July 21-27, 2026

Updates and news for the week of July 21-27, 2026

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 | In the Media

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

Highlights

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Volunteer for Operation Move In

Dr. Andrew McCarthy helps unload belongings from a pickup truck into a move-in bin during 2025’s Operation Move In.

Operation Move In (OMI) 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 19-20, in residential spaces for new students across campus.

OMI provides an opportunity for faculty, staff, students and organizations to come together and create a welcoming, supportive environment for incoming students and their families. A campuswide committee is coordinating the two-day event, with volunteer roles including unloading, moving, parking and greeting.

Those interested in volunteering can register here. For more information, contact the OMI Volunteer Committee co-chairs Erica Holmes Trujillo and Dr. Andrew McCarthy at omi@utc.edu.

Outstanding People of UTC

xxx Mina Sartipi (pictured) …

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XXXX

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

Make sure person’s name is in BOLDFACE.

Mark Your Calendar

UTC departments seeking student employees are invited to participate in the Part-Time Job Fair during Weeks of Welcome. The event will take place from 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 27, in the University Center Tennessee Room and provides an opportunity to connect with students looking for part-time employment opportunities on campus.

Departments interested in participating can contact Marli Wolff, assistant director of community and employer relations, for registration information.

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Photo courtesy of Derek Daniel/GoMocs.com

Kickoff times and promotions have been announced for the Chattanooga Mocs’ 2026 home football schedule at Finley Stadium:

Sept. 5 vs. Tennessee Tech, 6 p.m.
- Future Fans Night (free admission for children 12 and younger)
- Annual Little Mocs Walk
- Light-up rally towel giveaway for the first 1,000 fans
Sept. 19 vs. Wofford, 6 p.m.
- White Out Game
- UTC Fall Family Weekend
- Mocs Flock Finley
- Academic Night
Oct. 10 vs. Samford, 1 p.m.
- Salute to Heroes
Oct. 31 vs. VMI, 1 p.m.
- Halloween with the Mocs
- Scrappy Kids Club Day
- Senior Day
Nov. 7 vs. Mercer, 1 p.m.
- Homecoming
- Fan Appreciation Game
- Band Day

Season tickets are on sale now through GoMocs.com.

* * * * *

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

The Working Families Tax Cuts Act of 2025 includes significant changes to federal student aid programs for enrollment periods beginning on or after July 1, 2026. Updates include new federal loan borrowing limits for students and parents, a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP), changes to Pell Grant eligibility and revisions to FAFSA need analysis.

UTC has launched a dedicated resource page with information about the legislation and its potential impact on students. The page will be updated as additional guidance becomes available. Faculty and staff are encouraged to review the website regularly for the latest information.

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UTC will kick off a yearlong celebration of its 140th anniversary on Founder’s Day, Sept. 15, honoring the university’s history while highlighting its continued impact on Chattanooga and beyond.

As part of the celebration, the campus community is invited to participate in two anniversary initiatives:

1886 Challenge: Faculty, staff and students will work together to complete 18,860 hours of community service during the anniversary year.
140 Community Events for 140 Years: UTC will recognize and support 140 community-focused events led by faculty, staff and students that strengthen connections with the Chattanooga community.

Additional information about Founder’s Week events, the anniversary initiatives and ways to participate will be shared in the coming weeks.

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The Institute of Contemporary Art Chattanooga is now showcasing “Reconsidered Recollections,” a new exhibition co-curated by UTC students featuring works from the ICA’s permanent collection. The exhibition explores themes of identity, memory and interpretation through artworks that are rarely on public display.

The exhibition is free and open to the public at the Fine Arts Center on UTC’s campus. Learn more about gallery hours and programming at ICA Chattanooga.

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The UTC Library is making it easier for students, faculty and staff to explore all the city has to offer.

Through the Chattanooga Passport program, members of the UTC community can check out passes to some of the area’s most popular attractions, including the Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo, Ruby Falls, Chattanooga Theatre Centre and Chattanooga Football Club.

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UTC is launching the MocsBooks Total Access Program for undergraduate students beginning in fall 2026. The new course material delivery program provides required materials for participating courses by the first day of class, with costs included on the university billing statement at $22 per credit hour. The program is expected to save students 35-50% compared to purchasing materials individually. Click here to learn more.

How it works:

Register for classes as usual.
Approximately one month before classes begin, students will receive an email from the bookstore partner with instructions for reviewing courses and selecting how they would like to receive materials.
The UTC Bookstore will prepare course materials and notify students when they are ready.
Physical materials can be picked up at the UTC Bookstore or shipped directly to students.
Digital materials will be available through Canvas.
Students with rental materials will receive reminders about return deadlines at the end of the semester.

Benefits include:

Lower costs on required course materials
Access to course materials by the first day of class
Digital materials delivered directly through Canvas
One streamlined process for obtaining required course materials

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Due to nearby construction, the Oak Street entrance to Lot 26A is closed and several parking spaces near that entrance have been temporarily fenced off. The closure is expected to remain in place through Aug. 1.

Faculty, staff and students should use the McCallie Avenue entrance to access Lot 26A during this time. Please plan accordingly and allow extra time when traveling to campus.

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If someone experiences an opioid overdose on UTC’s campus, University leaders want a life-saving resource nearby.

This spring, UTC completed the installation of 52 ONEbox naloxone stations across campus, placing them in buildings alongside other emergency equipment such as automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

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Please be advised that Vine Street, between Palmetto Street and the University Greenway, will be temporarily closed to vehicular traffic during Freshman Orientation sessions on the following dates and times:

4 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, through 5 p.m. Friday, July 17
4 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, through 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30

Parking Lots 10, 11 and 12 will remain open. Access to these lots will be available through the detour route via Parking Lot 15. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the UTC Department of Public Safety at (423) 425-4357 or dps@utc.edu.

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The Manage My Housing portal is open now until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 2, for students to change their fall 2026 residential meal plan. Meal plan eligibility is based on earned credit hours. If your spring 2026 or summer 2026 credits will change your student classification, please wait until final grades are submitted before you attempt to make a change.

The University classifies undergraduate students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors according to the number of credit hours the student has completed:

Freshman: 0-29 semester hours
Sophomore: 30-59 semester hours
Junior: 60-89 semester hours
Senior: 90 or more semester hours

The Meal Plans are listed by student classification. Please refer to this link for that information.

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A Moc’s First Year is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to host a First Class session on Friday, Aug. 21, immediately following Convocation.

Volunteers will spend about an hour welcoming new students, leading a brief activity, sharing tips for a successful first week and helping students feel more comfortable as they begin their college experience. Click here to volunteer.

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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. Please contact Deborah McAllister or click this link for project details.

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UTC Choruses has openings for tenor and bass singers for the upcoming academic year, with scholarship opportunities available for select positions.

Openings are available in the UTC Chamber Singers and Orpheus Chorale. The Chamber Singers is an advanced, auditioned ensemble with a history of regional, national and international touring. Auditions take approximately 10 minutes and include a brief vocal selection, range check and sight-reading. Students interested in auditioning can contact Kevin Ford to schedule a time.

Students can also join Chattanooga Singers (MUS 0020) or Orpheus Chorale (MUS 0027), both of which are open to all experience levels and do not require an audition. All ensembles are offered for one credit or zero credit, allowing flexibility for students with varying course loads.

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An Academic Meeting Professionals Conference will take place Aug. 27-28 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offering professional development and networking opportunities for meeting and event planners across the University of Tennessee System.

Designed specifically for UT employees, the conference features sessions focused on event planning, logistics, budgeting, communication, vendor management and guest experience. Attendees will hear from industry professionals, including Dollywood experts, and have the opportunity to connect with UT colleagues and a range of vendors. Click here to register.

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The Counseling Center has partnered with Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center to offer extended services on the UTC campus. Parkridge at UTC is open from 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and offers individual therapy, group therapy and intensive outpatient services for students, faculty and staff.

The Parkridge Mental Health Therapy Center is located off the UC Foundation Apartments courtyard (Suite 5217). To schedule an initial appointment, call 423-468-5213. Students who are already receiving services through the UTC Counseling Center are encouraged to speak with their provider about whether Parkridge at UTC is a good fit for their needs.

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UT Promise is a last-dollar scholarship that covers remaining tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Tennessee residents at UTC and includes required mentoring and community service. Student Success Programs has received requests from UT Promise students for mentors to help support them during their time at UTC, with students required to meet with a mentor at least once per semester for guidance, questions and goal-focused encouragement. Faculty and staff can complete the interest form or contact Student Success Programs with questions, and additional information will be shared with those who express interest.

UTC Newsroom

Kimele Carter

Kimele Carter, executive director of the Center for Student Accessibility at UTC, brings decades of higher education experience to her role. A self-described lifelong campus person, Carter grew up around college campuses, began her career in academic advising and later found her calling in accessibility services.

Carter’s role involves helping students connect with accommodations, assistive technology, guidance and support. She wants students to know the space is welcoming, not intimidating, and that any student can stop by with questions.

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xxx

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

WUTC

xxx

IN Memoriam

xxx

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.

July 14-20, 2026

Updates and news for the week of July 14-20, 2026

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates | In the Media

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

Highlights

Important federal aid updates

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Join the 1886 Challenge

As part of the 140th anniversary celebration of UTC, Chancellor Lori Bruce kicked off the 1886 Challenge last week with a letter to campus that outlines the goal of 18,860 hours of community service among faculty, staff and students during this academic year.

A special thank you to the athletics department for helping kick off the challenge with a recent community cleanup day, completing 90 of the 226 total reported hours from across campus. Remember to log your community service hours here to help us reach this goal and show the impact UTC has on the community.

Here are a few reminders:

Volunteer work should take place during the 2026-27 academic year, though submissions from late May and June will also be accepted.
Eligible activities include any volunteer service, from board membership to school or church volunteering, completed individually or as part of a group.
A separate submission is encouraged for each volunteer event or project to help accurately track service hours across the categories included in the form.

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SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR WEEKS OF WELCOME 2026

The goal for Weeks of Welcome 2026 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and your help is needed.

If you are hosting an event or program during the first two weeks of classes (Aug. 23-Sept. 5), please submit your event to the official calendar found on the Weeks of Welcome webpage. Click here to access the event submission form. The priority deadline to submit events for the Weeks of Welcome calendar is Friday, July 17. The final deadline is Friday, Aug. 7.

More information about submitting an event for the Weeks of Welcome calendar can be found here. Contact Laura Petrus with any questions.

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Volunteer for Operation Move In

Dr. Andrew McCarthy helps unload belongings from a pickup truck into a move-in bin during 2025’s Operation Move In.

Operation Move In (OMI) 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 19-20, in residential spaces for new students across campus.

Those interested in volunteering can register here. For more information, contact the OMI Volunteer Committee co-chairs Erica Holmes Trujillo and Dr. Andrew McCarthy at omi@utc.edu.

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Jin Wang

Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in June. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $3,878,199 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $11,989,784 in external funding, if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in June was Dr. Jin Wang (Mathematics), who received $173,777 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled “Collaborative Research: Multiscale modeling of viral infections: Dynamics and applications.”

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Dr. Jason Peter

For Mary B. Jackson Assistant Professor of Nursing Jason Peter, service has always been a passion. Teaching at the UTC College of Nursing, Peter serves as the Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program director, a concentration within UTC’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program.

Peter also leads the Shield Program, which delivers preventive health screenings directly to residents in partnership with the Chattanooga Public Library.

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Dr. Kristin Pope

Career Connections Executive Director Kristin Pope has been selected for the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Chattanooga Class of 2026-27, a professional leadership development program for emerging and established leaders across the Chattanooga region.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

Dr. Mark Johnson, an assistant professor of history and author of “American Bacon: The History of a Food Phenomenon,” was featured in a story and video by Our Tennessee magazine.
UC Foundation Associate Professor Karen Babine penned The Last Word for Our Tennessee, titled “Gentle Rebellion And Cat Camping.”
UC Foundation Associate Professor of Political Science Saeid Golkar was interviewed by the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal on the conflict in Iran. He also wrote pieces for the Middle East Forum and Persuasion.
Hamid Andalib, who will teach as an adjunct instructor in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business beginning in spring 2027, spoke to the Hamilton County Herald about growing up in Iran and his philanthropy in Chattanooga.

Mark Your Calendar

The Staff Senate Curiosity Committee invites faculty and staff to the Summer Staff Conference, taking place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, in the Lupton Hall Lobby. The conference will feature opportunities to learn more about the work taking place across campus, explore workplace strategies and connect with colleagues from across the university. Check-in begins at 8:45 a.m. with a staff resource fair.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring donations for a food drive benefiting Scrappy’s Cupboard or a clothing drive supporting the Career Connections Closet. Click here to register.

* * * * *

Departments interested in participating can contact Marli Wolff, assistant director of community and employer relations, for registration information.

* * * * *

Photo courtesy of Derek Daniel/GoMocs.com

Kickoff times and promotions have been announced for the Chattanooga Mocs’ 2026 home football schedule at Finley Stadium:

Sept. 5 vs. Tennessee Tech, 6 p.m.
- Future Fans Night (free admission for children 12 and younger)
- Annual Little Mocs Walk
- Light-up rally towel giveaway for the first 1,000 fans
Sept. 19 vs. Wofford, 6 p.m.
- White Out Game
- UTC Fall Family Weekend
- Mocs Flock Finley
- Academic Night
Oct. 10 vs. Samford, 1 p.m.
- Salute to Heroes
Oct. 31 vs. VMI, 1 p.m.
- Halloween with the Mocs
- Scrappy Kids Club Day
- Senior Day
Nov. 7 vs. Mercer, 1 p.m.
- Homecoming
- Fan Appreciation Game
- Band Day

Season tickets are on sale now through GoMocs.com.

Welcome to UTC

The following employees joined UTC in June:

Samantha Dean – Pre-Award Coordinator, Research and Sponsored Programs
Tiara Lynn Fourkiller – Education Preparation Program Research Associate, School of Education
Clark Gibson – Production Associate, WUTC
Joshua Latham – Systems Analyst, Information Technology
Teresa Bargfeldt – Academic Records Evaluator, Registrar
Alisa Lim – ESL Program Manager, International Education
Amarree Hardaway – Assistant Teacher, Children’s Center Little Miss Mag
Ryan Michael Dilts – Assistant Athletic Director, Marketing and Promotions, Athletics Administration
Jaycee Abigail Giles – Academic Records Evaluator, Registrar
Kailon Braden – Enrollment Counselor, Mocs One Center
Paul Dominic McCarthy – General Maintenance Technician, Boling Apartments
Sharnell Robinson – Housing Facilities General Custodian Technician, Stophel Apartments
Annie F. Schmidt – Head Coach, Women’s Golf
Shane Austin Campbell – Maintenance Specialist, Club Sports
Abigail Krueger – Academic Advisor, Advisement
Lauren C. Fussell – Administrative Associate II, Gary W. Rollins College of Business
Catherine Griffin – Administrative Specialist, School of Education
Russell Wyane Paris Jr. – HVAC Mechanic, Remodel Renovations
Alexandra Paige Smith – Evaluation Counselor, Recruitment
Matthew Charles Sims – Financial Associate, Housing Administration
Sean Patrick Costin – Director of Equipment for Football, Athletics Administration

Campus Updates

As part of the celebration, the campus community is invited to participate in two anniversary initiatives:

1886 Challenge: Faculty, staff and students will work together to complete 18,860 hours of community service during the anniversary year.
140 Community Events for 140 Years: UTC will recognize and support 140 community-focused events led by faculty, staff and students that strengthen connections with the Chattanooga community.

Additional information about Founder’s Week events, the anniversary initiatives and ways to participate will be shared in the coming weeks.

* * * * *

The exhibition is free and open to the public at the Fine Arts Center on UTC’s campus. Learn more about gallery hours and programming at ICA Chattanooga.

* * * * *

The UTC Library is making it easier for students, faculty and staff to explore all the city has to offer.

* * * * *

How it works:

Register for classes as usual.
Approximately one month before classes begin, students will receive an email from the bookstore partner with instructions for reviewing courses and selecting how they would like to receive materials.
The UTC Bookstore will prepare course materials and notify students when they are ready.
Physical materials can be picked up at the UTC Bookstore or shipped directly to students.
Digital materials will be available through Canvas.
Students with rental materials will receive reminders about return deadlines at the end of the semester.

Benefits include:

Lower costs on required course materials
Access to course materials by the first day of class
Digital materials delivered directly through Canvas
One streamlined process for obtaining required course materials

* * * * *

Faculty, staff and students should use the McCallie Avenue entrance to access Lot 26A during this time. Please plan accordingly and allow extra time when traveling to campus.

* * * * *

If someone experiences an opioid overdose on UTC’s campus, University leaders want a life-saving resource nearby.

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Starting this summer, UTC will begin a modernization project for campus telephone services. As part of this initiative, we will be transitioning from Avaya to RingCentral to provide an improved and more modern telecommunications experience across campus.

The migration will take place in phases beginning this summer, one building at a time. IT will communicate directly with department leadership before any work begins within their area, to provide additional details, timelines, and expectations for that phase of the transition. Visit the RingCentral project page for the latest information.

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4 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, through 5 p.m. Friday, July 17
4 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, through 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30

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The University classifies undergraduate students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors according to the number of credit hours the student has completed:

Freshman: 0-29 semester hours
Sophomore: 30-59 semester hours
Junior: 60-89 semester hours
Senior: 90 or more semester hours

The Meal Plans are listed by student classification. Please refer to this link for that information.

* * * * *

A Moc’s First Year is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to host a First Class session on Friday, Aug. 21, immediately following Convocation.

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UTC Choruses has openings for tenor and bass singers for the upcoming academic year, with scholarship opportunities available for select positions.

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UTC Newsroom

Dr. Shawn Bingham

UTC’s new Honors College dean, Dr. Shawn Bingham, is a sociologist whose research has taken him from disability advocacy and consumer culture to the tiny house movement and political art. He’s also passionate about working closely with students and creating interdisciplinary classes that don’t fit into a single department. Click here to read his Q&A.

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Carter Graham and educators across the Tennessee region participate in a polarization activity during QCaMP.

Recently, Division of Communications and Marketing staff writer Carter Graham spent five days with a cohort of Tennessee middle and high school teachers at the 2026 Quantum Computing, Mathematics and Physics Camp (QCaMP), exploring the future of quantum technology.

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Imagine you’re traveling for work. You need to leave Chattanooga, visit Knoxville, Nashville and Memphis, then make it back home before the end of the week. There are several ways to make the trip, but one route gets you home using the least time and distance. Easy enough, right?

Now imagine the trip gets more complicated. Instead of four cities, you have 24. Some meetings have to happen at certain times. Others depend on stops you’ve already made. A flight is delayed. Suddenly, one change ripples through the rest of your itinerary. Finding a route may still be easy. Finding the best route becomes much harder.

WUTC

Dwight Birdwell

Medal of Honor recipient Dwight Birdwell joined an episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots.” Last year, the Charles H. Coolidge National Medal of Honor Heritage Center in Chattanooga opened an exhibit on Birdwell.

July 7-13, 2026

Updates and news for the week of July 7-13, 2026

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates | In the Media

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

Highlights

Planned Service Outages and Temporary Office Relocations

The Department of Facilities Planning and Management advises that the planned cooling outage at the UTC Library remains in effect today (July 7) through 5 p.m. Wednesday, July 8, as part of ongoing campus renovation and expansion projects. Additional work on the building’s heating and cooling systems is scheduled for Thursday, July 9-Friday, July 10, and may affect building temperatures.

During the cooling outage, the following services are temporarily relocated today (July 7) through Wednesday, July 8:

Center for Academic Support and Advisement: Lupton Hall, Room 242
UTC Library services: Lupton Hall, Room 120 (Collaboration Space)
Walker Center for Teaching and Learning: Lupton Hall, Suite 118
Writing Center: Lupton Hall, Suite 118

Directional signage will be posted to assist visitors. Questions may be directed to the Department of Facilities Planning and Management at (423) 425-2254.

* * * * *

Celebrate UTC’s 140th Anniversary

As part of the celebration, the campus community is invited to participate in two anniversary initiatives:

1886 Challenge: Faculty, staff and students will work together to complete 18,860 hours of community service during the anniversary year.
140 Community Events for 140 Years: UTC will recognize and support 140 community-focused events led by faculty, staff and students that strengthen connections with the Chattanooga community.

Additional information about Founder’s Week events, the anniversary initiatives and ways to participate will be shared in the coming weeks.

* * * * *

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR WEEKS OF WELCOME 2026

The goal for Weeks of Welcome 2026 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and your help is needed.

More information about submitting an event for the Weeks of Welcome calendar can be found here. Contact Laura Petrus with any questions.

* * * * *

Volunteer for Operation Move In

Dr. Andrew McCarthy helps unload belongings from a pickup truck into a move-in bin during 2025’s Operation Move In.

Operation Move In (OMI) 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 19-20, in residential spaces for new students across campus.

Those interested in volunteering can register here. For more information, contact the OMI Volunteer Committee co-chairs Erica Holmes Trujillo and Dr. Andrew McCarthy at omi@utc.edu.

Outstanding People of UTC

Rebecca Brantley

Art historian and curator Rebecca Brantley has joined the UTC as curator and director of the Institute of Contemporary Art and a faculty associate in the Department of Art.

Brantley comes to UTC from Piedmont University in Demorest, Georgia, where, as director of the Mason-Scharfenstein Museum of Art and an associate professor, she developed an exhibition program centered on the American South, expanded the museum’s audience and collection, and helped lead a 58% increase in attendance in recent years.

* * * * *

UTC students Kyrklinn Moores and Hanna Lewie (holding trophy), along with alums and chapter leadership (from left) Ansley Davis, Beth Painter, Karen O’Toole, Rikki Heard, Fran Bryan, Stephanie Marrano, Kacie Sherrell, Suzanne Forlidas, Stephanie Blaine, Kari Hudson, Beth Gentry Mannle, Mandy Holland Savage, and Nicole Castle. Photo courtesy of CPD events.

The UTC chapter of Alpha Delta Pi (Beta Beta) received the Golden Lion Hall of Fame Award, the sorority’s highest honor for chapter excellence, during Alpha Delta Pi’s 175th Anniversary Grand Convention in Palm Desert, California.

The recognition comes as Beta Beta celebrates the 100th anniversary of its founding. The chapter was one of 15 selected for the award from Alpha Delta Pi’s 149 active collegiate chapters, recognizing excellence in academics, leadership, member development, campus involvement, philanthropy and chapter operations.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Interim Vice Chancellor for Research Mina Sartipi and Director of Quantum Center Rick Mukherjee were featured in a Physics World story about UTC’s Quantum Center.
UC Foundation Associate Professor of Political Science Saeid Golkar spoke to the New York Times about Iran following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Golkar also published an essay in the Project Muse Journal of Democracy.
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Elizabeth O’Brien joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the long-term effects of insomnia.
Professor of Interior Architecture and Design Dana Moody talked to Local 3 News about the Chattanooga home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
UTC alum and Chattanooga Fire Department Lt. Allen Green was named 2026 Company Officer of the Year.
Associate Professor of Psychology Ruth Walker spoke to the Times Free Press about her goals as a Hixson area Hamilton County school board member.
Dr. Daniel Sánchez-Piñol, postdoctoral research assistant to Dr. Claudia Williamson Kramer, the Scott L. Probasco Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise, was featured in The Misesian’s “Mises Spotlight,” which highlights scholars and their research.

Mark Your Calendar

The Staff Senate Curiosity Committee invites faculty and staff to the Summer Staff Conference, taking place from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Thursday, July 23, in the Lupton Hall Lobby. The day is dedicated to community, learning and professional growth, and participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the work taking place across campus and explore strategies for navigating the workplace, regardless of office or division.

Those interested in attending can complete the RSVP form by Thursday, July 16. Click here to register.

* * * * *

Departments interested in participating can contact Marli Wolff, assistant director of community and employer relations, for registration information.

* * * * *

Photo courtesy of Derek Daniel/GoMocs.com

Kickoff times and promotions have been announced for the Chattanooga Mocs’ 2026 home football schedule at Finley Stadium:

Sept. 5 vs. Tennessee Tech, 6 p.m.
- Future Fans Night (free admission for children 12 and younger)
- Annual Little Mocs Walk
- Light-up rally towel giveaway for the first 1,000 fans
Sept. 19 vs. Wofford, 6 p.m.
- White Out Game
- UTC Fall Family Weekend
- Mocs Flock Finley
- Academic Night
Oct. 10 vs. Samford, 1 p.m.
- Salute to Heroes
Oct. 31 vs. VMI, 1 p.m.
- Halloween with the Mocs
- Scrappy Kids Club Day
- Senior Day
Nov. 7 vs. Mercer, 1 p.m.
- Homecoming
- Fan Appreciation Game
- Band Day

Season tickets are on sale now through GoMocs.com.

* * * * *

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, July 8: Corbin Hedges, Zoom, 8:30 a.m., Calendar
Wednesday, July 8: Margaret Reisser, Zoom, 2 p.m., Calendar
Friday, July 10: William Moore, Zoom, 10 a.m., Calendar
Friday, July 10: Ashley Raburn, Zoom, 1:30 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

The exhibition is free and open to the public at the Fine Arts Center on UTC’s campus. Learn more about gallery hours and programming at ICA Chattanooga.

* * * * *

The UTC Library is making it easier for students, faculty and staff to explore all the city has to offer.

* * * * *

How it works:

Register for classes as usual.
Approximately one month before classes begin, students will receive an email from the bookstore partner with instructions for reviewing courses and selecting how they would like to receive materials.
The UTC Bookstore will prepare course materials and notify students when they are ready.
Physical materials can be picked up at the UTC Bookstore or shipped directly to students.
Digital materials will be available through Canvas.
Students with rental materials will receive reminders about return deadlines at the end of the semester.

Benefits include:

Lower costs on required course materials
Access to course materials by the first day of class
Digital materials delivered directly through Canvas
One streamlined process for obtaining required course materials

* * * * *

Faculty, staff and students should use the McCallie Avenue entrance to access Lot 26A during this time. Please plan accordingly and allow extra time when traveling to campus.

* * * * *

Last year, UTC faculty and staff stepped into the Esports Complex to compete, connect and enjoy some friendly competition. This summer, we’re bringing the tournament back. Whether you’re a seasoned gamer, a casual player or simply looking for a fun way to engage with colleagues, we’d love to have you join us.

Help us choose this year’s featured game by completing our quick survey. The game receiving the most votes will be featured in our faculty and staff tournament later this summer. We’ll follow up with survey participants once registration opens and event details are finalized.

The Esports Complex is usually reserved for our students, but this is your chance to claim a seat, test your skills and see who earns campus bragging rights.

* * * * *

If someone experiences an opioid overdose on UTC’s campus, University leaders want a life-saving resource nearby.

* * * * *

4 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, through 5 p.m. Friday, July 17
4 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, through 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30

* * * * *

The University classifies undergraduate students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors according to the number of credit hours the student has completed:

Freshman: 0-29 semester hours
Sophomore: 30-59 semester hours
Junior: 60-89 semester hours
Senior: 90 or more semester hours

The Meal Plans are listed by student classification. Please refer to this link for that information.

* * * * *

A Moc’s First Year is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to host a First Class session on Friday, Aug. 21, immediately following Convocation.

* * * * *

UTC Choruses has openings for tenor and bass singers for the upcoming academic year, with scholarship opportunities available for select positions.

* * * * *

Two new Oracle Fusion Data Intelligence (FDI) reporting resources are now available in DASH, offering enhanced tools for reviewing payroll and labor data. Step-by-step guidance is available through the job aid links, and users can access the dashboards via the FDI Landing Page.

The Payroll Balances – Department Dashboard (roadmap ID #54) allows departments to review and verify payroll totals, pay composition and potential outliers. Replacing the IRIS Check Register, the dashboard provides current information to help identify issues early, prevent errors from carrying forward and reduce the risk of unexpected budget impacts. A brief review after each payroll run is recommended to better understand key payroll drivers, including regular pay, overtime and other variances. Access to this dashboard is limited to users with Human Resources roles.

The Labor Encumbrance Dashboard (roadmap ID #13) provides compensation distribution and encumbrance amounts for compensation, fringe and F&A. The dashboard includes three levels of detail—Department, Project and Person—for streamlined navigation and reporting.

* * * * *

UTC is gearing up for a summer full of camps for local K-12 students, with options ranging from quantum computing to sports clinics. Designed to keep students active and engaged, camps are led by UTC faculty, staff and athletics programs and offer opportunities for elementary, middle and high school students to explore new interests and sharpen skills.

Mocs Adventure Camp (K-8): Weekly sessions through July 31; activities include climbing, swimming, sports and games; $320 per week.
Chattanooga Volleyball Camps (various ages): July sessions; costs vary.
Men’s Basketball Camp (ages 7-17): July 20-23; $310.

* * * * *

UTC Newsroom

Chancellor Lori Bruce

On June 30, 2025, Dr. Lori Bruce became the chancellor of UTC and the 19th leader in the University’s history.

As she prepared to begin year two, Dr. Bruce sat down for a Q&A about what surprised her most in year one, what she has learned about UTC and herself, and what she sees ahead.

* * * * *

Terrence Banks

Spend a few minutes with Terrence Banks and it becomes clear how much he cares about UTC. Though not in his job description, Banks often emcees events for incoming and prospective students, such as the Power C Tour and Convocation. He is frequently the first friendly face students see at the beginning of their UTC experience.

* * * * *

UTC student Dylan Castellanos is a mentor to high school students who participated in Supreme Court in My Hometown.

For two weeks in June, local high school students spent part of their summer break at UTC learning how the federal court system works.

Twenty-five high schoolers participated in “The Supreme Court in My Hometown,” a national civics education program sponsored by the Supreme Court Historical Society, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Tennessee and the Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government at UTC, Dr. Michelle D. Deardorff.

* * * * *

Dr. Trevor Elliott fires rockets on Chamberlain Field with summer camp students from GPS.

Countdowns and cheers filled Chamberlain Field as Girls Preparatory School summer campers launched model rockets they designed during a weeklong camp led by UC Foundation Associate Professor Trevor Elliott, faculty advisor for the Rocket Mocs. Campers learned the basics of aerodynamics, built and decorated their own rockets, then watched them take flight on campus.

* * * * *

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

Operation Move In at UTC kicks off Aug. 19-20 and marks the beginning of Fall Opening. Whether you’re moving in or just helping unload, a few smart steps can make the day go more smoothly.
In early June, UTC’s GEAR UP program welcomed Bedford County middle school students to campus for a two-day, overnight visit designed to give them a hands-on look at college life. During the visit, students took part in activities led by UTC faculty and staff, including a shark dissection, a Lunar Quest simulation and a visit to the Mocs News TV studio.

WUTC

Chancellor Lori Bruce

In the latest edition of WUTC’s “Chatting with the Chancellor,” Dr. Lori Bruce discusses UTC’s quantum partnership with EPB, the Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit, new campus leadership and the retirement of Provost Jerold Hale.

IN Memoriam

Longtime UTC professor Dr. James Moreland Henry died on May 22, 2026. He spent most of his life teaching chemical engineering and control systems at UTC. He was a pioneer in online laboratories, setting up the world’s first lab available across the globe for students to run actual experiments at UTC, thus benefiting students in smaller engineering programs that hadn’t previously had access to laboratory experience. He was also instrumental in designing software to allow researchers on the ground to conduct experiments and collect data from the International Space Station. A service in Jim’s memory will be held Saturday, Aug. 1, at First Christian Church on McCallie Avenue, with visitation in the sanctuary at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m.

A full obituary is available here.

* * * * *

June 30-July 6, 2026

Updates and news for the week of June 30-July 6, 2026

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates | In the Media

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

Highlights

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR WEEKS OF WELCOME 2026

The goal for Weeks of Welcome 2026 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and your help is needed.

More information about submitting an event for the Weeks of Welcome calendar can be found here. Contact Laura Petrus with any questions.

* * * * *

Volunteer for Operation Move In

Operation Move In (OMI) 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 19-20, in residential spaces for new students across campus.

Those interested in volunteering can register here. For more information, contact the OMI Volunteer Committee co-chairs Erica Holmes Trujillo and Dr. Andrew McCarthy at omi@utc.edu.

Outstanding People of UTC

Vice Provost Elizabeth O’Brien

Dr. Elizabeth O’Brien, UTC vice provost for faculty affairs, has been selected for the 2026-27 Becoming a Provost Academy, a yearlong leadership program of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) designed to prepare aspiring chief academic officers.

* * * * *

Dr. Eric Hoang H. Nguyen

UTC Research Assistant Professor Eric Hoang H. Nguyen has always been interested in protecting information. Nguyen serves as CEO of UrbisIQ, a company focused on providing technology for urban safety.

* * * * *

The Staff Senate has announced the recipients of its annual staff awards. This year’s honorees are:

Newbie Award: Bails Tunnell (Library Studio) and Bethany Weaver (College of Nursing)
Scrappy’s Unsung VIP Award: Leah Collins Barrett (College of Nursing)
Breaking Silos Award: Jami Hargrove (Center for Wellbeing)

The Staff Senate also recognized and thanked all employees who were nominated for this year’s awards for their contributions to the UTC community.

* * * * *

Dr. Saeid Golkar, UC Foundation associate professor of political science, has published a new book, “Dictators and the Higher Education Dilemma: State Power and the University in Modern Iran,” through Rutgers University Press.

The book examines how authoritarian governments balance the need for universities to educate skilled professionals while attempting to control academic freedom, political dissent and higher education institutions. Drawing on modern Iranian history, the work also explores broader questions about state power and higher education under authoritarian regimes.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Recent Master’s of Environmental Science graduate Matt Helton joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the popularity of mushrooms.
Associate Professor of Political Science Jeremy Strickler spoke to Jed & JR Mornings about socialism in America.

Mark Your Calendar

The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold a virtual information session for the Master of Business Administration graduate program. The Rollins College of Business graduate programs provide flexible course options and exclusive career support resources to elevate your education and advance your career.

MBA Information Sessions

Wednesday, July 1: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

* * * * *

The Staff Senate Curiosity Committee invites faculty and staff to the Summer Staff Conference, a day dedicated to community, learning and professional growth. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about the work taking place across campus and explore strategies for navigating the workplace, regardless of office or division.

Those interested in attending can complete the RSVP form by Thursday, July 16. Click here to register.

* * * * *

Departments interested in participating can contact Marli Wolff, assistant director of community and employer relations, for registration information.

* * * * *

Photo courtesy of Derek Daniel/GoMocs.com

Kickoff times and promotions have been announced for the Chattanooga Mocs’ 2026 home football schedule at Finley Stadium:

Sept. 5 vs. Tennessee Tech, 6 p.m.
- Future Fans Night (free admission for children 12 and younger)
- Annual Little Mocs Walk
- Light-up rally towel giveaway for the first 1,000 fans
Sept. 19 vs. Wofford, 6 p.m.
- White Out Game
- UTC Fall Family Weekend
- Mocs Flock Finley
- Academic Night
Oct. 10 vs. Samford, 1 p.m.
- Salute to Heroes
Oct. 31 vs. VMI, 1 p.m.
- Halloween with the Mocs
- Scrappy Kids Club Day
- Senior Day
Nov. 7 vs. Mercer, 1 p.m.
- Homecoming
- Fan Appreciation Game
- Band Day

Season tickets are on sale now through GoMocs.com.

Campus Updates

The exhibition is free and open to the public at the Fine Arts Center on UTC’s campus. Learn more about gallery hours and programming at ICA Chattanooga.

* * * * *

The UTC Library is making it easier for students, faculty and staff to explore all the city has to offer.

* * * * *

How it works:

Register for classes as usual.
Approximately one month before classes begin, students will receive an email from the bookstore partner with instructions for reviewing courses and selecting how they would like to receive materials.
The UTC Bookstore will prepare course materials and notify students when they are ready.
Physical materials can be picked up at the UTC Bookstore or shipped directly to students.
Digital materials will be available through Canvas.
Students with rental materials will receive reminders about return deadlines at the end of the semester.

Benefits include:

Lower costs on required course materials
Access to course materials by the first day of class
Digital materials delivered directly through Canvas
One streamlined process for obtaining required course materials

* * * * *

Faculty, staff and students should use the McCallie Avenue entrance to access Lot 26A during this time. Please plan accordingly and allow extra time when traveling to campus.

* * * * *

The Esports Complex is usually reserved for our students, but this is your chance to claim a seat, test your skills and see who earns campus bragging rights.

* * * * *

If someone experiences an opioid overdose on UTC’s campus, University leaders want a life-saving resource nearby.

* * * * *

4 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, through 5 p.m. Friday, July 17
4 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, through 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30

* * * * *

The University classifies undergraduate students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors according to the number of credit hours the student has completed:

Freshman: 0-29 semester hours
Sophomore: 30-59 semester hours
Junior: 60-89 semester hours
Senior: 90 or more semester hours

The Meal Plans are listed by student classification. Please refer to this link for that information.

* * * * *

A Moc’s First Year is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to host a First Class session on Friday, Aug. 21, immediately following Convocation.

* * * * *

UTC Choruses has openings for tenor and bass singers for the upcoming academic year, with scholarship opportunities available for select positions.

* * * * *

Mocs Adventure Camp (K-8): Weekly sessions through July 31; activities include climbing, swimming, sports and games; $320 per week.
Challenger Exploration Camp (rising 3rd-6th graders): July 6-31; space missions, coding, robotics, rocket launches and local excursions; $290.50 per week.
Chattanooga Volleyball Camps (various ages): July sessions; costs vary.
Men’s Basketball Camp (ages 7-17): July 20-23; $310.

* * * * *

UTC Newsroom

Dr. Andrew McCarthy helps unload belongings from a pickup truck into a move-in bin during 2025’s Operation Move In.

Last summer, Operation Move In Volunteer Coordinator Committee co-chair Erica Holmes Trujillo emailed UC Foundation Associate Professor Andrew McCarthy asking him to volunteer for OMI. She told McCarthy that she wanted more people across campus, especially faculty, to understand “how meaningful this experience can be.” For McCarthy, what began last year as a favor turned into something else.

* * * * *

The UTC Quantum Summer Camp returned for the second year June 15-18, offering high school students in grades 10 through 12 the opportunity to explore the world of quantum through lab tours, talks with professors and scientific demonstrations that bring science to life.

* * * * *

Samantha Dean

When Samantha Dean crossed the stage at UTC’s May commencement, she did so after building a graduate school experience rooted in psychology, research and a growing sense of where her career was headed.

Soon after earning her master’s degree in psychological studies, Dean moved into a full-time role as a pre-award coordinator in UTC’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs.

WUTC

Lamar Alexander (left), former U.S. Senator from Tennessee and former Governor of Tennessee with WUTC’s Ray Bassett at Chattanooga Rotary at the Chattanooga Convention Center. Photo by Ruby Rayner/Chattanooga Times Free Press.

Former Tennessee governor, U.S. senator, U.S. secretary of education and University of Tennessee president Lamar Alexander recently joined WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” to discuss his new book, The “Education of a Senator: From JFK to Trump.” Alexander spoke with Ray Bassett ahead of a Chattanooga Rotary fireside chat with fellow former U.S. senator and Chattanooga mayor Bob Corker, reflecting on his career in public service and the evolution of politics in Tennessee and Washington.

IN Memoriam

Dr. Elizabeth Anne Johnson, 85, of Lookout Mountain, Georgia, passed away Sunday, June 21. Dr. Johnson was a professor of early elementary education at UTC, where she taught for close to 50 years. Over her long career at UTC, she helped hundreds, if not thousands, of students become teachers, impacting generations of children. Her impact was far-reaching and made a difference in so many lives. Private graveside services will be held at a later date. A full obituary is available here.

* * * * *

June 23-29, 2026

Updates and news for the week of June 23-29, 2026

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates | In the Media

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

Highlights

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR WEEKS OF WELCOME 2026

The goal for Weeks of Welcome 2026 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and your help is needed.

More information about submitting an event for the Weeks of Welcome calendar can be found here. Contact Laura Petrus with any questions.

* * * * *

Mocs Football Schedule Announced

Photo courtesy of Derek Daniel/GoMocs.com

Kickoff times and promotions have been announced for the Chattanooga Mocs’ 2026 home football schedule at Finley Stadium:

Sept. 5 vs. Tennessee Tech, 6 p.m.
- Future Fans Night (free admission for children 12 and younger)
- Annual Little Mocs Walk
- Light-up rally towel giveaway for the first 1,000 fans
Sept. 19 vs. Wofford, 6 p.m.
- White Out Game
- UTC Fall Family Weekend
- Mocs Flock Finley
- Academic Night
Oct. 10 vs. Samford, 1 p.m.
- Salute to Heroes
Oct. 31 vs. VMI, 1 p.m.
- Halloween with the Mocs
- Scrappy Kids Club Day
- Senior Day
Nov. 7 vs. Mercer, 1 p.m.
- Homecoming
- Fan Appreciation Game
- Band Day

Season tickets are on sale now through GoMocs.com.

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Marisa Colston

UTC Professor of Graduate Athletic Training and Exercise and Health Sciences Marisa Colston has received the Southeast Athletic Trainers’ Association (SEATA) Most Distinguished Athletic Trainer Award, one of the organization’s highest honors.

* * * * *

Dr. Hill Craddock stands among American chestnut tree saplings in the Fortwood Street Greenhouse.

The first American chestnut tree Dr. Hill Craddock ever saw was one he grew himself. He was about 15 years old, working out of a small greenhouse his father built beside their home. A neighbor gave him a handful of chestnut seeds and suggested Craddock try growing them.

More than four decades later, Craddock, now a UC Foundation Robert M. Davenport Professor of Biology at UTC, is part of a team whose work was published in Science, one of the world’s leading scientific journals.

* * * * *

Dr. Jonathan McNair

The North/South Chamber Orchestra performed Ruth S. Holmberg Professor of American Music Jonathan McNair’s composition, “These Three,” at Christ & St. Stephen’s Church in New York City as part of its On The Move! program. The piece was commissioned in memory of Christian Sinclair Rushing, an urban designer whose love for Chattanooga helped shape downtown development. Click here to watch the performance.

* * * * *

Dr. Edward Buckman

UTC Police Department Sgt. Edward Buckman recently graduated from the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy, a professional development program for law enforcement leaders.

Since its founding in 1935, the FBI National Academy has graduated more than 55,000 law enforcement professionals from across the United States and around the world. The 10-week residential program provides advanced training in leadership, intelligence theory, terrorism and extremist mindsets, behavioral science, law enforcement communication, forensic science and management.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Interim Vice Chancellor for Research and Executive Director of the UTC Research Institute Mina Sartipi joined an episode of My Morning Cup to discuss her role and UTC’s research initiatives.
The launch of the Biomechatronics in Healthcare Initiative was featured by TechNation.

Mark Your Calendar

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.

MSDA Information Sessions

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

MSM Information Sessions

Wednesday, June 24: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MAcc Information Sessions

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

MBA Information Sessions

Wednesday, July 1: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

* * * * *

Those interested in attending can complete the RSVP form by Thursday, July 16. Click here to register.

* * * * *

Departments interested in participating can contact Marli Wolff, assistant director of community and employer relations, for registration information.

Welcome to UTC

The following employees joined UTC in May:

Catherine Malin – Business Manager, Honors College
Katie Louise Allen – Director of Football Operations, Men’s Football
Sydney Johnson – Assistant Coach, Women’s Basketball
Andres Angel – Full Stack Engineer, UTC Research Institute
Cheri Green – Director, Student Support Services
Kailey Agoo – Digital Content Specialist, Communications and Marketing
Riby Stephens – Assistant Director of Marketing and Promotions, Athletics Marketing and Promotions
Stephen Prado Deleon – Heavy-Duty R/A Mechanic, Remodel Renovations
Alexandra Solesbee – Administrative Specialist, LEAD
Joseph Newman – Assistant Coach, Men’s Football
Thomas Kiely – Assistant Basketball Coach, Men’s Basketball
Logan Dahms – Assistant Basketball Coach, Men’s Basketball
Nitika Gresham – Enrollment Counselor, Mocs One Center
Donna Victoria Blain – Administrative Associate III, Civil Engineering
King William Mason – Floor Technician, Building Services
Juan Manuel Velez – Campus Safety Officer, Police Emergency Services
Caleb William Haid – Housing Security Officer, Security Services
Dominique Harris – Assistant Teacher, Children’s Center Brown Academy
Jonathan M. Gladney – Assistant Director of Guest Services and Housing Conduct, Residence Life
Kelly-Ann Walker – Manager of Operations and Strategic Initiatives, Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management

Campus Updates

The UTC Library is making it easier for students, faculty and staff to explore all the city has to offer.

* * * * *

How it works:

Register for classes as usual.
Approximately one month before classes begin, students will receive an email from the bookstore partner with instructions for reviewing courses and selecting how they would like to receive materials.
The UTC Bookstore will prepare course materials and notify students when they are ready.
Physical materials can be picked up at the UTC Bookstore or shipped directly to students.
Digital materials will be available through Canvas.
Students with rental materials will receive reminders about return deadlines at the end of the semester.

Benefits include:

Lower costs on required course materials
Access to course materials by the first day of class
Digital materials delivered directly through Canvas
One streamlined process for obtaining required course materials

* * * * *

Faculty, staff and students should use the McCallie Avenue entrance to access Lot 26A during this time. Please plan accordingly and allow extra time when traveling to campus.

* * * * *

The Esports Complex is usually reserved for our students, but this is your chance to claim a seat, test your skills and see who earns campus bragging rights.

* * * * *

If someone experiences an opioid overdose on UTC’s campus, University leaders want a life-saving resource nearby.

* * * * *

4 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, through 5 p.m. Friday, June 26
4 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, through 5 p.m. Friday, July 17
4 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, through 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30

* * * * *

The University classifies undergraduate students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors according to the number of credit hours the student has completed:

Freshman: 0-29 semester hours
Sophomore: 30-59 semester hours
Junior: 60-89 semester hours
Senior: 90 or more semester hours

The Meal Plans are listed by student classification. Please refer to this link for that information.

* * * * *

Operation Move In (OMI) 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 19-20, in residential spaces for new students across campus.

OMI provides an opportunity for faculty, staff, students and organizations to come together and create a welcoming, supportive environment for incoming students and their families. A campuswide committee is coordinating the two-day event, with volunteer roles including unloading, moving, parking and greeting.

Those interested in volunteering can register here. For more information, contact the OMI Volunteer Committee co-chairs Erica Holmes Trujillo and Dr. Andrew McCarthy at omi@utc.edu.

* * * * *

A Moc’s First Year is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to host a First Class session on Friday, Aug. 21, immediately following Convocation.

* * * * *

UTC Choruses has openings for tenor and bass singers for the upcoming academic year, with scholarship opportunities available for select positions.

* * * * *

Mocs Adventure Camp (K-8): Weekly sessions through July 31; activities include climbing, swimming, sports and games; $320 per week.
Challenger Exploration Camp (rising 3rd-6th graders): July 6-31; space missions, coding, robotics, rocket launches and local excursions; $290.50 per week.
Chattanooga Volleyball Camps (various ages): July sessions; costs vary.
Men’s Basketball Camp (ages 7-17): July 20-23; $310.

* * * * *

UTC Newsroom

Dr. Max Jordon (sitting with laptop computer), Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu and mechatronics major Austin McDade demonstrate a pneumatically powered balance board.

The UTC Research Institute is launching the Biomechatronics in Healthcare Initiative, a cross-campus research effort designed to organize and expand collaborative work in engineering, computer science and healthcare.

The initiative brings together more than 10 faculty members from four colleges, making it one of UTC’s most multidisciplinary research efforts. Led by Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu, Department Head and Professor of Engineering Management and Technology and Director of the Biomechatronic and Assistive Technology Lab, the initiative is designed to connect technical innovation with clinical and human-performance expertise to address emerging challenges in healthcare.

* * * * *

From left: Elise Hart, Assistant Professor of Practice Savannah Kelley, Yayla Blodgett-White and Lecturer Katie Parker.

When students in the UTC accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree program put on virtual reality headsets this summer, they are stepping into a new kind of clinical learning.

Thanks to a High Impact Practices Grant from the UTC Walker Center for Teaching and Learning, ABSN students are piloting virtual reality simulation in two College of Nursing clinical courses focused on introducing immersive scenarios in maternal-newborn and pediatric care.

* * * * *

Dr. Saeid Golkar (left) and Dr. Annie Tracy Samuel

At UTC, two faculty members are using their expertise to educate the public and advise policymakers on a complex and evolving conflict in the Middle East.

For Dr. Saeid Golkar and Dr. Annie Tracy Samuel, the region isn’t a random part of the globe; both have deep ties to it and see public scholarship as part of their responsibility.

WUTC

Ben Greenwell (left) and Dr. Mark Johnson

Dr. Mark Johnson, a UTC professor of history, recently joined WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” to discuss his new book, “American Bacon: The History of a Food Phenomenon,” published by the University of Georgia Press. Johnson spoke with Ben Greenwell, a student intern for WUTC, about the history and cultural significance of one of America’s most iconic foods.

June 16-22, 2026

Updates and news for the week of June 16-22, 2026

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates | In the Media

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

Highlights

Introducing the MocsBooks Total Access Program

How it works:

Register for classes as usual.
Approximately one month before classes begin, students will receive an email from the bookstore partner with instructions for reviewing courses and selecting how they would like to receive materials.
The UTC Bookstore will prepare course materials and notify students when they are ready.
Physical materials can be picked up at the UTC Bookstore or shipped directly to students.
Digital materials will be available through Canvas.
Students with rental materials will receive reminders about return deadlines at the end of the semester.

Benefits include:

Lower costs on required course materials
Access to course materials by the first day of class
Digital materials delivered directly through Canvas
One streamlined process for obtaining required course materials

* * * * *

VOTE UTC PD FOR TENNESSEE’S BEST-LOOKING CRUISER AWARD

Photo by Angela Foster

The Tennessee Highway Safety Office is accepting votes for its inaugural Tennessee’s Best-Looking Cruiser Award, and the UTC Police Department needs your support. Faculty, staff, students and alumni are encouraged to cast a vote and select “UT Chattanooga PD” as their first-place choice.

Voting is open through 5 p.m. on Friday, June 19. Participants are asked to rank three agencies, with first-place votes earning three points, second-place votes earning two points and third-place votes earning one point.

The winning agency will be recognized at the Law Enforcement Challenge awards ceremony in September. Click here to vote.

* * * * *

UTC made its debut at the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge June 4 through June 6, competing alongside 21 other organizations in a weekend of events that drew nearly 2,000 participants. UTC placed third in the overall standings. UTC competed in Division III, bringing just over 90 registrants across the weekend’s events, marking a strong first showing for the Mocs and a great foundation to build on in the years ahead.

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Marisa Colston and Dr. Lynette Carlson at the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society awards ceremony. Photo courtesy of Dr. Lynette Carlson.

UTC’s Dr. Lynette Carlson, an associate professor and director of clinical education for athletic training, has been named the Jerry Robertson Educator of the Year by the Tennessee Athletic Trainers’ Society.

* * * * *

UTC Quantum Center team members Evan Humberd, Dr. Mohmad Junaid Ul Haq and Dr. Tian Li at the CLEO Science Slam. Photo courtesy of Dr. Mohmad Junaid Ul Haq.

Dr. Mohmad Junaid Ul Haq, a postdoctoral research associate in the UTC Quantum Center, placed second in the annual CLEO Science Slam, which challenges scientists, students and postdoctoral researchers to present complex work in laser science, optics and quantum technology in a clear, engaging way.

* * * * *

At UTC, supporting student wellbeing is a shared responsibility. The Center for Wellbeing is proud to recognize the employees who have completed all requirements to become Mental Health Allies for the 2025-2026 academic year. Through training in suicide prevention, Mental Health First Aid and Psychological First Aid, these faculty and staff members have strengthened their ability to recognize distress, respond with compassion and connect others to appropriate support. Their commitment helps create a campus culture where every member of our community feels seen, supported and valued.

Please join us in celebrating our 2025–2026 Mental Health Allies: Alexandra Wills, Andrew Akridge, Ashleigh Pipes, Ashton Kelley, Charlene Simmons, Chelsea Couch, Cheryl Dickens, Irene Hillman, Jamie Newberg, Jordan Harris, Juan Aponte Ortiz, Kaylee Spezia, Marshall Parrent, and Mary Beth Ondrusek.

* * * * *

Dr. Ashleigh Pipes

With support from a Division of Access and Engagement Professional Development Award, Ashleigh Pipes traveled to Shantou, Guangdong, China, in May to attend the International Association for the Psychology of Language Learning conference.

Pipes presented two research projects focused on creativity and second-language acquisition: “Innovative or Inappropriate? Language Teachers’ Perceptions of Student Creativity” and “Piecing It Together: The Role of Creativity in Second Language Listening Skills.”

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

College of Nursing Dean Chris Smith did a Q&A with teknovation.biz about the new Dorothy and Jim Kennedy Health Science Building.
Scott L. Probasaco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise Claudia Kramer spoke to PsyPost about her study on free speech.
Mocs women’s basketball head coach Deandra Schirmer spoke to Local 3 News about a Mocs community cleanup event.
Mocs women’s soccer head coach Gavin McKinney joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the World Cup.
UTC Research Institute affiliate Maged Shoman was featured by Teknovation.biz for his company ApexAI and app ApexVision.
Biology, Geology and Environmental Science Professor David Aborn spoke to NewsChannel 9 about Canadian geese, which are currently more aggressive due to molting season.
WUTC General Manager Susan Lazenby talked to the Times Free Press about covering the Spanish national team’s visit to Chattanooga.
UC Foundation Associate Professor of Political Science Saeid Golkar spoke to Europe Says about the war in Iran.

Mark Your Calendar

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

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

MSDA Information Sessions

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

MSM Information Sessions

Wednesday, June 24: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MAcc Information Sessions

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

MBA Information Sessions

Wednesday, July 1: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

* * * * *

Please save the date for 2026 Weeks of Welcome, which will take place Aug. 23-Sept. 5. This year, UTC is moving to a two-week model designed to create more opportunities for students and campus partners to connect while better incorporating events already taking place during the second week of classes, particularly those hosted by student organizations.

Campus departments are not expected to add new events because of the expanded schedule. Instead, the two-week model is intended to provide greater flexibility, reduce scheduling overlap and make it easier for students to explore programs, services, departments and student organizations across campus.

The Center for Student Leadership, Engagement and Community will share information in June about submitting events for the Weeks of Welcome calendar and meeting with departments interested in participating. Questions can be directed to engage@utc.edu.

* * * * *

Departments interested in participating can contact Marli Wolff, assistant director of community and employer relations, for registration information.

* * * * *

The UTC Graduate School announced that the following student will present final works of research as an advanced degree candidate. Everyone is invited to attend.

Thursday, June 18: Merna Abdrabo, ECS Room 403, 2:30 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

Faculty, staff and students should use the McCallie Avenue entrance to access Lot 26A during this time. Please plan accordingly and allow extra time when traveling to campus.

* * * * *

Click here to read the latest Content Compass for website updates, including the approved re-theme design, accessibility progress, Silktide changes, the next deployment date and a behind-the-scenes Schema improvement.

* * * * *

The University of Tennessee Press is seeking volunteers to serve on its Editorial Board. The board helps guide the press’s publishing program by assisting with manuscript acquisition and evaluation while ensuring publications meet the standards expected of a major research institution.

Membership is open to University of Tennessee faculty and authors across the UT System. Appointments are for three-year terms and may be renewed once for a maximum of six years of continuous service. The board meets at least three times each year.

Faculty interested in serving should email Katie Hannah, director of the University of Tennessee Press, by Friday, July 24, and include a current CV.

* * * * *

The Esports Complex is usually reserved for our students, but this is your chance to claim a seat, test your skills and see who earns campus bragging rights.

* * * * *

If someone experiences an opioid overdose on UTC’s campus, University leaders want a life-saving resource nearby.

* * * * *

4 p.m. Today (June 16) through 5 p.m. Friday, June 19
4 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, through 5 p.m. Friday, June 26
4 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, through 5 p.m. Friday, July 17
4 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, through 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30

* * * * *

The University classifies undergraduate students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors according to the number of credit hours the student has completed:

Freshman: 0-29 semester hours
Sophomore: 30-59 semester hours
Junior: 60-89 semester hours
Senior: 90 or more semester hours

The Meal Plans are listed by student classification. Please refer to this link for that information.

* * * * *

Operation Move In (OMI) 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 19-20, in residential spaces for new students across campus.

Those interested in volunteering can register here. For more information, contact the OMI Volunteer Committee co-chairs Erica Holmes Trujillo and Dr. Andrew McCarthy at omi@utc.edu.

* * * * *

A Moc’s First Year is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to host a First Class session on Friday, Aug. 21, immediately following Convocation.

* * * * *

UTC students, faculty and staff can explore the city through the UTC Library’s Chattanooga Passport program, which provides free access to a variety of local attractions and events through community partnerships.

Participants can check out passes or reserve tickets for experiences such as the Tennessee Aquarium, Chattanooga Zoo, Chattanooga Football Club, Tivoli Theatre performances, Chattanooga Symphony and Opera, Hunter Museum of American Art, Ruby Falls and more. Passes may be available in physical or digital formats, with details provided upon reservation.

Each user may reserve one pass or set of tickets per partner per calendar year and must present a valid UTC Mocs ID when redeeming or picking up passes. Click here to learn more and check out passes.

* * * * *

UTC Choruses has openings for tenor and bass singers for the upcoming academic year, with scholarship opportunities available for select positions.

* * * * *

Mocs Adventure Camp (K-8): Weekly sessions June 1-July 31; activities include climbing, swimming, sports and games; $320 per week.
Challenger Exploration Camp (rising 3rd-6th graders): July 6-31; space missions, coding, robotics, rocket launches and local excursions; $290.50 per week.
Chattanooga Volleyball Camps (various ages): June and July sessions; costs vary.
Men’s Basketball Camps (ages 7-17): June 22-25 and July 20-23; $310.

* * * * *

UTC Newsroom

Carol Prosser

UTC rising senior Carol Prosser, currently pursuing a double major in accounting and finance, is one of the world’s top female League of Legends players.

WUTC

Mackenzie Carr, a student intern for WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” and student in UTC’s Department of Communication, spoke about the “Cinderella + Bluegrass” ballet performed on UTC’s campus.

June 9-15, 2026

Updates and news for the week of June 9-15, 2026

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates | In the Media

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

Highlights

Introducing the MocsBooks Total Access Program

How it works:

Register for classes as usual.
Approximately one month before classes begin, students will receive an email from the bookstore partner with instructions for reviewing courses and selecting how they would like to receive materials.
The UTC Bookstore will prepare course materials and notify students when they are ready.
Physical materials can be picked up at the UTC Bookstore or shipped directly to students.
Digital materials will be available through Canvas.
Students with rental materials will receive reminders about return deadlines at the end of the semester.

Benefits include:

Lower costs on required course materials
Access to course materials by the first day of class
Digital materials delivered directly through Canvas
One streamlined process for obtaining required course materials

* * * * *

UTC adds ONEbox naloxone stations across campus

If someone experiences an opioid overdose on UTC’s campus, University leaders want a life-saving resource nearby.

* * * * *

Join Chattanooga Mocs Community Service Day

The Chattanooga Mocs athletics department is partnering with Nobody Trashes Tennessee and Green Steps for a community cleanup from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12.

Coaches, administrators, student-athletes and community volunteers will work together to help beautify campus and the surrounding area. Participants will meet at McKenzie Arena Gate 2 before heading to cleanup locations around 3rd Street, 4th Street, Mocs Alumni Drive, Collins Street, Palmetto Street, Hampton Street, MLK Boulevard and Central Avenue. Mascots Scrappy and Trashsquatch will also be on hand.

The event is part of the Mocs’ ongoing commitment to serving the Chattanooga community and helping keep the Scenic City scenic. Community members are encouraged to participate. Click here to sign up.

* * * * *

UTC Employee Esports Tournament Returns this Summer

The Esports Complex is usually reserved for our students, but this is your chance to claim a seat, test your skills and see who earns campus bragging rights.

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Venkat Kode

Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in May. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $1,561,482 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $22,336,063 in external funding, if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in May was Dr. Venkat Kode (Civil and Chemical Engineering), who received $199,516 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled “ERI: Renewable Water Harvesting Using Tunable Solid Bio-Desiccants for Low-Energy Regeneration.” Click here to read more about his research.

* * * * *

UTC faculty and staff recently participated in Corporate Challenge Chattanooga, a community event hosted by Unum that promotes professional networking with organizations across the Chattanooga area while bringing coworkers together through friendly competition.

The week included trivia on Thursday, bowling on Friday and a field day on Saturday featuring a variety of team events.

UTC earned first-place finishes in both cornhole and tug-of-war. The cornhole championship team was Amy Slagle and Gary Snodgrass. The winning tug-of-war team included Ashton Kelley, Shannon Stone, Mackenzie Allen, Michael Johnson, Ashton McLeod, Chris James and team captain Gerry Pacitti.

The award show will be live-streamed at noon today (June 9) on the Corporate Challenge Chattanooga Facebook page. Click here to watch.

* * * * *

Dr. Jonathan McNair

While the spring 2026 semester may have just come to a close, it’s been a busy time of year for Ruth S. Holmberg Professor of American Music Jonathan McNair.

On May 19, the UTC Department of Music professor traveled to Providence, Rhode Island, to hear his musical composition, “Redemption Suite,” and additional pieces performed by the Marian Anderson String Quartet.

Today (June 9), the North/South Chamber Orchestra will perform his composition, “These Three,” at Christ & St. Stephen’s Church in New York City as part of its On The Move! program. The piece was commissioned in memory of Christian Sinclair Rushing, an urban designer whose love for Chattanooga helped shape downtown development.

* * * * *

Camden Braidech

At the recent NCAA men’s golf championship in Carlsbad, California, UTC junior political science and public service major Camden Braidech was honored with the NCAA Elite Scholar-Athlete award, a prestigious accolade given to those who have not only excelled at a national championship level in their sport but have also achieved the highest academic standards among their peers.

The Elite Scholar-Athlete is awarded to the student-athlete with the highest cumulative GPA at the finals site for each of the NCAA’s championships. Braidech was recognized for his 4.0 GPA.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Journey Health Foundation Research Center Director Hemant Jain was featured by fundsforNGOs for UTC’s Research for Evidence-based Action in Community Health (REACH) Fund.
CUIP Deputy Director and Chief Technology Officer Austin Harris was interviewed by Local 3 News about UTC’s spot in the final four in the U.S. Department of Transportation National Innovation Challenge.

Mark Your Calendar

Faculty and staff are invited to join the Center for Wellbeing in celebrating Megan McKnight as she departs UTC for a new role as director of health promotion and wellness at Penn State University. McKnight has served UTC for seven years and is nationally recognized for her leadership in student health and wellbeing.

A drop-in farewell reception will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. on Friday, June 12, in the Center for Wellbeing (UC 207C). Light refreshments will be served.

Those unable to attend can stop by the Center for Wellbeing anytime between June 8-12 to sign her going-away gift.

* * * * *

Departments interested in participating can contact Marli Wolff, assistant director of community and employer relations, for registration information.

* * * * *

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

Today (June 9): Khowshik Dey, ECS Room 415D, 9 a.m., Calendar
Thursday, June 18: Merna Abdrabo, ECS Room 403, 2:30 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

* * * * *

4 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, through 5 p.m. Friday, June 19
4 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, through 5 p.m. Friday, June 26
4 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, through 5 p.m. Friday, July 17
4 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, through 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30

* * * * *

Photo by Angela Foster

The winning agency will be recognized at the Law Enforcement Challenge awards ceremony in September. Click here to vote.

* * * * *

The University classifies undergraduate students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors according to the number of credit hours the student has completed:

Freshman: 0-29 semester hours
Sophomore: 30-59 semester hours
Junior: 60-89 semester hours
Senior: 90 or more semester hours

The Meal Plans are listed by student classification. Please refer to this link for that information.

* * * * *

Operation Move In (OMI) 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 19-20, in residential spaces for new students across campus.

Those interested in volunteering can register here. For more information, contact the OMI Volunteer Committee co-chairs Erica Holmes Trujillo and Dr. Andrew McCarthy at omi@utc.edu.

* * * * *

A Moc’s First Year is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to host a First Class session on Friday, Aug. 21, immediately following Convocation.

* * * * *

UTC Choruses has openings for tenor and bass singers for the upcoming academic year, with scholarship opportunities available for select positions.

* * * * *

Mocs Adventure Camp (K-8): Weekly sessions June 1-July 31; activities include climbing, swimming, sports and games; $320 per week.
Challenger Exploration Camp (rising 3rd-6th graders): July 6-31; space missions, coding, robotics, rocket launches and local excursions; $290.50 per week.
Quantum Summer Camp (rising 10th-12th graders): June 15-18; hands-on exploration of quantum computing and real-world problem-solving; $200.
Chattanooga Volleyball Camps (various ages): June and July sessions; costs vary.
Men’s Basketball Camps (ages 7-17): June 22-25 and July 20-23; $310.

* * * * *

UTC Newsroom

Dr. Bret Eschman works with eye-tracking technology in the Visual Memory and Attention Development Lab.

Dr. Bret Eschman, an assistant professor of psychology and director of the Visual Memory and Attention Development (VMAD) Lab, studies how the brain develops during the earliest months of life.

* * * * *

Malcolm Key, Sydney Banks, Clara Paulson, Ryan Conley, Kayelyn McCaslin, Megan Cooper and Delaney Holman were honored at the Tennessee Golden Press Card Awards ceremony. Photo courtesy of Jim Tanner.

Seven UTC students earned honors at the Tennessee Golden Press Card Awards ceremony on May 21 for reporting, podcasting and multimedia storytelling.

* * * * *

Co-producers Nicole Brown (left), Jazmine LeBlanc and Tiffany Herron pose with awards earned by How to Sue the Klan during a celebration of the documentary’s regional Emmy win on Saturday, April 18, at White Duck Taco in Chattanooga. Photo by Clara Paulson.

Tiffany Herron’s curiosity about a group of women who earned the collective name “the Chattanooga Five” led her deep into UTC’s resources. She spent hours in the UTC Library, traveled to New York City for research, interviewed attorneys and family members, and pursued a project that led her far beyond the classroom.

The research eventually opened the door to documentary filmmaking. Herron served as a co-producer for “How to Sue the Klan: The Legacy of the Chattanooga Five,” which earned the category of Outstanding Short Form Documentary at the 40th Midsouth Emmy Awards in February.

* * * * *

UTC recently hosted a weeklong training session that brought together law enforcement officers, school safety personnel and emergency responders from across Tennessee and beyond.

* * * * *

Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce

The 2026 Tennessee Valley Corridor National Summit came to Chattanooga on May 28-29 to discuss regional workforce development, quantum technology and economic growth.

* * * * *

Dr. Hemant Jain is the director of the UTC Journey Health Foundation Research Center, housed in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.

The Research for Evidence-based Action in Community Health (REACH) Fund was established earlier this year through the Journey Health Foundation Research Center housed in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In less than one year, it’s already funding 10 interdisciplinary projects focused on improving community health across Southeast Tennessee.

* * * * *

Talking to someone across the world instantly? Accessing information in seconds? Handling your banking from your living room?

In 1990, before the internet was the internet, those concepts probably landed somewhere between science fiction and, well, magic.

Quantum feels a little like that right now for a lot of us.

WUTC

On an episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots,” student journalists from UTC’s Department of Communication reflected on their trip to Nashville to cover the Tennessee General Assembly as part of the PULSE Project—Public Understanding Through Local and Statehouse Engagement—including two roundtable conversations recorded at the Tennessee State Capitol.

June 2-8, 2026

Updates and news for the week of June 2-8, 2026

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates | In the Media

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

Highlights

UTC advances to final four in U.S. Department of Transportation National Innovation Challenge

Chancellor Lori Bruce, Dr. Mina Sartipi and members of the Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP).

UTC has been selected as one of only four finalists nationwide in the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Infrastructure (ARPA-I) Ideas and Innovation Challenge, advancing from a field of 448 submissions from innovators across the country.

UTC is the only university-led team among the competition’s Final Four and will represent higher education on the national stage as finalists compete for a share of $700,000 in prize funding.

* * * * *

2026-27 Basketball Season Ticket Renewals Open Today

Season ticket renewals for the 2026-27 Chattanooga men’s and women’s basketball seasons open at 10 a.m. today (June 2). Fans who renew by June 30 will be entered to win exclusive experiences, including Mocs Club hospitality access, season-long parking passes, premium suite tickets, courtside warmup access and team-issued memorabilia from the men’s 2025 NIT championship run.

Renewals can be completed online through GoMocs.com or through the UTC Ticket Office at McKenzie Arena. The 2026-27 season will also introduce NFC-enabled mobile tickets and parking passes through the new Mocs Go Mobile platform. For more information, contact the UTC Ticket Office at mocsticketing@utc.edu.

* * * * *

Corporate Challenge this Saturday

If you’re a bowler, runner, can dodge a ball, good at trivia or the best cornhole player in your neighborhood, we need you to help us score points for UTC in the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

UTC is entering a team in this adult field day on Saturday, June 6, at Finley Stadium, competing against companies from all over town. You can score points for the team in events as simple as a one-mile walk or as competitive as a tug-of-war. Click here to learn more. To register, email JAy Blackman.

* * * * *

Transition from Avaya to RingCentral Phone Services

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Lee Williams Weldon

UTC has named Lee Williams Weldon, Ed.D., as its next vice chancellor for advancement and executive director of the UC Foundation, effective July 16. Weldon brings more than 15 years of advancement leadership experience in higher education, campaign strategy and foundation governance, most recently serving as senior associate vice president of development for Miami University and chief development officer for the Miami University Foundation.

* * * * *

Hamid Andalib’s return to UTC comes on the heels of receiving the 2026 Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Photo by Patrick Mashburn.

Ellis Island Medal of Honor recipient and UTC alumnus A. Hamid Andalib is returning to his alma mater to help prepare the next generation of entrepreneurs through a new teaching role in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.

Beginning in spring 2027, Andalib will serve as an adjunct instructor for ETR 1010: Entrepreneurship: The Mindset and Skillset, a general education course designed to introduce students across campus to entrepreneurial thinking, innovation and opportunity recognition. The course explores the mindset and skillset needed to think and act entrepreneurially across industries and career paths, including both for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

* * * * *

The UTC Division of Communications and Marketing earned 11 Tennessee College Public Relations Association Communication Awards at the organization’s annual conference, bringing home five gold, two silver and four bronze honors.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall spoke to Local 3 News about out-of-state migration to Chattanooga. He also spoke to Local 3 about wages in the Chattanooga region.
College of Nursing Dean Chris Smith joined HOK for a LinkedIn Live about competency-based nursing education.
Assistant Provost for Student Success Delight Yokley spoke to Jed & JR Mornings about A Moc’s First Year
Vice Provost for Academic Affairs Elizabeth O’Brien joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss AI and mental healthcare.

Mark Your Calendar

Research Conflict of Interest (COI) disclosure training will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, June 3, via Zoom. Brandon Williams, research integrity compliance officer, will lead the session covering why disclosure matters, what constitutes a conflict of interest or commitment, the role of a discloser and how to navigate the UT DASH Research COI system.

Faculty, staff, graduate students and affiliated individuals are encouraged to attend. To receive the Zoom link, email Brandon Williams or utcori@utc.edu.

* * * * *

Faculty and staff are invited to serve, rally and have some fun in the Intramural Pickleball League, running June 8-July 2 at the Aquatic and Recreation Center. Whether you’re a seasoned player or brand new to the game, it’s a great way to unwind, connect and get moving. Games will take place from noon-1 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays.

Registration is open through Wednesday, June 3, in the Fusion Play app for iPhone and Android. Grab a teammate and join the action.

* * * * *

The Center for Student Leadership, Engagement, and Community will share information in early June about submitting events for the Weeks of Welcome calendar and meeting with departments interested in participating. Questions can be directed to engage@utc.edu.

* * * * *

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

Tuesday, June 9: Khowshik Dey, ECS Room 415D, 9 a.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

4 p.m. today (June 2), through 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 3
4 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, through 5 p.m. Friday, June 19
4 p.m. Wednesday, June 24, through 5 p.m. Friday, June 26
4 p.m. Wednesday, July 15, through 5 p.m. Friday, July 17
4 p.m. Tuesday, July 28, through 5 p.m. Thursday, July 30

* * * * *

The University classifies undergraduate students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors according to the number of credit hours the student has completed:

Freshman: 0-29 semester hours
Sophomore: 30-59 semester hours
Junior: 60-89 semester hours
Senior: 90 or more semester hours

The Meal Plans are listed by student classification. Please refer to this link for that information.

* * * * *

Operation Move In (OMI) 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 19-20, in residential spaces for new students across campus.

Those interested in volunteering can register here. For more information, contact the OMI Volunteer Committee co-chairs Erica Holmes Trujillo and Dr. Andrew McCarthy at omi@utc.edu.

* * * * *

A Moc’s First Year is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to host a First Class session on Friday, Aug. 21, immediately following Convocation.

* * * * *

UTC Choruses has openings for tenor and bass singers for the upcoming academic year, with scholarship opportunities available for select positions.

* * * * *

Mocs Adventure Camp (K-8): Weekly sessions June 1-July 31; activities include climbing, swimming, sports and games; $320 per week.
Challenger Exploration Camp (rising 3rd-6th graders): July 6-31; space missions, coding, robotics, rocket launches and local excursions; $290.50 per week.
Quantum Summer Camp (rising 10th-12th graders): June 15-18; hands-on exploration of quantum computing and real-world problem-solving; $200.
Chattanooga Volleyball Camps (various ages): June and July sessions; costs vary.
Men’s Basketball Camps (ages 7-17): June 22-25 and July 20-23; $310.

* * * * *

UTC Newsroom

Menekse Adar demonstrates her research in the UTC NeuroTech Lab.

Only a week after commencement, graduate Menekse Adar traveled to Arlington, Texas, to present her graduate research at the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Annual Conference, funded by a competitive grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

* * * * *

Kimele Carter and Boys and Girls Club of Greater Chattanooga student Brianna Mitchell (photo courtesy of Joni Martin)

The 2026 edition of the UTC Middle School to Mocs Scholars initiative took place May 15 through May 19, with staff and faculty attending eighth-grade Hamilton County Schools promotion ceremonies to celebrate students and share the University’s message.

The program, a joint initiative between UTC and Hamilton County Schools, is meant to help students picture college as part of their future. As part of that effort, every eighth-grade student received a certificate welcoming them to UTC, pending high school graduation and fulfillment of admission requirements for the fall 2030 semester.

* * * * *

Hope Klug takes students from across her courses to the Tennessee Aquarium. In addition to her research on the Tangerine Darter, Klug and her students have studied lemur behavior.

Research at the UTC extends from campus laboratories into the Chattanooga community. For Dr. Hope Klug, UC Foundation and Guerry Professor in the UTC Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, her research has cultivated a 14-year relationship with the Tennessee Aquarium. The partnership not only advances her research and provides the aquarium with knowledge but also serves as a teaching tool for her students.

* * * * *

Vanee Patel (white shirt) poses with Olga Eichenberg (left), Dr. Veronica Venezia, Elle Lassiter and Dr. Jejal Bathi at the Tom Eichenberg Scholarship dinner. Photo courtesy of Vanee Patel.

Vanee Patel recently graduated from UTC with a degree in finance. Weeks before, she received the Tom Eichenberg Scholarship through the Cultural Value Leadership Institute, recognizing outstanding leadership and values.

* * * * *

Mimi White

Research allows students to gain hands-on experience in their field by developing knowledge and skills as they pursue their degrees. For UTC graduate research assistant Mimi White, research has helped her discover a new passion and deepen her understanding of the field as she pursues her Master of Science in Environmental Science.

WUTC

Karen Shostak, director of parks and recreation for Hamilton County; Mitch Patel, founder and CEO of Vision Hospitality Group; Bob Corker, former Chattanooga mayor and former U.S. senator from Tennessee; and Brian Smith, administrator of the City of Chattanooga Parks and Outdoors Department. Photo by Ray Bassett.

A recent episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” featured “The Parkside Podcast,” a discussion on the transformation of Chattanooga’s riverfront, smart growth and the importance of public spaces. Guests included former Chattanooga Mayor and U.S. Sen. Bob Corker and Mitch Patel, founder and CEO of Vision Hospitality Group. The podcast is hosted by Brian Smith of the City of Chattanooga’s Parks and Outdoors and Karen Shostak of Hamilton County Parks and Recreation in collaboration with Ray Bassett of WUTC’s Scenic Roots.

May 26-June 1, 2026

Updates and news for the week of May 26-June 1, 2026

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates | In the Media

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

Highlights

EPB partners with UTC

The EPB Board of Directors approved a resolution to provide new support to expand academic and research leadership at the UTC and to create new pathways for quantum research commercialization.

The partnership will strengthen Chattanooga’s growing quantum ecosystem by expanding workforce development, advancing applied quantum research and accelerating efforts to translate emerging quantum technologies into real-world economic opportunity. The resolution builds upon EPB’s long-standing collaboration with UTC by expanding the access of its students and researchers to EPB Quantum Center^SM, the nation’s first facility to offer commercial access to both quantum computing and quantum networking. Click here to learn more and to hear what elected officials have to say.

* * * * *

Accessible Routes Near Fletcher and Founders Halls

UTC Facilities is working with Tennessee American Water to install a water main between McCallie Avenue and Oak Street through Monday, June 1.

The map shows the fenced construction areas, water main location and accessible pedestrian paths during the project. Updates will be provided if accessible routes to and from the southeast doors of Fletcher Hall need to change as work progresses.

The accessible route coming up the ramp on the Founders Hall side and through the northeast doors of Fletcher Hall is expected to remain unchanged.

* * * * *

New Sign-in Experience for UT Applications

On Wednesday, May 27, UT will be updating how you sign into applications like Adobe Creative Cloud, DASH, Qualtrics and Zoom. This change will affect any application that grants access using UT’s Central Authentication Service where you are currently prompted to sign in with your NetID. After the change, you will log into these applications with your Microsoft username instead of just your NetID.

What will look different on May 27:

The sign-in page will have a new look.
You will quickly be redirected to Microsoft’s sign-in page when logging in.
If you are already signed in, you may not see the new screen until you log out.

How do I find my Microsoft username? Your Microsoft username is the address that you currently use to log into Outlook and other Microsoft 365 applications. It may also be located by going to MyMocsNet and looking for the O365 username in the “Account Info” widget.

This update continues the effort to deliver a modern, consistent authentication experience across University platforms. Click here for more information.

* * * * *

Join the UT AI Hub

The UT System Department of Technology Solutions and Office of Innovative Technologies have launched the UT AI Hub, a new centralized platform that provides secure access to leading large language AI models, including ChatGPT, Claude and Grok.

The UT AI Hub is designed to support academic and professional work while keeping institutional data secure. The platform allows users to access AI tools without exposing sensitive information to public systems, ensuring data remains compliant and within the university environment.

Additional AI resources are also available to the campus community, including UT Verse, a university-tailored AI assistant platform, and Microsoft Copilot Chat, which supports research, content creation and document analysis.

These tools are centrally funded and available at no cost to students, faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about UT’s AI resources.

Outstanding People of UTC

Alex Garretson

Alex Garretson, a 2025 UTC graduate, is a geographic information system (GIS) technician at UTC’s Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science (CAGDS).

At the Tennessee Geographic Information Council’s annual conference, Garretson took home the Best Spatial Analysis Award for her work developing a conservation decision support tool for Lula Lake Land Trust—an 8,000-acre land trust around Lookout Mountain, Georgia.

* * * * *

Associate Professor Yingfeng Wang assists student Amber Deamer in the iCompBio program.

UTC will host a nationally competitive summer research program in computational biology after receiving a $464,970 grant from the National Science Foundation.

The three-year Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program, “Interdisciplinary Computational Biology (iCompBio),” will bring undergraduate students from across the country to campus for research. The award marks the second renewal of the iCompBio REU site at UTC.

The program is led by Associate Professor of Data Analytics Yingfeng Wang in UTC’s College of Engineering and Computer Science and Assistant Professor of Genetics Jannatul Ferdoush in the College of Arts and Sciences.

* * * * *

The Chattanooga Mocs punched their ticket to the NCAA Championships with an impressive third place finish at last week’s NCAA Regionals in Bryan, Texas. UTC shot 21 under over the final 36 holes to leap from sixth to third on the second day of the weather-altered event. Chattanooga trailed only No. 4 Texas and No. 27 Texas A&M when the dust settled. No. 9 North Carolina was fourth and No. 16 Tennessee was the final qualifier in fifth place. Next up is the NCAA Championships at La Costa Spa and Resort in Carlsbad, Calif. The event is May 28-June 2.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

A Times Free Press article discussed the partnership with EPB and the UTC Quantum Center.
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall published a white paper titled “Where Y’all From? Chattanooga’s Domestic Migration, 2021-25.” The paper uses new data to show where recent migrants to the Chattanooga metro area came from, and where out-migrants went.

Mark Your Calendar

Research Conflict of Interest (COI) disclosure training will take place at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 3, via Zoom. Brandon Williams, research integrity compliance officer, will lead the session covering why disclosure matters, what constitutes a conflict of interest or commitment, the role of a discloser and how to navigate the UT DASH Research COI system.

Faculty, staff, graduate students and affiliated individuals are encouraged to attend. To receive the Zoom link, email Brandon Williams or utcori@utc.edu.

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Registration is open through Wednesday, June 3, in the Fusion Play app for iPhone and Android. Grab a teammate and join the action.

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The Department of Communication will launch “Common Ground,” a new civic communication series exploring the intersection of trust and community, with events scheduled this fall in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall.

The series will feature nationally recognized scholars whose work has shaped conversations around civic engagement and social infrastructure:

Wednesday, Sept. 24: Eric Klinenberg will present “The Power of Social Infrastructure,” examining how shared public spaces—from libraries to parks—can strengthen communities, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 21: Robert D. Putnam will present “Rebuilding Social Capital in America,” focusing on the decline and potential renewal of civic life in the United States, 6 p.m.

Both events are free and open to the public. Faculty, students and community members are encouraged to attend. Faculty interested in hosting guest visits or small group discussions with the speakers can contact Brandon Bouchillon for more information.

Campus Updates

The University classifies undergraduate students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors according to the number of credit hours the student has completed:

Freshman: 0-29 semester hours
Sophomore: 30-59 semester hours
Junior: 60-89 semester hours
Senior: 90 or more semester hours

The Meal Plans are listed by student classification. Please refer to this link for that information.

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Operation Move In (OMI) 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 19-20, in residential spaces for new students across campus.

Those interested in volunteering can register here. For more information, contact the OMI Volunteer Committee co-chairs Erica Holmes Trujillo and Dr. Andrew McCarthy at omi@utc.edu.

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A Moc’s First Year is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to host a First Class session on Friday, Aug. 21, immediately following Convocation.

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If you’re a bowler, runner, can dodge a ball, good at trivia or the best cornhole player in your neighborhood, we need you to help us score points for UTC in the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

UTC is entering a team in this adult field day on Saturday, June 6, at Finley Stadium, competing against companies from all over town. You can score points for the team in events as simple as a one-mile walk or as competitive as a tug-of-war. For more information and to sign up, click here.

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UTC Choruses has openings for tenor and bass singers for the upcoming academic year, with scholarship opportunities available for select positions.

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Mocs Adventure Camp (K-8): Weekly sessions June 1-July 31; activities include climbing, swimming, sports and games; $320 per week.
Challenger Exploration Camp (rising 3rd-6th graders): July 6-31; space missions, coding, robotics, rocket launches and local excursions; $290.50 per week.
Quantum Summer Camp (rising 10th-12th graders): June 15-18; hands-on exploration of quantum computing and real-world problem-solving; $200.
Chattanooga Volleyball Camps (various ages): June and July sessions; costs vary.
Men’s Basketball Camps (ages 7-17): June 22-25 and July 20-23; $310.

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The Chattanooga Mocs will host the Mercer Bears on Saturday, Nov. 7, for Homecoming 2026 at Finley Stadium—a date students and alumni will want to circle in blue and gold.

Homecoming week will feature campus events and competitions leading up to kickoff, making it one of the most anticipated traditions of the year. The Mocs hold a 61-31-4 all-time record in Homecoming games and are 3-2-1 against Mercer in past Homecoming matchups.

Season tickets are on sale now, with season pass renewals open through Friday, May 29. For assistance, contact the UTC Ticket Office by email or by phone 423-266-6627.

UTC Newsroom

Rising Rock students Hannah Godel, Clara Paulson, Sydney Banks, Malcolm Key, Delaney Holman, CJ Copeland and Corbin Winters attended the CHATT Foundation gala with Professor Billy Weeks. Photo by Everett Christensen.

At the UTC Department of Communication, Associate Lecturer Billy Weeks teaches his students to find stories and communicate them through writing, photography, audio and video. In January, Weeks worked with CHATT Foundation, a nonprofit organization whose goal is to resolve homelessness by providing basic needs and ultimately a path to self-sufficiency.

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Stephanie Perkins, instructional coach and dual enrollment coordinator for Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence (left); UTC Chancellor Lori Mann Bruce; Clarence Shields, director of postsecondary pathways for Chattanooga Preparatory School; and Ja’Keel Daniels, principal and director of schools for Chattanooga Preparatory School

UTC announced new dual enrollment partnerships with two Chattanooga charter schools—Chattanooga Charter School of Excellence and Chattanooga Preparatory School—expanding opportunities for local high school students to begin earning college credit while still in high school.

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Students in the Department of Health and Human Performance’s Sport, Outdoor Recreation and Tourism Management (SORT) program are making a positive impact on the Chattanooga community by removing rotten steps, cleaning man-made waste and clearing forest trails.

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Members of the Public Health Student Association chose to be on Chamberlain Field to talk to students about National Public Health Week. Photo courtesy of Emma Sampson.

Every year during National Public Health Week, the UTC Public Health Student Association (PHSA) aims to educate the campus community on a variety of health topics. Mocs Sole Support allowed students to drop off shoes and clothing for donation to the local nonprofits Soles4Souls and First Things First.

WUTC

Chancellor Lori Bruce

On an episode of “Chatting with the Chancellor” on WUTC’s Scenic Roots, Dr. Lori Bruce discussed commencement, the State of the County on campus and the “Join the Momentum” event.

May 19-25, 2026

Updates and news for the week of May 19-25, 2026

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates | In the Media

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

Highlights

Accessible Routes Near Fletcher and Founders Halls

UTC Facilities is working with Tennessee American Water to install a water main between McCallie Avenue and Oak Street through June 1.

The accessible route coming up the ramp on the Founders Hall side and through the northeast doors of Fletcher Hall is expected to remain unchanged.

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New Sign-in Experience for UT Applications

On May 27, 2026, UT will be updating how you sign into applications like Adobe Creative Cloud, DASH, Qualtrics and Zoom. This change will affect any application that grants access using UT’s Central Authentication Service where you are currently prompted to sign in with your NetID. After the change, you will log into these applications with your Microsoft username instead of just your NetID.

What will look different on May 27:

The sign-in page will have a new look.
You will quickly be redirected to Microsoft’s sign-in page when logging in.
If you are already signed in, you may not see the new screen until you log out.

This update continues the effort to deliver a modern, consistent authentication experience across University platforms. Click here for more information.

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Join the UT AI Hub

These tools are centrally funded and available at no cost to students, faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about UT’s AI resources.

Outstanding People of UTC

Cheyenne Higgs (photo by Michael Siarkowski)

UTC alum Cheyenne Higgs, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in December 2025, has received the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program (NSF GRFP) award—one of the nation’s top honors for graduate students pursuing research-based degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

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Joshua Kim

Joshua Kim, son of Dr. Seong Dae Kim, associate professor of engineering management in the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science, earned second place in the Biochemistry category at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Phoenix, Arizona. ISEF is the world’s largest pre-college STEM competition, with approximately 1,700 finalists competing across 22 categories.

Kim, a senior at McCallie School, previously won first place overall at the Chattanooga Regional Science and Engineering Fair hosted by UTC in March.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall spoke to NewsChannel 9 about rising gas prices in Chattanooga.
UC Foundation Associate Professor of Political Science Saeid Golkar published an article in The Journal of Middle East and Africa.
Director of the Clarence T. Jones Observatory Steven Kline joined Jed & JR Mornings to discuss UFO documents recently released by the Pentagon.

Mark Your Calendar

Registration is open through Wednesday, June 3, in the Fusion Play app for iPhone and Android. Grab a teammate and join the action.

* * * * *

The series will feature nationally recognized scholars whose work has shaped conversations around civic engagement and social infrastructure:

Wednesday, Sept. 24: Eric Klinenberg will present “The Power of Social Infrastructure,” examining how shared public spaces—from libraries to parks—can strengthen communities, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Oct. 21: Robert D. Putnam will present “Rebuilding Social Capital in America,” focusing on the decline and potential renewal of civic life in the United States, 6 p.m.

Campus Updates

The University classifies undergraduate students as freshmen, sophomores, juniors or seniors according to the number of credit hours the student has completed:

Freshman: 0-29 semester hours
Sophomore: 30-59 semester hours
Junior: 60-89 semester hours
Senior: 90 or more semester hours

The Meal Plans are listed by student classification. Please refer to this link for that information.

* * * * *

Dr. Rosite Delgado (photo courtesy of Joni Martin)

UTC hosted the graduation ceremony for Youth Leadership Chattanooga’s (YLC) College & Career Readiness Program at the Wolford Family Athletic Center. Organized by the YMCA of Metropolitan Chattanooga, the 10-month program helps high school sophomores and juniors across Hamilton County build leadership skills and explore future educational and career pathways.

The ceremony celebrated 40 graduates and included remarks from Dr. Rosite Delgado, executive director of the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, who congratulated students on their accomplishments and encouraged them to consider UTC as they continue their academic journeys.

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Middle School to Mocs kicked off Friday, May 15, and continues through today (May 19). With appreciation for the volunteer presenters who helped make the program possible, UTC congratulates the participating eighth-grade students on their promotion.

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Operation Move In (OMI) 2026 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, August 19-20, in residential spaces for new students across campus.

Those interested in volunteering can register here. For more information, contact the OMI Volunteer Committee co-chairs Erica Holmes Trujillo and Dr. Andrew McCarthy at omi@utc.edu.

* * * * *

A Moc’s First Year is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to host a First Class session on Friday, August 21, immediately following Convocation.

* * * * *

If you’re a bowler, runner, can dodge a ball, good at trivia or the best cornhole player in your neighborhood, we need you to help us score points for UTC in the Chattanooga Corporate Challenge.

UTC is entering a team in this adult field day on Saturday, June 6, at Finley Stadium, competing against companies from all over town. You can score points for the team in events as simple as a one-mile walk or as competitive as a tug-of-war. For more information and to sign up, click here.

* * * * *

UTC Choruses has openings for tenor and bass singers for the upcoming academic year, with scholarship opportunities available for select positions.

* * * * *

An Academic Meeting Professionals Conference will take place August 27-28 in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, offering professional development and networking opportunities for meeting and event planners across the University of Tennessee System.

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Mocs Adventure Camp (K-8): Weekly sessions June 1-July 31; activities include climbing, swimming, sports and games; $320 per week.
Challenger Exploration Camp (rising 3rd-6th graders): July 6-31; space missions, coding, robotics, rocket launches and local excursions; $290.50 per week.
Quantum Summer Camp (rising 10th-12th graders): June 15-18; hands-on exploration of quantum computing and real-world problem-solving; $200.
Chattanooga Volleyball Camps (various ages): June and July sessions; costs vary.
Men’s Basketball Camps (ages 7-17): June 22-25 and July 20-23; $310.

* * * * *

The Chattanooga Mocs will host the Mercer Bears on Saturday, Nov. 7, for Homecoming 2026 at Finley Stadium—a date students and alumni will want to circle in blue and gold.

Season tickets are on sale now, with season pass renewals open through Friday, May 29. For assistance, contact the UTC Ticket Office by email or by phone 423-266-6627.

UTC Newsroom

The UTC Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall was filled with proud parents, excited students and a genre-spanning soundtrack as the second-ever University High graduating class prepared to receive diplomas.

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Photo courtesy of Dr. David Aborn

For students in a UTC Biology 4170 Ornithology course, spring break became an opportunity to study birds and ecosystems firsthand along the South Carolina coast.

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Photo by Clara Paulson

UTC has been selected as one of 10 institutions nationwide to receive a Gilman Pioneering Institution Grant, a new initiative from the U.S. Department of State’s Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program as part of the America250 celebration.

At UTC, the grant will support “STEM Global Career Pathways: Helping UTC STEM Students Turn Study Abroad into Career Success,” a program designed to help students understand how global experiences translate into career opportunities in STEM fields.

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

At UTC, students from nursing, psychology, linguistics and other fields are changing careers, expanding their skills and moving into tech through the master’s program in computer science. Students pursuing an M.S. in Computer Science come from a range of academic and professional backgrounds, each with different experiences, goals and interdisciplinary strengths.

WUTC

On this episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots,” student storytellers of Rising Rock from the spring 2026 semester share their stories.

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