July 15-21, 2025

Updates and news for the week of July 15-21, 2025

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

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

UTC and Siskin Hospital expand partnership with new geriatric PT residency

The program directors for the new Siskin Hospital/UTC Geriatric PT Residency Program, Dr. Matt Annessi and Dr. Stephanie Eton.

UTC’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program and Siskin Hospital for Physical Rehabilitation are expanding their collaborative partnership with the creation of a Geriatric PT Residency Program—one of just two of its kind in Tennessee.

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Submit your events for Welcome Week 2025

Our goal for Welcome Week 2025 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and we need your help.

If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes (Aug. 17-23), please submit your event to the official calendar found on the Welcome Week webpage. Click here to access the event submission form. The priority deadline to submit events for the Welcome Week calendar is Friday, July 18. The final deadline is Thursday, Aug. 7.

More information about submitting an event for the Welcome Week calendar can be found here. Contact Director of Student and Family Engagement Laura Petrus with questions.

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Tian Li and Dr. Donald Reising

The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs (ORSP) provided its fourth-quarter report for the 2025 fiscal year, including a downloadable PDF: Q4 FY25 YTD Report PDF.

Among those receiving awards during the quarter were Dr. Tian Li (Chemistry and Physics) and Dr. Donald Reising (Electrical Engineering), who—in collaboration with Purdue University, received $447,621 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled, “Collaborative Research: Sub-Shot-Noise Limited Distributed Quantum Sensing on a Commercial Metropolitan-Scale Quantum Network via Deep Learning Aided Noise Suppression.”

* * * * *

Olivia Reeves

UTC’s Division of Communications and Marketing has earned a gold award in the 2025 Circle of Excellence competition from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE).

The award recognized a UTC social media campaign celebrating student and Olympic gold medalist Olivia Reeves. Social Media Director Laura Bond and Social Media Specialist Kaylah Santos created and ran the campaign, which documented Reeves’ gold medal win at the 2024 Paris Olympics and the celebrations that followed on campus and in the community.

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Dr. Francesca Leasi

The microscopic animals Dr. Francesca Leasi studies can’t be seen with the naked eye. Yet for all their size, they may hold vital clues to how life adapts to environmental change and what traits allow organisms to survive it.

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Congratulations to Dr. Thomas Lyons, Clarence E. Harris Chair of Excellence in Entrepreneurship at UTC, on the recent release of his latest book, “Rethinking Community Economic Development,” published July 10 by Edward Elgar. The book challenges traditional economic development models and offers a new framework rooted in entrepreneurship and community networks.

Now in his sixth year at UTC, Lyons has authored 18 books on economic innovation and social impact and brings sharp insight and real-world relevance to his students, the University and Chattanooga’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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Chancellor Lori Bruce did a live interview with Paul Shahen at the Local 3 studios.

Dr. Lori Bruce was featured on Local 3 News, Jed & JR Mornings, and in the Times Free Press discussing her new role as chancellor.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

School of Professional Studies Director Elizabeth O’Brien and School Psychology Program Director Amanda Hardin were featured in a Times Free Press article for leading a $2.4 million federal grant project to expand the region’s youth mental health workforce. O’Brien also discussed the grant alongside College of Health, Education and Professional Studies Dean Valerie Rutledge for a News 12 Now story.
Rutledge spoke to News 12 Now about the new geriatric physical therapy residency in partnership with Siskin Hospital.
A Tullahoma News story featured GIS Director Charlie Mix for leading an urban canopy assessment using satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to help the city target areas for tree planting and heat mitigation.
UC Foundation Associate Professor Liz Hathaway was a guest on Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the weight loss medication Ozempic.
Dr. Eric Hungenberg, associate professor of sport, outdoor recreation and tourism management and head of the Department of Health and Human Performance, spoke to News Channel 9 about the Incline Railway shutdown and what it meant for Chattanooga’s tourism.
An episode of Jed & JR Mornings featured Ruth S. Holmberg Professor of American Music Jonathan McNair to discuss a song composed in memory of local physician Sam Binder.

Mark Your Calendar

The Center for Wellbeing is offering a series of trainings and discussions for faculty and staff this summer. If interested, please sign up here. The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to Megan McKnight with questions or to request a training.

Wednesday, July 16: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer and Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Prioritizing Wellness Through the Semester Discussion, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, noon-2 p.m.

* * * * *

Operation Move In takes place Wednesday, Aug. 13, and Thursday, Aug. 14, for incoming freshmen and transfer students.

Housing and Residence Life could use as many hands as possible to make this day go as smoothly as possible for our newest residents. If you are interested in volunteering for OMI, please fill out the OMI volunteer signup form and share the link with others.

Those who volunteer will receive a meal voucher for UTC Dining and a signature OMI T-shirt as a special thank you. Learn more here.

For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

* * * * *

For the first time in school history, Chattanooga volleyball will host matches in McKenzie Arena during the 2025 Chattanooga Classic, taking place Sept. 4-6. The tournament features seven matches, with the Mocs welcoming Alabama, Cincinnati, Ohio and Jacksonville State. Admission is free, and all UTC matches will stream on ESPN+.

Campus Updates

Beginning today (July 15), you will be prompted to review and accept the University’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) annually to maintain access to UT technology services such as Microsoft 365.

Starting today, the next time you access a Microsoft service (Outlook, Teams, Excel, Word, etc.) you will be prompted to re-authenticate. Once prompted:

You’ll be redirected to a Microsoft-hosted page displaying the UT Acceptable Use Policy.
You will need to review the policy in its entirety and choose “Accept” at the bottom of the webpage.
After accepting, you may need to relaunch the application and sign in again to access your UTC Microsoft account.

This new annual review process ensures that all users understand, acknowledge and comply with the University’s standards for responsible technology use, while also helping to protect institutional data and systems against unauthorized access.

* * * * *

The inaugural meeting of the Staff Senate will be held from 10 a.m.-noon on Monday, July 14, in the Benwood Auditorium of the ECS Building. Chancellor Lori Bruce is scheduled to speak. Staff unable to attend in person can join virtually (link coming soon).

* * * * *

Employees enrolled in the State of Tennessee and Higher Education Health Insurance plan can earn $50 by completing a biometric wellness screening. Screenings will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on July 14, Aug. 5 and Aug. 6 at University Health Services.

Register for an appointment here by using your UTC login and selecting “appointments.” There is no employee access fee, but lab billing will be filed through your insurance—please bring your insurance information to your appointment. To prepare, download and print the Physician Results Form. You must complete your RealAge assessment before accessing the form.

Click here to learn more. For assistance, call 1-855-623-9355. For questions about the screening process, call 423-425-2266.

* * * * *

The Esports Complex is usually reserved for our students, but this July, we’re opening it up just for you. We’re planning a faculty and staff-only tournament, and we want to hear which games you’d like to compete in.

Whether you’re casually competitive or secretly elite, now’s your chance to step into the arena, connect with colleagues and have some fun.

Help us choose the game with this link. The top selection will be featured during the tournament in mid-to-late July. We’ll follow up directly with those who complete the survey to share next steps and registration info.

* * * * *

The CEACSE Research Innovation and Strategic Expansion (RISE) program is now accepting proposals for early-stage, high-potential research projects that strengthen UTC’s Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP) and the Quantum Center.

Selected projects may receive up to $70,000 for the 2026 calendar year, supporting one month of summer salary for faculty or research staff, full-year PhD student support and additional research expenses.

Deadline: Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, to both Hannah Archer and Claudia Colpo.
Eligibility: Lead PIs must be faculty, research faculty or postdocs at a UT System institution. If not UTC-based, the PI must advise a UTC PhD student supported by the project.
Project Period: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.

For full details and submission guidelines, view the Request for Proposals (RFP). Questions may be directed to Hannah Archer.

* * * * *

Faculty and staff, are you passionate about student well-being and fostering a culture of wellness on your campus or with partners across the UT System? The new Wellness Mini Grants Program is here to support your innovative ideas.

The program offers up to ten $5,000 grants for faculty and staff to pilot projects that focus on the eight SAMHSA-defined wellness dimensions, promote collaboration across and between campuses, and create scalable, measurable student wellness innovations.

Projects that are measurable, collaborative and have a role for a student will be prioritized. Click here to learn more and apply. The application is just a short, three-page PDF and is due Friday, Aug. 1. For questions or concerns contact the UT Chief Wellness Officer.

* * * * *

Undergraduate Admissions announced its Power C Tour and other important dates for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Sept. 17: Power C Tour Nashville/Franklin
Oct. 2: Power C Tour Memphis
Nov. 4: Power C Tour Knoxville
Nov. 12: Power C Tour Chattanooga
Nov. 15: Blue and Gold Preview
Feb. 27: Accepted Student Day
March 25: Power C Tour transfer at ChattState
April 11: Blue and Gold Preview Spring Edition

* * * * *

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

Recognition tiers:

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

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

UTC Newsroom

Hunter Hall

UTC is the recipient of a $2.4 million federal grant to bolster the pipeline of highly trained behavioral health professionals serving children, adolescents and young adults in underserved areas of Southeast Tennessee.

The four-year award was provided by the Health Resources and Services Administration, a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, through its Behavioral Health Workforce Education and Training Program for Professionals. The funding supports UTC’s newly launched B-HIP initiative, an acronym for the project titled “Behavioral Healthcare through InterProfessional Training.”

UC Foundation Professor Elizabeth O’Brien, director of the School of Professional Studies, is the lead PI for the project. Other members of the collaborative team are:

Mental Health Counseling Program Coordinator and Counselor Education Program Director Kevin Doyle
School Counseling Program Coordinator Alexandra Frank
Master of Social Work Program Director Amy Doolittle
Associate Professor of Social Work Bethany Womack
School Psychology Program Director Amanda J. Hardin

* * * * *

Elementary school summer campers recently had the opportunity to experience science firsthand thanks to the Rocket Mocs. The young campers participated in every step of the process, creating, designing, decorating and finally retrieving their rockets after they were launched.

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The “History of Psychology” study abroad course included visits to Sigmund Freud’s homes in both London (pictured) and Vienna.

When 13 UTC students boarded flights to Europe in May, they weren’t just traveling for leisure. They were retracing the roots of modern psychology. The “History of Psychology” course, led by UTC Department of Psychology Assistant Professor Bret Eschman, took the group on a two-week study abroad experience to England, Germany and Austria.

WUTC

Tim Kelly

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly joined an episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” to discuss land donation on Missionary Ridge, the city’s new budget, affordable housing and UTC’s new chancellor.

July 8-14, 2025

Updates and news for the week of July 8-14, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

UTC Receives $2.4 Million HRSA Award

Hunter Hall

UC Foundation Professor Elizabeth O’Brien, director of the School of Professional Studies, is the lead PI for the project. Other members of the collaborative team are:

Mental Health Counseling Program Coordinator and Counselor Education Program Director Kevin Doyle
School Counseling Program Coordinator Alexandra Frank
Master of Social Work Program Director Amy Doolittle
Associate Professor of Social Work Bethany Womack
School Psychology Program Director Amanda J. Hardin

* * * * *

Chancellor Bruce’s First Day

From left: UT Knoxville Chancellor Donde Plowman, UTC Chancellor Lori Bruce, UT Southern Chancellor Melinda Arnold, UT System Executive Vice President Linda Martin

Dr. Lori Bruce’s first day as chancellor coincided with the UT System Board of Trustees meetings taking place on the UTC campus. Click here to see more from her first day.

* * * * *

Submit your events for Welcome Week 2025

Our goal for Welcome Week 2025 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and we need your help.

More information about submitting an event for the Welcome Week calendar can be found here. Contact Director of Student and Family Engagement Laura Petrus with questions.

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt and Erica Holmes Trujillo

Two UTC standouts, UC Foundation Associate Professor Rick Dierenfeldt and College of Arts and Sciences Student Success Center Director Erica Holmes Trujillo, were named recipients of the 2025 UT System President’s Awards—the highest honor a faculty or staff member can receive from the UT System.

* * * * *

Director of Strategic Enrollment Technology Tonia Martin has received national recognition for going beyond the day-to-day to strengthen the educational ecosystem. She will receive the Anthology Impact award next week at the Anthology Together conference in Las Vegas.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

Workforce Development Specialist Will Watson and University High math teacher Emily McDonald were included in Chatter Magazine’s list of 20 Under 40.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers newsletter featured mechanical engineering student Connor Mackey about the helmet he created for Wrexham, a dog with a fragile skull. Mackey and Wrexham were also highlighted in a Local 3 News story.
School of Professional Studies Director Elizabeth O’Brien was on Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the concept of reparenting, a therapeutic approach focused on addressing unmet developmental needs from early life through learned supportive behaviors.
Dr. Eric Hungenberg, associate professor of sport, outdoor recreation and tourism management and head of the Department of Health and Human Performance, was featured in a Travel and Tour World article about Chattanooga’s tourism boom.
Dr. Rick Mukherjee, inaugural director of the UTC Quantum Center, was quoted in a Times Free Press article about quantum computing in Chattanooga.
An Edge Magazine story about technology and innovation featured Austin Corcoran, the associate director for programming at the UTC Center for Professional Education.
Clinical Assistant Professor Jeff Tieder spoke about the shift toward CRNA-only anesthesia models in ambulatory surgery centers in a Becker’s ASC Review article.

Mark Your Calendar

Today (July 8), and Thursday, July 10: Mental Health First Aid, University Center Room 350, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. both days
Wednesday, July 9: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, University Center Room 350, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Friday, July 11: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students, Zoom, 11 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, July 16: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer and Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Prioritizing Wellness Through the Semester Discussion, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, noon-2 p.m.

* * * * *

Operation Move In takes place Wednesday, Aug. 13, and Thursday, Aug. 14, for incoming freshmen and transfer students.

Those who volunteer will receive a meal voucher for UTC Dining and a signature OMI T-shirt as a special thank you. Learn more here.

For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

* * * * *

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.

Wednesday, July 9: James Harris, Lupton Hall 372, 2 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

* * * * *

Click here to learn more. For assistance, call 1-855-623-9355. For questions about the screening process, call 423-425-2266.

* * * * *

Whether you’re casually competitive or secretly elite, now’s your chance to step into the arena, connect with colleagues and have some fun.

* * * * *

The testing center is looking for individuals interested in helping with the administration of the ACT on UTC’s campus. This is a paid position, and proctors and room supervisors are needed for the 2025-26 school year. If you are interested in working—for one session or both—please email Cathy Jackson.

* * * * *

Deadline: Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, to both Hannah Archer and Claudia Colpo.
Eligibility: Lead PIs must be faculty, research faculty or postdocs at a UT System institution. If not UTC-based, the PI must advise a UTC PhD student supported by the project.
Project Period: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.

For full details and submission guidelines, view the Request for Proposals (RFP). Questions may be directed to Hannah Archer.

* * * * *

Undergraduate Admissions announced its Power C Tour and other important dates for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Sept. 17: Power C Tour Nashville/Franklin
Oct. 2: Power C Tour Memphis
Nov. 4: Power C Tour Knoxville
Nov. 12: Power C Tour Chattanooga
Nov. 15: Blue and Gold Preview
Feb. 27: Accepted Student Day
March 25: Power C Tour transfer at ChattState
April 11: Blue and Gold Preview Spring Edition

* * * * *

Recognition tiers:

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

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

UTC Newsroom

Dr. Ahad Nasab

Dr. Ahad Nasab has never needed a title to make a difference, just meaningful work. From improving industrial systems to building academic programs and elevating students, faculty and staff, Nasab finds purpose in leaving things better than he found them.

* * * * *

UTC and the City of Chattanooga have entered into a new strategic research partnership formalized through an interlocal agreement approved by the Chattanooga City Council. The agreement creates a streamlined framework for UTC and the city to pursue and manage collaborative federal research grants more efficiently, supporting a shared vision for innovation, economic growth and public impact.

WUTC

Dr. Lori Bruce sat down for her first taping of “Chatting with the Chancellor” on WUTC’s “Scenic Roots.”

July 1-7, 2025

Updates and news for the week of July 1-7, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

Chancellor Lori Bruce Takes the Helm at UTC

Portrait by Dan Henry/UTC

Dr. Lori Bruce officially assumed her role as chancellor of UTC this week, becoming the 19th leader in the University’s history.

Click here to learn more about Dr. Bruce’s journey to UTC.

* * * * *

Welcome Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi

Portrait by Dan Henry/UTC

Dr. Kumar Yelamarthi begins today as dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Science. Yelamarthi joins UTC from Tennessee Tech, where he served as associate dean of academic affairs in the College of Engineering.

* * * * *

Submit your events for Welcome Week 2025

Our goal for Welcome Week 2025 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and we need your help.

More information about submitting an event for the Welcome Week calendar can be found here. Contact Director of Student and Family Engagement Laura Petrus with questions.

* * * * *

Oak Street Residence Hall Groundbreaking

Join the groundbreaking of the Oak Street residence hall at 11 a.m. on Monday, July 21. Parking will be available onsite at 520 Oak St.

* * * * *

Happy Independence Day!

The University will be closed on Friday, July 4, for the Independence Day holiday. Please submit any Campus Weekly newsletter notes for next week before 3 p.m. this Thursday, July 3.

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Elizabeth Hathaway, Dr. Tian Li and Jessica Pierce

The University of Tennessee Alumni Association (UTAA) is proud to recognize the following faculty and staff who recently received recognition for their outstanding service to the university and community. This year’s recipients include Dr. Elizabeth Hathaway and Dr. Tian Li, who received the Outstanding Teacher Award, and Jessica Pierce, who received the Public Service Award. Each received a certificate and stipend and were invited to attend the Board of Governors Dinner in Knoxville.

* * * * *

Anthony McClellan

Anthony McClellan has been promoted to assistant vice chancellor for Facilities Planning and Management. He is in his sixth year at UTC, having formerly served at the executive director of Facilities Planning and Operations. He replaces Tom Ellis, who retired after more than 30 years with the University.

* * * * *

Assistant Professor Rich Walker and ichthyology students during a research excursion to Falling Water Creek.

Dr. Rich Walker’s project, titled “The Cicadian Rhythm: Integrated Research And Education To Reveal The Cascading Effects Of A Rare But Massive Terrestrial Resource Pulse In Stream Ecosystem,” is now drawing national recognition.

He is one of just 36 early-career faculty members nationwide to be named a 2025 recipient of the Ralph E. Powe Junior Faculty Enhancement Award from Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU), a consortium of over 160 colleges and universities that collaborates with federal agencies to advance health and scientific knowledge.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Dr. Saeid Golkar, UC Foundation associate professor of political science, spoke to The Washington Post and Local 3 News about the attacks on Iran.
Two UTC faculty members, J. Burton Frierson Chair of Excellence in Business Leadership Mark Mendenhall and Professor of Mathematics John Graef, have been recognized as ranking around the world’s leading scientists by Research.com.
Scott L. Probasco Chair of Free Enterprise Claudia Kramer spoke to Local 3 News about her research on the national narrative on immigration.
An “On Target News” article about UTC’s urban canopy assessment featured GIS Director Charlie Mix.
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall discussed his report on job growth and poverty for a NewsChannel 9 story.
Vice Chancellor for Research Reinhold Mann spoke to News 12 Now about UTC’s quantum research.
Vice Chancellor and Director of Athletics Mark Wharton sat down for an interview with Collegiate Sports Connect.
Dr. Eric Hungenberg, associate professor of sport, outdoor recreation and tourism management and head of the Department of Health and Human Performance, discussed tourism in Chattanooga for a NewsChannel 9 story.
A device created by Gary W. Rollins College of Business’ Megan Cales was featured in a Teknovation.biz feature story.

Mark Your Calendar

Today (July 1): Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 8, and Thursday, July 10: Mental Health First Aid, University Center Room 350, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. both days
Wednesday, July 9: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, University Center Room 350, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Friday, July 11: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students, Zoom, 11 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, July 16: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer and Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Prioritizing Wellness Through the Semester Discussion, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, noon-2 p.m.

* * * * *

Operation Move In takes place Wednesday, Aug. 13, and Thursday, Aug. 14, for incoming freshmen and transfer students.

Those who volunteer will receive a meal voucher for UTC Dining and a signature OMI T-shirt as a special thank you. Learn more here.

For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

* * * * *

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 2: Mark Horlu, Zoom, 8 a.m., Calendar
Wednesday, July 9: James Harris, Lupton Hall 372, 2 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

* * * * *

Employees enrolled in the State of Tennessee and Higher Education Health Insurance can earn $50 by completing a biometric wellness screening. Screenings will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on July 14, Aug. 5 and Aug. 6 at University Health Services.

Appointments are required and will open on Monday, July 7. There is no employee access fee, but lab billing will be filed through your insurance—please bring your insurance information to your appointment.

To prepare, download and print the Physician Results Form. You must complete your RealAge assessment before accessing the form. For assistance, call 1-855-623-9355. For questions about the screening process, call 423-425-2266.

* * * * *

Whether you’re casually competitive or secretly elite, now’s your chance to step into the arena, connect with colleagues and have some fun.

* * * * *

Deadline: Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, to both Hannah Archer and Claudia Colpo.
Eligibility: Lead PIs must be faculty, research faculty or postdocs at a UT System institution. If not UTC-based, the PI must advise a UTC PhD student supported by the project.
Project Period: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.

For full details and submission guidelines, view the Request for Proposals (RFP). Questions may be directed to Hannah Archer.

* * * * *

Undergraduate Admissions announced its Power C Tour and other important dates for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Sept. 17: Power C Tour Nashville/Franklin
Oct. 2: Power C Tour Memphis
Nov. 4: Power C Tour Knoxville
Nov. 12: Power C Tour Chattanooga
Nov. 15: Blue and Gold Preview
Feb. 27: Accepted Student Day
March 25: Power C Tour transfer at ChattState
April 11: Blue and Gold Preview Spring Edition

* * * * *

Recognition tiers:

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

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

UTC Newsroom

Sydney Banks holds the UTC flag in front of the Nyhavn Canal in Copenhagen. Photo by Clara Paulson.

UTC Brock Scholar and communication major Clara Paulson recently took part in a study abroad experience in Scandinavia sponsored by the Honors College. Her story, in words and pictures.

* * * * *

Richard Winham was issued a special proclamation at his retirement benefit concert, declaring June 22 as “Richard Winham Day.”

Richard Winham wants the world to know two things: Radio is not dead. Neither is Richard Winham.

He has quietly become one of Chattanooga’s most familiar voices, not by chasing the spotlight, but as he put it, staying “on the edge of it.” After a long, successful career that includes launching the station’s first morning music show, curating daily music programming, producing live sessions with local and touring artists, and mentoring generations of students interested in broadcasting, Winham is retiring.

* * * * *

Nursing student Carly Chastain takes a patient’s blood pressure.

A typical day with UTC’s MobileMOC team includes students, faculty and staff providing care, screenings and support to older adults at rural senior centers like the one in Dayton, Tennessee. The mobile health unit offers consistent, accessible services while giving students experience in nursing, social work and other fields. For many community members, it’s a reliable and convenient way to receive care close to home.

* * * * *

UC Foundation Professor of Medical Anthropology Zibin Guo

Dr. Zibin Guo has spent more than two decades exploring how ancient traditions can help address the challenges of modern life. That research is now the subject of his second book, “Adaptive Tai Chi: An Accessible Practice for Empowering Body and Mind,” which will be available in July.

WUTC

423Spoonz

An episode of WUTC’s “Live in the Library” with Richard Winham featured 423Spoonz, a harmonica player and an ace blues player in Chattanooga.

June 24-30, 2025

Updates and news for the week of June 24-30, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

UTC hosting Quantum Technology Workshop this week

This week, the Quantum Center at the UTC Research Institute is welcoming internationally recognized scientists, researchers and industry leaders for a three-day event aimed at exploring how quantum systems can help shape the future of computing, sensing, simulation and communication.

The Quantum Technology Workshop will take place through Wednesday, June 25, in the Multi-Disciplinary Research Building. Workshop sessions will explore a wide range of quantum topics, including algorithm development, hardware challenges, simulation techniques and near-term applications in industry.

The workshop schedule and speaker list can be found at go.utc.edu/quantum-workshop-25.

* * * * *

Plan ahead: Dates set for Power C Tour and admissions events

Undergraduate Admissions announced its Power C Tour and other important dates for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Sept. 17: Power C Tour Nashville/Franklin
Oct. 2: Power C Tour Memphis
Nov. 4: Power C Tour Knoxville
Nov. 12: Power C Tour Chattanooga
Nov. 15: Blue and Gold Preview
Feb. 27: Accepted Student Day
March 25: Power C Tour transfer at ChattState
April 11: Blue and Gold Preview Spring Edition

* * * * *

Mark your calendar for Operation Move In

Operation Move In takes place Wednesday, Aug. 13, and Thursday, Aug. 14, for incoming freshmen and transfer students.

Those who volunteer will receive a meal voucher for UTC Dining and a signature OMI T-shirt as a special thank you. Learn more here.

For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

Outstanding People of UTC

Guerry Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering Rahul R. Bhosale

Guerry Assistant Professor of Chemical Engineering Rahul R. Bhosale has become the first chemical engineering professor from both the state of Tennessee and UTC to be awarded the highly competitive National Science Foundation Engineering Research Initiation Award.

Bhosale, who joined the Department of Civil and Chemical Engineering in spring 2023, has been awarded a $199,734 grant to support his research into renewable energy systems. His project, titled “High-Temperature Thermochemical Energy Storage Using Doped Calcium Manganites,” is set to run until July 2027.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Mechanical engineering student Connor Mackey was featured in a Local 3 News story about the helmet he created for Wrexham, a dog with a fragile skull. Mackey and Wrexham were also featured in a We Rate Dogs post.
UC Foundation Associate Professor Saeid Golkar was a guest on WGOW-FM’s Jed & JR Mornings to talk about the Middle East crisis.
An economic impact report by UC Foundation and First Tennessee Bank Distinguished Professor of Finance Bento Lobo was cited in a Times Free Press story. Lobo also joined an episode of WGOW-FM’s Yaffee Live to discuss financial wellness.
UC Foundation Professor of Health and Human Performance Andrew Bailey spoke to the Times Free Press about a summary report he produced about McDonald Farm.
WTVC-TV’s “This N That” brought WUTC’s Ray Bassett and Richard Winham to discuss Winham’s retirement benefit concert.
The blog “Largehearted Boy” featured Assistant Professor of English Karen Babine’s music playlist for her memoir “The All of Elsewhere.”
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall discussed how tariffs and inflation may affect the economy for a Times Free Press story. In another Times Free Press article, Wall discussed Chattanooga’s job growth and poverty rates.
UC Foundation Associate Professor Trevor Elliott was a featured guest on WDEF’s “Let’s Chatt.”

Mark Your Calendar

Tuesday, July 1: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 8, and Thursday, July 10: Mental Health First Aid, University Center Room 350, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. both days
Wednesday, July 9: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, University Center Room 350, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Friday, July 11: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students, Zoom, 11 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, July 16: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer and Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Prioritizing Wellness Through the Semester Discussion, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, noon-2 p.m.

* * * * *

Please join us in celebrating Shirley Hatfield, senior account specialist in the Office of the Bursar, after more than 36 years of service, achievements, contributions and lasting impact on UTC.

The retirement celebration will take place from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, in the University Center Chickamauga Room.

* * * * *

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, June 25: Ege Can Ek, ECS 415D, 11:30 a.m., Calendar
Thursday, June 26: Atal Bhowmik, ECS 426, 11:30 a.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

Dr. Tian Li leads a demonstration at UTC’s recent Quantum Summer Camp for rising 10th-12th graders.

Each summer, UTC opens its campus to the community through a wide range of summer camps designed for K-12 students. From science and sports to leadership and college prep, UTC hosts hands-on programs that help kids stay engaged while school is out—and give families access to university-level experiences close to home.

Most camps are open to the public, with options for elementary, middle and high school students. Offerings include full-day activity camps, weeklong academic programs, and skill-building clinics in athletics, science, math and more.

Some of this summer’s featured camps include:

Aquatic and Recreation Center’s Mocs Adventure Camp
Chattanooga Volleyball Camps
Challenger STEM Learning Center’s Challenger Exploration Camp

* * * * *

Intramural pickleball games will take place at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 1-31 at the ARC. Registration closes at noon on Friday, June 27. All skill levels welcome. Register here.

* * * * *

Deadline: Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, to both Hannah Archer and Claudia Colpo.
Eligibility: Lead PIs must be faculty, research faculty or postdocs at a UT System institution. If not UTC-based, the PI must advise a UTC PhD student supported by the project.
Project Period: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.

For full details and submission guidelines, view the Request for Proposals (RFP). Questions may be directed to Hannah Archer.

* * * * *

Recognition tiers:

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

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

UTC Newsroom

Teresa McKinney (left) spent 20 years working for Dr. Mary Poston Tanner, watching her supervisor rise from department head to dean of the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies.

When Teresa McKinney retires at the end of June, she will close the book on a 42-year chapter at UTC that began when she was a student worker in the Department of Music.

* * * * *

UTC mechanical engineering student Connor Mackey hangs out with Wrexham in the Chihuahua’s Chattanooga-area home.

For UTC mechanical engineering grad student Connor Mackey, what started as an engineering experiment quickly turned into a year-long test of creativity, grit and compassion. With no blueprint to follow, Mackey leaned into his problem-solving instincts—producing more than a dozen helmet prototypes for a tiny puppy.

WUTC

In his last “Chatting with the Chancellor” interview with WUTC, Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley discussed his trip to Vietnam and Cambodia.

June 17-23, 2025

Updates and news for the week of June 17-23, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

Plan ahead: Dates set for Power C Tour and admissions events

Undergraduate Admissions announced its Power C Tour and other important dates for the 2025-2026 academic year:

Sept. 17: Power C Tour Nashville/Franklin
Oct. 2: Power C Tour Memphis
Nov. 4: Power C Tour Knoxville
Nov. 12: Power C Tour Chattanooga
Nov. 15: Blue and Gold Preview
Feb. 27: Accepted Student Day
March 25: Power C Tour transfer at ChattState
April 11: Blue and Gold Preview Spring Edition

* * * * *

Mark your calendar for Operation Move In

Operation Move In takes place Wednesday, Aug. 13, and Thursday, Aug. 14, for incoming freshmen and transfer students.

Those who volunteer will receive a meal voucher for UTC Dining and a signature OMI T-shirt as a special thank you. Learn more here.

For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

* * * * *

UTC to host Quantum Technology Workshop June 23-25

The Quantum Center at the UTC Research Institute will soon welcome internationally recognized scientists, researchers and industry leaders for a three-day event aimed at exploring how quantum systems can help shape the future of computing, sensing, simulation and communication.

The Quantum Technology Workshop will take place Monday, June 23-Wednesday, June 25, in the Multi-Disciplinary Research Building. Workshop sessions will explore a wide range of quantum topics, including algorithm development, hardware challenges, simulation techniques and near-term applications in industry.

The workshop schedule and speaker list can be found at go.utc.edu/quantum-workshop-25.

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Murat Barisik

Dr. Murat Barisik, assistant professor in the UTC Department of Mechanical Engineering and a leading researcher in nanoscale heat transfer, received a Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation (NSF).

* * * * *

Emma Sprayberry

UTC alum Emma Sprayberry has been selected for the Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Graduate Fellowship—a prestigious U.S. Department of State program that prepares individuals for careers in the U.S. Foreign Service. The May 2024 graduate is the first UTC student or alum to earn a Pickering Fellowship.

* * * * *

The UTC Athletics marketing team earned national recognition at the 2024-25 National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators (NACMA) Convention, taking home one gold and two bronze “Best Of” awards. The gold award honored the creative “Bob Ross Night” at a Mocs soccer game, while bronze awards recognized the “Mocs in the Classroom” outreach initiative and a library ticket partnership that promoted community engagement.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

UC Foundation Associate Professor Trevor Elliott sat down for a segment of This n That to discuss UTC’s engineering programs.
Emily Maddux, a lecturer in the Master of Public Health program, joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings to discuss weight loss medications.
Psychology Assistant Professor Tomorrow Arnold spoke to the Times Free Press about an addictive drug called kratom.

Mark Your Calendar

After more than 24 years of dedicated service, Obie Webster, director of McKenzie Arena, is retiring.

From January 2001 to June 2025, Webster worked tirelessly to support UTC Athletics and bring premier outside entertainment to McKenzie Arena. His faithful commitment, long hours and leadership have played a vital role in the success of countless events and in enhancing the experience for students, fans and the Chattanooga community.

Webster’s deep knowledge of the arena, steady presence and can-do spirit have been invaluable, and he will be greatly missed by colleagues, partners and all who have had the pleasure of working with him.

Please join us in celebrating Websters’s outstanding career and many contributions from 2:30-4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20, in the Wolford Family Athletic Center Room 301. Light refreshments will be served.

* * * * *

Friday, June 20: Mental Health First Aid, University Center Room 350, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
Tuesday, July 1: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 8, and Thursday, July 10: Mental Health First Aid, University Center Room 350, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. both days
Wednesday, July 9: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, University Center Room 350, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Friday, July 11: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students, Zoom, 11 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, July 16: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer and Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Prioritizing Wellness Through the Semester Discussion, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, noon-2 p.m.

* * * * *

The public is invited to the Summer Solstice Science Seminar, taking place from 10 a.m.-noon on Friday, June 20, at the Clarence T. Jones Observatory (10 N. Tuxedo Ave.).

Hosted by UTC’s Department of Chemistry and Physics and the Barnard Astronomical Society, the event will include solar telescope viewing, science talks on the solstice and dark skies, demonstrations of low-pollution lighting, and a chance to explore Chattanooga’s 20.5 inch telescope built in 1938. Seating is limited; early arrival is recommended. Parking is available behind Brainerd United Methodist Church.

The event is free and open to the public.

* * * * *

Richard Winham

After nearly four decades of shaping the sound and soul of public radio in Chattanooga, WUTC-FM host Richard Winham will retire this summer

To honor his extraordinary legacy, WUTC will host a public benefit concert from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at Barrelhouse Ballroom, located at 1501 Long St. in downtown Chattanooga. The all-ages, family-friendly event will feature performances by local folk, blues and bluegrass artists, with a limited pre-show meet-and-greet with artists and station staff from noon to 12:45 p.m.

The benefit concert is also a fundraising event, with proceeds helping sustain WUTC’s ongoing mission to support music, arts and cultural programming in the Tennessee Valley—work inspired by Winham’s legacy. Tickets can be purchased here.

* * * * *

Take a break and join the Center for Wellbeing for a staff and faculty lunch and lounge from 11 a.m.-noon on Tuesday, June 25, at Chamberlain Circle. Bring your lunch and unwind with picnic blankets, yard games and time to relax and connect with colleagues. All faculty and staff are welcome—drop by anytime, no RSVP needed.

* * * * *

Please join us in celebrating Shirley Hatfield, senior account specialist in the Office of the Bursar, after more than 36 years of service, achievements, contributions and lasting impact on UTC.

The retirement celebration will take place from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday, June 25, in the University Center Chickamauga Room.

* * * * *

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, June 18: Carshonda Harris Martin, Zoom, 1 p.m., Calendar
Wednesday, June 18: George Thompson, ECS 403, 1 p.m., Calendar
Wednesday, June 18: Jacob Derrick, Zoom, 1 p.m., Calendar
Wednesday, June 18: Abdelrahman Amin, ECS 403, 3 p.m., Calendar
Monday, June 23: Jason McDowell, Zoom, 9 a.m., Calendar
Wednesday, June 25: Ege Can Ek, ECS 415D, 11:30 a.m., Calendar
Thursday, June 26: Atal Bhowmik, ECS 426, 11:30 a.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

Dr. Tian Li leads a demonstration at UTC’s recent Quantum Summer Camp for rising 10th-12th graders.

Some of this summer’s featured camps include:

Aquatic and Recreation Center’s Mocs Adventure Camp
Chattanooga Volleyball Camps
Challenger STEM Learning Center’s Challenger Exploration Camp

* * * * *

Join open play sand volleyball at the Sports Complex at noon on Mondays through June 23. Faculty and staff are welcome to drop in as individuals or with a team—no registration required.

Intramural pickleball registration remains open. Games will take place at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 1-31 at the ARC. Registration closes at noon on Friday, June 27. All skill levels welcome. Register here.

* * * * *

Deadline: Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, to both Hannah Archer and Claudia Colpo.
Eligibility: Lead PIs must be faculty, research faculty or postdocs at a UT System institution. If not UTC-based, the PI must advise a UTC PhD student supported by the project.
Project Period: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.

For full details and submission guidelines, view the Request for Proposals (RFP). Questions may be directed to Hannah Archer.

* * * * *

Recognition tiers:

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

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

UTC Newsroom

Dr. Tian Li (left) and Dr. Don Reising

UTC has received a $447,621 award from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to advance quantum sensing technology, which can detect small environmental changes with extraordinary precision across large-scale fiber-optic networks.

The three-year project, funded under the NSF’s Communications, Circuits and Sensing-Systems (CCSS) program, is led by Dr. Tian Li, chief technology officer of the UTC Quantum Center and an assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry and Physics. Guerry and UC Foundation Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Don Reising serves as co-principal investigator. The project also involves a collaboration with Purdue University.

* * * * *

Cali Crum-Beigh

Cali Crum-Beigh, a UTC junior, isn’t just focused on getting a business degree—she has her eyes set on the sky. The business management major and UTC orientation leader is a licensed private pilot and is in the process of following her dream of being a commercial airline pilot.

* * * * *

The Baja competition is a rigorous collegiate design series where university students design, build and race a single-seat, all-terrain, off-road vehicle.

The Racing Mocs have registered to travel to Gray Court, South Carolina, in October to compete in the 2025 Baja SAE® Carolina competition. The event showcases student-built all-terrain vehicles by subjecting them to multiple dynamic and endurance tests.

* * * * *

URaCE Executive Director Lisa Piazza talks to students at the meet-and-greet event.

For dozens of students spending time at UTC this summer, a gathering hosted by the Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE) offered a chance to meet their peers and get a feel for the academic journeys ahead.

WUTC

Jimmy Wheeler

Jimmy Wheeler, director of business development for the State of Tennessee’s Music Office, joined an episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” to discuss music business and creating jobs for Tennessee’s music sector.

June 10-16, 2025

Updates and news for the week of June 10-16, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

Mark your calendar for Operation Move In

Operation Move In takes place Wednesday, Aug. 13, and Thursday, Aug. 14, for incoming freshmen and transfer students.

Those who volunteer will receive a meal voucher for UTC Dining and a signature OMI T-shirt as a special thank you. Learn more here.

For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

* * * * *

Residential Meal Plan Portal Now Open

The Manage My Housing portal is open until 5 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 3, for students to change their fall 2025 residential meal plan. Meal plan eligibility is based on earned credit hours. If your spring 2025 or summer 2025 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: https://mocsdining.campusdish.com/MealPlans.

* * * * *

Disney on Ice returns to McKenzie Arena

Join Mickey and his friends at Disney On Ice presents Mickey’s Search Party, an adventure filled with world-class skating, high-flying acrobatics and unexpected stunts.

Tickets for McKenzie Arena shows will be available for purchase starting at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17. Performances will take place Thursday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Oct. 19.

Outstanding People of UTC

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 $513,122 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $16,124,964 in external funding, if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in May were Dr. Tian Li (Chemistry and Physics) and Dr. Donald Reising (Electrical Engineering) who, in collaboration with Purdue University, received $447,621 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled, “Collaborative Research: Sub-Shot-Noise Limited Distributed Quantum Sensing on a Commercial Metropolitan-Scale Quantum Network via Deep Learning Aided Noise Suppression.”

* * * * *

Dr. Azad Hossain

Dr. Azad Hossain’s research on Chattanooga was recently featured as NASA’s Earth Observatory “Image of the Day.” The article, “Building Out Chattanooga,” compares satellite images of Chattanooga from 2001 and 2024 to show how much the city has grown.

* * * * *

The results of the Staff Senate elections have been tallied. The newly elected executive committee:

President: Joel Wells
Vice President: Mary Lee King
Secretary: Rebecca Dragoo
Parliamentarian: Carrie Sherbesman
President(s) Ex-Officio: Melita Rector and Susan Lazenby
ERC Chair: TBA after elections

More information will be coming soon and updates will be reflected on the Staff Senate webpage.

The Staff Senate plans to carry forward several initiatives that were started by the ERC and ESC and build on the successes that were already achieved.

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

WUTC radio host Richard Winham, who is retiring later this month after nearly 40 years with the station, sat down for an interview with the Times Free Press.
Dr. Chris Smith was a guest on WGOW-FM’s Jed & Jr Mornings to talk about the School of Nursing’s new Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.
CUIP Deputy Director and Chief Technology Officer Austin Harris talked to Local 3 News about CUIP’s recent $500,000 grant award through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s Transportation Network Growth Opportunity.
UC Foundation Associate Professor Trevor Elliott was a guest on 3 Plus You for an extended segment about the mechanical engineering program.
Quantum Center Director Rick Mukherjee was featured in a Teknovation.biz recap of the inaugural Quantum Immersion Day event in Knoxville.
The TV show “Cops” will soon be coming to Chattanooga to focus on the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. The Times Free Press talked about the show with UC Foundation Associate Professor Rick Dierenfeldt—a former police officer and head of UTC’s Criminal Justice department.
Physical Therapy Associate Professor Betsy Myers was interviewed by the Times Free Press for a story about the Chattanooga-based SPARC organization.
Physical Geography Lecturer Joshua Hodge spoke to the Times Free Press about Maclellan and Williams Islands in the Tennessee River.
Gary W. Rollins College of Business Associate Dean Kathleen Wheatley recently appeared on NewsChannel 9’s “This N That” to talk about the college’s Graduate School programs.

Mark Your Calendar

Please join us in celebrating Bonny Clark as she retires from UTC after more than two decades of dedicated service. A beloved presence in both Undergraduate Admissions and the Graduate School, Bonny has been a trusted program liaison since 1999—known for her warmth, professionalism and famous homemade treats. Her caring spirit, attention to detail and unwavering support for students, staff and faculty alike have left a lasting mark across campus.

The retirement celebration will take place from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, June 12, in the Tower Room in Race Hall. Light food and refreshments will be served. All are welcome as we honor Bonny’s remarkable contributions and wish her the very best in this well-earned next chapter.

* * * * *

Thursday, June 12: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer and Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 12: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, Zoom, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Friday, June 13: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
Friday, June 20: Mental Health First Aid, University Center Room 350, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
Tuesday, July 1: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 8, and Thursday, July 10: Mental Health First Aid, University Center Room 350, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. both days
Wednesday, July 9: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, University Center Room 350, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Friday, July 11: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students, Zoom, 11 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, July 16: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer and Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Prioritizing Wellness Through the Semester Discussion, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, noon-2 p.m.

* * * * *

The Office of Multicultural Affairs and the UTC Black Faculty and Staff Association are hosting UTC’s Juneteenth celebration from noon-2 p.m. on Friday, June 13, in the Lupton Hall Lobby. The event is open to faculty, staff, students, alumni and family.

Learn more about Juneteenth’s origins as we celebrate its heritage. This is a family reunion-style event where we gather to learn, celebrate and engage with our campus community. All UTC faculty, staff and students are welcome to attend and participate in the event.

Food and giveaways will be provided while supplies last. Attendees are asked to RSVP via MocSync by Wednesday, June 11.

* * * * *

The Department of Chemistry and Physics invites the public to the keynote presentation of its 2025 summer Undergraduate Research Program, “Pushing Quantum Chemistry Beyond Classical Limitations Using Distributed Quantum Computing.” The talk will take place from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, June 11, in Grote Hall Room 319.

The keynote will be delivered by Dr. Grier M. Jones of the University of Toronto. In this talk, Jones will explore how distributed quantum computing and quantum-centric supercomputing can overcome current hardware limitations in quantum chemistry. His research focuses on partitioning complex quantum algorithms across multiple quantum processing units to study larger chemical systems, offering new approaches for solving the molecular electronic structure problem.

For event details, click here.

* * * * *

The public is invited to the Summer Solstice Science Seminar, taking place from 10 a.m.-noon on Friday, June 20, at the Clarence T. Jones Observatory (10 N. Tuxedo Ave.).

The event is free and open to the public.

* * * * *

Richard Winham

After nearly four decades of shaping the sound and soul of public radio in Chattanooga, WUTC-FM host Richard Winham will retire this summer

* * * * *

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, June 11: Monireh Rahmati, MDRB Conference Room, 9:30 a.m., Calendar
Wednesday, June 18: Carshonda Harris Martin, Zoom, 1 p.m., Calendar
Wednesday, June 18: George Thompson, ECS 403, 1 p.m., Calendar
Wednesday, June 18: Jacob Derrick, Zoom, 1 p.m., Calendar
Wednesday, June 18: Abdelrahman Amin, ECS 403, 3 p.m., Calendar
Monday, June 23: Jason McDowell, Zoom, 9 a.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

Dr. Tian Li leads a demonstration at UTC’s recent Quantum Summer Camp for rising 10th-12th graders.

Some of this summer’s featured camps include:

Aquatic and Recreation Center’s Mocs Adventure Camp
Chattanooga Volleyball Camps
Challenger STEM Learning Center’s Challenger Exploration Camp
College of Engineering and Computer Science’s Summer Algebra Enrichment Camp

* * * * *

Join open play sand volleyball at the Sports Complex at noon on Mondays through June 23. Faculty and staff are welcome to drop in as individuals or with a team—no registration required.

* * * * *

Deadline: Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, to both Hannah Archer and Claudia Colpo.
Eligibility: Lead PIs must be faculty, research faculty or postdocs at a UT System institution. If not UTC-based, the PI must advise a UTC PhD student supported by the project.
Project Period: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.

For full details and submission guidelines, view the Request for Proposals (RFP). Questions may be directed to Hannah Archer.

* * * * *

UTC’s Master of Public Health program, specializing in Chronic Disease Prevention and Control, is still accepting applications. The program offers flexible full-time and part-time options with evening, hybrid and online classes. No GRE or prerequisite courses are required, and students from all academic backgrounds are welcome.

To learn more or apply, visit utc.edu/mph. For questions, contact Emma Sampson or call 423-425-4196.

* * * * *

Recognition tiers:

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

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

UTC Newsroom

Grace Pippin and Dr. Jejal Bathi recently talked to students at East Ridge High School.

Senior civil engineering major Grace Pippin loved her physics classes as a high school student, but she wasn’t sure how to turn her passion for science into a career. Then she came to UTC and heard about civil engineering.

* * * * *

Mike Bradshaw, director of the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, leads the Urban Vision Initiative.

The Urban Vision Initiative connects entrepreneurs from underserved communities with UTC student consultants to drive economic success.

WUTC

Todd Womack (photo courtesy of Bridge Public Affairs)

Todd Womack, a UTC alum and vice chair of the UC Foundation, is the president and CEO of Bridge Public Affairs—one of the top-performing lobbying firms in Tennessee and across the country. With offices in Chattanooga, Nashville, Johnson City and Washington, D.C., Bridge specializes in government relations and strategic communications for a wide range of clients, from municipalities and nonprofits to major companies and NGOs.

Womack, who previously served as chief of staff and staff director for former U.S. Senator and Chattanooga Mayor Bob Corker, sat down for an extended conversation with WUTC’s “Scenic Roots” to discuss Bridge’s work and his thoughts ahead of the Evolving Our Riverfront Parks celebration in downtown Chattanooga.

June 3-9, 2025

Updates and news for the week of June 3-9, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

Mark your calendar for Operation Move In

Operation Move In takes place Wednesday, Aug. 13, and Thursday, Aug. 14, for incoming freshmen and transfer students.

Those who volunteer will receive a meal voucher for UTC Dining and a signature OMI T-shirt as a special thank you. Learn more here.

For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

* * * * *

Are you ready for some football?

Photo courtesy of Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

The Mocs football team is coming back to campus for summer workouts, and game times have been announced for this fall’s slate of home games at Finley Stadium. Please note that start times are subject to change:

Sept. 13: Stetson, 6 p.m.
Sept. 27: The Citadel, 6 p.m.
Oct. 18: ETSU, 1:30 p.m.
Nov. 1: Western Carolina, 4 p.m. (Homecoming)
Nov. 8: Furman, 1:30 p.m.

* * * * *

PMHNP Program to Launch This Fall

The UTC nurse practitioner concentration offers specialty track options in Psychiatric Mental Health, Acute Care Nurse Practitioner Adult Gerontology and Family Nurse Practitioner Lifespan.

The UTC School of Nursing will launch a new Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) program this fall to help meet urgent workforce needs across the region and state. The PMHNP concentration, part of UTC’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program, offers two pathways: a full-time, eight-semester post-BSN track for students pursuing a doctoral degree and a five-semester post-graduate certificate for advanced practice registered nurses who already hold a master’s degree.

Outstanding People of UTC

Timothy Gaudin talks, Wednesday, June 7, 2023 about work he does with animal skeletins.

When Dr. Tim Gaudin (pictured) arrived at UTC 30 years ago, his sights were set on teaching. Behind the scenes, however, Gaudin found additional value in his research—and it paid off. This spring, that work earned him a huge milestone: co-authorship on a paper about sloths published in Science, one of the world’s most prestigious scientific journals.

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Five Chattanooga Mocs softball players were named to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team.

Peja Goold, Olivia Lipari, Taylor Long, Acelynn Sellers and Kailey Snell each earned a spot on the All-District Team. Goold is eligible for Academic All-America consideration.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

UC Foundation Professor Elizabeth O’Brien was a guest on Jed & JR Mornings to discuss ADHD.
Gary W. Rollins College of Business Associate Lecturer Steven Layne was interviewed for an Edge Magazine article on organizational succession planning.
Dr. Amber Roaché, assistant professor in the Doctor of Nursing Practice program at UTC, spoke to News 12 Now about the new Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program.
UC Foundation Professor Tim Gaudin spoke with NewsChannel 9 about his sloth research being published in Science.
Gary W. Rollins College of Business Associate Dean Kathleen Wheatley was a featured guest on WDEF’s Let’s Chatt.

Mark Your Calendar

Thursday, June 12: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer and Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 12: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, Zoom, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Friday, June 13: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
Friday, June 20: Mental Health First Aid, University Center Room 350, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
Tuesday, July 1: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 8, and Thursday, July 10: Mental Health First Aid, University Center Room 350, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. both days
Wednesday, July 9: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, University Center Room 350, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Friday, July 11: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students, Zoom, 11 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, July 16: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer and Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Prioritizing Wellness Through the Semester Discussion, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, noon-2 p.m.

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Food and giveaways will be provided while supplies last. Attendees are asked to RSVP via MocSync by Wednesday, June 11.

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Richard Winham

After nearly four decades of shaping the sound and soul of public radio in Chattanooga, WUTC-FM host Richard Winham will retire this summer

To honor his extraordinary legacy, WUTC will host a public benefit concert from 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, June 22, at Barrelhouse Ballroom, located at 1501 Long St. in downtown Chattanooga. The all-ages, family-friendly event will feature performances by local folk, blues and bluegrass artists, with a limited pre-show meet-and-greet with artists and station staff from noon to 12:45 p.m.

* * * * *

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.

Wednesday, June 11: Monireh Rahmati, MDRB Conference Room, 9:30 a.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

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Join open play sand volleyball at the Sports Complex at noon on Mondays from June 2-23. Faculty and staff are welcome to drop in as individuals or with a team—no registration required.

* * * * *

Registration is open for 2025 Chattanooga Volleyball Camps, hosted by Director of Volleyball Julie Torbett Thomas and the Mocs volleyball staff. Camps are designed for athletes of all skill levels to build volleyball fundamentals, receive individualized instruction and have fun.

Sunday, June 15: Father/Daughter Clinic, 2-4 p.m., $95 per pair
June 16-17 or July 14-15: Little Mocs (ages 5–10), 9 a.m.-noon, $63.50
June 16-17 or July 14-15: Middle School Camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $232.50
June 16 or July 14: High School Clinic, 6-9 p.m., $105.50

All camps are open to any and all entrants, limited only by number, age, grade level or gender. Staff receive a $10 discount. Click here for details and registration.

* * * * *

Deadline: Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15, to both Hannah Archer and Claudia Colpo.
Eligibility: Lead PIs must be faculty, research faculty or postdocs at a UT System institution. If not UTC-based, the PI must advise a UTC PhD student supported by the project.
Project Period: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.

For full details and submission guidelines, view the Request for Proposals (RFP). Questions may be directed to Hannah Archer.

* * * * *

To learn more or apply, visit utc.edu/mph. For questions, contact Emma Sampson or call 423-425-4196.

* * * * *

Recognition tiers:

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

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

* * * * *

Starting in July, rising second to sixth graders in the Challenger Exploration Camp will have the opportunity to participate in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) challenges, rocket launches and explorations of space and Earth. Each day, campers can also go on excursions to locations such as the Chattanooga Zoo, the UTC Aquatic and Recreation Center, the Clarence T. Jones Observatory and the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.

To learn more about the Challenger STEM Learning Center and to access a link to the Challenger Exploration Camp, visit this link.

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The UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science will host the Summer Algebra Enrichment Program for rising 8th through 11th graders from July 7-18 at the CECS building (735 Vine St.). The program runs from 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. each day and the cost is $75 per student.

This two-week experience is designed to strengthen algebra skills and introduce students to career pathways in engineering, computer science and other STEM fields. The program includes Algebra 1 instruction led by experienced educators, mentoring sessions with UTC students and hands-on career exploration activities. Space is limited to 30 participants and registration is required.

For more information or to register, click here or contact CECS Outreach Coordinator Alex Coker.

UTC Newsroom

Officers from multiple agencies participated in an active threat training exercise inside the UTC Library.

Last Thursday, the UTC hosted an active threat training exercise that brought together emergency responders from across the UT System and regional public safety agencies.

Participants in the training included personnel from the UTC Police Department, UT Health Science Center Police Department, UT Knoxville Police Department, UT Martin Police Department, Cleveland State Community College, Hamilton County School Safety, Chattanooga Police Department, Hamilton County Sheriff’s Department, Tennessee Department of Homeland Security, East Ridge Police Department and Fort Oglethorpe Police Department.

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Dr. Irven Resnick (pictured), a professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religion and Chair of Excellence in Judaic Studies, spent most of the 2024-25 academic year in Essen, Germany, after being selected as a senior fellow at the College for Social Sciences and Humanities at the University Alliance Ruhr/Research Alliance.

WUTC

The Roamers, a country rock band, recently visited with Richard Winham for an episode of WUTC’s “Live in the Library.”

IN Memoriam

Dr. Robert C. Fulton III (Bob) died on Wednesday, May 25, in Marblehead, Mass. Bob began his career as an English professor at UTC in 1970 and continued until his retirement in 2005. He directed the University Honors Program from 1982 to 1997. In addition to being a Fellow of the Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, D.C., he earned two Teaching Excellence awards. In 1998, Bob was a Visiting Professor in the English and American Studies Program at Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic. Click here for his full obituary.

A memorial service will be held at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 28, in the River Room at the Bluff View Arts District in Chattanooga. Instead of flowers, please consider donating to McKamey Animal Shelter.

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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.

May 27-June 2, 2025

Updates and news for the week of May 27-June 2, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

UTC Awarded $500K From State of Tennessee To Build the Future of Traffic Safety and Smart Streets

Several members of DENSO’s leadership team, including CEO of DENSO North America Tomoyuki Arakawa (sixth from left), recently met with personnel from the UTC Research Institute and UTC executives during a visit to campus. Photo courtesy of UTC Research Institute.

The UTC Institute’s (UTCRI) Center for Urban Informatics and Progress (CUIP) has been awarded $500,000 through the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development’s (TNECD) Transportation Network Growth Opportunity (TNGO). This funding will support the development and deployment of two systems that will continue to transform Chattanooga’s approaches to safety and smart mobility.

One project, in collaboration with DENSO, will use artificial intelligence to predict potential traffic collisions and detect accidents the moment they occur. The second project, developed with LG CNS, will bring the nation’s first smart crosswalk system to Chattanooga, using real-time sensors and AI to extend signal times and improve visibility for pedestrians, including children, seniors, and people with disabilities.

* * * * *

UTC HOSTS TCPRA CONFERENCE

UTC Executive Video Producer Mike Andrews, left, student videographer Will McCutcheon and TCPRA President Bobbie Maynard

The UTC Office of Communications and Marketing (OCM) wrapped up two days of hosting the Tennessee College Public Relations Association’s (TCPRA) annual conference last Friday. Held at The Westin Chattanooga, the event drew higher education professionals from across the state.

UTC took home a bronze award in the Video Advertisement category for its recent Affordability Ad that ran throughout the academic year on social media and YouTube channels. It is the first time UTC has earned an honor from this organization.

OCM student videographer and communication major Will McCutcheon was awarded the $500 TCPRA Scholarship at the conference. He is a rising junior from Chickamauga, Georgia.

* * * * *

Introducing the Moc’s Golden Feather Award

Nominations for the inaugural cycle of the Moc’s Golden Feather Award are open until Friday, May 30.

Faculty, staff, students and community partners are encouraged to submit a nomination for the Moc’s Golden Feather Award. Two staff members will be selected for the award and announced in June, August, October, December, February and April each year.

The award will honor staff who demonstrate exceptional performance, creativity and innovation, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and welcoming campus culture. This award celebrates both teamwork and the individual contributions that uplift our community.

Outstanding People of UTC

Mechatronics major Austin McDade, left, Dr. Max Jordon and Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu demonstrate the pneumatically powered balance board.

Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu, who heads the Department of Engineering Management and Technology at UTC, has secured his first U.S. design patent for a pneumatically powered balance board designed to support patients with chronic lower back pain or those recovering from injury or surgery.

* * * * *

Several members of the UTC Police Department are receiving leadership development opportunities through competitive regional and national programs.

Sgt. John West has been accepted into the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation State Academy Leadership Development Experience, a three-week in-residence program focused on growing leadership skills.
Deputy Chief Matthew Holzmacher, Lt. Nathan Hartwig and Sgt. Craig Haney will attend the Southeast Leadership Academy, a five-week program held on the UTC campus for mid-level and executive law enforcement leaders.
Sgt. Ed Buckman has also received confirmation of his invitation to attend the FBI National Academy in spring 2026, a prestigious 10-week program in Quantico, Virginia.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

Emily Maddux, a lecturer in the Master of Public Health program, joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings to discuss health and nutrition.
UC Foundation Professor Tim Gaudin was mentioned in a Florida Museum article highlighting his sloth research.
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall spoke to NewsChannel 9 about wage increases in Tennessee.
A Local 3 News segment on the Gary W. Rollins College of Business featured Associate Dean Kathleen Wheatley.
Director Mina Sartipi and Deputy Director Austin Harris in UTC’s Center for Urban Informatics spoke to the Times Free Press about UTC’s TNGO grant.

Mark Your Calendar

Today (May 27): Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, University Center Room 350, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, June 12: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer and Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 12: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, Zoom, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Friday, June 13: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
Friday, June 20: Mental Health First Aid, University Center Room 350, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
Tuesday, July 1: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 10: Mental Health First Aid, University Center Room 350, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. both days
Wednesday, July 9: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, University Center Room 350, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Friday, July 11: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students, Zoom, 11 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, July 16: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer and Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Prioritizing Wellness Through the Semester Discussion, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, noon-2 p.m.

* * * * *

Food and giveaways will be provided while supplies last. Attendees are asked to RSVP via MocSync by Wednesday, June 11.

* * * * *

Richard Winham

After nearly four decades of shaping the sound and soul of public radio in Chattanooga, WUTC-FM host Richard Winham will retire this summer

Campus Updates

* * * * *

Join open play sand volleyball at the Sports Complex at noon on Mondays from June 2-23. Faculty and staff are welcome to drop in as individuals or with a team—no registration required.

* * * * *

Sunday, June 15: Father/Daughter Clinic, 2-4 p.m., $95 per pair
June 16-17 or July 14-15: Little Mocs (ages 5–10), 9 a.m.-noon, $63.50
June 16-17 or July 14-15: Middle School Camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $232.50
June 16 or July 14: High School Clinic, 6-9 p.m., $105.50

All camps are open to any and all entrants, limited only by number, age, grade level or gender. Staff receive a $10 discount. Click here for details and registration.

* * * * *

The University is implementing a new electronic platform for IRB submissions, DASH Research IRB. In preparation for the transition from our current email submission system to DASH Research IRB, we want to inform you of some important upcoming dates. Please read carefully and make plans for your research submissions accordingly. Note that training will be provided by the UTC Office of Research Integrity so you can familiarize yourself with DASH Research IRB. Here is what you need to know now:

Only fully approved projects will be moved into the new system. Any submissions that are not approved by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 27, will not be moved to DASH Research IRB and will need to be re-submitted in DASH Research IRB after go-live on Monday, July 14.
To allow time for the IRB to process and approve new applications by Friday, June 27, no NEW IRB submissions (including change requests and annual reviews) will be accepted between Wednesday, June 16, and Monday, July 14.
Please check on any outstanding IRB submissions now to see if you have any pending submissions that need to be addressed prior to this date. We recommend sending any pending submissions back to the IRB by no later than Monday, June 16, to ensure the board has time to process them.
If you have a study that has an expiration date in June or July that you wish to continue past that end date, the IRB strongly recommends that you submit a Form B, Request for Changes, by Saturday, May 31, to avoid any issues with getting approval before the study expires.
Monday, July 14, is the scheduled go-live date for DASH Research IRB: All new IRB applications will be submitted through this module.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Baley Whary or call 423-425-5867 for assistance.

* * * * *

Deadline: Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 15, to both Hannah Archer and Claudia Colpo.
Eligibility: Lead PIs must be faculty, research faculty or postdocs at a UT System institution. If not UTC-based, the PI must advise a UTC PhD student supported by the project.
Project Period: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.

For full details and submission guidelines, view the Request for Proposals (RFP). Questions may be directed to Hannah Archer.

* * * * *

Operation Move In (OMI) 2025 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 13-14, in first-year residential spaces across campus. This marks a return to a campus-wide collaboration to welcome UTC’s newest Mocs this fall.

OMI is an opportunity for faculty, staff, students and organizations to come together and create a warm, supportive environment for incoming students and their families. A campus-wide committee is being formed to coordinate the two-day event. Volunteer roles will include unloading, parking, traffic flow, greeting and more. There will be follow-up communication to request volunteers for OMI.

For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

* * * * *

To learn more or apply, visit utc.edu/mph. For questions, contact Emma Sampson or call 423-425-4196.

* * * * *

Recognition tiers:

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

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

* * * * *

To learn more about the Challenger STEM Learning Center and to access a link to the Challenger Exploration Camp, visit this link.

* * * * *

For more information or to register, click here or contact CECS Outreach Coordinator Alex Coker.

UTC Newsroom

Johanna Gabriela Castillo Pineda

Johanna Gabriela Castillo Pineda is a Spanish teacher at East Brainerd Elementary School and the 2025 recipient of UTC’s Job-Embedded Award—an honor given to a student in UTC’s Job-Embedded licensure program who exemplifies commitment, growth and the spirit of teaching.

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From left: Tennessee Golden Press Card Award winners Trevor Jolley, Lexi Foley, Caleb McCool, Megan Cooper, Maleah Holder and Mallori Crocker.

Seven students from the UTC Department of Communication were honored with a school record-breaking nine total awards in the 2024 Tennessee Golden Press Card Awards competition.

One of the winners, rising junior Mallori Crocker, earned first place in Best Continuing Coverage for her reporting on the 2024 presidential election for The University Echo.

The other winners are all recent UTC graduates whose 2024 projects were eligible under contest rules:

Trevor Jolley, sports editor for The University Echo, won first place in Sports Beat Reporting, Sports Reporting, and Best Sports Photography.
Lexi Foley, former editor-in-chief of Rising Rock and sports editor for The University Echo, won first place in Best Feature Story for “Chain Breakers.”
Connor Spelta received first place in Best News Coverage for his Rising Rock story “Dirty Dirt.”
Megan Cooper won first place in Podcasting for her audio production work on a series of Rising Rock packages.
Caleb McCool received first place in Best News Photography for his Rising Rock coverage of the Henagar, Alabama, tornado.
Maleah Holder earned second place in Best News Coverage for her Rising Rock story “Sun-Less Soiree,” part of a 2024 solar eclipse series.

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Each summer, UTC opens its campus to the community through a wide range of summer camps designed for K–12 students. From science and sports to leadership and college prep, UTC hosts hands-on programs that help kids stay engaged while school is out—and give families access to university-level experiences close to home.

WUTC

Dr. Robert Dooley

Ray Bassett sat down with Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley as part of the “Chatting with the Chancellor” series on WUTC’s “Scenic Roots.” The two discussed UTC’s next chancellor, Max Fuller’s gift and more.

May 20-26, 2025

Updates and news for the week of May 20-26, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

Dr. Lori Mann Bruce approved as next chancellor of UTC

Dr. Lori Mann Bruce

Dr. Lori Mann Bruce has been named the next chancellor of UTC following board approval during a special meeting of the UT Board of Trustees.

Her appointment, recommended by UT System President Randy Boyd, becomes effective June 30.

Bruce, who will become the 19th leader in University history, currently serves as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Technological University. In that role, she oversees all academic operations and leads research and strategic planning efforts for more than 10,000 students across eight academic colleges. Click here to read what others are saying about her appointment.

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Introducing the Moc’s Golden Feather Award

Nominations for the inaugural cycle of the Moc’s Golden Feather Award are open until Friday, May 30.

Outstanding People of UTC

From left: Trevor Jolley, Lexi Foley, Caleb McCool, Megan Cooper, Maleah Holder and Mallori Crocker.

UTC communication students earned nine awards at the 2024 Golden Press Card Awards in Knoxville, Tennessee, including three for Trevor Jolley. Other honorees included Caleb McCool, Connor Spelta, Lexi Foley, Maleah Holder, Mallori Crocker and Megan Cooper.

Cooper also earned 15th place nationally in the Hearst podcasting competition for her Rising Rock collection.
In addition, a Rising Rock team consisting of Foley and Daniela Durán Pérez is a finalist in the feature category at the Tennessee Association of Broadcasters awards for their story “Tiny Ballerinas.”

* * * * *

Dr. Amye Warren and Dr. Ralph Hood

On behalf of Dr. Brian O’Leary:

It is with great reluctance that I announce the retirements of Dr. Ralph Hood and Dr. Amye Warren effective June 30, 2025, after long and distinguished careers as inspirational teachers, groundbreaking researchers, and trusted advisors in the UTC Department of Psychology. Dr. Hood started at UTC in 1970, just one year after UTC became part of the UT System, having earned his PhD in Interdisciplinary Social Psychology at the University of Nevada at Reno. Dr. Warren joined our faculty in 1984 after earning her Ph.D. in General Experimental Psychology from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

In a profession where most everyone thinks they’re the smartest person in the room, Dr. Ralph Hood might actually be right. Since arriving at UTC 55 years ago, Ralph has made unparallelled intellectual contributions to UTC through his teaching and research that are unlikely to be approached in the future. He is a world-renowned scholar in the Psychology of Religion and has captivated students with his Socratic approach to teaching for decades.

In her 41 years at UTC, Dr. Amye Warren has been a force for good through her teaching, research and community service. From enlightening our students on the mysteries of developmental psychology to her years of work with the Chattanooga Autism Center and other civic organizations, Amye has worked to make UTC and Chattanooga better places.

On behalf of all those whose lives they have touched during their tenure at UTC, we thank Ralph and Amye for their service and wish them rewarding retirements!

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

Freshman Ryleigh Simmons and graduate student Lesley Boyd were named Southern Conference champions on the final day of the conference outdoor track and field championships. Simmons became the program’s first-ever SoCon 100 meter champion with a winning time of 12.05 seconds. She was also named to the SoCon All-Freshman team for both the 100 and 200 meter races. Boyd, the 2023 outdoor 10,000 meter champion, claimed the 5,000 meter title and finished fifth in the 1,500 meter.
Richard X. Zhang Endowed Professor in Business Frank C. Butler was featured in a WalletHub piece about the Bank of America credit cards.
The Pulse published an article about WUTC radio host Richard Winham’s upcoming retirement and the public benefit concert in his honor.
A Minnesota Star Tribune story featured UC Foundation Associate Professor of English Karen Babine discussing her new book, “The Allure of Elsewhere: A Memoir of Going Solo.”
UC Foundation Professor Beth Crawford was spotlighted in a UT Knoxville Winston College of Law piece on its class of 2025.

Mark Your Calendar

Friday, May 23: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students, Zoom, 11 a.m.-noon
Tuesday, May 27: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, University Center Room 350, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
Thursday, June 12: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer and Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Thursday, June 12: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, Zoom, 12:30-1:30 p.m.
Friday, June 13: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
Friday, June 20: Mental Health First Aid, University Center Room 350, 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (lunch will be provided)
Tuesday, July 1: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Tuesday, July 8 and Thursday, July 10: Mental Health First Aid, University Center Room 350, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. both days
Wednesday, July 9: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, University Center Room 350, 2:30-3:30 p.m.
Friday, July 11: Sleep Matters: Improving Sleep Among Employees and Students, Zoom, 11 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, July 16: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer and Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Wednesday, July 23: Thriving, Not Just Surviving: Prioritizing Wellness Through the Semester Discussion, University Center Room 350, 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use, Zoom, noon-2 p.m.

* * * * *

After 35 years of teaching, research and service at UTC, Professor of Physics Ling-Jun “Eddie” Wang is retiring. Please join the Department of Chemistry and Physics in celebrating his career from 3-5 p.m. on Friday, May 23, in the University Center Chickamauga Room.

* * * * *

Richard Winham

After nearly four decades of shaping the sound and soul of public radio in Chattanooga, WUTC-FM host Richard Winham will retire this summer

Campus Updates

Registration is now open for summer intramural sand volleyball and pickleball. Both are open leagues, meaning teams can be made up of men, women or both, and all skill levels are welcome. Register here.

Sand volleyball games will be played at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays from May 27-June 19 at the Sports Complex. Registration closes at noon on Friday, May 23.
Pickleball games will take place at noon on Tuesdays and Thursdays from July 1-31 at the ARC. Registration closes at noon on Friday, June 27.

* * * * *

Sunday, June 15: Father/Daughter Clinic, 2-4 p.m., $95 per pair
June 16-17 or July 14-15: Little Mocs (ages 5–10), 9 a.m.-noon, $63.50
June 16-17 or July 14-15: Middle School Camp, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., $232.50
June 16 or July 14: High School Clinic, 6-9 p.m., $105.50

All camps are open to any and all entrants, limited only by number, age, grade level or gender. Staff receive a $10 discount. Click here for details and registration.

* * * * *

Only fully approved projects will be moved into the new system. Any submissions that are not approved by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 27, will not be moved to DASH Research IRB and will need to be re-submitted in DASH Research IRB after go-live on Monday, July 14.
To allow time for the IRB to process and approve new applications by Friday, June 27, no NEW IRB submissions (including change requests and annual reviews) will be accepted between Wednesday, June 16, and Monday, July 14.
Please check on any outstanding IRB submissions now to see if you have any pending submissions that need to be addressed prior to this date. We recommend sending any pending submissions back to the IRB by no later than Monday, June 16, to ensure the board has time to process them.
If you have a study that has an expiration date in June or July that you wish to continue past that end date, the IRB strongly recommends that you submit a Form B, Request for Changes, by Saturday, May 31, to avoid any issues with getting approval before the study expires.
Monday, July 14, is the scheduled go-live date for DASH Research IRB: All new IRB applications will be submitted through this module.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Baley Whary or call 423-425-5867 for assistance.

* * * * *

Deadline: Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 15, to both Hannah Archer and Claudia Colpo.
Eligibility: Lead PIs must be faculty, research faculty or postdocs at a UT System institution. If not UTC-based, the PI must advise a UTC PhD student supported by the project.
Project Period: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.

For full details and submission guidelines, view the Request for Proposals (RFP). Questions may be directed to Hannah Archer.

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For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

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To learn more or apply, visit utc.edu/mph. For questions, contact Emma Sampson or call 423-425-4196.

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Recognition tiers:

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

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

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To learn more about the Challenger STEM Learning Center and to access a link to the Challenger Exploration Camp, visit this link.

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For more information or to register, click here or contact CECS Outreach Coordinator Alex Coker.

UTC Newsroom

Emily Kleiner

UTC history major Emily Kleiner spent the spring semester curating a public exhibit for the downtown Chattanooga Public Library, “Glass from the Past,” as part of her internship with Overlooked Materials, a local glass recycling service.

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Dr. Chris Vidmar

Changing behavior is hard. Changing identity—especially the deeply ingrained ideas of what it means to “be a man”—is even harder. Dr. Chris Vidmar, assistant professor of sociology at UTC, explored that challenge in a recent ethnographic study of court-mandated intervention programs for abusive and controlling men.

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Cindy Monroe

Cindy Monroe, a 1998 marketing graduate of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business and a 2019 inductee to the UTC Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame, is one of UTC’s most successful alumni entrepreneurs.

WUTC

Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly

In an episode of WUTC’s “Scenic Roots,” Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly discussed the proposed city budget, the Alton Park connector, One Westside, National Park City, quantum and celebrating WUTC’s Richard Winham.

IN Memoriam

Former UTC graduate and adjunct professor Ehsan Sadre-Marandi passed on Monday, May 12. A native of Iran, he moved to London, England, and began his college career at the University of Oxford before completing his Bachelor of Science in Engineering and his Master of Science at UTC. His career included engineering and management positions at Beattie Systems, Tapistron International, and March Adams and Associates. His full obituary is available here.

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May 13-19, 2025

Updates and news for the week of May 13-19, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

Dr. Lori Mann Bruce recommended as next UTC chancellor

Dr. Lori Mann Bruce

UT System President Randy Boyd is recommending Lori Mann Bruce to the UT Board of Trustees as the next chancellor of UTC. A special meeting of the board to consider President Boyd’s recommendation for the appointment will be held at 9 a.m. on Friday, May 16, with members participating virtually.

Dr. Bruce currently serves as provost and vice president for academic affairs at Tennessee Technological University. Under her leadership, Tennessee Tech achieved a perfect academic program quality score from the state—the first in more than 40 years—and launched new academic programs aligned with workforce needs. She also led efforts to grow research funding, improve faculty and staff compensation, and invest in major infrastructure projects across campus.

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University High students cross the stage

Cheers and applause filled the Roland Hayes Concert Hall last Friday as the inaugural graduating class of University High crossed the stage—celebrating both their diplomas and a pioneering partnership between UTC and Hamilton County Schools.

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Introducing the Moc’s Golden Feather Award

The Moc’s Golden Feather Award, formerly known as the Chancellor’s Blue Ribbon Award, is designed to celebrate and honor the dedication and excellence of our UTC staff. This program reflects our belief that every member of our campus community plays a vital role in creating a supportive and dynamic environment where students and colleagues feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed.

The award will honor staff who demonstrate exceptional performance, creativity and innovation, and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and welcoming campus culture. As the saying goes, “Mocs fly together,” and this award celebrates both teamwork and the individual contributions that uplift our community.

To learn more and to submit nominations, please visit the Moc’s Golden Feather Award webpage.

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Celebrate WUTC icon Richard Winham before his retirement

Richard Winham

After nearly four decades of shaping the sound and soul of public radio in Chattanooga, WUTC-FM host Richard Winham will retire this summer

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Azad Hossain

Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in April. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $341,932 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $4,731,631 in external funding, if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in April was Dr. Azad Hossain (Biology, Geology and Environmental Science), who received $147,389 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration for year two of the project titled “Remote Sensing of Water Quality in the Tennessee River.”

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The Chattanooga Mocs men’s tennis team captured the 2025 UTR Sports NIT Championship with a 4-2 win over Saint Mary’s College of California on Friday at the Rome Tennis Center in Rome, Georgia.

The title marks the program’s first national postseason championship. UTC finished the season 15-11, winning five of its final six matches. The matchup was the first-ever meeting between UTC and Saint Mary’s.

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Shi Mae Bowling and mentor Laurie Melnik Allen, Lyndhurst Chair of Excellence in Arts Education and Professor of Practice in Theatre Education at UTC.

One University High graduate, Shi Mae Bowling, has known for years that she wanted to become a costume designer. What she didn’t know was that a high school initiative located on a college campus would turn that dream into a real, reachable goal and connect her with a mentor—Laurie Melnik Allen—who could help make it possible. But thanks to her time at University High, Bowling—a graduating senior from the program’s first cohort—has found guidance and a sense of belonging while earning college credit.

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Ryan Jones

Ryan Jones has been named Associate Vice Chancellor of Advancement at UTC. In this role, Jones will organize and coordinate fundraising efforts across the UTC campus and lead the team of fundraising professionals across the university’s academic, athletics and student support service areas.

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The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team has been named the 2025 Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame Male Amateur Team of the Year following its historic NIT Championship season.

UTC finished 29-9, matching the most wins in program history and becoming the first Southern Conference member to win a Division I men’s basketball national title. The award will be formally presented at the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame banquet on Saturday, July 19, in Nashville.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

UTC’s MobileMOC health clinic was featured in a Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging video.
News 12 Now highlighted graduating UTC students in a recent story, including Rainey Randolph, who serves as the station’s digital content producer.
UC Foundation Professor Elizabeth O’Brien joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings to discuss parenting.
Assistant Professor of Geology Jennifer Taylor spoke to NewsChannel 9 about the earthquake that shook eastern Tennessee on Saturday.
Angela Dittmar, director of teaching artist residencies for Arts-Based Collaborative, was featured in an article published in the Chattanooga Pulse.

Mark Your Calendar

Science on Tap continues in May with UTC School of Nursing’s Dr. Meagan Oslund as the featured speaker.

Join the discussion from 5-7 p.m. today (May 13), at the Tap House in St. Elmo. Oslund will share how MobileMOC—a custom-built mobile health clinic—is helping expand care for older adults and caregivers in rural communities.

Funded through a $2.6 million Tennessee Department of Health grant, MobileMOC is the centerpiece of the School of Nursing’s ROAD MAP initiative. The vehicle will be on site for attendees to explore before and after the talk.

Enjoy free snacks and appetizers, with local brews and other beverages available for purchase at happy hour prices. Additional 10% discount for military, first responders and students with ID. Register here.

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Only one session remains in CPE’s Spring 2025 CHAIN Lunch and Learn Series. Attendees can enjoy lunch, network with other local professionals and explore how AI can improve productivity in both professional and personal life.

Thursday, May 15: “AI and Society – Global Challenges, Environmental Impacts, and a Responsible Future” 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

The cost is $25 and includes lunch. Departments may pay with a transfer voucher after registration. Visit the CHAIN webpage or call the Center for Professional Education at 423-425-4344 to register or for more information.

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A town hall focused on healthy aging, rural health and community partnerships will take place from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, May 20, in the Wolford Family Athletic Center.

The event will feature regional leaders, including Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado, and spotlight innovative programs supporting older adults across the region and state. It will also celebrate MobileMOC, the Rural Health and Older Adult Interprofessional Mobile Health Program.

Register here by Wednesday, May 14. All are welcome.

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Campus Updates

Only fully approved projects will be moved into the new system. Any submissions that are not approved by 5 p.m. on Friday, June 27, will not be moved to DASH Research IRB and will need to be re-submitted in DASH Research IRB after go-live on Monday, July 14.
To allow time for the IRB to process and approve new applications by Friday, June 27, no NEW IRB submissions (including change requests and annual reviews) will be accepted between Wednesday, June 16, and Monday, July 14.
Please check on any outstanding IRB submissions now to see if you have any pending submissions that need to be addressed prior to this date. We recommend sending any pending submissions back to the IRB by no later than Monday, June 16, to ensure the board has time to process them.
If you have a study that has an expiration date in June or July that you wish to continue past that end date, the IRB strongly recommends that you submit a Form B, Request for Changes, by Saturday, May 31, to avoid any issues with getting approval before the study expires.
Monday, July 14, is the scheduled go-live date for DASH Research IRB: All new IRB applications will be submitted through this module.

If you have questions or concerns, please contact Baley Whary or call 423-425-5867 for assistance.

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Deadline: Proposals must be submitted as a single PDF by 5 p.m. on Monday, July 15, to both Hannah Archer and Claudia Colpo.
Eligibility: Lead PIs must be faculty, research faculty or postdocs at a UT System institution. If not UTC-based, the PI must advise a UTC PhD student supported by the project.
Project Period: Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2026.

For full details and submission guidelines, view the Request for Proposals (RFP). Questions may be directed to Hannah Archer.

* * * * *

For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

* * * * *

To learn more or apply, visit utc.edu/mph. For questions, contact Emma Sampson or call 423-425-4196.

* * * * *

Recognition tiers:

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

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

* * * * *

To learn more about the Challenger STEM Learning Center and to access a link to the Challenger Exploration Camp, visit this link.

* * * * *

For more information or to register, click here or contact CECS Outreach Coordinator Alex Coker.

UTC Newsroom

Lori Coletta shakes hands with College of Health, Education and Professional Studies Dean Valerie Rutledge as she crossed the McKenzie Arena stage during Graduate School commencement.

As advanced degree recipients from UTC’s Graduate School crossed the McKenzie Arena stage, one in particular stood out—not because of a number, but because of her story. At 62 years of age, Lori Coletta accepted her Master of Social Work degree—a moment of “legitimacy” marking the culmination of a decades-long path rooted in advocacy, exploration and the pursuit of purpose.

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Jacob Cate

Jacob Cate, who recently graduated with a studio art degree from UTC, spent the past three years drawing new life into the University’s always-feisty mascot. His bold, hand-drawn style added personality to campus campaigns, UTC homecoming themes and everything from Mocs T-shirts to mugs.

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Mara Doze shakes hands with Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley during UTC’s commencement ceremonies.

As a student ambassador in UTC’s Office of Veteran and Military Affairs, Mara Doze offered support that went beyond paperwork. She answered questions about U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits, explained financial aid processes, connected people to campus resources and, just as often, listened.

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With spring in full swing, the Arts-Based Collaborative at UTC has been bringing the arts to life in classrooms and communities across the area.

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

UTC has been selected by the Institute of International Education to receive a prestigious American Passport Project grant, which will provide funding for 25 Pell-eligible students to obtain their first U.S. passport—removing a key barrier to studying abroad and opening the door to global engagement.
The Advisory Board for UTC will meet on Friday, May 16, in Room 102 of the James R. Mapp Building (410 E. 8th St.). The meeting will begin at 1 p.m..

WUTC

Director of the Center for Regional Economic Research Howard Wall and First Tennessee Bank Distinguished Professor of Finance Bento Lobo discussed tariffs and their effect on the economy in an episode of “Scenic Roots” on WUTC.

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