April 29-May 5, 2025

Updates and news for the week of April 29-May 5, 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

Commencement

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Chancellor open forums

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Strategic plan committee

Outstanding People of UTC

Vinny Nguyen

UTC sophomore Vinny Nguyen is taking his passion for language, diplomacy and international engagement across the world. Nguyen, a double major in political science international/comparative studies and economics international public policy with a minor in Asian studies, has been selected for the Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) to study Mandarin in Taiwan this summer. He will spend two months at Tamkang University in New Taipei City—from June 17-Aug. 15—as part of the prestigious U.S. Department of State initiative.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

Make sure person’s name is in BOLDFACE.

Mark Your Calendar

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

DATE: Sport vs. opponent, site, x p.m. SOCCER PLAYS AT FINLEY!!!

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Class of 2025, join the Office of Alumni Affairs on Thursday, May 1, for a special send-off as we honor your upcoming graduation. Bring your family and friends to the beautiful Wolford Family Athletic Center for complimentary appetizers and drinks, and enjoy a relaxed evening celebrating your achievements. Register here.

As part of the celebration, which begins at 4 p.m., you’ll receive free gifts with registration:

A professional headshot courtesy of UTC alumnus Christopher Shaw
An exclusive Power C Alumni pint glass
A fun graduate Scrappy sticker

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The Walker Center for Teaching and Learning will host the 2025 Instructional Excellence Conference on Tuesday, May 6, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Michelle Miller.

Miller is a cognitive psychologist, researcher and author whose work supports higher education faculty in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Her books include:

“Minds Online: Teaching Effectively with Technology” (Harvard University Press, 2014)
“Remembering and Forgetting in the Age of Technology: Teaching, Learning, and the Science of Memory in a Wired World” (West Virginia University Press, 2022)
“A Teacher’s Guide to Learning Student Names: Why You Should, Why It’s Hard, How You Can” (University of Oklahoma Press, 2024)

She is a professor of psychological sciences and a President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow at Northern Arizona University.

Click here to register for the Instructional Excellence Conference. This event is free for UTC faculty, lecturers and adjuncts.

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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.

Campus Updates

The Disability Resource Center is seeking faculty and staff volunteers to help proctor during finals week, a high-volume time in the DRC testing center. Due to increased demand, additional space is reserved in the University Center, which is not equipped with cameras for proctoring.

Volunteers can sign up for one or more time slots using the form linked below. Proctors are asked to arrive 10-15 minutes early for instructions and may be in a testing room for up to three hours. Many volunteers find the time ideal for catching up on email or quiet work.

Click here to sign up. We cannot do this important work without you.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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The Department of Chemistry and Physics and the UTC Quantum Center are hosting a quantum summer camp from May 27-30 for high school students entering the 10th and 11th grade. A registration link will be available soon.

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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.

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Upcoming Transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11: Microsoft will be ending support for the Windows 10 operating system on October 14. After that date, there will be no more security updates, feature updates or technical support for Windows 10. To prepare for this, Information Technology will be gradually upgrading all UTC owned Windows 10 devices to Windows 11 this year, with full completion expected by October. For more information on the Windows 11 project timeline and upcoming next steps for faculty and staff, visit our Knowledge Base – Windows 11 articles.

UTC Newsroom

Joseph Ryan (left) and Hattie Martinek present at Chattanooga’s City Hall.

After spending a year studying walkability in Chattanooga’s Oak Grove neighborhood, students in Dr. Chandra Ward’s class brought their findings to City Hall—asking officials to make the area’s streets safer and invest more fairly in underserved communities.

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Dr. Jamie Harvey

Dr. Jamie Harvey, an associate professor in the Department of Health and Human Performance, is stepping down at the end of the semester after 35 years as a full-time faculty member—not to retire, but to “repurpose” her time and energy. “I still have more to give, just in a different way,” she said.

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

WUTC

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IN Memoriam

xxx

xxx. A full obituary is available here.

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

April 22-28, 2025

Updates and news for the week of April 22-28, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

MOCS TOP 10: STUDENT SUPPORT

Join UTC in celebrating some of our most exciting moments over the past year. Click the video to view No. 10.

UTC continues to expand student support, from being named Tennessee’s No. 1 military-friendly school in 2024 to growing our first-year programs and University High.

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MEN’S BASKETBALL TEAM CELEBRATED WITH PARADE

The sound of drums echoed off downtown buildings. Duck boats cruised past waving fans. And atop those boats stood the champions—members of the UTC men’s basketball team—as National Invitation Tournament royalty.

Last week, the Mocs were celebrated in grand fashion with a downtown Chattanooga parade that culminated in a rally at Miller Park. The event brought together students, alums, faculty and community members to honor the team’s historic postseason run—which ended with UTC’s first-ever NIT title.

Outstanding People of UTC

The Mocs women’s beach volleyball team clinched the 2025 Ohio Valley Conference regular season title for the second year in a row.

The team has secured its first-ever 20-win season and set a new program record with 15 sweep victories. The Mocs will defend their OVC Tournament title Thursday through Saturday, April 24-26, at the UTC Sports Complex. Admission is free—come out and show your support.

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Durand Henderson

UTC senior Durand Henderson, a United States Air Force veteran and nontraditional student majoring in business administration with a concentration in economics—to go with minors in personal finance and political science—has been selected for the prestigious Critical Language Scholarship (CLS) Spark program for Korean.

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Andrea Stevens receives the Outstanding Master’s Student Award for the Chemical Engineering graduate program from Dr. Ethan Carver, associate provost and dean of the Graduate School.

As part of UTC’s Graduate Student Appreciation Week, which recognized the contributions, impact and value of UTC’s graduate and professional students, students were honored by their respective programs during a celebration event.

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UTC will recognize outstanding faculty members for excellence in teaching, research, mentoring and service at a ceremony today (April 22) in the Wolford Family Athletic Center. Presented by the Faculty Awards Committee of the Faculty Senate, these annual honors highlight the impact UTC faculty have in the classroom, in research and in the community.

Research Award Recipients: Irv Resnick, Laurie Allen, Tian Li, Michelle Evans
Teaching and Mentoring Award Recipients: Gary McDonald, Dawn Ford, Monica Miles, Chuck Margraves, Ruth Walker
Service Award Recipients: Hilary Browder-Terry, Jejal Bathi, Tatiana Allen

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

NASA’s Earth Observatory featured research by Associate Professor Azad Hossain, an environmental geoscientist in the UTC Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, as its Image of the Day. The article highlights Hossain’s Landsat-based research on Chattanooga’s urbanization and land use changes.
Communication students Addison Middleton and Kambria Ichkawa were recently featured on Local 3 News, where they discussed their work for their public relations class campaign for WTCI’s “Be My Neighbor Day” for PBS Kids.
Dr. Thomas Lyons, the Clarence E. Harris Chair of Excellence in Entrepreneurship in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, was featured in a recent WalletHub article about the best and worst small cities to start a business.
Robert Lake Wilson Professor of Geology Amy Brock-Hon wrote a piece for the Hamilton County Herald about the Cumberland Plateau.

Mark Your Calendar

Neva Clark and Corina Vale (photo credit: Jordyn Butler/GoMocs.com)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Thursday, April 24: Beach Volleyball—OVC Championships, UTC Sports Complex, all day
Friday, April 25: Beach Volleyball—OVC Championships, UTC Sports Complex, all day
Saturday, April 26: Beach Volleyball—OVC Championships, UTC Sports Complex, all day
Saturday, April 26: Softball vs. Samford, Frost Stadium, 1 p.m. (doubleheader)
Sunday, April 27: Softball vs. Samford, Frost Stadium, 2 p.m.

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Ever wonder what a registrar does all day? Have questions for a registrar?

Faculty and staff are invited to join the registrars for open discussion of the roles and responsibilities of the Office of the Registrar and explore ways we can work together to best serve UTC.

The next session will take place from 1-2 p.m. today (April 22) in Hunter Hall Room 215.

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Stressed about finals week? Fortunately, there’s nothing a little ice cream can’t fix.

Please join the students and faculty of the Department of Chemistry and Physics for a liquid nitrogen ice cream party from 2:30-4:30 p.m. today (April 22) in the lobby of Grote Hall.

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Join the Graduate Student Association for Reading Day Reset from 4-6 p.m. today (April 22) in the Lupton Hall Lobby. Stop by for free energy drinks, coffee, snacks and giveaways while connecting with fellow graduate students.

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Dr. Henry Spratt

The Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science will celebrate 30 years of excellence in teaching and research by Dr. Henry Spratt at a retirement party in his honor from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday, May 1, in the University Center Chickamauga Room. We hope you will be able to join us.

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As part of the celebration, which begins at 4 p.m., you’ll receive free gifts with registration:

A professional headshot courtesy of UTC alumnus Christopher Shaw
An exclusive Power C Alumni pint glass
A fun graduate Scrappy sticker

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The Walker Center for Teaching and Learning will host the 2025 Instructional Excellence Conference on Tuesday, May 6, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Michelle Miller.

Miller is a cognitive psychologist, researcher and author whose work supports higher education faculty in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Her books include:

“Minds Online: Teaching Effectively with Technology” (Harvard University Press, 2014)
“Remembering and Forgetting in the Age of Technology: Teaching, Learning, and the Science of Memory in a Wired World” (West Virginia University Press, 2022)
“A Teacher’s Guide to Learning Student Names: Why You Should, Why It’s Hard, How You Can” (University of Oklahoma Press, 2024)

She is a professor of psychological sciences and a President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow at Northern Arizona University.

Click here to register for the Instructional Excellence Conference. This event is free for UTC faculty, lecturers and adjuncts.

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

Campus Updates

Did you know? While some people use cannabis to cope with anxiety, long-term use can actually exacerbate anxiety symptoms and reduce the quality of sleep. Taking a 21-day tolerance break (t-break) from cannabis can be a valuable step for anyone looking to reset their body’s response to the substance. Over time, regular use of any substance can lead to increased tolerance, meaning you need more to achieve the same effects. A 21-day t-break is all it takes to reset tolerance to baseline, improve mental clarity, sleep quality, and overall wellbeing. A t-break can also potentially enhance the benefits of cannabis when you resume use.

Ready to learn more? Pick up a t-break guide from the Center for Wellbeing (University Center Room 350).

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The Mocs One Center will be returning to their permanent location on the first floor of the University Center on Wednesday, April 23. Service may be impacted during the move that day. After the move, access to the Mocs One Center will be through the exterior entrance on the Vine Street side of the construction fence on Terrell Owens Way. When the UC lower gallery reopens, access will shift to the regular interior entrance to the Mocs One Center.

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Click here to sign up. We cannot do this important work without you.

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For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

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The National Science Foundation Noyce Track 2 fellowship project is accepting applications from STEM-degreed professionals to prepare to teach secondary mathematics and science through the Master of Education degree program. The 2025-2026 cohort will begin coursework in May. Please contact Deborah McAllister or visit this link for project details.

Click here to read about Andrew Calkins, who is pursuing a master’s degree in education thanks to the Noyce Fellowship program.

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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.

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UTC Newsroom

Trevor Jolley’s photo of Mocs guard Trey Bonham taking a shot in the NIT championship against the University of California, Irvine.

An impossible decision seemingly was on the table for UTC senior Trevor Jolley—a choice between a club roller hockey program he built and nurtured to the team’s first nationals appearance and his Echo sports editor duties. Luckily, he was able to do both.

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The UTC Division of Communications and Marketing recently captured two honors in the 2024 Collegiate Advertising Awards, a national competition celebrating excellence in higher education marketing and advertising.

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

Violinist Sarah Whitney is not a stranger to college campuses, but during her visit to UTC, she added a new experience: coaching business students. During her three-day residency—hosted through a partnership with Dr. Jonathan McNair, the Ruth S. Holmberg Professor of American Music at UTC—the internationally recognized performer, educator and career coach guided students through workshops, classes and performances designed to reshape their thinking about creative careers.
April is Financial Literacy Month, and UTC is helping raise awareness with its annual financial literacy lecture series. This year’s lecture, titled “Coping with Complexity,” took place over Zoom in early April. The Scott L. Probasco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise, the Center for Economic Education, and the Department of Finance and Economics in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business co-hosted the conference.

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 strategic plan, esports and commencement.

IN Memoriam

Bill Oliver, a respected figure in college football coaching circles and former head coach of the UTC football program, passed away on Monday, April 14, at the age of 85. His Mocs teams from 1980-83 accumulated a 29-14-1 record, 18-7-1 in Southern Conference games. Oliver’s .670 winning percentage is the highest of the DI era ahead of Russ Huesman (.615), Joe Morrison (.597) and current head coach Rusty Wright (.578). Beyond Chattanooga, Oliver enjoyed a distinguished coaching career that spanned several decades, including prominent roles at Auburn, Alabama and Clemson, where he was widely regarded for his defensive expertise. His full obituary is available here.

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The campus community was saddened to learn that Aramark Collegiate Hospitality regional vice president Tiru Chabba was one of the two victims in last week’s shooting at Florida State University. Aramark handles the dining and food services for UTC and dozens of other colleges and universities across the country. Chabba visited UTC many times and even played in the Porky’s Open Golf Tournament earlier this month. Our condolences go out to his family, our campus dining staff and the entire Aramark community.

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April 15-21, 2025

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

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

JOIN THE MOCS MEN’S BASKETBALL PARADE

Join the Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team as they parade through the city streets before gathering at Miller Park for a city-wide celebration, starting at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 17.

The parade will begin at Mabel Street, turning right onto Martin Luther King Boulevard and left onto Georgia Avenue, ending at Miller Park. Free public parking is available behind the Bessie Smith Cultural Center (200 E. MLK Blvd.).

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UTC earns Top 10 national recognition for military student support

For the first time in school history, UTC has been ranked among the nation’s Top 10 large public universities in the Military Friendly® Schools rankings—a designation that recognizes excellence in creating sustainable and meaningful educational paths for military-connected students.

UTC earned Top 10 Gold Military Friendly® School status for 2025-26, ranking No. 10 nationwide and first in the Southeast Region. The University was also designated as a Military Spouse Friendly® School for its continued efforts in supporting military families.

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Commencement Marshals

We are looking for a handful of faculty or staff to serve as marshals at each of our undergraduate commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 3.

If you would like to volunteer to be a marshal, please register here and indicate which commencement ceremony(ies) you are available to marshal.

Marshal duties include lining up students before the ceremony, leading students into the arena at the start of the ceremony, and directing students from their chairs to the stage and back during the ceremony. Marshals will need to arrive one hour before the ceremony starts, so schedule accordingly. We will have a marshals lunch and training session on Thursday, May 1. Attendance is not required but highly encouraged.

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Hamdy Ibrahim

Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in March. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $269,478 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $1,656,434 in external funding, if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in March were Dr. Hamdy Ibrahim (Mechanical Engineering) and Dr. Stephanie Philipp (School of Education), who received $111,968 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled “Hybrid Surface Coating Toward Corrosion-Controlled Magnesium-Based Implants.”

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Front row from left: Vice President Bridgette Greene, Student Body President Beeta Baghaevaji and Treasurer Ivy Whitten.

UTC’s 2025-2026 Student Government Association leadership has been announced. Student Body President Beeta Baghaevaji will serve alongside Vice President Bridgette Greene and Treasurer Ivy Whitten. They will be joined by 21 senators representing UTC’s academic colleges.

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2025 Social Work Day on the Hill Master of Social Work policy presentation contest winners Ashley Spruill and Halen McGregor.

Two UTC graduate students—Ashley Spruill and Halen McGregor—were recognized as winners of the statewide Master of Social Work policy presentation contest at the 2025 Social Work Day on the Hill.

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Kevin Tugman

Kevin Tugman joined the Division of Communications and Marketing last week as the director of creative services.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

Joshua Tyler, a computational engineering doctoral candidate at UTC, spoke with Local 3 News about an encryption he developed to fight data breaches.
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall discussed how tariffs will affect the Chattanooga area economy for a NewsChannel 9 story.
Dr. Elizabeth O’Brien joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the new Netflix series “Adolescence” and the effects of social media and bullying.
A NewsChannel 9 segment of This ‘N That featured UC Foundation Assistant Professor Kristi Wick to talk about the MobileMOC health clinic.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo of the team plus seniors courtesy of Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

Photo of the men’s tennis team plus seniors courtesy of Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Tuesday, April 15: Softball vs. Lipscomb, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16: Men’s and Women’s Tennis—Southern Conference Tournament, Champions Club (3400 Lupton Dr.), all day
Wednesday, April 16: Softball vs. Tennessee State, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
Thursday, April 17: Men’s and Women’s Tennis—Southern Conference Tournament, Champions Club (3400 Lupton Dr.), all day
Friday, April 18: Men’s and Women’s Tennis—Southern Conference Tournament, Champions Club (3400 Lupton Dr.), all day
Saturday, April 19: Men’s and Women’s Tennis—Southern Conference Tournament, Champions Club (3400 Lupton Dr.), all day

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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions about UTC’s Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, Master of Accountancy, and Business Analytics Certificate graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate programs provide flexible course options and exclusive career advancement resources to elevate your education and propel your career.

MAcc Information Sessions

Today (April 15): Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSM Information Sessions

Wednesday, April 16: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSDA Information Sessions

Thursday, April 17: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

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The UTC Library will host a wellness-focused event at 2 p.m. today (April 15) in UTC Library Room 101 to celebrate the launch of a new collection of objects designed to support student wellness and mental health.

Students can now check out items such as mood lights, meditation radios, weighted blankets and noise-canceling headphones for three days to help manage stress and sensory input. The event will feature a discussion with students, library staff and campus partners about using campus resources to support wellness in and out of the classroom.

Refreshments will be available, along with giveaways and a chance to win hammocks, portable meditation radios and other wellness items.

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Mocs Marketplace will host a pop-up shop from 1-4 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, April 16-17, on the sidewalk between Founders Hall and Chamberlain Field.

More than 20 student entrepreneurs from across campus will be selling their products and services. Stop by to shop and support your fellow Mocs.

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Associate Scientist Will Buckingham will speak at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, in Fletcher Hall Room 109, hosted by the Journey Health Foundation Research Center.

Buckingham will discuss how disadvantaged neighborhoods face higher risks of health conditions and explore how tools and data resources can inform policies to address these disparities. Register here.

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Only two sessions remain 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.

Sessions are held on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and the final two topics include:

Thursday, April 17: “AI in the Workplace – Transforming Industries, Practical Tools, and the Future of Workplace AI”
Thursday, May 15: “AI and Society – Global Challenges, Environmental Impacts, and a Responsible Future”

The cost is $25 per session 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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Collegiate Recovery Week is April 14-18, and 11.5% of UTC students identify as being in recovery from alcohol or other drugs. Mocs Recovery invites the campus community to show support through the following activity:

Thursday, April 17: Affirmation Rock Garden, Chamberlain Plaza/Library Courtyard, 1-3:30 p.m. Rocks and paint will be available for anyone who would like to contribute. Painted rocks can also be dropped off at the Mocs Recovery student lounge in Stacy Town Center (open Monday-Thursday 1-7 p.m., Friday 1-4 p.m.).

Wear purple throughout the week to show support for students in recovery. Post on social media and tag @mocsrecovery to share your message.

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The final Quantum Journal Club meeting of the semester will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, in the math department conference room (Lupton Hall Room 308).

Dr. Boyu Zhou from the Department of Physics at the University of Arizona will present on the paper “Quantum Estimation Utilizing Bayesian Techniques and Quantum Error Correction.” The talk will explore how Bayesian methods improve quantum sensing precision in challenging scenarios, such as low-data environments, and how quantum error correction techniques can help mitigate the effects of noise and decoherence. Topics will include applications in transmissivity sensing, phase estimation, quantum imaging and distributed sensing protocols.

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On Monday, April 21, the Office of Title IX Compliance and the Center for Women and Gender Equity invite you to participate in Denim Day by swapping your usual work attire for your favorite pair of jeans. Denim Day is a global event aimed at showing solidarity with victims of sexual assault and challenging the harmful attitudes that contribute to rape culture.

Denim Day began in 1999 after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction, ruling that the victim’s jeans were too tight to have been removed without consent. In protest, members of the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work, launching an international movement for justice and awareness.

From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in Lupton Hall, stop by the Denim Decorating Party to get creative by decorating denim with empowering messages and symbols or making fun denim-themed crafts. It’s a fun and impactful way to show your support and raise awareness while connecting with others.

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Ever wonder what a registrar does all day? Have questions for a registrar?

Faculty and staff are invited to join the registrars for open discussion of the roles and responsibilities of the Office of the Registrar and explore ways we can work together to best serve UTC.

The next session will take place from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, in Hunter Hall Room 215.

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Dr. Henry Spratt

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As part of the celebration, which begins at 4 p.m., you’ll receive free gifts with registration:

A professional headshot courtesy of UTC alumnus Christopher Shaw
An exclusive Power C Alumni pint glass
A fun graduate Scrappy sticker

* * * * *

The Walker Center for Teaching and Learning will host the 2025 Instructional Excellence Conference on Tuesday, May 6, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Michelle Miller.

Miller is a cognitive psychologist, researcher and author whose work supports higher education faculty in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Her books include:

“Minds Online: Teaching Effectively with Technology” (Harvard University Press, 2014)
“Remembering and Forgetting in the Age of Technology: Teaching, Learning, and the Science of Memory in a Wired World” (West Virginia University Press, 2022)
“A Teacher’s Guide to Learning Student Names: Why You Should, Why It’s Hard, How You Can” (University of Oklahoma Press, 2024)

She is a professor of psychological sciences and a President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow at Northern Arizona University.

Click here to register for the Instructional Excellence Conference. This event is free for UTC faculty, lecturers and adjuncts.

Campus Updates

Please take a few minutes to complete a survey about the UTC Library. The library has used past survey feedback to improve reservable rooms, increase hours and purchase new materials. Now it’s your chance to help make the library even better. Click here to share your suggestions and feedback. You can enter to win one of two $50 Starbucks cards when you complete the survey before Thursday, April 17.

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Click here to sign up. We cannot do this important work without you.

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For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

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Click here to read about Andrew Calkins, who is pursuing a master’s degree in education thanks to the Noyce Fellowship program.

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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.

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UTC Newsroom

Richard Zhang

UTC alumnus Richard Zhang has made a significant gift to the Honors College to provide annual $2,000 scholarships for all students in the Innovations in Honors (IIH) program. A triple major and former Brock Scholar, Zhang credited his honors education at UTC for shaping his success and called the donation “the best investment I could possibly make.” His gift ensures IIH students receive the same level of scholarship support as Brock Scholars, setting UTC’s Honors College apart statewide and nationally.

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The energy was lively and the excitement contagious inside the Wolford Family Athletic Center as students, faculty and guests packed the space for a day of research and discovery. The annual Spring Research and Arts Conference at UTC turned the spotlight on projects from across a handful of disciplines as UTC personnel and community members presented their work exploring nearly every imaginable topic.

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Emma Sutherland (left), Sydney Banks, Zoie Denton, Jim Tanner, Trevor Jolley and Mallori Crocker at the NIT.

On Thursday, April 3, the UTC men’s basketball team won the first National Invitation Tournament in University history. When the 85-84 overtime victory occurred, handfuls of reporters, sports writers, photographers and videographers were in attendance to capture the moment.

Among them were five UTC communication students—Mallori Crocker, Sydney Banks, Zoie Denton, Emma Sutherland and Trevor Jolley—who traveled to the Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis to capture content and represent their student media groups.

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

The 2025 Scholarship Luncheon brought together UTC scholarship recipients and the donors who support their education.
Excitement and eagerness filled the air at UTC as hundreds of prospective students and their families explored campus during Blue and Gold Preview Day.
Four students from the UTC Department of Music were recently recognized for their talent at the 2025 Mid-South Region National Association of Teachers of Singing auditions held at Morehead State University in Kentucky. The event, which draws top collegiate vocalists from across Tennessee and Kentucky, includes a range of classical and musical theatre performance categories determined by age and years of vocal study.
Two teams of students from the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science’s ENME 1850 introductory design course recently brought home top honors from the 2025 American Society for Engineering Education Southeastern Section Conference at Mississippi State University.
UTC continues to make significant strides on the global stage of cybersecurity and digital forensics by coordinating the 2025 International Symposium on Digital Forensics and Security, to be held this year at the Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.

WUTC

Mark L. Brooks, a UTC alum and author of “Laying Autumn’s Dust: A Southern Tragedy About Betrayal, Revenge, and Murder,” spoke with Richard Winham for an episode of WUTC’s “Open Book.”

Strategic Plan Survey and Campus Forum (correct survey link embedded)

Dear UTC Community,

As we close in on finalizing our new strategic plan, we invite you to participate in final thoughts and feedback on this important document that will shape the future of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga for the next five years. Your input is invaluable in ensuring that our strategic direction aligns with the needs and aspirations of our campus community.

To facilitate this process, we encourage you to complete this survey designed to gather feedback on the strategic plan. This survey aims to identify any significant gaps or areas that require further refinement. You can view the plan through the link to the survey above.

The plan is structured around five pillars, each with overarching goals and measurable objectives. As you review the draft, please keep in mind that this is an institutional plan, with the expectation that campus units develop their own supporting plans that align with it.

Additionally, we invite you to an open forum where we will discuss the strategic plan in greater detail and provide an opportunity for open dialogue and feedback. The forum takes place at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15, in the Wolford Family Athletic Center multi-purpose room. For those unable to attend in person, this link to a live stream option where you can watch and submit questions is also available.

Great care has been taken to integrate input from our campus community while ensuring alignment with the UT System’s plan and state expectations. At the most recent UT Board of Trustees meeting, the need for clear metrics, goal clarity and growth targets was emphasized, and these elements have been incorporated into our strategic plan.

You will notice that there are some objectives that have TBD. Campus leadership is still working out those details, but they will be completed before presenting to the UTC Advisory Board in mid-May.

Our goal is to foster a campus culture where administration, faculty, staff and students share a collective responsibility in areas such as recruitment, retention, student success and community engagement.

Your voice matters in shaping the UTC experience. Please take a moment to participate in the survey and join us for the forum. Together, we can build a strategic plan that strengthens our institution and supports the success of our students and community.

Thank you for your time and commitment to UTC.

April 8-14, 2025

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

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

NIT CHAMPIONS!

Mocs men’s basketball team returns to McKenzie Arena.

In case you missed it, the Chattanooga Mocs are the 2025 National Invitation Tournament champions. In a battle for the title last week, the Mocs beat the University of California, Irvine 85-84 to claim the program’s first-ever NIT championship.

This was Chattanooga’s fifth appearance in the NIT and matched the 1977 NCAA Division II national championship and 1976 national runner-up finish for the longest postseason run in school history. The Mocs finished the season with a school-record 29 wins, ending the year at 29-9 with a Southern Conference regular-season championship and now, an NIT title.

To celebrate this milestone, the campus and Chattanooga community welcomed the team home with a celebration at McKenzie Arena.

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SPRING RESEARCH AND ARTS CONFERENCE RETURNS

The Spring Research and Arts Conference returns on Wednesday, April 9, continuing its tradition of showcasing student and faculty research, innovation and creativity. Presented by the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor, the conference highlights the breadth and depth of research happening at UTC—featuring more than 650 presenters and 320 unique research projects throughout the day.

For more information, visit the UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference webpage. The conference schedule can be found here.

Dr. Rick Mukherjee, director of UTC’s Quantum Center, will be giving a featured talk at 3:45 p.m. in McKenzie Arena Room 101. His talk, titled “Quantum Chats,” will offer an engaging look into the groundbreaking work happening at the Quantum Center, as well as the future of quantum research and its relevance across disciplines. This is a fantastic opportunity for our campus community to connect with the innovative research happening right here at UTC.

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COMMENCEMENT MARSHALS

We are looking for a handful of faculty or staff to serve as marshals at each of our undergraduate commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 3.

If you would like to volunteer to be a marshal, please register here and indicate which commencement ceremony(ies) you are available to marshal.

Outstanding People of UTC

From left: Caroline Britt, Paige Bush, Bradley Bee and Jane Chambers

Four UTC music students were recently recognized for their talent at the Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition, held at Morehead State University.

Jane Chambers placed third in the Freshmen Treble category, Paige Bush earned third in Senior Treble and Caroline Britt took second in the Musical Theatre Upper College category. Piano major Bradley Bee served as the collaborative pianist for the students—a role typically performed by professional accompanists.

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From left: Michael Martin, Amy Guinac, Aree Alghoul, Arwen Moss, Hailey Henderson and Lynsey Lawson (photo courtesy of Dr. Cecelia Wigal).

Six UTC students brought home awards at the recent American Society for Engineering Education Southeast Conference held at Mississippi State University. The students—all freshmen or sophomores—participated in the lower division team design poster competition and the overall event competition against mostly junior/senior teams.

UTC’s two ENME 1850 freshman design teams, representing three departments:

The Pick-Grip: Assistive Guitar Pick Holder won the lower division team design category. Team members were Aree Alghoul (computer engineering), Amy Guinac (mechatronics engineering technology) and Michael Martin (computer engineering).
Idiopathic Scoliosis Brace for Children earned Best Overall Student Poster for the entire event. Team members were Hailey Henderson (mechanical engineering), Lynsey Lawson (mechatronics engineering technology) and Arwen Moss (mechanical engineering).

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Dr. Nancy Fell (left) and Dr. Stephanie Eton

Dr. Nancy Fell and Dr. Stephanie Eton have been recognized with top statewide honors from the Tennessee chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.

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Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs Shewanee Howard-Baptiste

Dr. Shewanee Howard-Baptiste, vice provost for undergraduate affairs, has been selected as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs at Berea College—a private liberal arts institution in Berea, Kentucky.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Erin Melhorn appeared on Local 3 News to discuss the UTC/Erlanger Driver’s Safety Carfit Event.
A Local 3 News story featured UC Foundation Assistant Professor Kristi Wick to talk about the MobileMOC health clinic.
Dr. Chris Smith discussed the measles vaccine on Jed & JR Mornings.
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall spoke to Local 3 News about tariffs and their impact on local businesses.
UC Foundation Associate Professor Liz Hathaway was a guest on Jed & JR Mornings to talk about exercise and weight training.

Mark Your Calendar

Photo credit: Dale Rutemeyer/GoMocs.com

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Saturday, April 12: Women’s Tennis vs. Samford, UTC Tennis Center, noon

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An information session is taking place at 2 p.m. today (April 8) via Zoom for the fall 2025 study abroad course, “Doing Business in Italy,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to Italy—tentatively scheduled for December 2025—with visits to Rome, Florence and Milan.

“Doing Business in Italy” is led by Dr. Katherine Karl, head of the Department of Management. Students earn three credit hours at either the undergraduate (MGT 4950) or graduate (MGT 5950) level.

For more information, contact COB International or visit COB International Programs.

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Graduate Student Appreciation Week is taking place through Friday, April 11, and recognizes the contributions, impact and value of UTC’s graduate and professional students. Graduate students work hard to advance their skills, develop research and lead innovation across campus.

Today-Thursday, April 8-10: Drop-in + Fuel Up, Graduate School Office (Race Hall Room 103), 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Take a break and recharge with the Graduate School staff. Free caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks, snacks and giveaways will be available to help power through the end of the semester.
Today, April 8: Get Caffeinated with the GSA, Lupton Hall Lobby, 4-6 p.m. Stop by for free energy drinks, coffee and stickers while connecting with the Graduate Student Association.
Wednesday, April 9: Free Professional Headshots, Career Connection Office (University Center Room 108), 3-5 p.m. Update your LinkedIn profile, portfolio or professional materials with a free headshot during this drop-in session.

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Join the next Science on Tap discussion from 5-7 p.m. today (April 8) at the Tap House in St. Elmo. Hear from Dr. Keenan Dungey, head of the UTC Department of Chemistry and Physics as he explores the potential of solar-powered cars. He’ll be joined by UC Foundation Chemistry Professor Tom Rybolt, who will share how he installed solar panels on his home and the energy they generate.

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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Dr. Stefan Hördler, a historian of the Holocaust with a focus on Nazi concentration camps, will speak at 5 p.m. today (April 8), in Derthick Hall Room 101.

Hördler is based at the University of Göttingen and is the former director of the Mittelbau-Dora Concentration Camp Memorial. He recently co-authored an analysis of the Auschwitz Album and has served as an expert consultant on investigations involving former Nazi camp personnel.

The event is sponsored by the UTC Department of History, with support from the College of Arts and Sciences and the UTC Chair of Excellence in Judaic Studies.

For more information, contact Dr. John C. Swanson.

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Sponsored by the George C. Connor Professorship of American Literature and the UTC Department of English, the Take Five 2025 lineup explores what it means to be educated in the modern world.

The final Take Five session will occur at 6 p.m. in the University Center Tennessee Room. The session will offer a light dinner, and no RSVP is necessary.

Today (April 8): Dr. Bryan Hampton presents Julie Schumacher’s “The Shakespeare Requirement”

Books are available through online retailers and at the UTC Bookstore (423-425-4107). Contact Aaron Shaheen with questions.

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Theatre Co. students Ellen Rich (left), Maislynne Payne, Matthew Patrick and Caton Taylor.

A production making its Broadway debut this spring is also set to hit the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage.

The UTC Theatre Co. continues its 2024-2025 season with its production of “John Proctor is the Villain,” written by playwright Kimberly Belflower. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. today (April 8) through Saturday, April 12—with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on April 12.

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here and through the UTC Box Office—in person or by phone (423-425-1423). Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students (with proof of student ID) and seniors.

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UTC’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee will meet at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, via Zoom. For a list of the proposals that will be considered, log on to Curriculog and select the Curriculum – April 10, 2025 agenda.

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Join the Asian Studies program for a visit to the “Celestial Bodies” exhibit from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, at Stove Works Gallery (1250 E. 13th St.). The exhibit features 14 AAPI artists with ties to the American South and Midwest and explores how migration reshapes personal and cultural mythologies, creating new visual languages and collective imaginations.

UTC Assistant Professor of Art Bart Pushaw will lead the group through the exhibition. A free shuttle will depart from the Fine Arts Center at 4:15 p.m. and return to campus at 6:30 p.m.

RSVP is required. Students who register will receive Asian Studies swag.

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April is Autism Acceptance Month, and to celebrate, the UTC Mosaic Program is hosting its second annual Autistic Voices Panel. Campus and community partners enjoyed hearing from our esteemed panelists last year, made up of our fantastic Mosaic students.

This year, new panelists will share their experiences as autistic individuals and discuss hard topics such as misconceptions of autism, medical model vs. social model, miscommunication barriers and more. Please join from 10 a.m.-noon on Friday, April 11, in Derthick Hall Room 101. Registration is required as seating is limited.

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Join us from 1-4 p.m. on Friday, April 11, for the gardening build-out and a celebration of the new edible student gardens being built near student dorms behind Crossroads Dining Hall and the Honors College.

The event is sponsored by Environmental Studies, History, Student Government Association, EDGE and Student Sustainability Society.

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As part of National Public Health Week (April 7-13), the Master of Public Health program will host a free pickleball tournament from noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at the UTC Aquatic and Recreation Center. Equipment will be provided. Spots are limited, so registration is required.

An optional raffle will also be held, with some proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House. Raffle entries will be $15 for one or $25 for two. A link to the giving portal will be shared soon.

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MBA Information Sessions

Friday, April 11: Noon: Register Here

MAcc Information Sessions

Tuesday, April 15: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSM Information Sessions

Wednesday, April 16: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSDA Information Sessions

Thursday, April 17: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

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The second annual Mocaroo will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, on Chamberlain Field. The music festival will feature instrumental and vocal performing groups from UTC’s Department of Music, including Singing Mocs, Orpheus Chorale, Jazz Combo, Scenic City Brass, Guthrie Quartet, Pep Band, Bella Lam, the Saxophone Quartet, Clarion Chorale, and THE INCREDIBLE Jazz Band to end the evening.

On top of entertainment, the Windy City Eatz Food Truck will be at the event selling food. Additionally, a variety of campus organizations will have information tables about their organizations.

Mocaroo will be an incredible event, so bring a friend and your own chair or blanket and enjoy the wonderful afternoon on Chamberlain Field.

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Monday, April 14: Opioid Overdose Response Training, Center for Wellbeing, noon-1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. RSVP is required.
Wednesday, April 17: Affirmation Rock Garden, Chamberlain Plaza/Library Courtyard, 1-3:30 p.m. Rocks and paint will be available for anyone who would like to contribute. Painted rocks can also be dropped off at the Mocs Recovery student lounge in Stacy Town Center (open Monday-Thursday 1-7 p.m., Friday 1-4 p.m.).

Wear purple throughout the week to show support for students in recovery. Post on social media and tag @mocsrecovery to share your message.

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The UTC Library will host a wellness-focused event at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 15, in UTC Library Room 101 to celebrate the launch of a new collection of objects designed to support student wellness and mental health.

Refreshments will be available, along with giveaways and a chance to win hammocks, portable meditation radios and other wellness items.

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Sessions are held on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and the final two topics include:

Thursday, April 17: “AI in the Workplace – Transforming Industries, Practical Tools, and the Future of Workplace AI”
Thursday, May 15: “AI and Society – Global Challenges, Environmental Impacts, and a Responsible Future”

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The final Quantum Journal Club meeting of the semester will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, in the math department conference room (Lupton Hall Room 308).

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As part of the celebration, which begins at 4 p.m., you’ll receive free gifts with registration:

A professional headshot courtesy of UTC alumnus Christopher Shaw
An exclusive Power C Alumni pint glass
A fun graduate Scrappy sticker

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The Walker Center for Teaching and Learning will host the 2025 Instructional Excellence Conference on Tuesday, May 6, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Michelle Miller.

Miller is a cognitive psychologist, researcher and author whose work supports higher education faculty in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Her books include:

“Minds Online: Teaching Effectively with Technology” (Harvard University Press, 2014)
“Remembering and Forgetting in the Age of Technology: Teaching, Learning, and the Science of Memory in a Wired World” (West Virginia University Press, 2022)
“A Teacher’s Guide to Learning Student Names: Why You Should, Why It’s Hard, How You Can” (University of Oklahoma Press, 2024)

She is a professor of psychological sciences and a President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow at Northern Arizona University.

Click here to register for the Instructional Excellence Conference. This event is free for UTC faculty, lecturers and adjuncts.

Campus Updates

Did you know that April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness month? Here are some quick facts about head and neck cancer pulled from Duke University’s website.

70% out of 100 cancers are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
90% out of 100 cancers are linked to tobacco and alcohol use
Men are twice as likely to develop head and neck cancer compared to women

This information is not to scare you but to shed light on this topic that most people do not know much about. If any of this information surprises you or prompts you to ask questions, you can always reach out to your health care provider. Some health care institutions, such as Duke, recommend that people request an oral cancer screening at their next dentist appointment if they wish to engage in early detection measures. It’s never too early to take proactive measures when it comes to your health.

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UT Vault: A new UT Secure File Transfer Service website will be released on Wednesday, April 9. Once the new site is live, the current UT Vault service will be retired and no longer available. Before the upgrade, please review any recent files you have shared via the UT vault and make a backup of any that you need to keep past April 9. For more information on this upgrade, click here.

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The Student Wellness Advisory Council is seeking passionate students to help shape the future of wellness across the University of Tennessee System.

Council members will serve as wellness ambassadors and contribute to cultural change across all five UT campuses. Participants will gain professional experience through wellness projects and leadership opportunities, connect with peers from across the system and contribute to @UT_Wellness social media, newsletters and initiatives.

At least two undergraduate and two graduate representatives will be selected from each campus. Apply here before Friday, April 11. The application takes about 8-10 minutes to complete.

For more information, contact Dominique Harrison.

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The 2025 Library Enhancement Initiative is now accepting recommendations for new books and films to add to the UTC Library collection.

The purpose of the Library Enhancement Initiative is to provide current UTC students, faculty and staff with an opportunity to grow and enhance the UTC Library’s collection of resources in a focused way—be it a new class, a fresh take on an old topic or a developing research interest. This year, we are looking for your recommendations for new (or new to us) books and films that will promote lifelong learning and the achievement of your academic, personal or professional goals.

Applications are due Friday, April 11. Click here for more information and to submit a recommendation.

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For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

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Click here to read about Andrew Calkins, who is pursuing a master’s degree in education thanks to the Noyce Fellowship program.

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The Center for Wellbeing is launching 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.

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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

Officer Ellen Centers (left) and Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt demonstrate the VirTra training simulation in a 540 McCallie Building classroom.

A high-tech simulation, VirTra, will be introduced to the criminal justice classrooms in the fall. The program trainees to participate in realistic, scenario-based training where their decisions, verbal commands and reactions directly influence the outcome.

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Seniors Harris Smidt and Trevor Jolley are members of the UTC Roller Hockey Club, a participant in this week’s National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association national championships.

Seniors Harris Smidt and Trevor Jolley are members of the UTC Roller Hockey Club, a participant in last week’s National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association national championships.

The UTC Roller Hockey Club participated in last week’s National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association national championships in Fort Myers, Florida.

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Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu (left)

Not every great idea makes it out of the lab. Some stall on paper. Others get bogged down by process or lack funding. At UTC, targeted seed funding is helping change that by giving early-stage research the support it needs to move from concept to creation.

All MOCS Innovate! grant recipients will present their work at the inaugural MOCS Innovate! UTC Innovators Showcase during the Spring Research and Arts Conference on Wednesday, April 9.

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

For the last 25 years, the Upward Bound Math Science program at UTC has served high school students intending to improve their performance in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) classes and motivate them to pursue postsecondary education.
The UTC Bachelor of Integrated Studies major offers a path for students to finish their studies in a way that fits their needs. Tailored course plans integrate disciplines, prior college credits and workplace training to create unique majors.
UTC recently hosted the Tennessee Hospitality Roadshow to emphasize the importance of the industry to students and faculty. The event, held at the Wolford Family Athletic Center, was brought to campus by the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association.
For the first time, the Southern Regional Honors Conference (SRHC) came to Chattanooga—bringing students from across the South to present research, explore the city and connect through shared stories.

WUTC

WUTC’s Spring Pledge Drive runs through Friday, April 11.

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

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

April 1-7, 2025

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

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

INDY BOUND: MOCS PLAY IN NIT SEMIS TONIGHT

The Mocs men’s basketball team has reached the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) final four for the first time in program history.

The Mocs will face Loyola Chicago at 9:30 p.m. ET tonight (April 1) at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The game will be televised on ESPN2. Chattanooga is just the second Southern Conference team ever to reach the NIT semifinals—and the first since 1947.

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SHOW YOUR LOVE FOR UTC DURING I LOVE UTC WEEK

What better way to celebrate how much you love UTC than along with everyone else who loves UTC. From March 31-April 4, special events and activities are planned for students, faculty, staff, alumni and anyone who calls UTC home.

View the full I Love UTC Week calendar here. Highlights include:

Monday (March 31): Kickoff on Chamberlain Field, Chamberlain Field, 11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
Monday (March 31): Rubber Duck Scavenger Hunt, Chamberlain Field, 11 a.m.
Tuesday (April 1): Scrappy’s Market, Location TBD, Time TBD
Wednesday (April 2): UTC Family Feud, Lupton Hall Room 120, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Thursday (April 3): Scrappy’s Showcase, McKenzie Arena, 8 p.m.
Friday (April 4): Scholarship Luncheon, Wolford Family Athletic Center, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.
Saturday (April 5): Blue and Gold Preview, Aquatic and Recreation Center, 9 a.m.

Click here to read a Q&A with Laura Snyder, director of stewardship and donor events at UTC. She discussed her role and what to expect from I Love UTC Week.

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A GAME CHANGING GIFT FOR WOMEN’S ATHLETICS

UTC women’s basketball coach Deandra Schirmer and Movita Steiner. Photo courtesy of UTC Athletics.

A trailblazing gift for UTC’s women’s athletics, the Steiner family has committed to a seven-figure contribution to explore a women’s athletics complex at UTC.

This new complex will include new competition and practice facilities for women’s soccer, new locker rooms for women’s beach volleyball, and new practice facilities and locker rooms for women’s softball. The Steiner family gift is the foundational contribution to an ongoing fundraising effort for the new women’s athletic complex to be located at the current UTC Sports Complex and Engel Stadium site bounded by East 3rd Street, O’Neal Street and Oak Street.

Outstanding People of UTC

Julia Prins (right)

Julia Prins, who will receive a master’s degree in environmental science in May, was recently recognized with the North Carolina Botanical Garden’s Best Student Oral Presentation award at the 2025 Association of Southeastern Biologists’ annual meeting.

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Students in the Innovations in Honors program are changing the city’s transportation game. As part of Dr. Jordan King’s Innovation Lab, housed in the UTC Honors College, students have spent the 2024-25 academic year coming up with ideas and working with the Chattanooga Area Regional Transportation Authority (CARTA) to address issues in Chattanooga’s public transit system.

* * * * *

Dr. Rick Mukherjee

Dr. Rick Mukherjee, inaugural director of the UTC Quantum Center, has been appointed to the board of directors of the Chattanooga Quantum Collaborative (CQC)—joining a group of regional leaders focused on advancing quantum research, education and innovation.

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Stacy Lightfoot

UTC Vice Chancellor for Access and Engagement Stacy Lightfoot has been appointed to serve on the Commission on Purposeful Pathways, a national initiative supported by the Gates Foundation.

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UTC Music Therapy Club

The UTC Music Therapy Club received the Spirit Award at the 2025 American Music Therapy Association Southeastern Regional Conference for the service project, “Harmony and Hope: Music and Essentials for the Unhoused Community.”

The club was recognized for its work during fall 2024, when members partnered with the Chattanooga Women’s Chorus and local organizations to collect and distribute food, clothing and hygiene products through the CHATT Foundation. The group also provided live music using piano, guitar, percussion and voice—encouraging participation and connection through music. The UTC Music Therapy Club earned the top honor over student groups from Florida State, East Carolina and Appalachian State.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

UC Foundation Assistant Professor Kristi Wick spoke to News 12 Now about the School of Nursing’s unveiling of the MobileMOC health clinic. A Local 3 News story also discussed the unveiling.
Dr. Hassan Afzal, visiting assistant professor of political science, published a reflection on the International Studies Association website about attending ISA 2025 in Chicago. He shared how the conference supports research, networking and student-focused opportunities.
Interim School Psychology Director Elizabeth O’Brien was on Jed & JR Mornings to discuss benchmark testing and its impact on students, teachers and parents.
Dr. Jeremy Strickler, associate professor of political science, joined an episode of Jed & JR Mornings about President Donald Trump’s first month in office.
The Hill published an opinion piece by Scott L. Probasaco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise Claudia Kramer.

Mark Your Calendar

Sarah Unterholzner recently claimed the women’s 400-meter hurdles title at the Lee Invitational (photo credit: SoConSports.com)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Wednesday, April 2: Softball vs. Jacksonville State, Frost Stadium, 5 p.m.
Friday, April 4: Men’s Tennis vs. Furman, UTC Tennis Center, 2 p.m.
Saturday, April 5: Men’s Tennis vs. Wofford, UTC Tennis Center, 11 a.m.
Saturday, April 5: Softball vs. Western Carolina (DH), Frost Stadium, 1 p.m.
Sunday, April 6: Women’s Tennis vs. Furman, UTC Tennis Center, 11 a.m.
Sunday, April 6: Softball vs. Western Carolina, Frost Stadium, 2 p.m.

* * * * *

MSDA Information Sessions

Tuesday, April 1: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
Thursday, April 17: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MBA Information Sessions

Wednesday, April 2: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
Friday, April 18: Noon: Register Here

MAcc Information Sessions

Thursday, April 3: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here
Tuesday, April 15: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSM Information Sessions

Friday, April 4: Noon: Register Here
Wednesday, April 16: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

* * * * *

Celebrate I Love UTC Week by helping a fellow Moc. Donate to the on-campus food pantry, Scrappy’s Cupboard, today (April 1) through Friday, April 4. Scrappy’s Cupboard supports all UTC students, faculty and staff experiencing food insecurity.

Food drive donation bins will be located in Lupton 104, the UTC Library first floor info desk, UC Room 399, the Guerry Center lobby, the Decosimo Student Success Center and the Chancellor’s Office.

Most-needed items include can openers, canned/boxed milk and milk alternatives, toilet paper, paper towels, sports drinks, cooking oils, canned fruit, canned meats, rice, breakfast bars and instant mashed potatoes. Scrappy’s Cupboard accepts all unexpired, unopened, non-perishable food and personal care items.

Can’t donate in person? Donations are accepted via Amazon wishlist or financially online.

* * * * *

The 2025 Financial Literacy Lecture, titled “Coping with Complexity,” will take place virtually from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2.

The lecture will explore how U.S. households face increasingly complicated financial decisions—from choosing retirement plans to selecting mortgage and health insurance options. It will highlight how financial literacy can reduce confusion and help people make more confident, informed choices. Click here to register.

* * * * *

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is hiring mentors for the GUIDE mentorship program.

GUIDE participants are first-year students from a variety of backgrounds seeking opportunities to engage and find support in the campus community. Mentors and multicultural ambassadors are sophomores to seniors who support GUIDE participants while building leadership and communication skills. Selection considers GPA, conduct and leadership and interpersonal abilities.

Learn more and apply here. The deadline to apply is Thursday, April 3.

* * * * *

Information sessions are taking place for the fall 2025 study abroad course, “Doing Business in Italy,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to Italy—tentatively scheduled for December 2025—with visits to Rome, Florence and Milan.

“Doing Business in Italy” is led by Dr. Katherine Karl, head of the Department of Management. Students earn three credit hours at either the undergraduate (MGT 4950) or graduate (MGT 5950) level.

Information sessions:

Thursday, April 3: Zoom, 12:30 p.m.
Monday, April 7: Zoom, 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 8: Zoom, 2 p.m.

For more information, contact COB International or visit COB International Programs.

* * * * *

The next Quantum Journal Club meeting will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, in the Math Department Conference Room (Lupton Hall Room 308).

Edward Steele, a Ph.D. candidate in the electrical engineering CECS program at UTC, will present on the paper “Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Quantum Technologies.” The talk will explore how machine learning methods are being used to enhance quantum measurements, improve quantum device performance and enable new protocols in quantum computing, communication and simulation. The discussion will also touch on open challenges, future possibilities and speculative visions for the next decade.

* * * * *

Sarah Whitney

Celebrated violinist Sarah Whitney will visit UTC to lead discussions on music, entrepreneurship and career development. An internationally recognized performer and educator, Whitney blends classical training with contemporary sounds and helps musicians explore new approaches to building their careers.

She will host an open house with the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship at 6 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, in the James R. Mapp Building and perform a free public concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 4, in Cadek Recital Hall.

* * * * *

Dr. Emma McDonell

Join a Q&A and book launch for “The Quinoa Bust: The Making and Unmaking of an Andean Miracle Crop” with UTC Anthropology Professor Emma McDonell, facilitated by UTC Sociology Professor Natalie Blanton. The event will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 4, in the Roth Reading Room at the UTC Library.

* * * * *

Mocs Marketplace is hosting a pop-up shop on Wednesday and Thursday, April 16-17, for student entrepreneurs to sell products or services on campus. The best part is that it’s free to participate and vendors get to keep 100% of proceeds.

This is opportunity is open to all UTC students—any major, any year.

Click here to complete your application by Friday, April 4.

* * * * *

Graduate Student Appreciation Week is Monday, April 7, through Friday, April 11, and recognizes the contributions, impact and value of UTC’s graduate and professional students. Graduate students work hard to advance their skills, develop research and lead innovation across campus.

Monday-Thursday (April 7-10): Drop-in + Fuel Up, Graduate School Office (Race Hall Room 103), 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Take a break and recharge with the Graduate School staff. Free caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks, snacks and giveaways will be available to help power through the end of the semester.
Tuesday (April 8): Get Caffeinated with the GSA, Lupton Hall Lobby, 4-6 p.m. Stop by for free energy drinks, coffee and stickers while connecting with the Graduate Student Association.
Wednesday (April 9): Free Professional Headshots, Career Connection Office (University Center Room 108), 3-5 p.m. Update your LinkedIn profile, portfolio or professional materials with a free headshot during this drop-in session.

* * * * *

Dr. Stefan Hördler, a historian of the Holocaust with a focus on Nazi concentration camps, will speak at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, in Derthick Hall Room 101.

The event is sponsored by the UTC Department of History, with support from the College of Arts and Sciences and the UTC Chair of Excellence in Judaic Studies.

For more information, contact Dr. John C. Swanson.

* * * * *

Sponsored by the George C. Connor Professorship of American Literature and the UTC Department of English, the Take Five 2025 lineup explores what it means to be educated in the modern world.

The final Take Five sessions will occur at 6 p.m. in the University Center Tennessee Room. The session will offer a light dinner, and no RSVP is necessary.

Tuesday, April 8: Dr. Bryan Hampton presents Julie Schumacher’s “The Shakespeare Requirement”

Books are available through online retailers and at the UTC Bookstore (423-425-4107). Contact Aaron Shaheen with questions.

* * * * *

Join the next Science on Tap discussion from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, at the Tap House in St. Elmo. Hear from Dr. Keenan Dungey, head of the UTC Department of Chemistry and Physics as he explores the potential of solar-powered cars. He’ll be joined by UC Foundation Chemistry Professor Tom Rybolt, who will share how he installed solar panels on his home and the energy they generate.

* * * * *

Theatre Co. students Ellen Rich (left), Maislynne Payne, Matthew Patrick and Caton Taylor.

A production making its Broadway debut this spring is also set to hit the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage.

The UTC Theatre Co. continues its 2024-2025 season with its production of “John Proctor is the Villain,” written by playwright Kimberly Belflower. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. from Tuesday, April 8, through Saturday, April 12—with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on April 12.

* * * * *

The 2025 Library Enhancement Initiative is now accepting recommendations for new books and films to add to the UTC Library collection.

Applications are due Friday, April 11. Click here for more information and to submit a recommendation.

* * * * *

Sessions are held on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and the final two topics include:

Thursday, April 17: “AI in the Workplace – Transforming Industries, Practical Tools, and the Future of Workplace AI”
Thursday, May 15: “AI and Society – Global Challenges, Environmental Impacts, and a Responsible Future”

* * * * *

On Wednesday, April 21, the Office of Title IX Compliance and the Center for Women and Gender Equity invite you to participate in Denim Day by swapping your usual work attire for your favorite pair of jeans. Denim Day is a global event aimed at showing solidarity with victims of sexual assault and challenging the harmful attitudes that contribute to rape culture.

* * * * *

The Walker Center for Teaching and Learning will host the 2025 Instructional Excellence Conference on Tuesday, May 6, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Michelle Miller.

Miller is a cognitive psychologist, researcher and author whose work supports higher education faculty in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Her books include:

“Minds Online: Teaching Effectively with Technology” (Harvard University Press, 2014)
“Remembering and Forgetting in the Age of Technology: Teaching, Learning, and the Science of Memory in a Wired World” (West Virginia University Press, 2022)
“A Teacher’s Guide to Learning Student Names: Why You Should, Why It’s Hard, How You Can” (University of Oklahoma Press, 2024)

She is a professor of psychological sciences and a President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow at Northern Arizona University.

Click here to register for the Instructional Excellence Conference. This event is free for UTC faculty, lecturers and adjuncts.

Campus Updates

* * * * *

The Office of the University Registrar reminds campus of the following upcoming registration dates and information:

March 25–April 21: Students who wish to withdraw from the University (withdraw from all classes) may submit a late semester withdrawal form
April 2: Last day to withdraw from any part of Term 2 course on a course-by-course basis with a grade of W (one or more courses)
April 9-17: Fall 2025 registration for currently enrolled UTC students
April 18: Spring Holiday (no classes)

* * * * *

Operation Move In (OMI) 2025 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, August 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.

For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.

* * * * *

Click here to read about Andrew Calkins, who is pursuing a master’s degree in education thanks to the Noyce Fellowship program.

* * * * *

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 June, 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.

* * * * *

Registration is now open for Mocs Adventure Camp, a summer experience filled with adventure, exploration and fun. Designed for rising first through eighth graders, the camp takes place at the UTC Aquatic and Recreation Center and offers a mix of outdoor activities, team-building experiences and skill development, all led by experienced and enthusiastic staff. The cost is $300 per week.

Camp dates:

Week 1: June 2-6
Week 2: June 9-13
Week 3: June 16-20
Week 4: June 23-27
Week 5: July 7-11
Week 6: July 14-18
Week 7: July 21-25
Week 8: July 28-Aug. 1

Spots fill up quickly, so don’t miss out on an unforgettable summer. Visit utc.edu/mocs-adventure-camp to register. For questions, contact Mocs Adventure Camp or call 423-425-4213.

* * * * *

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

* * * * *

UTC Aquatics is now hiring lifeguards for summer 2025. Applicants must be 16 years or older, pass all lifeguard prerequisites, be able to teach swimming lessons (training provided) and must have American Red Cross Lifeguard Certification. If applicants can work all summer, certification can be provided.

Lifeguards will make $13 an hour. Contact Kate Dennis if interested.

* * * * *

UTC Campus Recreation provides a variety of ways to stay active, from fitness classes and outdoor adventures to intramural sports, weightlifting and club sports. The Campus Recreation office, located in the Aquatics and Recreation Center, is open to anyone interested in learning more about available programs. Full-time faculty and staff memberships are $25 per month and can be set up as a payroll deduction.

Current opportunities include intramural registration for 7×7 soccer, indoor pickleball and indoor volleyball. Campus Recreation is also hiring lifeguards for the summer. Those interested can contact Kate Dennis for more information.

UTC Newsroom

UTC esports coordinator Chase Daffron—a December 2024 graduate—is also a business analyst in the University’s IT department and an MBA student. Photo by Ray Soldano.

With a new home in Maclellan Gym, a growing roster of student-athletes and strategic efforts to position itself among the top collegiate esports programs in the Southeast, UTC is making a strong play in the booming esports industry.

* * * * *

Tennessee Department of Disability and Aging Commissioner Brad Turner, left, Dr. Kristi Wick, Dr. Chris Smith and Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Ralph Alvarado at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for MobileMOC.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held last week to mark the official launch of MobileMOC—the UTC School of Nursing’s new mobile outreach health clinic designed to expand health care access for older adults and caregivers in rural Southeast Tennessee.

* * * * *

Taylor Busch (left) helps design costumes for the UTC Theatre Co. musical “Bright Star.”

When most people think of college theater, they picture actors delivering lines, musical numbers and dramatic monologues. Behind the scenes, however, is a long decision-making and creative process that shapes what the audience sees. For Taylor Busch, a visiting assistant professor of costume design at UTC, that process begins with fabric, color and countless rereads of the script.

* * * * *

ChattState student India Studyvent received a $1,000 scholarship to UTC.

The Power C Tour recently stopped at Chattanooga State Community College, where UTC faculty, staff and students connected with prospective transfer students. During the event, several ChattState students received $1,000 scholarships.

* * * * *

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

The UTC Karate Club, one of Campus Recreation’s club sports, is relatively new on campus. The organization began during the 2023-2024 academic year and practices just once per week. But when the club went up against seasoned competitors from traditional martial arts academies—including scholarship athletes from Bryan College’s Martial Arts Academy—the results told a different story.
Through the AHEAD-RN traineeship led by Dr. Brooke Epperson, associate director of the School of Nursing and the undergraduate program coordinator, eight nursing students are diving into the realities of rural health care. They’re learning that providing quality care in these communities isn’t just about medical skills—it’s about adaptability, cultural sensitivity and resourcefulness in environments where health care access can be severely limited.
UC Foundation Professor of Psychology Amye Warren’s research was highlighted at the College of Arts and Sciences’ annual Spotlight on Faculty Excellence event.
Assistant Professor of Anthropology Emma McDonell’s book, “The Quinoa Bust: The Making and Unmaking of an Andean Miracle Crop,” is based on 18 months of first-hand ethnographic research in the highlands of Peru.

WUTC

Ashley Capps, founder of AC Entertainment and producer of Bonnaroo, joined an episode of “The Richard Winham Show” on WUTC-FM 88.1 to discuss the Big Ears Festival that took place in Knoxville, Tennessee. Capps is the executive and artistic director of Big Ears.

March 25-31, 2025

Updates and news for the week of March 25-31, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

MEN’S BASKETBALL ADVANCES IN NATIONAL INVITATION TOURNAMENT

Photo courtesy of Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team went wire-to-wire behind a dominating effort to help soar past the University of Dayton 87-72 in front of a rowdy McKenzie Arena crowd on Saturday during the National Invitation Tournament (NIT).

The Mocs advanced to the NIT quarterfinals for the first time since 1985, while their 26 victories this season tie for the third-most in program history.

The Mocs will now face Bradley University at 7 p.m. today (March 25) in Peoria, Illinois. The game will be televised on ESPN2.

* * * * *

UPCOMING REGISTRATION DATES AND INFORMATION

The Office of the University Registrar reminds campus of the following upcoming registration dates and information:

March 25–April 21: Students who wish to withdraw from the University (withdraw from all classes) may submit a late semester withdrawal form
April 2: Last day to withdraw from any part of Term 2 course on a course-by-course basis with a grade of W (one or more courses)
April 9-17: Fall 2025 registration for currently enrolled UTC students
April 18: Spring Holiday (no classes)

* * * * *

NOMINATE OUTSTANDING FACULTY AND STAFF FOR THE ALUMNI AWARDS

Dr. Jose Barbosa

Each year, the University of Tennessee Alumni Association (UTAA) honors outstanding UTC faculty and staff through two prestigious awards: the Outstanding Teacher and Public Service Awards. Each award includes a $1,000 honorarium and an invitation to the reception and dinner of the UTAA Board of Governors. Applications are due Monday, March 31. Click here to nominate.

* * * * *

UNIVERSITY CENTER RENOVATIONS AND RESERVATIONS UPDATE

Great progress has been made on the renovation of the first floor of the University Center and additional changes are expected soon.

The University Center Office will be moving to its new permanent location in the former Foundation Room on Friday, March 28.
The current University Center Office and adjacent hallway will go offline next week for renovation.

The University Center will open space reservations for fall 2025 at 9 a.m. on Monday, March 31. Please be aware that space availability for second-floor rooms will be severely impacted beginning this summer because of the ongoing work.

Upcoming space changes include:

The Raccoon Mountain Room will go offline permanently in early May and will not return as a general meeting room. It will reopen in the fall as the new Admissions Tour Center.
The Tennessee Room will go offline on Wednesday, April 23, and will not be available until early October.
The UC Auditorium will go offline in mid-July and will remain offline through the fall semester.
The Chattanooga Rooms will remain unavailable for the duration of the project as they are used for surge space.
The third floor of the UC will go offline in mid-November and will remain offline into the late fall 2026 semester.

Outstanding People of UTC

Dr. Yu Liang

Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in February. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $129,052 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $8,926,264 in external funding, if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in February was Professor of Computer Science and Engineering Yu Liang, who led a collaborative effort on a $100,000 award from the AI/Machine Learning Consortium to Advance Health Equity and Researcher Diversity for the project titled, “Enhancing Healthcare Equity through Large-Language-Model-Enabled Diagnostic and Therapeutic Music Modality.”

* * * * *

Check out these Mocs in the news:

The Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor (URaCE) is sending nine undergraduates to the Posters at the Capitol event on Wednesday, April 2. The nine students headed to the Tennesee State Capitol in Nashville are Landon Boone (physics), Barbara Higgs (chemistry), Angelica Lance (environmental science), Brenden Lippard (mechatronics), Alyssa Matthews (biochemistry), Logan McCollough (mechanical engineering), Diya Patel (mechanical engineering), Anna Sherrill (environmental science: policy and planning) and Tooba Tanveer (mechanical engineering).
Dr. Hassan Afzal, visiting assistant professor of political science, published a reflection on the International Studies Association website about attending ISA 2025 in Chicago. He shared how the conference supports research, networking and student-focused opportunities.
UTC Center for Regional Economic Research Professor Howard Wall spoke to News Channel 9 about a bill that could raise home loan interest rates.
Dr. Christina Policastro, UC Foundation associate professor of criminal justice, joined an episode of Let’s Chatt on News 12 Now to discuss the UTC Graduate School.

Mark Your Calendar

Kit Gresham (photo credit: Kelsey Williams/GoMocs.com)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Today, March 25: Women’s Tennis vs. St. Thomas (Minnesota), UTC Tennis Center, 3 p.m.
Friday, March 28: Women’s Golf at Chattanooga Classic – Round 1, 9 a.m.
Friday, March 28: Women’s Tennis vs. UNCG, UTC Tennis Center, 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 29: Women’s Golf at Chattanooga Classic – Round 2, 9 a.m.
Saturday, March 29: Beach Volleyball vs. UT Martin, UTC Sports Complex, 11 a.m.
Saturday, March 29: Men’s Tennis vs. ETSU, UTC Tennis Center, noon
Saturday, March 29: Beach Volleyball vs. Tusculum, UTC Sports Complex, 3 p.m.
Sunday, March 30: Women’s Golf at Chattanooga Classic – Final Round, 9 a.m

* * * * *

“Doing Business in Italy” is led by Dr. Katherine Karl, head of the Department of Management. Students earn three credit hours at either the undergraduate (MGT 4950) or graduate (MGT 5950) level.

Information sessions:

Tuesday, March 25: Fletcher Hall Room 109 and Zoom, 12:30 p.m.
Thursday, April 3: Zoom, 12:30 p.m.
Monday, April 7: Zoom, 12:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 8: Zoom, 2 p.m.

For more information, contact COB International or visit COB International Programs.

* * * * *

Students Providing Aid (SPAid) is holding its second meeting at 5 p.m. today (March 25) in Holt Hall Room 229.

* * * * *

The Office of Multicultural Affairs is hosting the Run the World Dinner from 6:30-8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 26, in the University Center. The Run the World Dinner is a professional networking event designed to connect UTC students to campus, share their leadership experiences and provide insight from their collegiate and career journeys.

This year our speaker is UTC alum Dr. Tracel M. Lockhart, CEO of Evia Solutions. Table mentors will also be present at each lunch table. This will include leaders from UTC’s campus and the Chattanooga community. These mentors are committed to impacting young women’s lives through leadership, service and mentoring. Staff and faculty can register here.

* * * * *

UTC, along with Chattanooga State, CARTA and other partners, is co-sponsoring the Southern Regional Honors Council Conference (SRHC) Thursday to Saturday, March 27-29, bringing more than 500 honors students and educators to Chattanooga.

The conference will feature events unique to the city, including a “City as Text” exploration followed by a Q&A with Mayor Tim Kelly, a student networking event with Narrative Four, and a screening of “How to Sue the Klan” at the IMAX featuring director John Beder and members of the Chattanooga Five families. The program also includes hundreds of undergraduate research presentations and a reception at the Tennessee Aquarium.

UTC alum and Brock Scholar Robert Fisher—the University’s first Rhodes Scholar, a Truman Scholar and founder of Fisher Strategy Partners—will deliver the keynote address.

* * * * *

The Center for Wellbeing is offering training for faculty and staff. 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.

Thursday, March 27: Psychological First Aid, University Center Room 350, noon-1 p.m. (Lunch will be provided)

* * * * *

Students, sign up to participate in the Fly Pitch competition in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship on Thursday, April 17, and you could win up to $5,000.

Here’s how it works:

Prepare a pitch for a new business
Present it to judges
The top three winners get a grant from the Patton Foundation

Apply here by Thursday, March 27, to compete.

* * * * *

Join the Master of Public Health program for Nourishing Minds in Research Bites from 1-2 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, in the Metropolitan Building Room 306. The event, sponsored by Cengage Learning and the HHP Department, will feature presentations by MPH students Emily Holden and Brittany Rogers and faculty member Marissa McElrone. Food and beverages will be provided.

* * * * *

The Department of Chemistry and Physics will conclude its spring seminar series with a talk by Dr. Thanh D. Do, assistant professor of chemistry at UT Knoxville, from 3:30-4:15 p.m. on Friday, March 28, in Grote Hall Room 411.

In a talk titled “Toward the Design of Membrane-Permeable Macrocyclic Peptides for Undruggable Targets: A Biophysical Chemistry Perspective,” Do will discuss efforts to understand the structure and flexibility of cyclosporines—macrocyclic peptides with potential to bind targets that are inaccessible to traditional small molecules. His lab uses a combination of experimental and computational methods to study the conformational diversity of cyclosporines and their binding properties.

For more information, visit Do’s faculty page. For event details, click here.

* * * * *

To honor the sacrifices and changes women have set forth in history, the Center for Women and Gender Equity (WaGE) at the UTC celebrates Women’s History Month throughout March.

Women’s History Month calendar of events include:

Friday, March 28, through Sunday, March 30: Women’s Leadership Academy, Ocoee Retreat Center
Monday, March 31: Stitch and Bitch, Lupton Hall 118, noon

* * * * *

Join the Women’s History Month Book Club from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, March 28, in the Southern Writer’s Room (UTC Library Room 440) to discuss “The Grace Year” by Kim Liggett.

* * * * *

Bridgman Packer Dance’s “Ghost Factory,” a fusion of dance, film and technology, comes to UTC LIVE! on at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 28, in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall. The performance blends live movement with haunting visuals of abandoned factories, exploring the stories embedded in industrial spaces.

An accompanying audio/visual installation, “Places With Hidden Stories,” will further connect past and present through narratives from Johnson City, New York and Chattanooga.

Click here for tickets and details..

* * * * *

The School of Nursing is excited to invite you to the MobileMOC campus celebration from 12:30-3:30 p.m. on Monday, March 31, between Hunter Hall and Chamberlain Field. Stop by to tour our new Medical Outreach Clinic, an interprofessional primary care unit designed to serve older adults and caregivers in rural Tennessee while also providing students with a unique, nontraditional clinical experience. A ribbon cutting will be held at 1:45 p.m.

For more information, text/call (423) 402-0330 or email MobileMOC.

* * * * *

Celebrate I Love UTC Week by helping a fellow Moc. Donate to the on-campus food pantry, Scrappy’s Cupboard, during the week of March 31-April 4. Scrappy’s Cupboard supports all UTC students, faculty and staff experiencing food insecurity.

Food drive donation bins will be located in Lupton 104, the UTC Library first floor info desk, UC Room 399, the Guerry Center lobby, the Decosimo Student Success Center and the Chancellor’s Office.

Can’t donate in person? Donations are accepted via Amazon wishlist or financially online.

* * * * *

Business students are invited to an exclusive Unum Luncheon from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2, at Unum’s downtown office, where they can explore internship and full-time opportunities, network with company representatives and tour the office.

A van is available for 11 students on a first-come, first-served basis, or attendees may drive themselves. Space is limited, so RSVP by emailing Megan Cales by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 28, indicating transportation needs and any dietary restrictions.

* * * * *

The 2025 Financial Literacy Lecture, titled “Coping with Complexity,” will take place virtually from noon-1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 2.

* * * * *

Sarah Whitney

* * * * *

Dr. Emma McDonell

Join a Q&A and book launch for “The Quinoa Bust: The Making and Unmaking of an Andean Miracle Crop” with UTC Anthropology Professor Emma McDonell, facilitated by UTC Sociology Professor Natalie Blanton. The event will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, April 4, in the Roth Reading Room at the UTC Library. Attendees must register here.

* * * * *

This is opportunity is open to all UTC students—any major, any year.

Click here to complete your application by Friday, April 4.

* * * * *

Dr. Stefan Hördler, a historian of the Holocaust with a focus on Nazi concentration camps, will speak at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, April 8, in Derthick Hall Room 101.

The event is sponsored by the UTC Department of History, with support from the College of Arts and Sciences and the UTC Chair of Excellence in Judaic Studies.

For more information, contact Dr. John C. Swanson.

* * * * *

Sponsored by the George C. Connor Professorship of American Literature and the UTC Department of English, the Take Five 2025 lineup explores what it means to be educated in the modern world.

The final Take Five sessions will occur at 6 p.m. in the University Center Tennessee Room. The session will offer a light dinner, and no RSVP is necessary.

Tuesday, April 8: Dr. Bryan Hampton presents Julie Schumacher’s “The Shakespeare Requirement”

Books are available through online retailers and at the UTC Bookstore (423-425-4107). Contact Aaron Shaheen with questions.

* * * * *

A production making its Broadway debut this spring is also set to hit the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage.

The UTC Theatre Co. continues its 2024-2025 season with its production of “John Proctor is the Villain,” written by playwright Kimberly Belflower. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. from Tuesday, April 8, through Saturday, April 12—with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on April 12.

* * * * *

The 2025 Library Enhancement Initiative is now accepting recommendations for new books and films to add to the UTC Library collection.

Applications are due Friday, April 11. Click here for more information and to submit a recommendation.

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The Walker Center for Teaching and Learning will host the 2025 Instructional Excellence Conference on Tuesday, May 6, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Michelle Miller.

Miller is a cognitive psychologist, researcher and author whose work supports higher education faculty in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Her books include:

“Minds Online: Teaching Effectively with Technology” (Harvard University Press, 2014)
“Remembering and Forgetting in the Age of Technology: Teaching, Learning, and the Science of Memory in a Wired World” (West Virginia University Press, 2022)
“A Teacher’s Guide to Learning Student Names: Why You Should, Why It’s Hard, How You Can” (University of Oklahoma Press, 2024)

She is a professor of psychological sciences and a President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow at Northern Arizona University.

Click here to register for the Instructional Excellence Conference. This event is free for UTC faculty, lecturers and adjuncts.

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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.

Today (March 25): Joshua Tyler, Multidisciplinary Research Building Auditorium, 3 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

Spring has sprung!

Here are five simple ways to improve your wellness during this season:

Get active outdoors: Take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days by engaging in outdoor activities like hiking, cycling or walking in the park. Fresh air and sunshine can help boost your mood and energy levels.
Eat seasonal, fresh foods: Spring brings a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, such as asparagus, peas, strawberries and leafy greens. Incorporate these nutrient-rich, seasonal foods into your meals to nourish your body and support your health.
Prioritize mental clarity: Use spring as an opportunity to declutter your mind. Practice mindfulness, meditation or journaling to clear out mental fog and reduce stress. A calm mind can help you stay focused and present.
Hydrate and refresh: As temperatures rise, it’s important to stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water throughout the day and consider adding refreshing options like infused water with fruits or herbs to keep your hydration routine exciting.
Boost your sleep routine: With the change in daylight hours, it’s crucial to adjust your sleep schedule to get enough rest. Create a relaxing bedtime routine and ensure your bedroom is cool, dark and quiet for optimal sleep quality.

These simple wellness tips can help you feel more energized and balanced as you transition into the warmer seasons.

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Details for the Spring 2025 CHAIN (Chattanooga’s Artificial Intelligence Network) Lunch and Learn Series have been posted. From practical applications to the future of the AI landscape, you’ll learn how to utilize AI in your business and in your life while networking with peers in the Chattanooga area.

Monthly sessions will be held at 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Thursdays through May, and lunch is included. Check out the CHAIN webpage or call the Center for Professional Education (423-425-4344) to register or for more info. The cost is $25 per session. Departments may pay with a transfer voucher after registration.

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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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Camp dates:

Week 1: June 2-6
Week 2: June 9-13
Week 3: June 16-20
Week 4: June 23-27
Week 5: July 7-11
Week 6: July 14-18
Week 7: July 21-25
Week 8: July 28-Aug. 1

Spots fill up quickly, so don’t miss out on an unforgettable summer. Visit utc.edu/mocs-adventure-camp to register. For questions, contact Mocs Adventure Camp or call 423-425-4213.

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Lifeguards will make $13 an hour. Contact Kate Dennis if interested.

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UTC Newsroom

Kim Holder

Understanding economics and personal finance is essential to navigating life’s biggest decisions, according to Kim Holder, managing director of the Center for Economic Education (CEE) at UTC.

The CEE is dedicated to educating students, teachers and local citizens about economic issues in the UTC community and beyond. Holder is carrying out this mission and wants people of all ages and backgrounds to understand the value of economic education.

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Andrew Calkins

For Andrew Calkins, discovering a passion for teaching was a journey that began with a simple act of helping others. After earning his undergraduate degree in mathematics from UTC in December 2022, Calkins initially set his sights on a career in data analytics or actuarial science. A tutoring experience with UTC’s Mosaic Program, though, revealed that teaching was the more rewarding path.

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

For young math minds, solving complex puzzles isn’t just a skill—it’s a challenge they embrace. Last week, students ranging from elementary school to high school arrived at Grote Hall to put their problem-solving skills to the test in the 2025 Math Kangaroo competition.
The College of Arts and Sciences celebrated Dr. Amye Warren at its annual faculty spotlight event last Thursday. Now in its fourth year, the Spotlight on Faculty Excellence series highlights exceptional CAS faculty, offering them a platform to showcase their research, scholarship and creative work to the UTC campus and Chattanooga community.
A social entrepreneurship team comprised of two UTC theatre students was selected to compete in the Hult Prize 2025 United States National Competition—a contest challenging students to develop innovative business solutions for global issues. Senior Pearson Smith—UTC’s first theatre entrepreneurship major—and junior Harrison Faulkner, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in theatre, represented the University last weekend at the Hult International Business School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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 the Gary W. Rollins College of Business expansion and the new academic calendar.

March 18-24, 2025

Updates and news for the week of March 18-24, 2025

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

DOUGLAS STREET AND OAK STREET INTERSECTION TEMPORARILY CLOSED

The intersection of Douglas Street and Oak Street is temporarily closed as part of the Fletcher Hall expansion project.

This long-term closure reroutes vehicular traffic and affects pedestrian access in the area. Douglas Street is closed from McCallie Avenue to Oak Street, with limited one-way access for Christ Church Episcopal (located at 663 Douglas St.).

Construction fencing has been installed around designated work zones, impacting access to Fletcher Hall (660 Douglas St.) and Alumni House (551 Oak St.). ADA-accessible paths have been adjusted and detour routes have been put in place to accommodate the closure.

Motorists and pedestrians are advised to plan alternate routes and use caution when navigating near the construction zone. UTC Facilities Planning and Management, in coordination with the Department of Public Safety, will provide updates as needed.

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MEN’S BASKETBALL HEADS TO NATIONAL INVITATION TOURNAMENT

The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team heads to Murfreesboro for the opening round of the 2025 National Invitation Tournament (photo courtesy of Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com).

The Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team is set to take the court tonight (March 18) in the 2025 National Invitational Tournament (NIT), facing Middle Tennessee State University. Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. at the Murphy Center in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and the game will be streamed live on ESPN+. Chattanooga (24-9) and Middle Tennessee (22-11) are competing in the Dayton region, where the Dayton Flyers hold the top seed among the eight-team group.

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WOMEN’S BASKETBALL TO HOST NIT MATCHUP

For the seventh time in program history, Chattanooga women’s basketball will see its season extended with the team receiving a spot in the 2025 Women’s National Invitation Tournament. The Mocs (16-14) will host Alabama A&M (21-10) at 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, at McKenzie Arena. The game will be streamed live on ESPN+.

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NOMINATE OUTSTANDING FACULTY AND STAFF FOR THE ALUMNI AWARDS

Dr. Jose Barbosa

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

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

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email Hannah Turcotte by 5 p.m. on Monday, March 24. The April newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, April 2.

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

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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH AT UTC

To honor the sacrifices and changes women have set forth in history, the Center for Women and Gender Equity (WaGE) at the UTC celebrates Women’s History Month throughout March.

Women’s History Month calendar of events include:

Monday, March 24: Gender and Neurodiversity Chat, Disability Resource Center (University Center 352), noon
Friday, March 28, through Sunday, March 30: Women’s Leadership Academy, Ocoee Retreat Center
Monday, March 31: Stitch and Bitch, Lupton Hall 118, noon

Outstanding People of UTC

UC Foundation Professor of Psychology Amye Warren

The College of Arts and Sciences will celebrate Dr. Amye Warren at its annual faculty spotlight event on Thursday, March 20. Now in its fourth year, the Spotlight on Faculty Excellence series highlights exceptional CAS faculty, offering them a platform to showcase their research, scholarship and creative work to the UTC campus and Chattanooga community.

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Pearson Smith (left) and Harrison Faulkner

A social entrepreneurship team comprised of two UTC theatre students has been selected to compete in the Hult Prize 2025 United States National Competition—a contest challenging students to develop innovative business solutions for global issues. Senior Pearson Smith—UTC’s first theatre entrepreneurship major—and junior Harrison Faulkner, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in marketing with a minor in theatre, will represent the University this weekend at the Hult International Business School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

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Gary W. Rollins College of Business students Taylor Dunagan, Jacob Gould, Brooke McMillen, Nevaeh Morris, Vanee Patel, Justin Straus and Erin Yenawine were named 2024-25 John C. Stophel Distinguished Students by Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C.

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Sergio Desiante (pictured), Noah Castillo and Blake Boarman earned berths in the NCAA Wrestling Championships (photo courtesy of Laura O’Dell/GoMocs.com).

The NCAA Wrestling Championships brackets were announced last week, with three Chattanooga Mocs wrestlers earning spots in the tournament.

Blake Boarman (133 pounds), Noah Castillo (157 pounds) and Sergio Desiante (174 pounds) will make their first appearances at the event. Castillo and Desiante secured automatic bids by winning their weight classes at the Southern Conference Championships, while Boarman earned one of two league allocations.

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Coach Blaine Woodruff, Ethan Whitaker, Garrett Engle, Braedon Wear, Dalton Chuba, Camden Braidech and Assistant Coach Ryan Hogan (photo credit: GoMocs.com)

The Chattanooga Mocs won the Babygrande Golf Donald Ross Collegiate with a total score of 25-under 839, finishing 23 strokes ahead of second-place George Mason University. The team closed the tournament with an impressive 18-under 270 in the final round.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

Dr. Christina Policastro, UC Foundation associate professor of criminal justice, was on News Channel 9’s This n That to talk about the UTC Graduate School.
Assistant Professor of Anthropology Emma McDonell was interviewed for episodes of the Gastropod Podcast and the Eat This Podcast to discuss her new book, “The Quinoa Bust: The Making and Unmaking of an Andean Miracle Crop.”
A Times Free Press article on the five-year anniversary of COVID-19 closing Hamilton County Schools featured Valerie Rutledge, dean of the College of Health, Education and Professional Studies.

Mark Your Calendar

Olivia Lipari (photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Today, March 18: Softball vs. Kennesaw State, Frost Stadium, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 21: Softball vs. UNC Greensboro (DH), Frost Stadium, 1 p.m.
Saturday, March 21: Women’s Basketball vs. Alabama A&M, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 22: Men’s Tennis vs. Mercer, UTC Tennis Center, noon
Sunday, March 22: Softball vs. UNC Greensboro, Frost Stadium, 2 p.m.

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Sponsored by the George C. Connor Professorship of American Literature and the UTC Department of English, the Take Five 2025 lineup explores what it means to be educated in the modern world.

Take Five sessions occur Tuesday nights at 6 p.m. in the University Center Tennessee Room. Each session will offer a light dinner, and no RSVP is necessary. Upcoming spring dates:

Today (March 18): Dr. Verbie Prevost presents Larry Brown’s “Dirty Work”
Tuesday, April 8: Dr. Bryan Hampton presents Julie Schumacher’s “The Shakespeare Requirement”

All books are available through online retailers and at the UTC Bookstore (423-425-4107). Contact Aaron-Shaheen@utc.edu with questions.

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Professor M.T. Samuel of the UTC Department of History is offering an LSAT prep workshop for students interested in applying to law school. The four-session workshop will take place on from 4:30-5:45 p.m. on Tuesdays in EMCS 232. Sessions will take place today (March 18), March 25, April 1 and April 8.

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The Center for Academic Support and Advisement invites you to UTC’s annual Majors and Minors Fair from 1-3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19, in the University Center Tennessee Room. If you are a student undecided on your major or considering changing your major, this event is a great opportunity to talk with faculty members in departments across campus about majors or minors you may be considering. If you have already chosen a major or minor, this is also a great opportunity to connect with faculty in your chosen department.

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The Meacham Writers’ Workshop, one of UTC’s longest-running literary traditions, will celebrate its 40th anniversary this spring with a series of readings, receptions and special events featuring award-winning writers, UTC alums and emerging voices.

The 2025 Spring Meacham Writers’ Workshop, taking place March 19-22, is free and open to the public—with events held at various locations on the UTC campus and at Stove Works (1250 E. 13th St. in Chattanooga). Since its inception in 1985, the workshop has provided a platform for nationally known authors, local writers, students and novice writers to engage in an open exchange of ideas, works and readings.

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After last month’s great turnout, WUTC is excited to bring back the Morning Coffee Meetup. Join WUTC for a casual morning coffee and connect with the voices behind your favorite WUTC-FM 88.1 shows. Meet the hosts, staff and fellow listeners from 8:30-10:30 a.m. on Thursday, March 20, at Be Caffeinated coffee shop on the North Shore (14 W Kent St.). We’ll be gathering on the cozy enclosed patio and everyone is welcome—no RSVP or cost required. Don’t miss this chance to mingle, chat and get to know the WUTC team.

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The Center for Wellbeing is offering a monthly line-up of trainings for faculty and staff. 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.

Thursday, March 20: Suicide Prevention Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale University Center Room 350, noon-1 p.m. (Lunch will be provided)
Thursday, March 27: Psychological First Aid, University Center Room 350, noon-1 p.m. (Lunch will be provided)

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The next Quantum Journal Club will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, in the Math Department Conference Room (Lupton Hall Room 308). Wilhelm Treschow, a doctoral student in mathematics at Lund University, Sweden, will be the featured speaker for the meeting.

Treschow’s presentation, “Impurity Spectra in Crystal Lattices,” will examine the behavior of embedded eigenvalues in Schrödinger operators with asymptotically periodic potentials. These eigenvalues, which lie within the continuous spectrum, are highly sensitive to perturbations. The talk will explore their role in quantum systems, particularly how local impurities or external potentials affect electron behavior in crystalline solids.

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Please join the CAS Access and Inclusive Excellence Committee in celebrating Dr. Amye Warren and her work. For the last four decades, Warren’s work has involved applying lessons from language and cognitive development research to improving educational and justice outcomes for children, adolescents and autistic individuals. Her talk at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, in Lupton Hall Room 120, will discuss the intersectionality between psychology, language and the justice system. A reception will be held afterwards.

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The Department of Chemistry and Physics continues its spring semester seminar series with “Ether Dynamics and Unification of Gravitational and Electromagnetic Forces,” a talk presented by Dr. Ling Jun “Eddie” Wang, professor of physics in the Department of Chemistry and Physics. The event will take place from 3:30-4:15 p.m. on Friday, March 21, in Grote Hall Room 129.

In this talk, based on over 30 years of scholarship at UTC, Wang will present his theory of Ether Dynamics, which unifies the Biot-Savart law and the Lorentz force law in electrodynamics. His research demonstrates that the magnetic field arises from the vorticity of ether and introduces a dynamic gravitational force to complement Isaac Newton’s static gravitational force. This work contributes to the long-standing effort in the physics community to unify gravitational and electromagnetic forces.

For event details, click here.

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Join Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, March 22, in Derthick Hall Room 101, for a queer theory film screening of “Angels in America.” This is an opportunity to view both parts of HBO’s broadcast of Tony Kushner’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play.

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Attend a Star Party on Sunday, March 23, at UTC’s Clarence T. Jones Observatory. The event is free and open to the public.

Gates open at 6:30 p.m., with the lecture and planetarium show beginning at 7 p.m. and rotating every half hour. A telescope viewing will be available until 9 p.m., featuring Chattanooga’s historic 20.5-inch telescope. The topic of the night is “Procession of the Equinoxes” by Wesley Foster, Chattanooga State assistant professor of physics.

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

For more information, visit the Observatory webpage.

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Students, sign up to participate in the Fly Pitch competition in the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship on Thursday, April 17, and you could win up to $5,000.

Here’s how it works:

Prepare a pitch for a new business
Present it to judges
The top three winners get a grant from the Patton Foundation

Apply here by Thursday, March 27, to compete.

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Join the Women’s History Month Book Club from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, March 28, in the Southern Writer’s Room (UTC Library Room 440) to discuss “The Grace Year” by Kim Liggett.

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For more information, text/call (423) 402-0330 or email MobileMOC.

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Emma McDonell

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This is opportunity is open to all UTC students—any major, any year.

Click here to complete your application by Friday, April 4.

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

Wednesday (March 19): Collin Kilmer, ECS Room 239, 4 p.m., Calendar
Friday (March 21): Mark Horlu, Lupton Hall Room 303, 1:30 p.m., Calendar
Tuesday (March 25): Joshua Tyler, Multidisciplinary Research Building Auditorium, 3 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

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The Humanities Program invites all UTC undergraduates to participate in the North Callahan Essay Prize, awarded each year to an undergraduate whose exceptionally fine essay addresses a subject related to the Humanities (art, music, philosophy, religion, rhetoric/literature, history, theater, or interdisciplinary studies that combine these disciplines). Essays will be evaluated by an interdisciplinary committee of professors. The prize carries a $1,000 award.

Funding for the award is provided by an endowment established by the late Dr. North Callahan, distinguished professor emeritus of history at New York University, author of 17 books and an alumnus of the University of Chattanooga.

Essays must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 21. Click here for the submission form PDF. Email Jose Luis Gastanaga with questions and to submit the essay.

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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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WUTC 88.1 FM, Chattanooga’s NPR station, is excited to announce changes to its program schedule. These updates are designed to provide a more seamless listening experience by offering longer blocks of music and talk programming, while also introducing new local shows to the lineup.

Listeners can look forward to an expanded roster of locally produced programs, including:

“Tuesday Bluesday” with Jhett Black
“Grateful Dead Monday” with Chants In The Void
“Scenic Sounds” with Alex Volz
“All Request Chattanooga” with Alex Volz
“The Moonlight Mile” with Clark Gibson
“Night Drive” with Sara Mirucki
The return of “Please Be Quiet Please” with Josh and Jeremy Pickard
“Chord Drift” with Paul Jorgensen
“Signal and Nosie” with Brandon Herring

Popular WUTC programs like “The Richard Winham Show” and “Scenic Roots” with Ray Bassett will continue in their familiar time slots, with some expansions to better serve audiences. “The Haley Solomon Show” is now airing live from 1-3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Learn more and view the full schedule here.

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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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Camp dates:

Week 1: June 2-6
Week 2: June 9-13
Week 3: June 16-20
Week 4: June 23-27
Week 5: July 7-11
Week 6: July 14-18
Week 7: July 21-25
Week 8: July 28-Aug. 1

Spots fill up quickly, so don’t miss out on an unforgettable summer. Visit utc.edu/mocs-adventure-camp to register. For questions, contact Mocs Adventure Camp or call 423-425-4213.

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Lifeguards will make $13 an hour. Contact Kate Dennis if interested.

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UTC students, faculty and staff can try out a subscription to Ground News thanks to the UTC Library.

Ground News is a platform that makes it easy to compare news sources, read between the lines of media bias and break free from algorithms. Nearly 60,000 articles from publications around the world are compiled every day, and users can explore political biases, factuality and ownership data from just about every news organization. Users can also take advantage of the Blindspot feature to see stories covered by different sides of the political spectrum.

To sign up:

Make sure you are connected to UTC Wi-Fi or logged in to a computer on the UTC network.
Visit https://ground.news/register or download the Ground News app in the App Store or Google Play.
Use your own e-mail and password. No need to use the “Continue with Institution” feature.

Trial access ends on Saturday, March 22. If you have any questions, feedback or would like to see this resource stick around, please contact us via e-mail.

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UTC Newsroom

Allen Green

The “about” section of Allen Green’s LinkedIn makes his life’s mission clear.

“I am dedicated to making sure the once hopeless will no longer be captivated by hurt and pain or failure, but will raise above their circumstances,” it reads. “Pain and suffering will be the driving force for hope.”

This is how Green transformed his own life—going from living in foster and group homes to becoming a firefighter, earning a college degree and writing a children’s book.

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Members of the MobileMOC team include front row, from left: Stephanie Blaine, Dr. Chris Smith, Dr. Kristi Wick, Becky Miller, Dr. Cathy Scott and Dr. Latisha Toney; back row, from left: Dr. Meagan Oslund, Joshua Epperson, Dr. Shewanee Howard-Baptiste and Lori Coletta.

The School of Nursing is set to unveil MobileMOC, a mobile outreach health clinic designed to expand health care access for older adults and caregivers in rural Southeast Tennessee. A launch celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremony will take place at noon on Tuesday, March 25, at the Rhea County Welcome Center in Dayton, Tennessee (107 Main St.).

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

The Department of Theatre is introducing a new multi-disciplinary film and TV studies minor, allowing allow students to explore all aspects of film and television from in front of and behind the camera. Working with the communication, English, and Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures departments, the new minor—coming in the 2025-26 academic year—will give students a flexible path that suits their interests in film and TV.
The Hamilton County Jail and Detention Center now serves as an unconventional classroom for nursing students at UTC. Now in its fourth semester, this jail rotation is a crucial component of the community nursing course—the result of a partnership between the School of Nursing and the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office. Small groups of students assist the jail’s clinical staff with health assessments, vital signs and lab work, gaining insights that extend beyond nursing basics.

WUTC

Pamela Thomas-Graham, author and photographer of the upcoming book, “When Words Fail: A Photographic Journey through New York City,” spoke with Richard Winham for an episode of WUTC’s “Open Book.”

IN MEMORIAM

It is with a heavy heart that the Criminal Justice faculty announced the passing of Dr. Gale Iles, who died Friday, March 14, during a sudden health-related event. Dr. Iles served faithfully as a professor of Criminal Justice at UTC since 2006, after earning her Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the University of Nebraska, Omaha. In her professional capacity, Dr. Iles was a recognized expert in the area of courts and sentencing. She was a highly productive scholar, co-authoring nearly 20 peer-reviewed works and $1 million in grant funding. She was also a committed teacher and mentor to thousands of UTC students during her nearly 20-year career, driven by a genuine and peerless desire to grow the professional networks of her students and promote their future success in the field. Dr. Iles was similarly tireless in her commitment to our community, having served as a member of the Hamilton County Community Corrections Advisory Board, consultant for the Hamilton County Family Justice Center, evaluator for the Veterans Treatment Court Planning Initiative, volunteer for the Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition, and member of the Board of Directors for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Greater Chattanooga.

As a human being, Gale was every bit as remarkable. She was an accomplished flutist and a member of the L’abri Symphony for nearly a decade. She was most certainly a citizen of the world, having visited more than 30 countries across the globe. Each destination only seemed to further enrich her appreciation for people, their struggles, and their achievements. Most importantly, Gale possessed an unmatched generosity of spirit. As a Big Sister, she took her Little Sister on a once-in-a-lifetime, all-expense paid cruise. On another occasion, after becoming aware of a UTC student’s struggles, Gale paid their tuition from her own pocket. True to her humble nature, she never advertised such things. Instead, they would come up in conversation months or years after the fact. We are all better people for having known her, and our world is a lesser place without her in it.

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UTC to Introduce Changes to Academic Calendar Starting in 2026

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is making a significant shift in its academic calendar, with changes set to begin in spring 2026 as part of a transition to a new long-term structure.

At that point, the first day of the fall semester will move to the fourth Monday in August and the spring semester will begin the Tuesday after Martin Luther King Jr. Day—except in years when the holiday falls on Jan. 21 (the next time that occurs is in 2030).

UTC Provost and Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Jerold L. Hale said that these changes were carefully planned based on faculty, staff and student input.

“This shift is an important step toward improving UTC’s academic calendar in a way that benefits students, faculty and the institution as a whole,” Hale said. “Moving the spring semester later helps us better align with other institutions, improve recruitment and retention and support student success. We are making this transition gradually to ensure that everyone has time to adjust.”

One of the most notable adjustments involves shortening fall and spring semesters from 17 to 16 weeks while preserving the 13-week summer term for clinical programs, which require long-term planning for placements. Hale explained that maintaining this schedule while adjusting the length of fall and spring semesters ensures that students in these programs continue to receive the same level of hands-on training without disruption.

To maintain accreditation requirements, class meeting times will increase beginning in fall 2026:

Classes meeting three times per week will increase from 50 to 55 minutes.
Classes meeting twice per week will increase from 75 to 85 minutes.
Lab courses that previously started in the second week of the semester will now begin in Week 1.

UTC Interim Chancellor Robert Dooley praised the collaborative effort behind the decision.

“I want to thank Provost Hale and his staff for their work on getting feedback from faculty, staff and students on our academic calendar,” said Dooley, who was on the Academic Calendar Committee as dean of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business. “This is beneficial to the majority of campus and it is important for us to bridge these changes in the next academic year.

“Aligning with other four-year institutions in the region, as well as Chattanooga State and Cleveland State, gives us greater ability to attract transfers—while the later start date also helps students with any academic appeals. Both of these will have a positive impact on our enrollment and retention efforts, which will be a primary focus moving forward.”

University Registrar Joel Wells highlighted the benefits of delaying the spring semester start—particularly for incoming students.

“This will allow us to better onboard students, particularly transfer students and transfer athletes who often struggle with processing paperwork and registering for classes in time,” he said. “Having a calendar that aligns with other institutions across the state makes us more competitive in recruitment and retention.

“Once we move to the new structure, our start and end dates will be the same as Chattanooga State and Cleveland State community colleges, making it a more seamless experience for students.”

Hale said that these changes will support the broader health of the University.

“As we continue to think about Total Organizational Health, I believe this shift will have a very positive impact,” he said. “It will improve our ability to recruit and retain transfer students, allow student-athletes more time to enroll and give students appealing academic probations a longer window to submit their materials. This is about making UTC a more accessible and competitive institution.”

Senior Jordan Fall, a marketing major in the Gary W. Rollins College of Business, is the current president of the Student Government Association.

“The new UTC academic calendar will be beneficial for students and the Chattanooga community alike,” Fall said. “After aligning the calendar with the UT System and most Hamilton County Schools, students will feel more connected to the University community and others following that schedule.

“The increased time during the summer term will allow students to prioritize work, internships, summer classes and general leisure even more. Overall, the increased time during breaks, time between classes and syncing with the community will be highly favorable for UTC students.”

Senior engineering management major Chamyra Teasley spent the 2023-2024 academic year as president of the SGA. This year, she is a freshman senate advisor and a resident assistant.

“I have heard lots of positive feedback from students—from the upperclassmen to the freshman students,” Teasley said. “I especially like the later start time at the beginning of each spring semester because that allows more time for everyone to stay home after the New Year. As an RA, I am biased as this would allow for a later start time for training.

“Other proposed changes just overall point toward a more student-centered education, even taking into consideration non-traditional students and students who have children in the Hamilton County Schools system. Overall, I believe that these proposed changes will enhance our experience by accommodating our diverse needs.”

The new spring start dates will positively impact the UTC athletics department.

“We are excited about the new calendar and the opportunity it opens for us to bring in transfers between semesters,” said Assistant Vice Chancellor for Athletic Academic Enhancement Emily Blackman, a member of the Academic Calendar Committee. “If the calendar didn’t change, we would be back in class before the NCAA Transfer Portal opened, making it difficult for many of our sports to recruit a competitive program.”

The adjustments also help UTC better align with Hamilton County Schools’ spring break, making scheduling easier for faculty, staff and students with school-age children.

Wells said that while it is challenging “to perfectly match” the county school calendar each year, the University aims to sync spring break whenever possible.

“Spring 2026 will line up with Hamilton County Schools,” he said, “and this move increases the likelihood that we’ll be able to match both fall and spring breaks moving forward.”

Wells also noted other benefits for employees.

“One of the pillars of Total Organizational Health is employee autonomy and these calendar changes may afford faculty additional time in August and January to prepare for the start of each semester,” he said. “While there will not be any change to paid time off for staff, the later start in January especially will allow staff to manage their work and time more effectively while supporting students.

“Change is often unsettling, but after following the same calendar for decades, adopting a new calendar model allows us to rethink and reimagine our work and discover new opportunities to learn and grow.”

Faculty members will have 18 months to adapt their courses to the new class schedule before it is fully implemented in fall 2026. Guerry and UC Foundation Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Don Reising, the past president of the Faculty Senate, said the additional preparation time will help faculty transition smoothly to the adjusted semester structure.

“One of the biggest benefits of this shift is aligning our spring break with Hamilton County Schools as often as possible,” Reising said. “For faculty, staff and students with school-age children, having coordinated breaks eliminates the child care concerns that come with differing schedules and provides an opportunity to spend time together as a family.

“I know the new calendar will lengthen the amount of time we have per lecture by a little bit, but I don’t see that as a negative; I see that as a good thing. It just makes it easier to round things off while giving students more time between classes.”

Reising also pointed to the benefits of aligning UTC’s academic calendar more closely with other UT System schools, specifically UT Knoxville.

“Once the new calendar is fully implemented in 2027, UTC students who want to take a class at UTK will have a much easier time doing so,” he said. “In the past, UTC students could already be two or three weeks into a semester while UTK classes hadn’t even started. This change eliminates that weird mismatch and increases curricular flexibility for students.”

Hale acknowledged that adjustments would be necessary, particularly in lab classes, some of which did not hold sessions in the first week of the semester.

“Some of those lab courses will now begin immediately, but we believe faculty will be able to work through these changes,” Hale said.

Moving forward, the Walker Center for Teaching and Learning will support faculty with course planning for the new calendar model. In addition, an FAQ will be published on the registrar’s webpage to address faculty, staff and student inquiries.

Hale thanked the members of the Academic Calendar Committee, which included faculty, staff, students and administrative representatives.

“This is a major shift, and—while it will take some adjustment—I believe the campus community will see long-term benefits,” Hale said. “We have worked to address faculty concerns, maintain academic quality and enhance student recruitment and retention. I look forward to seeing these changes implemented.”

March 11-17, 2025

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

UTC News | UTC Events Calendar | Campus Updates

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

Highlights

DOUGLAS STREET AND OAK STREET INTERSECTION TO CLOSE

The intersection of Douglas Street and Oak Street will be temporarily closed beginning this week as part of the Fletcher Hall expansion project.

This long-term closure will reroute vehicular traffic and affect pedestrian access in the area. Douglas Street will be closed from McCallie Avenue to Oak Street, with limited one-way access for Christ Church Episcopal (located at 663 Douglas St.).

Construction fencing will be installed around designated work zones, impacting access to Fletcher Hall (660 Douglas St.) and Alumni House (551 Oak St.). ADA-accessible paths have been adjusted and new detour routes will be put in place to accommodate the closure.

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CHANGES TO ACADEMIC CALENDAR

UTC is making a significant shift in its academic calendar, with changes set to begin in spring 2026 as part of a transition to a new long-term structure.

To prepare for this shift, the spring 2026 semester will start one week later than usual, beginning on Jan. 12, and this adjustment will help bridge the transition to the new calendar—which will start in fall 2026. At that point, the first day of the fall semester will move to the fourth Monday in August and the spring semester will begin the Tuesday after Martin Luther King Jr. Day—except in years when the holiday falls on Jan. 21 (the next time that occurs is in 2030).

To maintain accreditation requirements, class meeting times will increase beginning in fall 2026:

Classes meeting three times per week will increase from 50 to 55 minutes.
Classes meeting twice per week will increase from 75 to 85 minutes.
Lab courses that previously started in the second week of the semester will now begin in Week 1.

To learn more, visit this link.

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NOMINATE OUTSTANDING FACULTY AND STAFF FOR THE ALUMNI AWARDS

Dr. Jose Barbosa

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SCIENCE ON TAP RETURNS

Science on Tap returns with Dr. Amy Brock-Hon and “Mocs Underground: Advancing Research and Experiential Learning at Raccoon Mountain Caverns.”

Join the discussion from 5-7 p.m. today (March 11) at the Tap House in St. Elmo. Brock-Hon, the Robert Lake Wilson Professor of Geology at UTC, will take Science on Tap participants inside the research and learning opportunities at Raccoon Mountain Caverns, a newly gifted site to UTC.

She’ll explain how studies in the cave may advance understanding of complex karst systems and the unique cave environment. Brock-Hon also will discuss the value of cave research for the community—beyond just UTC students and faculty—and take your questions.

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

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

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

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WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH AT UTC

To honor the sacrifices and changes women have set forth in history, the Center for Women and Gender Equity (WaGE) at the UTC celebrates Women’s History Month throughout March.

Women’s History Month calendar of events include:

Monday, March 17: Stitch and Bitch, Lupton Hall 118, noon
Monday, March 24: Gender and Neurodiversity Chat, Disability Resource Center (University Center 352), noon
Friday, March 28, through Sunday, March 30: Women’s Leadership Academy, Ocoee Retreat Center
Monday, March 31: Stitch and Bitch, Lupton Hall 118, noon

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Welcome to McKenzie Arena

The UTC McKenzie Arena installed new high-definition digital video boards that are displayed on the outside of the Roundhouse.

Outstanding People of UTC

UTC third-year DPT students Jaimin Rasmussen, Rebecca Sullivan, Candace Ricketts and Lauren Clark took home top honors in the 2025 American Physical Therapy Association Knowledge Bowl.

Third-year UTC DPT students Lauren Clark, Jaimin Rasmussen, Candace Ricketts and Rebecca Sullivan—all set to graduate in May—defeated student teams from some of the nation’s top-ranked DPT programs in winning the APTA Combined Sections Meeting Knowledge Bowl in Houston.

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The 2025 UTC SMILE Fund team (from left): Daniel Goodman, Caden Christenson, Breonna Gandhi, Justice Cardenas and Kyle Leivas.

For the ninth straight year, a team of SMILE Fund students emerged victorious in the CFA Institute Greater Tennessee Research Challenge. The SMILE Fund (Student Managed Investment Learning Experience) group of Gary W. Rollins College of Business undergraduates Justice Cardenas, Caden Christenson, Breonna Gandhi, Daniel Goodman and Kyle Leivas demonstrated financial acumen and research expertise in winning the CFA event held on Feb. 26 in Nashville.

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Photo of Dan Earl, courtesy of Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com

Leading the Chattanooga Mocs men’s basketball team through a historic 2024-25 regular season, head coach Dan Earl was named the Southern Conference Anton Foy Coach of the Year.

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Check out these Mocs making news:

The Chattanooga Mocs wrestling team took fourth place in a hotly contested Southern Conference Championships at Kimmel Arena in Asheville, North Carolina. The Mocs claimed two titles with Noah Castillo (157 pounds) and Sergio Desiante (174 pounds) both winning their first such titles. Blake Boarman also qualified for the NCAA Championships winning the true second-place match at 133 pounds.
Assistant Vice Chancellor of Communications and Constituent Relations Amy Donahue was on Jed & JR Mornings to discuss the expansion of the Gary W. Rollins College of Business.
Billy Weeks, associate professor of photojournalism, was featured in a Times Free Press article about his photo “Southern Exposure.”
An episode of Jed & JR Mornings featured Manuscripts Archivist Molly Copeland to discuss the UTC Special Collections unveiling of the Chattanooga Lookouts digital collection.
UTC Center for Regional Economic Research Professor Howard Wall spoke to Local 3 News about local impacts from tariffs on imports.
Christina Policastro, a UC Foundation associate professor of criminal justice, joined an episode of “3 Plus You” on Local 3 News.
A Local 3 News story featured Center for Wellbeing Director Megan McKnight ahead of the opioid and overdose prevention session on UTC’s campus.

Mark Your Calendar

Savannah Presson (photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

Friday, March 14: Women’s tennis vs.Tennessee Wesleyan, UTC Tennis Center, 2 p.m.

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Wednesday, March 12: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students, Zoom, 11a.m.-noon
Thursday, March 13: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer, University Center Room 350, noon-1 p.m. (Lunch will be provided)
Thursday, March 20: Suicide Prevention Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale University Center Room 350, noon-1 p.m. (Lunch will be provided)
Thursday, March 27: Psychological First Aid, University Center Room 350, noon-1 p.m. (Lunch will be provided)

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Students interested in participating should email M.T. Samuel by Sunday, March 16.

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Please join the CAS Access and Inclusive Excellence Committee in celebrating Dr. Amye Warren and her work. For the last four decades, Warren’s work has involved applying lessons from language and cognitive development research to improving educational and justice outcomes for children, adolescents and autistic individuals. Her talk at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 20, in Lupton Hall Room 120, will discuss the intersectionality between psychology, language and the justice system. A reception will be held afterwards.

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For event details, click here.

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Join the Women’s History Month Book Club from 2-4 p.m. on Friday, March 28, in the Southern Writer’s Room (Library Room 440) to discuss “The Grace Year” by Kim Liggett.

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For more information, text/call (423) 402-0330 or email MobileMOC.

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

Monday (March 17): Berri Rawls, 540 McCallie Room 357, 9 a.m., Calendar
Monday (March 17): Jared Lambert, Lupton Hall Room 372, 3 p.m., Calendar
Wednesday (March 19): Collin Kilmer, ECS Room 239, 4 p.m., Calendar
Friday (March 21): Mark Horlu, Lupton Hall Room 303, 1:30 p.m., Calendar

Campus Updates

For spring break, planning ahead is key to ensuring a safer and enjoyable experience. Here are some essential tips from the Center for Wellbeing:

Research your destination ahead of time, find reliable accommodations and share your itinerary with family or friends. You can also research local emergency services and resources near your destination.
If you are 21 and plan to drink, pace yourself by alternating alcoholic beverages with water and knowing your limits. Staying with friends and using the buddy system ensures no one is left alone. It’s also important to be aware of local laws, as alcohol regulations may vary by destination.
Taking care of your health is essential while traveling. Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, as dehydration and sun exposure can catch up quickly. Eating regularly helps prevent fatigue and getting enough sleep ensures better decision making and reaction time.
Carrying a first aid kit with pain relievers, Band-Aids and any necessary medications can also be useful in case of minor injuries. We recommend also carrying Narcan and fentanyl testing strips, especially if you or your friends are using anything besides alcohol or cannabis.

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Essays must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 21. Click here for the submission form PDF. Email Jose Luis Gastanaga with questions and to submit the essay.

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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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Listeners can look forward to an expanded roster of locally produced programs, including:

“Tuesday Bluesday” with Jhett Black
“Grateful Dead Monday” with Chants In The Void
“Scenic Sounds” with Alex Volz
“All Request Chattanooga” with Alex Volz
“The Moonlight Mile” with Clark Gibson
“Night Drive” with Sara Mirucki
The return of “Please Be Quiet Please” with Josh and Jeremy Pickard
“Chord Drift” with Paul Jorgensen
“Signal and Nosie” with Brandon Herring

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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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Camp dates:

Week 1: June 2-6
Week 2: June 9-13
Week 3: June 16-20
Week 4: June 23-27
Week 5: July 7-11
Week 6: July 14-18
Week 7: July 21-25
Week 8: July 28-Aug. 1

Spots fill up quickly, so don’t miss out on an unforgettable summer. Visit utc.edu/mocs-adventure-camp to register. For questions, contact Mocs Adventure Camp or call 423-425-4213.

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Lifeguards will make $13 an hour. Contact Kate Dennis if interested.

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UTC students, faculty and staff can try out a subscription to Ground News thanks to the UTC Library.

To sign up:

Make sure you are connected to UTC Wi-Fi or logged in to a computer on the UTC network.
Visit https://ground.news/register or download the Ground News app in the App Store or Google Play.
Use your own e-mail and password. No need to use the “Continue with Institution” feature.

Trial access ends on Saturday, March 22. If you have any questions, feedback or would like to see this resource stick around, please contact us via e-mail.

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UTC Newsroom

Music students Collin Sutton, Emily Bruce, Christian Cantrell, Bradley Bee and Remington Prado-Bonner and Associate Professor Ali Allerton (yellow top) surround DuPont Elementary School music teacher Lauren Cardenas after presenting her with a gift of $1,042 for school supplies.

A heartwarming surprise awaited UTC alum Lauren Cardenas when she walked into her DuPont Elementary School music room on Friday, Feb. 28. Members of UTC’s Music Educators Social Society student organization, accompanied by the group’s faculty advisor—Associate Professor Ali Allerton—had come to DuPont to present her with more than $1,000 raised to support her classroom.

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Jess Harris (left) and Billy Weeks on the Photo Night stage in the Roland Hayes Concert Hall.

With nearly 500 people in attendance, the UTC Department of Communication hosted its ninth Photo Night on Wednesday, March 5, celebrating student storytelling and featuring speakers like UTC alum Jess Harris.

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Spot, left, and Goddard

On a recent Friday morning, two robot dogs—Spot and Goddard—roamed across the Chamberlain Field grass as UTC Associate Professor of Mechatronics Gokhan Erdemir and two student researchers captured movement data. Their goal? Refining an artificial intelligence-driven control system to make the robots’ motions more closely resemble those of real dogs.

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

A December 2024 graduate of UTC’s Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology in Cybersecurity program (BAS-IT CyS), Cecily Holland’s transition from restaurants to IT shows what’s possible with persistence and adaptability.
“Economics and Etiquette” was organized by Dr. Claudia Kramer, the Scott L. Probasco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise, whose mission “is to study the American free enterprise system and the conditions under which it operates most efficiently, engage in high-level scholarly research and contribute to the public knowledge and understanding of economic theory and practice.”
Last summer, two UTC students—Grace Allen and Stephen Scott— traveled abroad for the first time. It wasn’t a vacation, though. The pair spent two weeks in Thuringia, Germany, participating in a workshop with students from around the world at Mittelbau-Dora—a concentration camp that saw tens of thousands of enslaved inmates during World War II.

WUTC

Jennifer Andrews (photo credit: Chattanooga 2.0)

Jennifer Andrews, director of early childcare strategies for the nonprofit Chattanooga 2.0, joined an episode of “Scenic Roots” on WUTC-FM 88.1.

IN Memoriam

Dr. Pam Riggs-Gelasco shared the unfortunate news of the passing of Professor Gaye Jeffers last week. She died on Wednesday, March 5, after a prolonged illness. Professor Jeffers taught in Theatre since 2007 after receiving her MFA from the University of Alabama. She graduated with her BA in Theatre from UTC. She directed nearly three dozen productions of the UTC Theatre Company in her tenure and taught courses in playwriting, directing and theatre history. She also taught in the Honors College and in the freshman seminar program. Professor Jeffers won an Excellence in Directing Award from the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival eight times between 2014-2023. She was also a finalist for a Jane Chambers Excellence in Feminist Playwriting Award for her work “The Odd Evangelical.”

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