomplishments around campus and in the community. Click here to register.

* * * * *

The UTC Graduate School and the Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE) invite the campus community to attend the Fall Student Pitch Competitions on Tuesday, Oct. 28, in McKenzie Arena Room 301.

* * * * *

Upcoming sessions are 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28; and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

* * * * *

The second annual Nursing Fall Festival, sponsored by Sigma Theta Tau, will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28, on the Metro Building (518 Oak St.) lawn. All UTC students, faculty, staff and community members are invited to attend. Included in the festivities are games, snacks, popcorn, raffle, caramel apples, pumpkin painting and a costume contest. Guests must RSVP here.

* * * * *

The Gary W. Rollins of Business is hosting an Entrepreneurship Breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, in the Wolford Family Athletic Center. Carter Fowler, co-founder and CEO of Totem, will share his entrepreneurial journey, including how he leveraged viral marketing tactics to get his product off the ground. Food will be provided at this free event. Click here to register.

* * * * *

Mocs Field Games will take place from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 29, on Chamberlain Field. Open to all faculty, staff and students, this Homecoming tradition includes an obstacle course, Minute-to-Win-It–style games, tug-of-war, dodgeball and more. Prizes include a free tailgate space for one of the last two football games plus Mocs swag from logo brands, including a branded tent, zero-gravity chairs and more.

Click here to sign up by Wednesday, Oct. 15. For questions, contact Ashley Sautter.

* * * * *

College Quest student panelists Bentley Adkins, left, Shelby Alford, Tooba Tanveer and Lukas Wise

* * * * *

Classify land cover types such as forests, farmland, water and urban areas
Detect and count buildings, vehicles or roads
Identify storm or wildfire damage to support disaster response

By combining AI with GIS, users can process large datasets faster, uncover hidden patterns and gain new insights about the world around us.

Campus Updates

The Office of Research Integrity (ORI) will host several upcoming training sessions to help the campus community transition to DASH Research, UTC’s new research administration platform.

DASH Research IRB: The DASH Research IRB system will launch in January 2026. ORI will share specific transition dates once available. In the meantime, two virtual training sessions will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 22 and Thursday, Oct. 23 to provide an overview of the new system and demonstrate how to submit and receive approval for an IRB protocol application. Links to join are posted on the IRB website.

DASH Research Export Control: The Export Control module launched on Sept. 29, replacing ORI’s email/manual review process for several export control review types. Implementation will occur in phases, beginning with International Travel and Visitors Engaged in Research. A related training session will take place from noon-1 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28 for those who travel internationally for UTC-related activities or sponsor visiting researchers. Use of DASH Research Export Control for international travel reviews will be required starting Nov. 1.

* * * * *

Free for students, faculty and staff
No experience necessary
Emphasis on safety and empowerment
Offered multiple times throughout the year

Click here or email Marion Perkins to register or learn more.

* * * * *

Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply for this cycle of grant funding is Dec. 15.

* * * * *

Students interested in participating can contact Dr. José-Luis Gastañaga to learn more about the program and its benefits.

* * * * *

The Center for Academic Support and Advisement offers peer-to-peer academic support at no cost to currently enrolled UTC students. All programs are internationally certified by CRLA and/or ICSI.

Peer academic coaching: Students can schedule an appointment with a peer academic coach to improve skills such as study habits, motivation, goal setting, time management, organization, navigating Canvas and using campus resources.
Supplemental instruction: The SI Program provides group study sessions twice a week for selected courses. SI leaders review challenging course content in interactive ways that build understanding through games, practice materials, discussions, simulations and study skill activities.
Tutoring: Free tutoring is available for a variety of courses, with NetTutor and walk-in options offered. Tutoring provides a personalized learning experience, encourages better study habits and enhances critical thinking skills.

For more information, email Academic Support or stop by Library Room 335.

* * * * *

The clinic is located in University Health Services in Maclellan Gym (545 Terrell Owens Way). Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. on Thursdays.

To schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For additional information, email ptclinic@utc.edu.

UTC Newsroom

UTC nursing students practice clinical skills using a mannequin during a simulation exercise in the School of Nursing.

UTC has built its nursing programs to prepare practice-ready graduates across the workforce continuum. From undergraduates pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing to graduate students focusing in the areas of adult gerontology acute care, psychiatric mental health and family nurse practitioners, nursing administration and highly specialized nurse anesthetists, UTC’s mission is to educate and graduate nurses who are ready to step into the workforce and fill critical gaps in care.

* * * * *

Hailey Henderson

This summer, junior Hailey Henderson—a mechanical engineering major from Memphis—spent 10 weeks in Potsdam, New York, participating in an REU program at Clarkson University.

* * * * *

Dr. Joshua H. Tyler

When Dr. Joshua H. Tyler first walked onto the UTC campus in fall 2017, he didn’t set out to become a scientist. He just wanted to make music.

Eight years after arriving at UTC, Tyler now holds three degrees from the University and has transitioned into a postdoctoral researcher and faculty role, continuing his work under the mentorship of Guerry and UC Foundation Professor of Electrical Engineering Don Reising. He previously earned a bachelor’s in electrical engineering in 2020 and a master’s in 2022.

* * * * *

Dr. Irina Khmelko stands in the South Korean Parliament. Photo courtesy of Dr. Irina Khmelko.

Dr. Irina Khmelko, a UC Foundation Professor in the UTC Department of Political Science and Public Service, spent time this summer in Seoul meeting with the speaker, members of Parliament and policy experts to discuss legislative studies.

* * * * *

Members of the UTC Rocket Mocs team meet with STEAMagination Festival attendees.

The UTC Challenger STEM Learning Center hosted its third annual STEAMagination Festival this month, showcasing what the center has to offer to the local community.

WUTC

Dom Flemons

Dom Flemons, a Grammy-winning musician known as “The American Songster,” joined an episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots.”

October 14-20, 2025

Updates and news for the week of October 14-20, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

Submit your homecoming 2025 events

Homecoming 2025: Calling All the MOCsters is right around the corner (Oct. 25-Nov. 1). Homecoming Week is UTC’s official week of programs and events geared towards students, alumni, faculty/staff and the community to provide a fun, welcoming and positive experience for the UTC and Chattanooga community.

Please submit a form for each individual event your office or department plans to host. This will help us keep track of all programs. This form is not open to the general public. The final deadline to submit your events is 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 15.

For more information, email Kidron Bullock or visit utc.edu/homecoming.

* * * * *

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

The Public Service Award is a $1,000 scholarship awarded by the UTC Alumni Board of Directors and the Division of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs. Two undergraduate students displaying the most distinguished service to the UTC campus as well as the Chattanooga community will each receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Click here to apply. The application deadline is today (Oct. 14).

University service includes totally voluntary positions (campus committees, student orientation groups, Greek memberships, etc.) or positions which are accompanied by a stipend (student government association positions, admissions and recruiting work, publication staffs, etc.). Community public service can include such involvement as volunteer work in hospitals, counseling, tutoring, environmental services or any service that is not paid and does not receive academic credit.

The award is presented during half time of the Homecoming game and there are no restrictions on the way the financial award is used. Receiving this award may impact other scholarship monies.

The annual award is given to a UTC student who:

Is carrying a full semester load of a minimum of 12 hours
Has a minimum overall GPA of 2.5
Has not previously received the UTC Public Service Award
Submits a letter of reference (from faculty, administrator, and/or volunteer organizational advisor)

Outstanding People of UTC

Junior Chloe Wesson and Assistant Professor Ryan Zwart hold a SORBA trail survey sign during research at Walden’s Ridge Park. Photo by Sunshine Loveless.

UTC researchers have partnered with SORBA Chattanooga to measure the economic and community impacts of mountain biking in Hamilton County. The project, titled “2025 Economic and Socio-cultural Impact Study for SORBA Chattanooga,” is a one-year research effort led by Assistant Professor Ryan Zwart and UC Foundation Professor Drew Bailey in the Department of Health and Human Performance’s Sport, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management (SORT) program.

* * * * *

Dr. Lakmali Weerasena

Dr. Lakmali Weerasena, an associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, spent her professional development leave designing elephant corridors in her native Sri Lanka to help prevent human-animal conflict. Weerasena utilizes operations research, a subject that led to her thesis on the application of mathematical modeling in conservation biology, to determine which areas of land to create corridors to help elephants travel safely away from human contact.

* * * * *

Sen. Bo Watson and Chancellor Lori Bruce

Chancellor Lori Bruce joined Tennessee State Senator and UTC alumnus Bo Watson (’83) on his “Tennessee Today” podcast to discuss the role of higher education in Tennessee, the importance of campus safety and how the UTC fits within the UT System.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Last Monday, Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government Michelle Deardorff and UC Foundation Professor Elizabeth O’Brien were both featured guests during the 8 a.m. hour on Jed & JR Mornings.
Associate Lecturer Ryan Russell was a guest on Jed & JR Mornings to talk about a pitch to introduce his marketing students to Savannah Bananas owner Jesse Cole.
Assistant Professor Mark Johnson was on Jed & JR Mornings to talk about his upcoming book, “American Bacon: The History of a Food Phenomenon.”
WUTC’s Ray Bassett talked about the station’s pledge drive on Jed & JR Mornings.

Mark Your Calendar

Caroline Richvalsky (photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Wednesday, Oct. 15: Softball—Blue-Gold World Series, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 16: Softball—Blue-Gold World Series, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 16: Soccer vs. Furman, Finley Stadium, 6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 17: Softball—Blue-Gold World Series, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 18: Football vs. ETSU, Finley Stadium, 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, Oct. 19: Soccer vs. VMI, Finley Stadium, 1 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 20: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.

* * * * *

Information sessions are taking place for the summer 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in Germany,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to Germany, visiting Berlin, Nuremberg and Munich (tentatively scheduled for June 20-July 3, 2026). The Germany course is led by Dr. Michael Jones, senior associate dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.

Information sessions:

Today (Oct. 14): 11:30 a.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Oct. 28: 4 p.m., Fletcher Hall Room 109 and Zoom
Thursday, Oct. 30: 12:30 p.m., Zoom

* * * * *

Scrappy’s Cupboard is closed through Wednesday, Oct. 15, due to University Center renovations and an office move. When the pantry reopens on Oct. 15, it will be located in UC Room 278, where the UTC community can continue to access Scrappy’s Cupboard once a month for emergency food support. During the closure, emergency food bags will be available for pickup in the current office in UC Room 399.

Scrappy’s Markets are back this semester and will continue through the fall. The next market will be from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, on Vine Street.

Here is the upcoming Scrappy’s Market schedule:

Wednesday, Nov. 5: 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 18: 2-4 p.m.

* * * * *

Information sessions are taking place for the spring 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in The Balkans,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to the Balkans, visiting Italy, Croatia and Albania (tentatively scheduled for May 11-24, 2026). The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, head of data analytics and native of Albania.

Information sessions:

Thursday, Oct. 16: 2 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Oct. 21: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Oct. 28: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Wednesday, Nov. 5: 1:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Nov. 11: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Nov. 20: 2 p.m., Zoom

* * * * *

Meet with Political Science and Public Service Department Head Chris Horne from 11 a.m.-noon on Friday, Oct. 17, or 4-5 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 20, in the 540 McCallie Building Room 268. Students will learn about the department’s majors, with optional concentrations in American Politics, International Relations and Comparative Politics, Public Law, Public Policy, and Public Administration and Nonprofit Management.

There will also be conversations about the meaningful careers PSPS graduates pursue in law, politics, government, and the nonprofit sector and the many ways we support PSPS majors’ career exploration and preparation. Learn more at utc.edu/psps.

* * * * *

The UTC Bookstore is hosting a taste testing session of new Monster Energy flavors from 2-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17.

* * * * *

The UTC Department of Mathematics is excited to host its fall 2025 Colloquium Series, featuring a dynamic lineup of scholars sharing their research across diverse areas of mathematics. These talks provide an opportunity for students, faculty and the community to engage with innovative ideas and foster collaboration. Check out our webpage and join us for this in-person engaging series:

Friday, Oct. 17: Mohandas Pillai
Friday, Oct. 24: Xiunan Wang
Friday, Nov. 7: Brian Choi
Friday, Nov. 14: Wilhelm Treschow

* * * * *

On Friday, Oct. 17, from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on the fourth floor of Grote Hall, chemistry and physics students will present research they have done in the form of posters. Come and walk around and talk to your fellow students or to professors about research opportunities. A reception will immediately follow in Grote 403.

* * * * *

Join Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) for its annual Fall Off-Campus Housing Fair from 5-8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, on Oak Street in front of Hooper Hall. Visit with property partners to learn about off-campus housing options and processes, pick-up some great giveaways, win prizes and enjoy some Bruster’s ice cream. For questions, reach out to OCSS Coordinator Dean Topodas.

* * * * *

UTC Live! is presenting “DAR HE: The Story of Emmett Till.” Seventy years have passed since the brutal lynching of 14-year-old Emmett Till in Mississippi. “DAR HE: The Story of Emmett Till” is described as “the true story crafted from the public record: a transfixing, true dramatization of the historic interviews and events surrounding the murder that became a lightning rod for inspiring a whole generation of young people to commit to social change in Jim Crow South.” This is a one-man play written and performed by Mike Wiley, who has also produced a film by the same name. The performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 17, at the UTC Fine Arts Center.

* * * * *

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

Tuesday, Oct. 21: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MAcc Information Sessions

Tuesday, Oct. 28: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSM Information Sessions

Wednesday, Oct. 29: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSDA Information Sessions

Thursday, Oct. 30: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MBA Information Sessions

Friday, Oct. 31: Noon: Register Here

* * * * *

This year, UTC’s annual Take Back the Night event will be hosted by the Office of Title IX Compliance at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, on Chamberlain Field. Take Back the Night is an internationally recognized stand against power-based violence, which will consist of a community art project, march through campus and a survivor speak out. The goal is to build community and bring awareness to these issues.

Students can also submit anonymous stories to be read during the speak out. If you are interested in volunteering, sign up here. Refreshments and free sweatshirts will be included.

* * * * *

Please click here to visit our website for more information and to complete and print your vaccine consent form.

* * * * *

The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.

*Wednesday, Oct. 22: Suicide Prevention Using Question, Persuade, Refer and the C-SSRS (Zoom), 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
*Tuesday, Oct. 28: Psychological First Aid, University Center Room 350, noon-1 p.m.

* * * * *

The Decosimo Success Center in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business will host the Elevate Financial Bridge Luncheon from noon–1 p.m. in Fletcher Hall Room 214 on Wednesday, Oct. 22. RCOB students can register here.

* * * * *

Upcoming sessions are 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28; and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

* * * * *

Click here to sign up by Wednesday, Oct. 15. For questions, contact Ashley Sautter.

* * * * *

The UTC Graduate School announced that the following students will be presenting their final works of research as advanced degree candidates. Everyone is invited to attend.

Wednesday, Oct. 15: Elizabeth McAllister, Holt 399, 10:30 a.m., Calendar
Wednesday, Oct. 15: Firas Elhag, MDRB Conference Room, 11 a.m., Calendar
Wednesday, Oct. 15: Mary Fortune, Lupton Hall 372, 11 a.m., Calendar
Thursday, Oct. 16: Zackery Neal, ECS 440C, 1 p.m., Calendar
Friday, Oct. 17: Alea Coble, Lupton Hall 372, 11 a.m., Calendar
Friday, Oct. 17: Mulatha Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Chinthaka Pradeep Weerarathna, Lupton Hall 390, 2:30 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

What’s your go-to self-care strategy? For some it’s taking a walk, reading a book or dining with friends. For others it might be prioritizing sleep, journaling or exercising. These are just some examples—the list goes on.

Self-care can play a vital role in supporting one’s mental and physical wellbeing. The NIH recommends exercising, trying a relaxing activity such as muscle relaxation or breathing exercises, and practicing gratitude to help promote one’s mental health. With mid-terms underway, we encourage you to engage in self-care. Think back to things you may have tried in the past that worked for you or do some research to find an activity you might enjoy. Remember, everyone is different, so find what works best for you.

* * * * *

The Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community is gearing up to welcome families to campus for Fall Family Weekend from Oct. 17-19. To provide the best possible experience for our attending families, we need your help. We are seeking volunteers for various roles across the weekend of events to help welcome, check-in, engage and serve the families of our current students. Please visit the volunteer sign-up form to review the roles and sign-up to volunteer.

* * * * *

Free for students, faculty and staff
No experience necessary
Emphasis on safety and empowerment
Offered multiple times throughout the year

Click here or email Marion Perkins to register or learn more.

* * * * *

Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply for this cycle of grant funding is Dec. 15.

* * * * *

The Center for Academic Support and Advisement offers peer-to-peer academic support at no cost to currently enrolled UTC students. All programs are internationally certified by CRLA and/or ICSI.

Peer academic coaching: Students can schedule an appointment with a peer academic coach to improve skills such as study habits, motivation, goal setting, time management, organization, navigating Canvas and using campus resources.
Supplemental instruction: The SI Program provides group study sessions twice a week for selected courses. SI leaders review challenging course content in interactive ways that build understanding through games, practice materials, discussions, simulations and study skill activities.
Tutoring: Free tutoring is available for a variety of courses, with NetTutor and walk-in options offered. Tutoring provides a personalized learning experience, encourages better study habits and enhances critical thinking skills.

For more information, email Academic Support or stop by Library Room 335.

* * * * *

The clinic is located in University Health Services in Maclellan Gym (545 Terrell Owens Way). Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. on Thursdays.

To schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For additional information, email ptclinic@utc.edu.

UTC Newsroom

Fabion Walden stands next to his poster titled “A Secure and Scalable SMS Classification Platform for Scam Warning Research.” Photo courtesy of Fabion Walden.

Senior Fabion Walden is a computer science major with a concentration in cybersecurity in the College of Engineering and Computer Science. This summer, he participated in the Research Experiences for Undergraduates in Software Engineering Program at the Carnegie Mellon University CyLab.

* * * * *

Rebecca Nix collecting soil samples during fieldwork in Cocodrie, Louisiana. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Nix.

Rebecca Nix collecting soil samples during fieldwork during her summer REU. Photo courtesy of Rebecca Nix.

Junior Rebecca Nix is a geology major with a concentration in geospatial science. The Lawrenceburg, Tennessee, native spent her summer in Cocodrie, Louisiana, forecasting the effects of increased salinity and edge erosion on soil organic carbon stability in a mangrove encroachment front.

* * * * *

Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

A group of 21 undergraduate and graduate students, all recipients of the Scholarship, Engagement, the Arts, Research, Creativities and Humanities (SEARCH) Award—given by URaCE to students across all disciplines to begin research under UTC faculty supervision—recently met to discuss where they are in the research process.
What was once a club for gamers has turned into a program for students to play competitively for scholarships or a place to go with friends after class to game.
The first Point On Wave Applications (POWA) Conference brought more than 70 engineers, managers, academics, vendors and industry experts from across the power industry to UTC on Oct. 7-8.

WUTC

David Cook (left) and Michael Ryan

“Food as a Verb” media startup cofounder David Cook and New Terra Compost cofounder Michael Ryan joined an episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots.”

October 7-13, 2025

Updates and news for the week of October 7-13, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Today is Mocs Give Day

Today (Oct. 7) is Mocs Give Day—UTC’s annual day of giving—when proud alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends unite and give generously to make a difference for UTC. With challenges across campus, your gift can go further just by giving today.

* * * * *

Submit your homecoming 2025 events

Check out these opportunities to get involved as an individual, student organization or office this year.

Student Organization Banner Painting: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync
Office and Residence Hall Decorating Competition: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync
Day of Service registration: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync

For more information, email Kidron Bullock or visit utc.edu/homecoming.

* * * * *

APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2025 PUBLIC SERVICE AWARD

The award is presented during half time of the Homecoming game and there are no restrictions on the way the financial award is used. Receiving this award may impact other scholarship monies.

The annual award is given to a UTC student who:

Is carrying a full semester load of a minimum of 12 hours
Has a minimum overall GPA of 2.5
Has not previously received the UTC Public Service Award
Submits a letter of reference (from faculty, administrator, and/or volunteer organizational advisor)

Click here to apply. The application deadline is Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Outstanding People of UTC

UC Foundation Professors (from left) Derron Bishop, Hyeyoon Jung, Jejal Bathi, Tian Li

The UC Foundation continues its support for faculty each academic year with a new class of faculty members honored with UC Foundation Professorships. These selective awards are made to exceptionally productive junior faculty on the tenure track. This year’s recipients are:

Dr. Derron Bishop, Assistant Professor, Department of Management
Dr. Hyeyoon Jung, Assistant Professor, Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship
Dr. Jejal Bathi, Associate Professor, Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering
Dr. Tian Li, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry and Physics

Each faculty member above receives a $2,500 increase to their base salary, graciously supplied by the UC Foundation.

* * * * *

Clockwise from top left: Dr. Mina Sartipi, Dr. Tian Li, Dr. Donald Reising and Dr. Rick Mukherjee

Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in September. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $ 2,562,367 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $ 7,555,385 in external funding, if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in September were a Center for Urban Informatics and Progress, Quantum Center, and College of Engineering and Computer Science collaboration involving Dr. Mina Sartipi (CUIP), Dr. Tian Li (Physics and Astronomy), Dr. Rick Mukherjee (Quantum Center), and Dr. Donald Reising (Electrical Engineering), who received $1,326,261 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled, “Advanced Cybersecurity for Power Distribution Infrastructure.”

* * * * *

UTC student Tyler Bennett (right) received the annual John Thomas Steiner Sr. Memorial Scholarship. Photo courtesy of Ruby Falls.

Tyler Bennett, a second-year master’s student in the UTC Counselor Education Program and a Ruby Falls tour guide since 2023, was one of two recipients of the John Thomas Steiner Sr. Memorial Scholarship. The scholarship honors the memory of the former Ruby Falls president by recognizing Ruby Falls employees who demonstrate commitment to their community and careers.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Dr. Lori Bruce spoke about her journey to becoming UTC’s first female chancellor in a Times Free Press feature.
A Times Free Press article featured UC Foundation Associate Professor Karen Babine and her new book, “The Allure of Elsewhere: A Memoir of Going Solo.”
J. Burton Frierson Chair of Excellence in Business Leadership Mark Mendenhall discussed leadership in a Times Free Press Edge Magazine story.
Assistant Professor of Sport, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management Ryan Zwart was mentioned in a SORBA grant announcement published in the Chattanoogan.
UC Foundation Associate Professor of Health and Human Performance Liz Hathaway joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the dangers of falling and how to prevent it.
Ray Bassett, WUTC editorial director and host of “Scenic Roots,” discussed WUTC’s Fall Pledge Drive on Jed & JR Mornings.
UC Foundation Professor of Criminal Justice Rick Dierenfeldt talked about the FBI during an appearance on Jed & JR Mornings.
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall discussed a possible strike by Volkswagen employees on Local 3 News and NewsChannel 9. He was also interviewed by NewsChannel 9 about the local effects of the government shutdown.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Thursday, Oct. 9: Softball vs. Chattanooga State, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 13: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.

* * * * *

WUTC’s Fall Pledge Drive is running now through Friday, Oct. 10.

A public service of the University, WUTC is home to NPR programming in our area, local hosts Ray Bassett and Haley Solomon, and learning opportunities for students on the UTC campus.

More than half of WUTC’s funding comes from the community here in Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley. Please support WUTC at wutc.org and click the “Donate” button.

* * * * *

MSDA Information Sessions

Today (Oct. 7): Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
Thursday, Oct. 30: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MBA Information Sessions

Wednesday, Oct. 8: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
Friday, Oct. 31: Noon: Register Here

MAcc Information Sessions

Thursday, Oct. 9: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
Tuesday, Oct. 28: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSM Information Sessions

Friday, Oct. 10: Noon: Register Here
Wednesday, Oct. 29: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

Tuesday, Oct. 21: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

* * * * *

The UTC community is invited to a Mrs. Freshley’s donut sampling from noon-2 p.m. today (Oct. 7) in the UTC bookstore.

* * * * *

Chattanooga Connect 2025, hosted by the UTC Research Institute, is taking place through Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Following its successful debut last year, Chattanooga Connect will again convene industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to explore the future of urban transportation and cutting-edge advancements in quantum computing, digital infrastructure, AI, connected and automated vehicles (CAV), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies.

* * * * *

Graduate students are invited to stop by from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, in the Graduate School Office in Race Hall Room 103 for Grad School Drop-in + Fuel Up. Free caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks, snacks and giveaways will be available to help power through the mid-term push.

* * * * *

The Changemaker Challenge is a business concept pitch competition for UTC students—all majors welcome. If you have an idea for a new venture, sign up to compete. No business plan required. Bring your creativity, passion and vision to solve a real-world problem.

The winner will receive a set of four Totem Compasses, including a rare collector’s edition crystal-faced compass. The event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 8, in the Max Fuller Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship (Mapp Building).

* * * * *

Information sessions are taking place for the summer 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in Germany,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to Germany, visiting Berlin, Nuremberg and Munich (tentatively scheduled for June 20-July 3, 2026). The Germany course is led by Dr. Michael Jones, senior associate dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.

Information sessions:

Wednesday, Oct. 8: 1:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Oct. 30: 12:30 p.m., Zoom

* * * * *

Information sessions are taking place for the spring 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in The Balkans,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to the Balkans, visiting Italy, Croatia and Albania (tentatively scheduled for May 11-24, 2026). The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, head of data analytics and native of Albania.

Information sessions:

Thursday, Oct. 9: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Oct. 16: 2 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Oct. 21: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Oct. 28: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Wednesday, Nov. 5: 1:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Nov. 11: 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Nov. 20: 2 p.m., Zoom

* * * * *

UTC’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee will meet via Zoom at 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9. For a list of the proposals that will be considered, log on to Curriculog and select the “University Undergrad – Oct. 2025” agenda.

* * * * *

Anyone considering graduate school is invited to join the Graduate School for a virtual “Ask Us Anything” Q&A session via Zoom from 2-3 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9. Participants can get tips on programs, applications, funding and more, and chat live with Graduate School staff. The session is open to anyone interested in UTC’s 30-plus advanced degree programs. Learn more at utc.edu/gradschool.

* * * * *

The Quantum Seminar series has been restructured and will now be known as the Quantum Colloquium Series. The series will occur monthly, with speakers encouraged to give high-level talks for a broad audience.

The next meeting will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, in UTC Library Room 435.

Professor Enrique Solano, co-chief executive officer and co-founder of Kipu Quantum in Berlin, Germany, will present “Quantum Advantage and Quantum Usefulness for Academic and Industrial Applications.”

In his talk, Solano will introduce the current state of quantum computing paradigms and quantum processor modalities. He will discuss how quantum advantage and usefulness can be extracted for academic and industrial applications, with examples demonstrating their relevance to combinatorial optimization and quantum artificial intelligence.

* * * * *

The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.

Friday, Oct. 10: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students (Zoom), noon-1 p.m.
*Wednesday, Oct. 22: Suicide Prevention Using Question, Persuade, Refer and the C-SSRS (Zoom), 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
*Tuesday, Oct. 28: Psychological First Aid, University Center Room 350, noon-1 p.m.

* * * * *

Scrappy’s Markets are back this semester and will continue through the fall. The next market will be from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21, on Vine Street.

Here is the upcoming Scrappy’s Market schedule:

Wednesday, Nov. 5: 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 18: 2-4 p.m.

* * * * *

Friday, Oct. 17: Mohandas Pillai
Friday, Oct. 24: Xiunan Wang
Friday, Nov. 7: Brian Choi
Friday, Nov. 14: Wilhelm Treschow

* * * * *

Please click here to visit our website for more information and to complete and print your vaccine consent form.

* * * * *

Upcoming sessions are 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28; and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

* * * * *

Click here to sign up by Wednesday, Oct. 15. For questions, contact Ashley Sautter.

* * * * *

The UTC Graduate School announced that the following students will be presenting their final works of research as advanced degree candidates. Everyone is invited to attend.

Today (Oct. 7): Jason Harville, Zoom, 9:30 a.m., Calendar
Wednesday, Oct. 8: Giitoun Martin, Zoom, 9 a.m., Calendar
Thursday, Oct. 9: Marci Reiter, Zoom, 10 a.m., Calendar
Friday, Oct. 10: Mohamedelfateh Mohamedkhir, ECS 347, 10 a.m., Calendar
Friday, Oct. 10: Megan McCoy, Lupton Hall 302, 10 a.m., Calendar
Friday, Oct. 10: Vijayalakshmi Karattuppalayam Kumarasamy, MDRB Conference Room, 10 a.m., Calendar
Wednesday, Oct. 15: Elizabeth McAllister, Holt 399, 10:30 a.m., Calendar
Wednesday, Oct. 15: Firas Elhag, MDRB Conference Room, 11 a.m., Calendar
Wednesday, Oct. 15: Mary Fortune, Lupton Hall 372, 11 a.m., Calendar
Thursday, Oct. 16: Zackery Neal, ECS 440C, 1 p.m., Calendar
Friday, Oct. 17: Alea Coble, Lupton Hall 372, 11 a.m.
Friday, Oct. 17: Mulatha Dissanayake Mudiyanselage Chinthaka Pradeep Weerarathna, Lupton Hall 390, 2:30 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

Mocs students, you will be receiving an email this week about the Student Experience Survey. This survey is administered to all students across the UT System to learn about your current needs, well-being and preferences, and we need everyone’s help in completing the two-minute questionnaire. Click here to go to the survey. Student feedback informs us about the Mocs experience and helps identify opportunities for the future. Students are encouraged to complete the survey by Friday, Oct. 31.

* * * * *

Free for students, faculty and staff
No experience necessary
Emphasis on safety and empowerment
Offered multiple times throughout the year

Click here or email Marion Perkins to register or learn more.

* * * * *

Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply for this cycle of grant funding is Dec. 15.

* * * * *

The Center for Academic Support and Advisement offers peer-to-peer academic support at no cost to currently enrolled UTC students. All programs are internationally certified by CRLA and/or ICSI.

Peer academic coaching: Students can schedule an appointment with a peer academic coach to improve skills such as study habits, motivation, goal setting, time management, organization, navigating Canvas and using campus resources.
Supplemental instruction: The SI Program provides group study sessions twice a week for selected courses. SI leaders review challenging course content in interactive ways that build understanding through games, practice materials, discussions, simulations and study skill activities.
Tutoring: Free tutoring is available for a variety of courses, with NetTutor and walk-in options offered. Tutoring provides a personalized learning experience, encourages better study habits and enhances critical thinking skills.

For more information, email Academic Support or stop by Library Room 335.

* * * * *

The clinic is located in University Health Services in Maclellan Gym (545 Terrell Owens Way). Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. on Thursdays.

To schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For additional information, email ptclinic@utc.edu.

UTC Newsroom

At UTC, mental health support is a priority, with resources available across campus to provide care and reinforce the message: You are not alone.

* * * * *

The UTC Library and the Office of Student and Family Engagement brought a petting zoo to campus, giving students a chance to relax and connect with animals between classes. Click here to see petting zoo photos.

* * * * *

During a Costa Rica study abroad summer 2025 experience, a group of UTC students, led by Dr. Edwin Murillo, took classes at the Universidad Politécnica Internacional. Photo courtesy of Dr. Edwin Murillo.

From visiting the hot springs of an active volcano to playing with monkeys on the beaches of Manuel Antonio National Park, 22 UTC students studying Spanish explored Costa Rica this summer while studying abroad.

* * * * *

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and members of the UTC esports program at Chattanooga Comic Con 2025. Photo credit: Elizabeth Thornburgh.

The UTC esports program hosted the inaugural Scenic City Invitational from Sept. 26-28, drawing 20 Rocket League teams from across the country to compete for a share of the $3,000 prize pot.

* * * * *

Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

Center for Wellbeing Director Megan McKnight answered questions about the center’s programs, resources and peer support that address the many dimensions of student well-being, including mental health, physical health, recovery and stress management.
This summer, Dr. Murat Barisik joined three peers from across the country in receiving a 2025 Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the NSF’s Thermal Transport Processes program. His five-year, $501,760 grant supports the project titled “Multiscale characterization of heat transfer in nanoporous materials assisted by machine learning.”
From The Beatles to Simon and Garfunkel, the Trembling Troubadours returned to UTC with a performance that showcased their voices and raised awareness about Parkinson’s disease.
UTC offers a wide range of web applications to support new and current students with various tasks.

WUTC

Steven Kline

UTC alum Steven Kline discussed his new role as the new Clarence T. Jones Observatory director on WUTC’s “Scenic Roots.”

September 30-October 6, 2025

Updates and news for the week of September 30-October 6, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MOCS GIVE DAY

Tuesday, Oct. 7, is Mocs Give Day—UTC’s annual day of giving—when proud alumni, faculty, staff, students and friends unite and give generously to make a difference for UTC. With challenges across campus, your gift can go further just by giving on Oct. 7.

You can also be a Mocs Give Day Advocate. You’ll receive an exclusive T-shirt when you commit to making a gift on Oct. 7 and encourage others to donate as well. Visit mocsgiveday.utc.edu to learn more.

* * * * *

Submit your homecoming 2025 events

Check out these opportunities to get involved as an individual, student organization or office this year.

Student Organization Banner Painting: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync
Office and Residence Hall Decorating Competition: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync
Day of Service registration: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync

For more information, email Kidron Bullock or visit utc.edu/homecoming.

* * * * *

UTC announces launch of the Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science

Charlie Mix and Nyssa Hunt of the UTC Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science

UTC has announced the creation of the Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science (CAGDS), an interdisciplinary research hub housed within the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research. Building on the legacy of the long-standing Interdisciplinary Geospatial Technology Lab (IGTLab), the center will advance applied geospatial research, education and community partnerships.

Outstanding People of UTC

Guerry Professors (from left) Hope Klug, Mina Sartipi, Yu Liang

For over 60 years, UTC has awarded Guerry Professorships to tenured faculty who have distinguished themselves nationally through teaching, research, scholarship and other significant contributions to their respective fields. This year we welcome three new faculty members as Guerry Professors:

Dr. Hope Klug, Professor, Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science
Dr. Mina Sartipi, Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Dr. Yu Liang, Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering

Each faculty member holds a Guerry Professorship for five years and receives a $10,000 stipend each academic year to support continuation and expansion of their work.

* * * * *

May 2024 UTC School of Nursing Zeta Alpha Chapter induction ceremony.

The Zeta Alpha Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing (Sigma Nursing) at UTC has earned the Chapter Key Award—the organization’s highest distinction.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

A NewsChannel 9 story about a new alert system at UTC included Public Information Officer Brett Fuchs and UTC Police Chief Sean O’Brien.
Professor of Practice in Theatre Education Laurie Allen promoted this week’s UTC Theatre Co. production “Dracula: Mina’s Quest” on an episode of Jed & JR Mornings.
A Times Free Press story about an expanding literacy tutoring program in Hamilton County Schools featured Assistant Professor and Literacy Director Yvette Stewart.
Associate Lecturer of Marketing Ryan Russell joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss consumer behavior.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Today (Sept. 30): Softball vs. Cleveland State, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 2: Soccer vs. Mercer, Finley Stadium, 6 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 3: Volleyball vs. UNCG, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 4: Volleyball vs. Wofford, Maclellan Gym, 6 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 6: Softball vs. Lee University, Frost Stadium, 5:30 p.m.
Monday, Oct. 6: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.

* * * * *

Hosted in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, UTC will host a campus-wide symposium on the rule of law today (Sept. 30), in the Guerry Reading Room.

This all-day event invites members of the campus community to engage with federal district judges, Ochs Professor of Government Michelle Deardorff and Assistant Professor of History Michael Samuel, to explore the role and relevance of the rule of law in a democratic republic.

Attendees may join individual sessions or participate in all five public sessions to earn a certificate and be eligible for prizes demonstrating mastery of the topic.

Importance and Meaning of Rule of Law: 8-9:15 a.m.
A Day in the Life with Federal Judges: 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Invitation-only lunch with students and judges: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Panel of Federal Judges: 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Media and the Judiciary: 2-3:15 p.m.
Contemporary Challenges to the Rule of Law: 3:30-4:45 p.m.

For questions or to register for the certificate, contact Michelle Deardorff.

* * * * *

The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.

*Today (Sept. 30): Psychological First Aid (Zoom), noon-1 p.m.
Thursday, Oct. 2: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone (Zoom) 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Friday, Oct. 10: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students (Zoom), noon-1 p.m.
*Wednesday, Oct. 22: Suicide Prevention Using Question, Persuade, Refer and the C-SSRS (Zoom), 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
*Tuesday, Oct. 28: Psychological First Aid, University Center Room 350, noon-1 p.m.

* * * * *

Dracula is played by sophomore theatre minor Liam Phillips.

The UTC Theatre Co. will open its 2025-2026 season with “Dracula: Mina’s Quest,” Steven Dietz’s reimagining of Bram Stoker’s novel. Performances will take place nightly at 7:30 p.m. tonight (Sept. 30) through Saturday, Oct. 4, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Oct. 4.

* * * * *

Stop by Mocs Marketplace on Wednesday, Oct. 1, in front of Founders Hall to shop student businesses. From handmade goods to services, you’ll find one-of-a-kind items and fresh ideas right from your campus community.

* * * * *

Scrappy’s Cupboard Food Pantry is open from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday despite the construction in the UC. UTC community members can use the food pantry once a month, no questions asked. Volunteers and donations are needed to help the pantry thrive.

Scrappy’s Markets are back this semester and will continue through the fall. The next market will be from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, on Vine Street.

Here is the upcoming Scrappy’s Market schedule:

Tuesday, Oct. 21: 2-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 5: 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 18: 2-4 p.m.

* * * * *

WUTC’s Fall Pledge Drive begins Thursday, Oct. 2, and runs through Friday, Oct. 10.

A public service of the University, WUTC is home to NPR programming in our area, local hosts Ray Bassett and Haley Solomon, and learning opportunities for students on the UTC campus.

More than half of WUTC’s funding comes from the community here in Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley. Please support WUTC at wutc.org and click the “Donate” button.

* * * * *

The Decosimo Success Center in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business is hosting the following events:

Thursday, Oct. 2: Career Fair Ready Workshop, Fletcher Hall Room 213, 11 a.m.-noon. RCOB students will prepare for the Career Fair by practicing elevator pitches, reviewing résumés, creating digital business cards, sharpening LinkedIn profiles, and learning networking, dress and follow-up strategies. Register here.
Monday, Oct. 6: RCOB Fall Career Fair, Fletcher Hall lobbies (first through fourth floors), 9 a.m.-noon. Meet with employers at the annual career fair. Email Megan Cales for more information.
Wednesday, Oct. 8: Unum Scholars Tour and Bridge Luncheon, Unum, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Transportation available if needed, RCOB students register here.
Wednesday, Oct. 22: Elevate Financial Bridge Luncheon, Fletcher Hall Room 214, noon-1 p.m. RCOB students register here.

* * * * *

Information sessions are taking place for the spring 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in The Balkans,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to the Balkans, visiting Italy, Croatia and Albania (tentatively scheduled for May 11-24, 2026). The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, head of data analytics and native of Albania.

Information sessions:

Thursday, Oct. 2, 2 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Oct. 9, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2 p.m., Zoom

* * * * *

Dr. Trevor Paratore (UTC Chemistry ’20) will present “The Search for Life on Venus: How biophysical chemistry is informing an exploratory mission to our nearest planetary neighbor” from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 3, in Grote Hall Room 411.

Paratore, now at MIT, will discuss how his group is adapting biophysical models of cell membranes to explore whether lipids could form structures in Venus’ sulfuric acid-rich atmosphere that might support life. He will also reflect on his path from UTC to MIT and share his perspective on the evolving societal role of American scientists.

* * * * *

The Chattanooga Ballet will showcase its professional company in the opening performance of the 2025-2026 season at the UTC Fine Arts Center. Performances take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 5.

The program features a versatile collection of works, ranging from classical to contemporary, including Robert Joffrey’s “Remembrances,” Salvatore Aiello’s “The Waiting Room,” Silas Farley’s “Werner Piano Trio,” and Brian McSween’s “Impeded Stream” and “Full Circle.”

Tickets are available here. Use promo code CBAC2025 at checkout for discounted tickets.

* * * * *

Upcoming sessions are 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 6; 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28; and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

* * * * *

Chattanooga Connect 2025, hosted by the UTC Research Institute, will take place Oct. 6-8 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Following its successful debut last year, Chattanooga Connect will again convene industry leaders, policymakers, and researchers to explore the future of urban transportation and cutting-edge advancements in quantum computing, digital infrastructure, AI, connected and automated vehicles (CAV), and vehicle-to-everything (V2X) technologies.

* * * * *

The next meeting will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 9, in the UTC Library Room 435.

Professor Enrique Solano, co-chief executive officer and co-founder of Kipu Quantum in Berlin, Germany, will present “Quantum Advantage and Quantum Usefulness for Academic and Industrial Applications.”

* * * * *

Please click here to visit our website for more information and to complete and print your vaccine consent form.

* * * * *

The UTC Graduate School announced that the following students will be presenting their final works of research as advanced degree candidates. Everyone is invited to attend.

Today (Sept. 30): Stacie Grisham, Zoom, 10 a.m., Calendar
Friday, Oct. 3: Julia Jones, Holt Hall 211, 2 p.m., Calendar
Friday, Oct. 3: Major Schwartz, ECS 313-G, 5 p.m., Calendar
Tuesday, Oct. 7: Jason Harville, Zoom, 9:30 a.m., Calendar
Wednesday, Oct. 8: Giitoun Martin, Zoom, 9 a.m., Calendar
Thursday, Oct. 9: Marci Reiter, Zoom, 10 a.m., Calendar
Friday, Oct. 10: Mohamedelfateh Mohamedkhir, ECS 347, 10 a.m., Calendar
Friday, Oct. 10: Megan McCoy, Lupton Hall 302, 10 a.m., Calendar
Friday, Oct. 10: Vijayalakshmi Karattuppalayam Kumarasamy, MDRB Conference Room, 10 a.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

October is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, with World Mental Health Day taking place on Friday, Oct. 10. It’s a chance to remind ourselves of the importance of caring for our mental health every day. This month also emphasizes the need to create supportive communities where everyone feels seen, heard and valued. College can bring a mix of excitement, stress and change, so this month is all about encouraging open conversations, reducing stigma and reminding each other that it’s okay to reach out for support. Whether that means attending an event, talking with a friend or exploring resources, let’s use October as a reminder that nobody has to go through challenges alone.

Students may contact the UTC Counseling Center at 423-425-4438 and the Center for Wellbeing at 423-425-5357.

* * * * *

Free for students, faculty and staff
No experience necessary
Emphasis on safety and empowerment
Offered multiple times throughout the year

Click here or email Marion Perkins to register or learn more.

* * * * *

The Center for Professional Education is launching a new course this fall to help working professionals learn how to use artificial intelligence effectively, responsibly and with confidence. “AI Essentials for Business Applications” is a six-part, 24-hour virtual course running from Tuesday, Oct. 7, to Tuesday, Nov. 11. The instructor-led sessions will take place from 1-5 p.m. on Tuesday afternoons.

* * * * *

Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply for this cycle of grant funding is Dec. 15.

* * * * *

The Center for Academic Support and Advisement offers peer-to-peer academic support at no cost to currently enrolled UTC students. All programs are internationally certified by CRLA and/or ICSI.

Peer academic coaching: Students can schedule an appointment with a peer academic coach to improve skills such as study habits, motivation, goal setting, time management, organization, navigating Canvas and using campus resources.
Supplemental instruction: The SI Program provides group study sessions twice a week for selected courses. SI leaders review challenging course content in interactive ways that build understanding through games, practice materials, discussions, simulations and study skill activities.
Tutoring: Free tutoring is available for a variety of courses, with NetTutor and walk-in options offered. Tutoring provides a personalized learning experience, encourages better study habits and enhances critical thinking skills.

For more information, email Academic Support or stop by Library Room 335.

* * * * *

The clinic is located in University Health Services in Maclellan Gym (545 Terrell Owens Way). Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. on Thursdays.

To schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For additional information, email ptclinic@utc.edu.

UTC Newsroom

Several times a year, a collaboration between UTC, TVA and OTI brings industry professionals to the College of Engineering and Computer Science for a weeklong ETAP course. Group photo from the August 2025 course courtesy of College of Engineering and Computer Science.

When the ETAP/TVA Power Simulation Laboratory opened in 2011, it marked the start of a three-way partnership between UTC, the Tennessee Valley Authority and Operation Technology, Inc. (OTI)—the developers of ETAP electrical power system software.

Fourteen years later, the lab in the University’s College of Engineering and Computer Science still serves the same purpose: giving UTC students and industry professionals hands-on experience with the software used by TVA and electric power companies worldwide.

* * * * *

Sofiia Skrypkar

UTC senior Sofiia Skrypkar wants to make a difference, and this summer had the opportunity to attend the University of Texas at Austin’s Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs Public Service Weekend.

* * * * *

Chancellor Lori Bruce talks to students at Walker Valley High School.

The UT System’s “Find Your Future” high school tour visited Southeast Tennessee last week, delivering a message about the value of higher education to more than 1,000 seniors and juniors at two Bradley County schools.

WUTC

Dr. Claudia Kramer

Scott L. Probasco Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise Claudia Kramer joined an episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” to discuss tariffs and her monthly column for Business Trend.

September 23-29, 2025

Updates and news for the week of September 23-29, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

Mocs Don’t Haze 2025: Encouraging UTC community to speak up and step in

UTC will spotlight community and safety during Hazing Prevention Week, taking place this week through Thursday, Sept. 25. The event-filled week, also known as “Mocs Don’t Haze,” is dedicated to sparking conversations about hazing, what it looks like and how to stop it before it starts. Click here to learn more and to view the full schedule.

* * * * *

UTC lands NSF grant to strengthen STEM education in Southeast Tennessee, North Georgia

Adjunct faculty member Wafaa Mohamedahmed, left, senior Spencer Esposito and Dr. Raga Ahmed during an Introduction to Electrical Engineering class in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

UTC has received a $500,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) award to launch a three-year project that will prepare and retain middle and high school science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teachers through research experiences in STEM settings (RESS) in microelectronics and artificial intelligence.

This project, titled “RESS in Microelectronics and Artificial Intelligence to Empower STEM Teachers,” is funded by the NSF’s Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program and is supported in part by funds from Micron Technology, Inc. The project, which aims to address the national need for highly qualified STEM teachers to meet critical shortages, is led by Dr. Raga Ahmed, UC Foundation associate professor of electrical engineering in the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science.

* * * * *

SEND IN YOUR INFORMATION FOR THE UTC PARENT AND FAMILY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

It is again time to recruit campus partners to send in information for the UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter, a monthly roundup distributed to more than 5,400 parents and family members.

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email Hannah Turcotte by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24. The October newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Please keep info to one paragraph of 200 (or fewer) words.
Images or logos to accompany the paragraph may be submitted.
Click here to see a sample of a recent PFA newsletter.

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MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR MOCS GIVE DAY

* * * * *

Andrew Sheehy named UTC interim vice chancellor for advancement and interim executive director of the UC Foundation

Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce announced the appointment of Andrew Sheehy as interim vice chancellor for advancement and interim executive director of the UC Foundation.

Sheehy, a seasoned higher-education advancement leader with more than three decades of experience, brings deep knowledge of the UT System and a proven track record of fundraising success to the role. He will succeed Kim White, who retired on Sept. 19 after leading UTC to record-breaking fundraising results.

Outstanding People of UTC

From left: Rahul Bhosale, Venkateswara Kode, John Lee, Shahnewaz Karim Sakib, Zihao Wang

The Ruth S. Holmberg Grants support faculty members who have demonstrated the potential and ability to function at a higher level of scholarship, engage students in addressing problems of contemporary importance through research efforts, or work with tenured faculty or the administration in building innovative curriculum. Each Holmberg recipient will receive up to $5,000 in funding to support their proposal. The recipients of the Holmberg Grants for 2025-2026 are given below, along with their funded proposal’s title.

Dr. Rahul Bhosale, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering; Proposal Title: Involving UTC Undergraduate Students in the Solar-to Hydrogen Energy Conversion Efficiency Analysis of the Metal Oxide Metal Sulphate Water Splitting Cycle
Dr. Venkateswara Kode, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering; Proposal Title: Enhancing Algae-derived Biofuel Combustion Efficiency and Emission Reduction Using Boron Nitride Quantum Dots
Dr. John Lee, Professor, Department of Chemistry; Proposal Title: The synthesis of organometallic cobalt complexes to combat antimicrobial resistance
Dr. Shahnewaz Karim Sakib, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering; Proposal Title: Empowering the Next Generation of AI Security Leaders through Hands-on Research, Outreach, and Scalable Educational Models
Dr. Zihao Wang, Assistant Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering; Proposal Title: Develop a Cross-modal AI Agent for Medical Image Computing

* * * * *

From left: Dr. Gary McDonald, retired UC Foundation associate professor of mechanical engineering; Chancellor Lori Bruce; and Dr. Jocelyn Sanders, professor of music.

As part of this year’s Founder’s Week festivities, UTC honored 194 employees during its Service Awards Luncheon last week. The event celebrated milestone anniversaries ranging from five to 55 years of service. Click here to see the full list of honorees.

* * * * *

Dr. Linda Frost

Dr. Linda Frost, the founding dean of the UTC Honors College, will transition to a faculty role after the 2025-26 academic year.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Anthropology lecturer Andrew J. Van Slyke was featured in a Local 3 News story about his work with students to learn about Tennessee’s underwater history.
Chief Canine Officer Gunny O’Brien and his handler, UTC Police Chief Sean O’Brien, were featured in a Times Free Press story and a NewsChannel 9 story.
Robert Lake Wilson Professor of Geology Amy Brock-Hon was mentioned in a Ruby Falls press release.
Clinical Associate Professor Kristen Singletary discussed infectious diseases such as malaria on Jed & JR Mornings.
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss workforce reduction in Chattanooga.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: Laura O’Dell/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Saturday, Sept. 27: Football vs. The Citadel, Finley Stadium, 6 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 29: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.

* * * * *

Walgreens will be on campus to offer flu vaccine clinics from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in 120 Lupton Hall Commons today (Sept. 23). The flu vaccine clinic will return Oct. 22-24.

No appointment is needed. Just bring your current insurance and pharmacy benefits card. If you don’t have insurance, free vouchers will be available.

Please click here to visit our website for more information and to complete and print your vaccine consent form.

* * * * *

MAcc Information Sessions

Today (Sept. 23): Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

Thursday, Sept. 25: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

* * * * *

Information sessions are taking place for the spring 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in The Balkans,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to the Balkans, visiting Italy, Croatia and Albania (tentatively scheduled for May 11-24, 2026). The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, head of data analytics and native of Albania.

Information sessions:

Wednesday, Sept. 24, 1:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Oct. 9, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2 p.m., Zoom

* * * * *

UTC will host the Meacham Writers’ Workshop from Sept. 24-27, a four-day series of free readings, discussions and literary events that connect nationally recognized authors, local voices, students and the community.

The workshop schedule includes:

Wednesday, Sept. 24: Sequoya Review Reading, 5:30-7 p.m., Guerry Center Reading Room.
Thursday, Sept. 25: Reception and book launch, 5-7 p.m., Roth Reading Room (fourth floor, UTC Library), featuring Karen Babine, Andrea Jurjević and Andrew Najberg.
Friday, Sept. 26: Reading, noon-1:30 p.m., Lupton Hall lobby, with Justin Wymer, Alex Quinlan and Kris Whorton.
Friday, Sept. 26: Reading and reception, 5-7 p.m., Stove Works (1250 E. 13th St.), with Edwin Murillo, Gwen Mullins and UTC alum Jared Steiman.
Saturday, Sept. 27: Lupton Hall first floor, 9-10 a.m. individual conferences; 10-11 a.m. Walnut Street Publishing panel; 11 a.m.-noon Narrative 4 Story Exchange facilitated by Gwen Mullins.

* * * * *

The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.

*Wednesday, Sept. 24: Suicide Prevention Using Question, Persuade, Refer and the C-SSRS, Library Room 209, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
*Tuesday, Sept. 30: Psychological First Aid (Zoom), noon-1 p.m.

* * * * *

Celebrate Sandy Dodd’s 30 years of outstanding service and dedication to the UTC Bursar’s office from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, in the University Center Chickamauga Room.

* * * * *

UTC Athletics is excited to offer discounted tickets to UTC faculty and staff on Educator’s Night for the UTC v. The Citadel game at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 27. Use code “FACSTAFF” here to purchase your tickets. Discounted tickets start at $10 each (plus applicable fees).

* * * * *

Support UTC’s Arts and Sciences Residential College on Sunday, Sept. 28, by volunteering at the Chattanooga Ironman. We will be handing out drinks and food at run aid station No. 1 on Riverfront Parkway between Lindsay and Houston Streets (near McKenzie arena).

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Hosted in partnership with the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee, UTC will host a campus-wide symposium on the rule of law on Tuesday, Sept. 30, in the Guerry Reading Room.

Attendees may join individual sessions or participate in all five public sessions to earn a certificate and be eligible for prizes demonstrating mastery of the topic.

Importance and Meaning of Rule of Law: 8-9:15 a.m.
A Day in the Life with Federal Judges: 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Invitation-only lunch with students and judges: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Panel of Federal Judges: 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Media and the Judiciary: 2-3:15 p.m.
Contemporary Challenges to the Rule of Law: 3:30-4:45 p.m.

For questions or to register for the certificate, contact Michelle Deardorff.

* * * * *

Dracula is played by sophomore theatre minor Liam Phillips.

The UTC Theatre Co. will open its 2025-2026 season with “Dracula: Mina’s Quest,” Steven Dietz’s reimagining of Bram Stoker’s novel. Performances will take place nightly at 7:30 p.m. on Sept. 30-Oct. 4, with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday, Oct. 4.

* * * * *

Scrappy’s Markets are back this semester and will continue through the fall. The next market will be from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, on Vine Street.

Here is the upcoming Scrappy’s Market schedule:

Tuesday, Oct. 21: 2-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 5: 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 18: 2-4 p.m.

* * * * *

Upcoming sessions are 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 6; 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28; and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

* * * * *

The UTC Graduate School announced that the following students will be presenting their final works of research as advanced degree candidates. Everyone is invited to attend.

Tuesday (Sept. 30): Stacie Grisham, Zoom, 10 a.m., Calendar
Friday (Oct. 3): Julia Jones, Holt Hall 211, 2 p.m., Calendar
Friday (Oct. 3): Major Schwartz, ECS 313-G, 5 p.m., Calendar
Monday (Oct. 6): Jason Harville, Zoom, 9:30 a.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to remind our campus community that support is available. It is OK to ask for help.

Here4TN Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EWS) offers free resources for benefits-eligible employees, their spouses and dependents:

Counseling services: Up to five no-cost, short-term counseling visits per individual, per issue, per year, with telephone, in-person and virtual options.
Virtual Behavioral Coaching (AbleTo): Personalized, self-paced support for depression, stress and anxiety with access to a dedicated coach and 24/7 resources.
Calm and Calm Health apps: Tools to reduce stress, improve sleep and build resiliency through self-paced audio and video resources.

Call Here4TN EWS at 855-Here4TN (855-437-3486) or visit Here4TN.com to learn more. Click here to learn more about upcoming events and community resources.

* * * * *

Homecoming 2025: Calling All the MOCsters is right around the corner (Oct. 25-Nov. 1). Check out these opportunities to get involved as an individual, student organization or office this year.

Lip Sync applications: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, MocSync
Homecoming Court applications: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 28, MocSync
Student Organization Banner Painting: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync
Office and Residence Hall Decorating Competition: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync
Day of Service registration: Closes at 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 10, MocSync

For more information, email Kidron Bullock or visit utc.edu/homecoming.

* * * * *

Free for students, faculty and staff
No experience necessary
Emphasis on safety and empowerment
Offered multiple times throughout the year

Click here or email Marion Perkins to register or learn more.

* * * * *

The Bursar’s Office has moved to the University Center Room 112, next door to the Mocs One Center.

* * * * *

Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply for this cycle of grant funding is Dec. 15.

* * * * *

The Center for Academic Support and Advisement offers peer-to-peer academic support at no cost to currently enrolled UTC students. All programs are internationally certified by CRLA and/or ICSI.

Peer academic coaching: Students can schedule an appointment with a peer academic coach to improve skills such as study habits, motivation, goal setting, time management, organization, navigating Canvas and using campus resources.
Supplemental instruction: The SI Program provides group study sessions twice a week for selected courses. SI leaders review challenging course content in interactive ways that build understanding through games, practice materials, discussions, simulations and study skill activities.
Tutoring: Free tutoring is available for a variety of courses, with NetTutor and walk-in options offered. Tutoring provides a personalized learning experience, encourages better study habits and enhances critical thinking skills.

For more information, email Academic Support or stop by Library Room 335.

* * * * *

The clinic is located in University Health Services in Maclellan Gym (545 Terrell Owens Way). Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. on Thursdays.

To schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For additional information, email ptclinic@utc.edu.

UTC Newsroom

1917 vs. 2025: Founders Hall and Old Main from McCallie Avenue.

Since its inception, the UTC campus has undergone dramatic transformations in its almost 140-year legacy. After many renovations across the decades, much of its grounds remain unrecognizable from its humble founding.

* * * * *

Dr. Nagwan Zahry

Would you pay for ChatGPT if it were $100 a month? One student quickly shook his head no. Another nodded proudly. This mixed reaction from her students is exactly what Dr. Nagwan Zahry hoped for in the “AI for Everyone” class at UTC.

* * * * *

UTC’s new chancellor, Dr. Lori Bruce, hosted her first Coffee with the Chancellor last week at the Wolford Family Athletic Center.

* * * * *

With the help of hands-on demonstrations, one-on-one conversations and surprise scholarships, high school students got a closer look at campus life at UTC. Last week, UTC kicked off its annual Power C Tour with a visit to the Nashville area, giving local students the opportunity to discover if UTC is their next home.

* * * * *

Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

UTC’s Eta Kappa Chapter of Lambda Theta Alpha didn’t appear overnight. It took more than a year of meetings, fundraising and paperwork for the eight founding members to officially bring the sorority to campus. During the spring 2025 semester, they were formally recognized as UTC’s first Latin sorority.
After eating breakfast, changing into their green volunteer shirts and watching a performance by the Sugar Mocs, members of the UTC community loaded into buses to go out into the Chattanooga community for United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s Day of Caring.
The UTC Advisory Board will meet today (Sept. 23), in Room 102 of the James R. Mapp Building (410 E. 8th St.). The meeting will begin at 1:30 p.m.

WUTC

Chancellor Lori Bruce

Chancellor Lori Bruce sat down with Ray Bassett for an episode of “Chatting with the Chancellor” on WUTC’s “Scenic Roots.”

September 16-22, 2025

Updates and news for the week of September 16-22, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

Founder’s Week 2025 celebrates 139 years of history

Exterior of Old Main, circa 1900s. Photo courtesy of the UTC Library.

Every September, UTC commemorates its beginning with Founder’s Week—a campuswide celebration of the first day in the University’s history.

UTC is celebrating its 139th anniversary this week with a calendar of events focused on celebration, reflection and service.

Daily through Friday: Scrappy’s Cupboard Food Drive, Chancellor’s Office, Fletcher Hall, University Center, UTC Library and Lupton Hall
Today (Sept. 16): Make and Shake: Airbrush and Coke Floats, Vine Street, noon-3 p.m.
Today (Sept. 16): Scrappy’s Market, Vine Street, 2-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 17: Coffee with the Chancellor, Wolford Family Athletic Center, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Friday, Sept. 19: United Way Day of Caring, 7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Click here to learn more about Founder’s Week.

* * * * *

Skip the fee during Free App Week

Applying to college can add up quickly, but UTC is offering prospective students a chance to save money during Free Application Week, taking place through Sept. 20.

During Free App Week, the University will waive its standard $30 undergraduate application fee and $35 Graduate School application fee (domestic applications only) for all applicants who use the code FREEAPP26 in the UTC application portal at utc.edu/apply.

* * * * *

NSF awards $1.33 million to UTC-led effort to protect nation’s power grid

UTC has been awarded a $1.33 million planning grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to develop a blueprint for a QuantumGrid Innovation Hub in Chattanooga, a collaborative testbed where researchers, utilities, startups and industry partners will develop cybersecurity solutions for the nation’s power grid.

Dr. Mina Sartipi, executive director of the UTC Research Institute and founding director of the UTC Center for Urban Informatics and Progress, serves as principal investigator for the award grant. Co-principal investigators are Dr. Rick Mukherjee, director of the UTC Quantum Center and an associate professor of physics; Dr. Tian Li, UC Foundation assistant professor of physics and chief technology officer of the Quantum Center; Charlie Brock, CEO of the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative; and Patrick Swingle, manager of quantum systems for EPB.

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SEND IN YOUR INFORMATION FOR THE UTC PARENT AND FAMILY ASSOCIATION NEWSLETTER

It is again time to recruit campus partners to send in information for the UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter, a monthly roundup distributed to more than 5,400 parents and family members.

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email Hannah Turcotte by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24. The October newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Please keep info to one paragraph of 200 (or fewer) words.
Images or logos to accompany the paragraph may be submitted.
Click here to see a sample of a recent PFA newsletter.

* * * * *

Power C Tour to kick off in Nashville

High school students and families in the Nashville area are invited to learn what it means to be a Moc when the UTC Power C Tour stops in Franklin on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

The Power C Tour, taking place from 6-7:30 p.m. CT at the Franklin Marriott Cool Springs, gives future college students the chance to connect with UTC leaders, faculty, staff and current students. Guests will learn about academic programs, financial aid, housing and campus life—and qualified seniors can even earn admission to UTC on the spot through the University’s “Moc Minute” program.

Here are dates of upcoming Power C Tour events:

Oct. 2: Power C Tour Memphis
Nov. 4: Power C Tour Knoxville
Nov. 12: Power C Tour Chattanooga
March 25: Power C Tour transfer at ChattState

* * * * *

Mark your calendars for Mocs Give Day

Outstanding People of UTC

Kim White

Vice Chancellor for Advancement and Executive Director of the UC Foundation Kim White is retiring this Friday, Sept. 19, following a distinguished tenure marked by record-setting fundraising achievements and transformative alumni engagement.

The campus and community is invited to a farewell reception taking place from 3-5 p.m. on Friday in the lobby of Founders Hall.

* * * * *

Clockwise from top left: Dr. Raga Ahmed, Dr. Sharief Babikir, Dr. Mbakisya Onyango and Dr. Stephanie Philipp

Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in August. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $3,001,582 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $873,504 in external funding, if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in August were Dr. Raga Ahmed, Dr. Sharief Babikir (Electrical Engineering), Dr. Mbakisya Onyango (Civil Engineering) and Dr. Stephanie Philipp (School of Education), who received $500,000 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled “Noyce RESS-Research Experiences in Microelectronics and Artificial Intelligence: A Path for Recruiting, Retaining and Empowering STEM Teachers in Urban and Rural Schools in Hamilton County, TN and Beyond.”

* * * * *

UTC announced a record enrollment figure for fall 2025, reporting an official enrollment of 12,060 students—the largest in school history.

This fall’s headcount includes 10,396 undergraduates and a record 1,664 graduate students, according to the University’s just-recorded official data. The previous high of 11,775 was established in fall 2024.

This fall’s enrollment highlights include:

An overall enrollment of 12,060, the highest figure in the University’s 139-year history.
A record 1,664 graduate students, an increase of nearly 6% from last year.
613 new graduate students, a 38.7% increase from fall 2024.
2,363 first-time, full-time freshmen—the second-highest total in school history.
733 new transfer students, up 4.7% from last year.

* * * * *

UTC Advancement has been selected as the recipient of the Excellence in Fundraising Award, presented by the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Southeast Tennessee Chapter. This recognition highlights the team’s dedication, creativity and impact in advancing the University’s mission.

The award will be formally presented at the National Philanthropy Day celebration from 4-6 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Chattanooga Whiskey Event Center (1439 Market Street). Email Angela Griffith to RSVP.

National Philanthropy Day is a special celebration that honors the nonprofits, volunteers and philanthropists whose dedication strengthens our communities and society as a whole. The Excellence in Fundraising Award is presented to a nonprofit organization in our community that demonstrates excellence across the past three fiscal years, including:

Patterns of growth in total support
Creativity in communication and appeals
Evaluation of fundraising strategies and outcomes
Breadth of fundraising efforts
Growth in gifts from individuals, corporations and foundations

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Chancellor Lori Bruce recently went in studio in visit with 3 Plus You and This N That.
Dr. Jaclyn Michael, associate professor of religion, joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings.
Chief Canine Officer Gunny O’Brien and his handler, UTC Police Chief Sean O’Brien, were featured in a Local 3 News story.
WUTC Editorial Director Ray Bassett discussed the Alan Broadbent benefit performance at UTC on Jed & JR Mornings.
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall spoke to the Times Free Press about inflation rates in Tennessee.
Guerry Professor Emeritus Gregory Heath was featured in a WalletHub article about states that vaccinate the most.
Director of Bands and Frances Hall Hill Professor of Music Randall Coleman joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the Marching Mocs.
The annual Meacham Writers’ Workshop event was mentioned in The Pulse and the Chattanoogan.

Mark Your Calendar

Evan Rogers (photo credit: GoMocs.com)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Today (Sept. 16): Men’s Golf at Invitational at the Honors (Ooltewah), 9 a.m.
Thursday, Sept. 18: Soccer vs. Wofford, Finley Stadium, 6 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 22: Chat With the Mocs, Miller’s Ale House (Hixson), 96.1 FM, 7 p.m.

* * * * *

The Graduate School invites you to attend the Fall Grad Fair from 4-6 p.m. today (Sept. 16) in the Roth Reading Room at the UTC Library.

At the Grad Fair, you can:

Explore more than 30 advanced degree programs
Connect with faculty, staff and program representatives
Learn about career paths and the admissions process
Enjoy free food, giveaways and domestic application fee waivers

The event is open to anyone interested in a graduate degree from UTC. Register here.

For more information about graduate programs, visit the Graduate School webpage. Contact gradinfo@utc.edu with questions.

* * * * *

UTC’s Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Program will partner with the League of Women Voters of Chattanooga to hold a voter registration drive today (Sept. 16), which is Voter Registration Day today. Volunteers from the League and student volunteers will be available to help members of the UTC community register to vote and answer questions at booths at Heritage Plaza and Chamberlain Field (across from Starbucks and the Library).

All UTC community members eligible to vote in federal and state elections are welcome, regardless of their sex, race, ethnicity or political persuasion.

* * * * *

MSM Information Sessions

Wednesday, Sept. 17: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSDA Information Sessions

Thursday, Sept. 18: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MBA Information Sessions

Friday, Sept. 19: Noon: Register Here

MAcc Information Sessions

Tuesday, Sept. 23: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

Thursday, Sept. 25: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

* * * * *

An eight-week summer 2025 business research internship opportunity in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, is available for up to five UTC students. Click here for information about the program.

An information session about the internship with Dr. Robert Dooley, dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, will take place at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, in Fletcher Hall Room 109. Lunch will be provided. RSVP to COBInternational@utc.edu. The application deadline is Saturday, Nov. 1. Click here to apply.

* * * * *

From 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, come to the UTC Library Room 101 for “Calm, Care, Connect,” an important conversation about physical and psychological safety on campus. The event will feature Counseling Center staff, campus public safety officers and fellow students, faculty and staff. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP on MocSync.

* * * * *

A world-renowned expert on how historic preservation impacts local economies, Donovan Rypkema, will deliver the keynote address at the Chattanooga Preservation Awards on Thursday, Sept. 18.

Rypkema is president of Heritage Strategies International and principal of PlaceEconomics, with projects spanning 49 states and nearly 60 countries. He teaches preservation economics at the University of Pennsylvania and is the author of “The Economics of Historic Preservation.”

The event is free and open to UTC students and the public, but registration is required.

* * * * *

Information sessions are taking place for the spring 2026 study abroad course, “Doing Business in The Balkans,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to the Balkans, visiting Italy, Croatia and Albania (tentatively scheduled for May 11-24, 2026). The Balkans course is led by Dr. Beni Asllani, head of data analytics and native of Albania.

Information sessions:

Thursday, Sept. 18, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Wednesday, Sept. 24, 1:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Oct. 2, 2 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Oct. 9, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Oct. 16, 2 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Oct. 21, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Oct. 28, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1:30 p.m., Zoom
Tuesday, Nov. 11, 12:30 p.m., Zoom
Thursday, Nov. 20, 2 p.m., Zoom

* * * * *

UTC is once again partnering with the United Way of Greater Chattanooga for the 21st annual city-wide Day of Caring on Friday, Sept. 19. Students, faculty, staff and alumni are invited to join this impactful volunteer initiative alongside more than 500 community members across Chattanooga.

This annual event offers a unique opportunity for UTC to demonstrate our collective commitment to civic engagement and servant leadership by addressing pressing community needs. Volunteer projects include making meals, sorting food, food pantry organization, painting projects and building projects at various service sites throughout the city.

Volunteers will help from 7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at service sites citywide with transportation provided from campus. Grab-and-go breakfast, a volunteer T-shirt and lunch will be provided.

By participating in Day of Caring, faculty and staff have the opportunity to model a culture of service, lead by example in fostering community engagement, elevate UTC’s role as a regional changemaker, and continue to light the way for others through compassion, commitment and purpose.

Please register using the following links:

As a class/group: Use the AMFY Day of Caring survey link.
As individuals: Sign up through MocSync.

For questions or additional information, please contact Director of Engagement Bryant Fairley by email or at 423-425-5860.

* * * * *

Walgreens will be on campus to offer flu vaccine clinics from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in 120 Lupton Hall Commons on Sept. 19, 22 and 23. The flu vaccine clinic will return Oct. 22-24.

No appointment is needed. Just bring your current insurance and pharmacy benefits card. If you don’t have insurance, free vouchers will be available.

Please click here to visit our website for more information and to complete and print your vaccine consent form.

* * * * *

The UTC Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE) and the UTC Graduate School are seeking undergraduate and graduate student participants for two student pitch competitions taking place on Tuesday, Oct. 28, in the Wolford Family Athletic Center at McKenzie Arena.

The UTC Graduate Student 3M Thesis Competition will take place from 10:30-11:15 a.m., with check-in beginning at 10 a.m. Prizes include $750 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place.
The Undergraduate Student Research Elevator Pitch Competition will take place from 1:20-2 p.m., with check-in beginning at 12:50 p.m. Prizes include $750 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place.

Undergraduate students who participate in the Elevator Pitch competition will “pitch” a new research or creative works idea—or seek support for an ongoing project. The pitch competition provides a valuable opportunity to practice key communication skills and tell a compelling research story. In contrast to the traditional “elevator pitch,” the “research pitch” focuses on the project itself rather than the presenter’s personal background.

The deadline to register is Sunday, Sept. 21. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged.

* * * * *

Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business for a special workshop with guest speaker Craig Apatov from 5:30-6:30 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 22, in Fletcher Hall Room 200. Learn practical strategies and insider tips to successfully navigate your job search and stand out to employers.

Apatov brings over 25 years of senior-level experience in strategic marketing and brand management, having served as Chief Marketing Officer three times and held leadership roles at Fortune 100 companies including GMAC, Citi, Mattel, ConAgra Foods, Time Warner and Disney.

* * * * *

The workshop schedule includes:

Wednesday, Sept. 24: Sequoya Review Reading, 5:30-7 p.m., Guerry Center Reading Room.
Thursday, Sept. 25: Reception and book launch, 5-7 p.m., Roth Reading Room (fourth floor, UTC Library), featuring Karen Babine, Andrea Jurjević and Andrew Najberg.
Friday, Sept. 26: Reading, noon-1:30 p.m., Lupton Hall lobby, with Justin Wymer, Alex Quinlan and Kris Whorton.
Friday, Sept. 26: Reading and reception, 5-7 p.m., Stove Works (1250 E. 13th St.), with Edwin Murillo, Gwen Mullins and UTC alum Jared Steiman.
Saturday, Sept. 27: Lupton Hall first floor, 9-10 a.m. individual conferences; 10-11 a.m. Walnut Street Publishing panel; 11 a.m.-noon Narrative 4 Story Exchange facilitated by Gwen Mullins.

* * * * *

The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.

*Wednesday, Sept. 24: Suicide Prevention Using Question, Persuade, Refer and the C-SSRS, Library Room 209, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
*Tuesday, Sept. 30: Psychological First Aid (Zoom), noon-1 p.m.

* * * * *

Celebrate Sandy Dodd’s 30 years of outstanding service and dedication to the UTC Bursar’s office from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 26, in the University Center Chickamauga Room.

* * * * *

Attendees may join individual sessions or participate in all five public sessions to earn a certificate and be eligible for prizes demonstrating mastery of the topic.

Importance and Meaning of Rule of Law: 8-9:15 a.m.
A Day in the Life with Federal Judges: 9:30-10:45 a.m.
Invitation-only lunch with students and judges: 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Panel of Federal Judges: 12:30-1:45 p.m.
Media and the Judiciary: 2-3:15 p.m.
Contemporary Challenges to the Rule of Law: 3:30-4:45 p.m.

For questions or to register for the certificate, contact Michelle Deardorff.

* * * * *

Scrappy’s Markets are back this semester and will continue through the fall. The next market will be from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 1, on Vine Street.

Here is the upcoming Scrappy’s Market schedule:

Tuesday, Oct. 21: 2-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 5: 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 18: 2-4 p.m.

* * * * *

Upcoming sessions are 9 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 6; 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 28; and 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 19.

A zoom link will be sent to you within 24 hours of the session you sign up for. If you are unable to make one of these sessions but would like more information, please email program director Shellie Acocello.

* * * * *

Campus Updates

September is both Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Month. As we go through this time, remember how important acts of kindness and support can impact those around you. Reach out to other students, hold space for your friends and remind those in need that they are not alone.

As a campus, we can provide a supportive and inclusive environment where we can all thrive in recovery and resiliency. Let’s shift negative public perception, spread hope to all and be kind to one another not just this month but in the months that follow. Check out the Center for Wellbeing and Mocs Recovery pages for suicide prevention events and recovery resources happening all month

* * * * *

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to remind our campus community that support is available. It is OK to ask for help.

Here4TN Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EWS) offers free resources for benefits-eligible employees, their spouses and dependents:

Counseling services: Up to five no-cost, short-term counseling visits per individual, per issue, per year, with telephone, in-person and virtual options.
Virtual Behavioral Coaching (AbleTo): Personalized, self-paced support for depression, stress and anxiety with access to a dedicated coach and 24/7 resources.
Calm and Calm Health apps: Tools to reduce stress, improve sleep and build resiliency through self-paced audio and video resources.

Call Here4TN EWS at 855-Here4TN (855-437-3486) or visit Here4TN.com to learn more. Click here to learn more about upcoming events and community resources.

* * * * *

Free for students, faculty and staff
No experience necessary
Emphasis on safety and empowerment
Offered multiple times throughout the year

Click here or email Marion Perkins to register or learn more.

* * * * *

The Bursar’s Office has moved to the University Center Room 112, next door to the Mocs One Center.

* * * * *

Please help the UTC Library choose future seating options. Your preferences are a primary consideration for purchase decisions.

Stop by the furniture gallery showcase located in the Library Administration Office Room 208 to test out various seating options and share your recommendations about which options you’d like the Library to buy. You’re welcome to drop by the gallery showcase any time the Library’s second floor is open and use the provided QR codes to share your purchase recommendations.

* * * * *

Click here to learn more. The deadline to apply for this cycle of grant funding is Dec. 15.

* * * * *

The Center for Academic Support and Advisement offers peer-to-peer academic support at no cost to currently enrolled UTC students. All programs are internationally certified by CRLA and/or ICSI.

Peer academic coaching: Students can schedule an appointment with a peer academic coach to improve skills such as study habits, motivation, goal setting, time management, organization, navigating Canvas and using campus resources.
Supplemental instruction: The SI Program provides group study sessions twice a week for selected courses. SI leaders review challenging course content in interactive ways that build understanding through games, practice materials, discussions, simulations and study skill activities.
Tutoring: Free tutoring is available for a variety of courses, with NetTutor and walk-in options offered. Tutoring provides a personalized learning experience, encourages better study habits and enhances critical thinking skills.

For more information, email Academic Support or stop by Library Room 335.

* * * * *

The clinic is located in University Health Services in Maclellan Gym (545 Terrell Owens Way). Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. on Thursdays.

To schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For additional information, email ptclinic@utc.edu.

UTC Newsroom

Andrew J. Van Slyke

A crossbow shot from shore. A quarter league from the Taíno village of Maima. And beached side-by-side. These are the clues that UTC archaeologists and an international team of underwater researchers are piecing together to study Jamaica’s maritime history.

* * * * *

Travis Wright

Few people would expect a motorcycle mechanic and a trauma nurse to have much in common. Travis Wright—who has experience with both—can easily make the connection.

* * * * *

From left: Donovan Scott, Thomas Lynberg, Emma Ward, Brandon Pruitt and Associate Professor Jaclyn Michael sitting in front of the Taj Mahal. Photo courtesy of Dr. Jaclyn Michael.

A three-week study abroad trip to India gave four UTC students the chance to experience the country’s rich culture, vast population and unique challenges firsthand.

* * * * *

The Institute of Contemporary Art, housed in the UTC Fine Arts Center, surrounds students with works that spark ideas and fuel their artistic growth.

* * * * *

Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:

For the first time, the Chattanooga Police Department celebrated its academy graduation on the UTC campus.
As students stepped onto campus for the first time or returned to the familiar surroundings of life on campus, UTC offered a chance to explore the night sky at the Clarence T. Jones Observatory.
UTC’s Quantum Center has announced the formation of new internal and external advisory committees designed to strengthen the center’s research, education and community partnerships in quantum information science and engineering.

WUTC

Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi

The new College of Engineering and Computer Science Dean, Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi, joined an episode of “Scenic Roots” on WUTC.

September 9-15, 2025

Updates and news for the week of September 9-15, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

Click here to view this week’s newsletter in your browser

Highlights

UTC announces record fall enrollment

UTC announced a record enrollment figure for fall 2025, reporting an official enrollment of 12,060 students—the largest in school history.

This fall’s enrollment highlights include:

An overall enrollment of 12,060, the highest figure in the University’s 139-year history.
A record 1,664 graduate students, an increase of nearly 6% from last year.
613 new graduate students, a 38.7% increase from fall 2024.
2,363 first-time, full-time freshmen—the second-highest total in school history.
733 new transfer students, up 4.7% from last year.

* * * * *

Founder’s Week 2025 celebrates 139 years of history

Exterior of Old Main, circa 1900s. Photo courtesy of the UTC Library.

Every September, UTC commemorates its beginning with Founder’s Week—a campuswide celebration of the first day in the University’s history.

This year’s Founder’s Week takes place Sept. 15-19, marking UTC’s 139th anniversary with a calendar of events focused on celebration, reflection and service.

Monday-Friday: Scrappy’s Cupboard Food Drive, Chancellor’s Office, University Center, UTC Library and Lupton Hall
Tuesday, Sept. 16: Make and Shake: Airbrush and Coke Floats, Vine Street, noon-3 p.m.
Tuesday, Sept. 16: Scrappy’s Market, Vine Street, 2-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept. 17: Coffee with the Chancellor, Wolford Family Athletic Center, 8:15-9:30 a.m.
Friday, Sept. 19: United Way Day of Caring, 7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Click here to learn more about Founder’s Week.

* * * * *

Skip the fee during Free App Week

Applying to college can add up quickly, but UTC is offering prospective students a chance to save money during Free Application Week, taking place Sept. 15-20.

During Free App Week, the University will waive its standard $30 undergraduate application fee for all applicants who use the code FREEAPP26 in the UTC application portal at utc.edu/apply.

* * * * *

Power C Tour to kick off in Nashville

High school students and families in the Nashville area are invited to learn what it means to be a Moc when the UTC Power C Tour stops in Franklin on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Here are dates of upcoming Power C Tour events:

Oct. 2: Power C Tour Memphis
Nov. 4: Power C Tour Knoxville
Nov. 12: Power C Tour Chattanooga
March 25: Power C Tour transfer at ChattState

* * * * *

Mark your calendars for Mocs Give Day

* * * * *

Grammy-Winning Jazz Pianist Alan Broadbent to Perform Benefit Concert at UTC

Alan Broadbent (photo courtesy of Alan Broadbent/Savant Records)

Two-time Grammy Award-winning jazz pianist, arranger and composer Alan Broadbent will perform a solo piano concert Thursday, Sept. 11, at the Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall, with proceeds from ticket sales benefiting WUTC-FM 88.1.

The concert was made possible by a gift from Ken and Nancy Dryden.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. performance can be purchased online at utc.edu/arts-and-sciences/fine-arts-center and through the UTC Fine Arts Center Box Office—in person or by phone at 423-425-4269. VIP seating in the lower center sections is $35, all other adult tickets are $25, and student tickets are $15 with a valid student ID.

Outstanding People of UTC

UTC annually celebrates staff and faculty who have reached notable career milestones.

This year, 194 employees will be honored during the UTC Service Awards Annual Luncheon on Tuesday, Sept. 16, a signature event of Founder’s Week. The luncheon, which will take place at the Wolford Family Athletic Center, offers University leaders an opportunity to recognize the dedication and commitment of longtime members of the UTC community.

Among this year’s honorees are 42 employees who have reached at least 25 years of service with the University. Click here to view this year’s Service Award honorees.

* * * * *

Julio Gonzalez, left, Dr. Abdel Karrar, Mark Bowman and Andrew Adams stand with their IEEE Prize Paper award at the recent IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting.

A research collaboration between UTC and the Tennessee Valley Authority earned international recognition this summer from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), the world’s largest technical professional organization for advancing technology.

The UTC-TVA research team’s paper—co-authored by Dr. Abdel Karrar, professor of electrical engineering and associate dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science; undergraduate students Andrew Adams and Julio Gonzalez; and Mark Bowman, senior program manager of Power System Analysis at TVA—was selected as one of four Prize Conference Papers (out of more than 1,600 submitted) at the 2025 IEEE Power & Energy Society General Meeting.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Lt. Kenneth Lloyd appeared on Local 3 News to ask for electronic device donations for abuse victims.
UC Foundation Associate Professor Chris Acuff spoke to the Times Free Press about Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp launching his reelection campaign.
Vicky B. Gregg Chair of Gerontology and UC Foundation Associate Professor Kristi Wick cautioned older adults about phone scams on Jed & JR Mornings.
Scott L. Probasaco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise Claudia Kramer joined segments of Local 3 News and News 12 Now to discuss Volkswagen’s furloughs of 160 employees.
School of Professional Studies Director Elizabeth O’Brien talked about Suicide Prevention Month on Jed & JR Mornings.
The Hamilton County Herald published a piece about Alan Broadbent’s upcoming benefit performance for WUTC at the Fine Art Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall.
UTAA Distinguised Service Professor Joey Shaw spoke to NewsChannel 9 about fall foliage.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo courtesy of Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Saturday, Sept. 13: Football vs. Stetson, Finley Stadium, 6 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 14: Soccer vs. Belmont, Finley Stadium, 2 p.m.
Monday, Sept. 15: Men’s Golf at Invitational at the Honors (Ooltewah), 9 a.m.

* * * * *

MBA Information Sessions

Wednesday, Sept. 10: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
Friday, Sept. 19: Noon: Register Here

MSM Information Sessions

Wednesday, Sept. 17: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSDA Information Sessions

Thursday, Sept. 18: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MAcc Information Sessions

Tuesday, Sept. 23: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

Thursday, Sept. 25: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

* * * * *

From 2:30-3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, come to the UTC Library Room 101 for “Calm, Care, Connect,” an important conversation about physical and psychological safety on campus. The event will feature Counseling Center staff, campus public safety officers and fellow students, faculty and staff. All are welcome and refreshments will be served. Please RSVP on MocSync.

* * * * *

The second meeting of the semester’s Quantum Seminar series will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 11, in the UTC Library Room 435.

Dr. Rebekah Herrman, assistant professor in the Industrial and Systems Engineering Department at UT Knoxville, will present “Combinatorics-Inspired State Preparation and Trotterization Techniques for Approximating Continuous-Time Quantum Walks.”

Her talk will explore recent methods in state preparation and Hamiltonian simulation that draw on combinatorics—the study of counting discrete structures—to reduce circuit depth when working with countable bases. She will also discuss graph matching Trotterization approaches for simulating continuous-time quantum walks in the circuit model, showing that these techniques require fewer CNOT gates than state-of-the-art methods in sparse regimes.

* * * * *

The Decosimo Success Center is hosting an event for accounting majors:

Thursday, Sept. 11: Elliott Davis Tour, 4-6 p.m., Elliott Davis, 555 Walnut St., open to all accounting majors, contact Joanie Sompayrac for more information.

The following tabling events will take place from 9 a.m.-noon in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business:

Today (Sept. 9): Nichols Cauley
Thursday, Sept. 11: JHM CPA
Monday, Sept. 15: LBMC

* * * * *

The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.

Friday, Sept. 12: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students (Zoom), noon-1 p.m.
*Wednesday, Sept. 24: Suicide Prevention Using Question, Persuade, Refer and the C-SSRS, Library Room 209, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
*Tuesday, Sept. 30: Psychological First Aid (Zoom), noon-1 p.m.

* * * * *

The Department of Chemistry kicks off its fall semester seminar series with a talk by Professor Bill Pennington of Clemson University. The seminar, titled “Cry me a river: Disappointments, pleasant surprises, and beating the drum in X-bonding research,” will take place from 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 12, in Grote Hall 411.

Pennington, the Alumni Distinguished Professor of Chemistry and department chair at Clemson, will discuss recent developments in halogen bonding (X-bonding) research, including new halogen-bond donors and acceptors, and surprising results from his lab. Learn more on MocSync.

* * * * *

Calling all UTC alumni, faculty and staff. UTC Alumni have exciting opportunities coming up for you to stay engaged with your fellow Mocs.

Saturday, Sept. 13: Little Moc Walk, Kids 12 and under can fly with Scrappy through First Horizon Pavilion in a mini parade behind the Marching Mocs. Each participant receives an exclusive cape with a new 2025 design.
Saturday, Sept. 13: UTC vs. Stetson Tailgate, Join us before kickoff for kid-friendly activities, food, giveaways and plenty of Moc spirit.
Now through the home season: UTC alumni football discount, Use code “UTCALUM” for up to $20 off season tickets and $5 off reserved chairback seats to all home games. Buy tickets now.

* * * * *

The Star Party season opens Sunday, Sept. 14, at UTC’s Clarence T. Jones Observatory. The public is invited to attend this free event.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with the lecture and planetarium show beginning at 7 p.m. Dr. Amy Brock-Hon, professor of geology, will present on the geology of Mars, followed by a planetarium show highlighting the night’s constellations. Telescope viewing will be available until 9 p.m.

Seating is limited, so attendees are encouraged to arrive early. The Clarence T. Jones Observatory is located at 10 N. Tuxedo Ave.

For more information, visit the Observatory webpage.

* * * * *

Scrappy’s Markets are back this semester and will continue through the fall. The next market will be from 2-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, on Vine Street.

Here is the upcoming Scrappy’s Market schedule:

Wednesday, Oct. 1: 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 21: 2-4 p.m.
Wednesday, Nov. 5: 2-4 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 18: 2-4 p.m.

* * * * *

The Graduate School invites you to attend the Fall Grad Fair from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16, in the Roth Reading Room at the UTC Library.

At the Grad Fair, you can:

Explore more than 30 advanced degree programs
Connect with faculty, staff and program representatives
Learn about career paths and the admissions process
Enjoy free food, giveaways and domestic application fee waivers

The event is open to anyone interested in a graduate degree from UTC. Register here.

For more information about graduate programs, visit the Graduate School webpage. Contact gradinfo@utc.edu with questions.

* * * * *

A world-renowned expert on how historic preservation impacts local economies, Donovan Rypkema, will deliver the keynote address at the Chattanooga Preservation Awards on Thursday, Sept. 18.

The event is free and open to UTC students and the public, but registration is required.

* * * * *

Volunteers will help from 7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at service sites citywide with transportation provided from campus. Grab-and-go breakfast, a volunteer T-shirt and lunch will be provided.

Please register using the following links:

As a class/group: Use the AMFY Day of Caring survey link.
As individuals: Sign up through MocSync.

For questions or additional information, please contact Director of Engagement Bryant Fairley by email or at 423-425-5860.

* * * * *

Walgreens will be on campus to offer flu vaccine clinics from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in 120 Lupton Hall Commons on Sept. 19, 22 and 23. The flu vaccine clinic will return Oct. 22-24.

No appointment is needed. Just bring your current insurance and pharmacy benefits card. If you don’t have insurance, free vouchers will be available.

To streamline the process, please download, complete and print the attached vaccine form before your visit.

* * * * *

The Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE) and the Graduate School are seeking graduate and undergraduate students to compete in upcoming pitch competitions on Tuesday, Oct. 28, in the McKenzie Arena Wolford Family Athletic Center.

Graduate Student 3MT® Competition: 10:30-11:15 a.m. (check-in at 10 a.m.). Prizes: $750 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place.
Undergraduate Student Research Elevator Pitch Competition: 1:20-2 p.m. (check-in at 12:50 p.m.). Prizes: $750 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. Students will “pitch” a new research or creative works idea or seek support for an ongoing project.

The registration deadline is Sunday, Sept. 21. Spots are limited, so register today.

* * * * *

The UTC Graduate School announced that the following students will be presenting their final works of research as advanced degree candidates. Everyone is invited to attend.

Thursday, Sept. 11: Willard Jackson, Zoom, 1:30 p.m., Calendar
Monday, Sept. 15: Men Hsiu Tsai, Zoom, 12:30 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time to remind our campus community that support is available. It is OK to ask for help.

Here4TN Emotional Wellbeing Solutions (EWS) offers free resources for benefits-eligible employees, their spouses and dependents:

Counseling services: Up to five no-cost, short-term counseling visits per individual, per issue, per year, with telephone, in-person and virtual options.
Virtual Behavioral Coaching (AbleTo): Personalized, self-paced support for depression, stress and anxiety with access to a dedicated coach and 24/7 resources.
Calm and Calm Health apps: Tools to reduce stress, improve sleep and build resiliency through self-paced audio and video resources.

Call Here4TN EWS at 855-Here4TN (855-437-3486) or visit Here4TN.com to learn more. Click here to learn more about upcoming events and community resources.

* * * * *

Free for students, faculty and staff
No experience necessary
Emphasis on safety and empowerment
Offered multiple times throughout the year

Click here or email Marion Perkins to register or learn more.

* * * * *

Please help the UTC Library choose future seating options. Your preferences are a primary consideration for purchase decisions.

* * * * *

The Center for Academic Support and Advisement offers peer-to-peer academic support at no cost to currently enrolled UTC students. All programs are internationally certified by CRLA and/or ICSI.

Peer academic coaching: Students can schedule an appointment with a peer academic coach to improve skills such as study habits, motivation, goal setting, time management, organization, navigating Canvas and using campus resources.
Supplemental instruction: The SI Program provides group study sessions twice a week for selected courses. SI leaders review challenging course content in interactive ways that build understanding through games, practice materials, discussions, simulations and study skill activities.
Tutoring: Free tutoring is available for a variety of courses, with NetTutor and walk-in options offered. Tutoring provides a personalized learning experience, encourages better study habits and enhances critical thinking skills.

For more information, email Academic Support or stop by Library Room 335.

* * * * *

The clinic is located in University Health Services in Maclellan Gym (545 Terrell Owens Way). Hours of operation are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-3 p.m. on Thursdays.

To schedule an appointment, call University Health Services at 423-425-2266. For additional information, email ptclinic@utc.edu.

* * * * *

Do you know a young Mocs fan? Now is their chance to join our team and get in on all the fun-filled action that Mocs Athletics has to offer. Scrappy’s Kids Club is the official kids club of Chattanooga Athletics and membership is open to all kids in eighth grade and under, for only $20.

Memberships include an official membership pack with tons of Mocs swag, free tickets to select home athletic events, exclusive events and opportunities, monthly emailed newsletters and so much more. Click here to learn more.

* * * * *

The Center for Wellbeing launched its Mental Health Ally training program for faculty and staff to recognize employees on campus who are engaging and learning how to best support our students’ mental health. Trainings included in the Mental Health Ally program are QPR (one hour), Suicide Prevention Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) (one hour), Psychological First Aid (one hour) and Mental Health First Aid (eight hours). Complete trainings and receive recognition on campus for your dedication to improving outcomes for students.

Recognition tiers:

Certificate of completion: Every training
Mental health ally sticker to display: Complete QPR, Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, and Psychological First Aid
Mental health ally sweatshirt: Complete Mental Health First Aid
Mental health ally recognition on Center for Wellbeing website and Campus Newsletter: Complete all four trainings

If you have questions about this program, please reach out to Amy Kyriakidis or Megan McKnight.

UTC Newsroom

Gunny O’Brien

Meet Gunther—also known as Gunny—UTC’s first chief canine officer.

Gunny is a German shorthaired pointer, born in Hungary at a kennel known for breeding hunting dogs. These days, his title at UTC is mostly honorary, but you may have spotted him around campus alongside UTC Police Chief Sean O’Brien.

* * * * *

Gillian Morton talks to the Camp Bloom campers about nutrition and balanced meals.

Gillian Morton never imagined her passion for science could take her to a remote island in the Bahamas. Now a senior at UTC and an aspiring physician assistant, Morton has immersed herself in undergraduate research experiences.

* * * * *

Amy Brown

Amy Brown’s path to higher education has been anything but traditional. A transfer student from Cleveland State Community College, she received a bachelor’s degree in psychology from UTC in May. She is currently a student in UTC’s master’s program in psychological science.

Now serving as a transfer student mentor in the Center for Student Success, Brown said she hopes to continue being a voice for the nearly 3,000 transfer students enrolled at UTC.

* * * * *

UTC Innovations in Honors students Abbey Marak (left photo) and Hattie Martinek (white shirt in right photo) both participated in programs with the Chattanooga Autism Center this summer.

The Chattanooga Autism Center keeps a close connection with UTC, offering internship and volunteer opportunities for students from a variety of degree programs.

WUTC

On WUTC’s “Scenic Roots,” jazz pianist Alan Broadbent discussed his upcoming UTC concert, joined by Ken Dryden, whose support helped bring the performance to campus.

IN Memoriam

Robert Neal Coulter, who retired from UTC several years ago as a member of the UTC Library faculty, died on Aug. 23, 2025. There will be a visitation from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10 at the Advantage Funeral Home (1724 McCallie Ave.) with a burial to follow in Forest Hills Cemetery. His full obituary is available here.

* * * * *

© 2025 University of Tennessee at Chattanooga 615 McCallie Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37403