HighlightsPOWER C TOUR DATES ANNOUNCEDUndergraduate Admissions announced its Power C Tour dates for the fall semester:Oct. 3: MemphisOct. 23: KnoxvilleOct. 28: Nashville/FranklinNov. 13: ChattanoogaNov. 2: Blue and Gold Preview Day on UTC’s campus
______SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS FOR WELCOME WEEKOur goal for Welcome Week 2024 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and we need your help.If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes (Aug. 18-24), please submit your event to the official calendar found on the Welcome Week webpage. Click here to access the event submission form. The priority deadline to submit events for the Welcome Week calendar is Friday, July 26.More information about submitting an event for the Welcome Week calendar can be found here. Contact Director of Student and Family Engagement Laura Petrus (laura-petrus@utc.edu) with questions.
______OPERATION MOVE INOperation Move In for incoming freshmen and transfers is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15, and Housing and Residence Life could use as many hands as possible to make this day go as smoothly as possible for our newest residents.If you are interested in volunteering for OMI, please fill out the OMI volunteer signup form and share the link with others. Those who volunteer will receive a meal voucher for UTC Dining and a signature OMI T-shirt as a special thank you.
______HOUSE CALLS 2024House Calls 2024 will be Sept. 10. This is the department initiative for campus partners to help us check in on our students after living on campus within those crucial first six weeks of school. We will provide resources but also engage in meaningful conversations right at the resident’s door. We would love many different offices across campus to participate so our residents can have a versatile experience. The training will be from 5-6 p.m. with dinner provided in the West Campus Multipurpose Room. We will be going to all resident spaces from 6-8 p.m. to check in with residents. Please fill out the formbefore Sept. 9 and communicate with Sabrina Sims if your plans have changed or if you have questions.
Outstanding People of UTCErin Yenawine is participating in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program called “Data Science for the Social Good.”This summer, UTC rising junior Erin Yenawineis participating in an eight-week Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program called “Data Science for the Social Good” at Southern Methodist University in University Park, Texas. The program has brought together a team of 12 undergraduate researchers from across the country to use data to address economic and environmental issues in Dallas.
______Larry Ward was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2022.Larry Ward, the iconic voice of Chattanooga Mocs women’s basketball, is retiring after 26 seasons. Ward, who was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2022, has called over 800 games, witnessing UTC win 70% of the time. Highlights of his career include 15 NCAA Tournament trips and the memorable 2004 win over Rutgers. Starting in the 1988-89 season, Ward played a pivotal role in bringing women’s basketball to the radio.
______Check out these Mocs in the news:UC Foundation Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Interim Department Head Rick Dierenfeldt was interviewed about the arrest of former Chattanooga police chief Celeste Murphy by NewsChannel 9 and Local 3 News.Jay Dale, a two-time UTC alum, talked to the Times Free Press about his journey to becoming the new chairman of the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors.Dr. Chris Cunningham discussed the importance of company culture in a Times Free Press Edge Magazine article about remote and hybrid work.School of Nursing Director and UTC Chief Health Affairs Officer Chris Smith spoke to The Nashville Ledger about the School of Nursing amid the ongoing nursing shortage. Former Mocs infielder Kaili Phillips, now a member of the Chattanooga Steam, was featured in a gomocs.com article for her outstanding 2024 season, where she earned multiple accolades including two-time All-Conference selection, SoCon All-Tournament Team and the Pinnacle Award. She led the Mocs with 15 home runs and a .361 batting average.
Mark Your CalendarHuman Resources provided a series of July staff development opportunities—including a two-session Crucial Learning-hosted program taking place from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, and Tuesday, July 30. Click here for the complete list.
______The College of Engineering and Computer Science is hosting a virtual graduate program information session at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10. Please RSVP through the Zoom link to learn more about programs in Engineering, Engineering Management and Computer Science.For more information, contact Mackenzie-L-Clark@utc.edu.
______Campus Recreation is running a faculty and staff summer pickleball league July 16-Aug. 1 from noon-1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the ARC’s basketball courts. Click here to register on imleagues.com.For more information, email Campus Recreation Coordinator of Intramural Sports Amy Slagle (amy-slagle@utc.edu).
______New Student and Family Programs will be hosting orientation sessions throughout the summer for all new students entering UTC in the fall, including the following dates:Freshman sessions: July 15, 16, 25, 26Transfer sessions: July 18, 23 (online) … Aug. 1On average, the University sees over 6,000 new students and their guests throughout the summer program.All in-person orientations will have an information desk located in the University Center’s first floor gallery. Please direct anyone with orientation-related questions to the information desk.Please contact carrie-sherbesman@utc.edu if you have any questions.
______The Center for Wellbeing will be hosting a series of trainings for staff and faculty this summer. If interested, please sign up here. The Center’s staff is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to megan-mcknight@utc.edu with questions or to request a training.Thursday, July 11: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.Wednesday, July 17: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (University Center 350), 10-11 a.m.Wednesday, July 17: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noonThursday, July 18: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (virtual), 10-11 a.m.Monday, July 22: Opioid Overdose Prevention & Narcan (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.Thursday, July 25: Mental Health First Aid (University Center 350), 8 a.m.-4 p.m.Wednesday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use (virtual), noon-2 p.m.Monday, Aug. 5: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (virtual), 2-3 p.m.Monday, Aug. 5: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (virtual), 3-4 p.m.
______Photo credit: UT SystemJoin the UT System Institutional Effectiveness (IE) team for the 2024 IE Summit from July 9-11, where data practitioners across all UT campuses and institutes will explore the future of data-driven excellence. At a one-hour virtual session each day, participants will engage with colleagues through insightful sessions on AI technologies, data stewardship and the evaluation of our data dashboards.Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the next chapter in supporting the UT mission through data. Register now to be part of the conversation.
______NOTICE OF FINAL DEFENSE: UPCOMING RESEARCH PRESENTATIONSThe 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.Friday, July 12: Laure Pou, Zoom, 10 a.m., Calendar
Campus UpdatesThe 3,000-plus teachers in Hamilton County need the community’s assistance in securing supplies for their classrooms and our future Mocs. The United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s Emerging Leaders Group has organized and is promoting the Ready, Set, Supply Initiative through Wednesday, July 31, to help their academic year get off to a good start. Consider dropping off any of the below items outside Pfeiffer 207 by the end of the month or email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu to arrange an office pick-up. All your donations will be delivered to the Hamilton County School Teachers Supply Hub on behalf of the UTC community. All supplies should be purchased from personal funds. More information about this initiative can be found here. Items needed include wide-ruled notebooks, wide-ruled paper, Dixon-brand number 2 pencils, colored pencils, crayons, dry erase markers, tissues, small glue sticks, pink erasers, blank notecards, and gallon/quart zip-close bags.
______The 2025 UT Grand Challenges Summit will take place Feb. 13-14, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro.Join the UT System for an impactful summit aimed at addressing Tennessee’s most pressing issues. By convening a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to think in terms of wholes rather than fragmented parts, the summit’s goal is to foster innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to drive meaningful change across the state. This is a unique opportunity to delve into interconnected challenges and collaboratively explore ways to advance our communities.The Grand Challenge areas are overcoming addiction, advancing K-12 education, and strengthening Tennessee’s rural communities.The UT System also is seeking engaging presentations from University-affiliated faculty and staff for this summit. Share your insights and lead discussions by providing an overview of your work. Click here to apply to be a presenter; the submission deadline is Sept. 1.
UTC NewsroomRising McCallie School junior Joshua Kim recently presented his award-winning research at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles.A pair of local high school students parlayed participation in a UTC-hosted competition into an opportunity to showcase their talents at an international competition. Joshua Kim and Rachel Chen presented their research at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angelesafter winning the Chattanooga Regional Science and Engineering Fair.
______Dr. Aaron Shaheen (middle) stands between John Dos Passos Coggin (left) and Dr. Alberto Luca, the current owner of the Villa Ca’ Erizzo Luca in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, during the John Dos Passos Conference. Photo courtesy of Dr. Aaron Shaheen.Dr. Aaron Shaheen, the George C. Connor Professor of American Literature, and the UTC Department of English were co-sponsors of the fourth biennial John Dos Passos Conference, held May 23-25 in Bassano del Grappa, Italy. The conference celebrated the life, writings and enduring influence of John Dos Passos (1896-1970), an American novelist and artist whose contributions to modernist literature remain significant.
WUTCAn episode of “Scenic Roots” on WUTC-FM discussed rural entrepreneurship.The conversation featured Alex Green of Rhea Economic and Community Development, Audra Kelly from the Southeast Tennessee Development District, Lynn Chesnutt of the Tennessee Small Business Development Center, and Allie Schrenker from The Company Lab, focusing on how Chattanooga’s innovation tools can support small businesses in the Tennessee Valley.
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-l-schultz@utc.edu orchuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
Our goal for Welcome Week 2024 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and we need your help.
If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes (Aug. 18-24), please submit your event to the official calendar found on the Welcome Week webpage. Click here to access the event submission form. The priority deadline to submit events for the Welcome Week calendar is Friday, July 26.
More information about submitting an event for the Welcome Week calendar can be found here. Contact Director of Student and Family Engagement Laura Petrus (laura-petrus@utc.edu) with questions.
Volunteers needed for Operation Move In
Operation Move In for incoming freshmen and transfers is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15, and Housing and Residence Life could use as many hands as possible to make this day go as smoothly as possible for our newest residents.
If you are interested in volunteering for OMI, please fill out the OMI volunteer signup form and share the link with others. Those who volunteer will receive a meal voucher for UTC Dining and a signature OMI T-shirt as a special thank you.
The outstanding people of UTC
Dr. Mina Sartipi, left, and Brett Fuchs
Two members of the UTC family, Dr. Mina Sartipi and Associate Dean of Students Brett Fuchs, have been announced as 2024 President’s Award winners—the highest accolade an employee can receive from the UT System.
Sartipi won the President’s Award in the “Nimble and Innovative” category, an award that honors an individual who “inspires creative and transformational action.”
Fuchs was the recipient of the President’s Award in the “Excel in All We Do” category. The award honors an individual who “commits to continuous improvement and outstanding performance.”
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From left: Dr. Drew Bailey, Dr. Jose Barbosa, Dr. Erika Schafer, Dr. Joey Shaw
The University of Tennessee Alumni Association recently recognized several faculty members for their outstanding service to the University and community. This year’s recipients included Dr. Andrew Bailey and Dr. Jose Barbosa (Outstanding Teacher Award), Dr. Erika Schafer (Public Service Award) and Dr. Joey Shaw (Distinguished Service Professor). Each received a certificate and stipend and was invited to attend the Board of Governors Dinner in Knoxville.
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Photo credit: gomocs.com
The Mocs Athletics Department marketing team earned national recognition at the recent 2024 National Association of Collegiate Marketing Administrators convention. The marketing team, in collaboration with creative services, earned a “Best Of” award for its efforts during “90’s Night” this past basketball season. The award, presented by Old Hat, recognized UTC as its Gold winner in the Group 2 (FCS) designation for the “Single Game Attendance/Sellout Campaign” category.
Associate AD for Marketing and Promotions Ashley Alletto spearheaded the campaign. UTC staffers who contributed directly to the winning performance included Andrew Horton (deputy AD, external operations), Hannah Mitchell (director of marketing), Leah Gill (assistant AD, creative services), Tate Johnson (production director) and Abby Walker (production specialist).
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UTC students Abbe Burden (third from left) and Meredith McNeeley (holding trophy) with the Golden Lion, along with alums (from left) Rikki Heard, Stephanie Blaine, Beth Gentry Mannle, Mandy Holland Savage, Kacie Sherrell and Fran Bryan. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Blaine.
The UTC chapter (Beta Beta) of Alpha Delta Pi was awarded the Golden Lion Hall of Fame Award at ΑΔΠ’s 173rd anniversary Grand Convention. Beta Beta, founded in 1926, earned the award for the first time.
Golden Lion is the highest chapter award in Alpha Delta Pi and is presented to chapters who excel in all aspects of chapter performance. Nationally, Alpha Delta Pi sits at 155 active chapters; this year, 33 chapters were nominated, and nine were awarded Golden Lion. Beta Beta is in the top 5% nationally.
Mark your calendar
Human Resources provided a series of July staff development opportunities—including a two-session Crucial Learning-hosted program taking place from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, and Tuesday, July 30. Click here for the complete list.
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The College of Engineering and Computer Science is hosting a virtual graduate program information session at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10. Please RSVP through the Zoom link to learn more about programs in Engineering, Engineering Management and Computer Science.
Campus Recreation is running a faculty and staff summer pickleball league July 16-Aug. 1 from noon-1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the ARC’s basketball courts. Click here to register on imleagues.com.
For more information, email Campus Recreation Coordinator of Intramural Sports Amy Slagle (amy-slagle@utc.edu).
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New Student and Family Programs will be hosting orientation sessions throughout the summer for all new students entering UTC in the fall, including the following dates:
Freshman sessions: July 15, 16, 25, 26
Transfer sessions: July 18, 23 (online) … Aug. 1
On average, the University sees over 6,000 new students and their guests throughout the summer program.
All in-person orientations will have an information desk located in the University Center’s first floor gallery. Please direct anyone with orientation-related questions to the information desk.
The Center for Wellbeing will be hosting a series of trainings for staff and faculty this summer. If interested, please sign up here. The Center’s staff is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to megan-mcknight@utc.edu with questions or to request a training.
Thursday, July 11: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 17: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (University Center 350), 10-11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 17: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 18: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (virtual), 10-11 a.m.
Monday, July 22: Opioid Overdose Prevention & Narcan (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Thursday, July 25: Mental Health First Aid (University Center 350), 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use (virtual), noon-2 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 5: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (virtual), 2-3 p.m.
Monday, Aug. 5: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (virtual), 3-4 p.m.
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Photo credit: UT System
Join the UT System Institutional Effectiveness (IE) team for the 2024 IE Summit from July 9-11, where data practitioners across all UT campuses and institutes will explore the future of data-driven excellence. At a one-hour virtual session each day, participants will engage with colleagues through insightful sessions on AI technologies, data stewardship and the evaluation of our data dashboards.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the next chapter in supporting the UT mission through data. Register now to be part of the conversation.
Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentations
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.
Search committee orientation is a critical component of UTC’s hiring process. What was previously conducted via Zoom as search committee training has transitioned to a new and refreshed self-paced asynchronous online training module that can easily be accessed in K@TE through this link: Faculty and Exempt Staff Search Committee Orientation.
This shift ensures a more streamlined process, consistency in content, accessibility and convenience for all participants. It emerged as a collaboration between the Office of Equity and Inclusion and Human Resources and underscores our institutional commitment to continuous improvement in fostering an inclusive and equitable hiring environment at UTC.
Faculty and exempt staff members serving on search committees must undergo search committee orientation every two years if they plan to participate in the hiring process for positions at UTC. It is not required for non-exempt staff searches but is highly recommended. For more information, click here. Email oei@utc.eduwith questions, comments or concerns.
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On the third anniversary of the University of Tennessee acquiring Martin Methodist College, UT Press released “University of Tennessee Southern: The Rebirth of an Institution.”
“In our careers, we make few decisions that will have a lasting impact for others,” said UT President Randy Boyd in the book’s foreword. “The acquisition of Martin Methodist College by the University of Tennessee proved to be one and was another step forward in making this the greatest decade in UT’s history.”
In the book, authors Mark La Branche, UT Southern chancellor emeritus, and Jennifer Sicking, UT System director of publications and executive editor of Our Tennessee magazine, detail the steps taken to merge Martin Methodist College, a faith-based institution, with the University of Tennessee System. Faculty and staff members share their thoughts and concerns as well as their preparations for the integration of two institutions of higher education with one passion for expanding educational opportunities for the residents of Tennessee.
“University of Tennessee Southern: The Rebirth of an Institution” may be ordered at utpress.org.
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The 2025 UT Grand Challenges Summit will take place Feb. 13-14, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro.
Join the UT System for an impactful summit aimed at addressing Tennessee’s most pressing issues. By convening a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to think in terms of wholes rather than fragmented parts, the summit’s goal is to foster innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to drive meaningful change across the state. This is a unique opportunity to delve into interconnected challenges and collaboratively explore ways to advance our communities.
The Grand Challenge areas are overcoming addiction, advancing K-12 education, and strengthening Tennessee’s rural communities.
The UT System also is seeking engaging presentations from University-affiliated faculty and staff for this summit. Share your insights and lead discussions by providing an overview of your work. Click here to apply to be a presenter; the submission deadline is Sept. 1.
Looking back
Chancellor Angle and Chattanooga State Community College President Rebecca Ashford sign the associate to bachelor’s environmental science transfer agreement.
An MOU with Chattanooga State Community College has created a seamless pathway for ChattState students to transfer into UTC’s Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science program following the successful completion of their associate degree program.
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“The Supreme Court and My Hometown” high school student participants and their college mentors. Photo by Judge Curtis L. Collier.
From June 10 to June 21, Dr. Michelle Deardorff—the Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government and head of the UTC Department of Political Science and Public Service—and UTC hosted “The Supreme Court and My Hometown,” a collaboration of the Supreme Court Historical Society, the United States District Court’s Eastern District of Tennessee and the UTC Department of Political Science and Public Service.
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The UTC/Erlanger Health System Nurse Anesthesia Concentration has achieved a significant milestone, being granted a 10-year continued accreditation through spring 2034 by the directors of the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs (COA). The COA recognized the School of Nursing concentration for providing graduate-level curriculum leading to the award of a Doctor of Nursing Practice.
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Dr. Mengjun Xie is a UC Foundation professor of computer science and director of the InfoSec Center.
In a report issued by the White House last week, UTC was recognized for its contributions to the U.S. National Cybersecurity Strategy launched in March 2023. The report cited UTC for achieving National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designation with its “Collaborative Research: CyberCorps Scholarship for Service: Strengthening the National Cybersecurity Workforce With Integrated Learning of AI/ML and Cybersecurity.”
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Established in honor of the seven-person crew who tragically lost their lives in the 1986 space shuttle Challenger disaster, the UTC Challenger STEM Learning Center was created to educate and inspire the next generation. The initiative was led by June Scobee Rodgers—the wife of Challenger Captain Richard Scobee—and the families of the crew.
The center annually educates thousands of K-12 students.
WUTC Spotlight: Live in the Library:
Photo courtesy of Coyote Motel
A recent episode of “Live in the Library” on WUTC-FM, recorded in the Chattanooga Public Library studio, featured cosmic roots music by Nashville-based band Coyote Motel.
Coyote Motel, led by guitarist and singer Ted Drozdowski, is described as a mix of Pink Floyd and The Band.
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-l-schultz@utc.edu orchuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
UTC Receives Eight Colleges of Distinction Designations
Colleges of Distinction, an organization that honors higher education institutions that excel in delivering exceptional student experiences and producing successful outcomes, has recognized UTC in eight different award categories for the institution’s commitment to helping undergraduate students learn, grow and succeed.
UTC has been designated a 2024-2025 College of Distinction and a Tennessee College of Distinction. The organization also recognized UTC for career development, as a public institution of distinction, and for its business, education, engineering and nursing programs.
Submit your events for Welcome Week 2024
Our goal for Welcome Week 2024 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and we need your help.
If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes (Aug. 18-24), please submit your event to the official calendar found on the Welcome Week webpage. Click here to access the event submission form. The priority deadline to submit events for the Welcome Week calendar is Friday, July 26.
More information about submitting an event for the Welcome Week calendar can be found here. Contact Director of Student and Family Engagement Laura Petrus (laura-petrus@utc.edu) with questions.
Volunteers needed for Operation Move In
Operation Move In for incoming freshmen and transfers is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15, and Housing and Residence Life could use as many hands as possible to make this day go as smoothly as possible for our newest residents.
If you are interested in volunteering for OMI, please fill out the OMI volunteer signup form and share the link with others. Those who volunteer will receive a meal voucher for UTC Dining and a signature OMI T-shirt as a special thank you.
Want to learn about certificate opportunities?
UTC staff are invited to learn about opportunities to earn a certificate in Higher Education Leadership and Decision-Making, a Master of Public Administration degree, or both at the same time—with all certificate courses counting toward the MPA degree.
An information session about how either or both programs can help prepare you for career advancement will take place from 11 a.m.-noon on Thursday (June 27) in Hunter Hall Room 405.
Please RSVP to higher ed certificate coordinator Beth Crawford (Beth-Crawford@utc.edu) if you will attend. If you are interested but can’t attend the session, email Crawford or MPA Program Director Chris Horne (Christopher-Horne@utc.edu) to schedule a time to talk.
From the UTC Podlab: Tennessee Valley Crossroads
Communication major Clara Paulson, left, and secondary education major Ruby Morgan
“Tennessee Valley Crossroads” is a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student-produced podcast that brings classmates together to have candid, unscripted conversations, fostering empathy and breaking down barriers between students from different cultures and backgrounds. Under the direction of Will Davis, students came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future.
This episode features a conversation between communication major Clara Paulson and secondary education student Ruby Morgan about the lost art of conversation.
“Tennessee Valley Crossroads” is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step initiative, which brings together strangers to find the humanity in each other.
You can listen to “Tennessee Valley Crossroads” on WUTC 88.1 FM every Monday during Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and subscribe to the “Tennessee Valley Crossroads” podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
The outstanding people of UTC
Charlie Mix, left, and Nyssa Hunt
Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in May. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $878,853 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $7,866,666 in external funding, if awarded.
Among those receiving awards in May were Charlie Mix and Nyssa Hunt of the IGTLab, who received $200,685 from the City of Chattanooga for the project titled, “Take Root: Analyzing, Mapping, and Restoring Chattanooga’s Urban Forests.”
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From left: Dr. Mina Sartipi, Kimberly Thomas, Mateo Jimenez, Dr. Nancy Fell
Check out these Mocs making a difference:
Dr. Mina Sartipi was one of 48 people from 14 counties across Tennessee chosen for Leadership Tennessee’s 2024-2025 Signature Program. The cohort will spend 10 months traveling the state to study the challenges Tennessee faces and work together to identify the best solutions and opportunities to improve.
Senior political science major Mateo Jimenez was chosen to participate in the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce’s Protégé Chattanooga class of 2024-2025.
Guerry and UC Foundation Professor Nancy Fell, head of the Department of Physical Therapy, has been named a 2024 Women of Distinction of Greater Chattanooga. The annual awards luncheon will take place on Oct. 31.
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College of Engineering and Computer Science Graduate Recruitment Coordinator Mackenzie Clark has taken on the additional role as the college’s alumni affairs coordinator.
Philip Sparn recently joined the Graduate School as marketing strategist.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
Dr. Anovia Slaughter’s appointment as the new University ombuds was featured in The Ombuds Blog.
Infection Control Today spoke with Dr. Henry Spratt, Dr. David Levine and Dr. Caitlin Crews-Stowe before the recent Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology Annual Conference and Exposition.
Dr. Chris Cunningham was featured in The Palm Beach Post in a story titled “Gig economy: Moonlighting at record high despite risks to mental, physical, emotional, social health.”
Mark your calendar
The College of Engineering and Computer Science is hosting a virtual graduate program information session at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10. Please RSVP through our Zoom link to learn more about our programs in Engineering, Engineering Management and Computer Science.
Campus Recreation is running a faculty and staff summer pickleball league July 16-Aug. 1 from noon-1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the ARC’s basketball courts. Click here to register on imleagues.com.
For more information, email Campus Recreation Coordinator of Intramural Sports Amy Slagle (amy-slagle@utc.edu).
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New Student and Family Programs will be hosting orientation sessions throughout the summer for all new students entering UTC in the fall, including the following dates:
Freshman sessions: July 15, 16, 25, 26
Transfer sessions: June 27 (online) … July 18, 23 (online) … Aug. 1
On average, the University sees over 6,000 new students and their guests throughout the summer program.
All in-person orientations will have an information desk located in the University Center’s first floor gallery. Please direct anyone with orientation-related questions to the information desk.
The Center for Wellbeing will be hosting a series of trainings for staff and faculty this summer. If interested, please sign up here. The Center’s staff is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to megan-mcknight@utc.edu with questions or to request a training.
Wednesday (June 26): Promoting Student Wellbeing: The Dimensions of Wellness (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 11: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 17: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (University Center 350), 10-11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 17: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 18: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (virtual), 10-11 a.m.
Monday, July 22: Opioid Overdose Prevention & Narcan (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Thursday, July 25: Mental Health First Aid (University Center 350), 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use (virtual), noon-2 p.m.
Monday, August 5: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (virtual), 2-3 p.m.
Monday, August 5: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (virtual), 3-4 p.m.
Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentations
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.
The University of Tennessee Press seeks volunteers for its editorial board.
This engaging opportunity allows faculty members to influence scholarship and help determine the direction of the press’s publishing program. Board members have two responsibilities: first, to assist the press director and staff in the acquisition and evaluation of manuscripts; and second, to ensure that all publications of the press meet the standards of scholarship, thought, judgment and taste appropriate to a major university and research institution. The board meets formally a minimum of three times per year.
Board membership is open to University of Tennessee scholars or book authors system-wide. Appointments are for three-year terms, renewable once to a maximum term of continuous service of six years.
Interested volunteers should email UT Press Director Katie Hannah (khannah1@utk.edu).
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Photo credit: UT System
Join the UT System Institutional Effectiveness (IE) team for the 2024 IE Summit from July 9–11, where data practitioners across all UT campuses and institutes will explore the future of data-driven excellence. At a one-hour virtual session each day, participants will engage with colleagues through insightful sessions on AI technologies, data stewardship and the evaluation of our data dashboards.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the next chapter in supporting the UT mission through data. Register now to be part of the conversation.
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The 2025 UT Grand Challenges Summit will take place Feb. 13-14, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro.
Join the UT System for an impactful summit aimed at addressing Tennessee’s most pressing issues. By convening a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to think in terms of wholes rather than fragmented parts, the summit’s goal is to foster innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to drive meaningful change across the state. This is a unique opportunity to delve into interconnected challenges and collaboratively explore ways to advance our communities.
The Grand Challenge areas are overcoming addiction, advancing K-12 education, and strengthening Tennessee’s rural communities.
The UT System also is seeking engaging presentations from University-affiliated faculty and staff for this summit. Share your insights and lead discussions by providing an overview of your work. Click here to apply to be a presenter; the submission deadline is Sept. 1.
Looking back
Graciela Williams works at her internship at the Chattanooga Police Department.
“They’re not sharpening pencils,” said Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt, a UC Foundation associate professor of criminal justice and the interim department head. “They’re getting called out at 11 o’clock at night to go to homicide scenes.”
WUTC Spotlight: Scenic Roots
Abhi Sastri (photo credit: Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce)
By the year 2040, data centers are expected to consume 20% of the world’s power.
Abhi Sastri, a recent guest on WUTC-FM’s “Scenic Roots,” is the founder and CEO of FLUIX—a startup that aims to rely on AI to save energy use and other costs for data centers. FLUIX is one of five startups chosen for the first Sustainable Mobility Accelerator program by The Company Lab and gener8tor.
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-l-schultz@utc.edu orchuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
UTC staff are invited to learn about opportunities to earn a certificate in Higher Education Leadership and Decision-Making, a Master of Public Administration degree, or both at the same time—with all certificate courses counting toward the MPA degree.
An information session about how either or both programs can help prepare you for career advancement will take place from 11 a.m.-noon on Thursday, June 27, in Hunter Hall Room 405.
Please RSVP to higher ed certificate coordinator Beth Crawford (Beth-Crawford@utc.edu) if you will attend. If you are interested but can’t attend the session, email Crawford or MPA Program Director Chris Horne (Christopher-Horne@utc.edu) to schedule a time to talk.
From the UTC Podlab: Tennessee Valley Crossroads
Communication major Megan Batson, left, and creative writing major David Elliott
“Tennessee Valley Crossroads” is a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student-produced podcast that brings classmates together to have candid, unscripted conversations, fostering empathy and breaking down barriers between students from different cultures and backgrounds. Under the direction of Will Davis, students came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future.
This episode features a conversation between creative writing major David Elliott and communication major Megan Batson talking about faith.
“Tennessee Valley Crossroads” is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step initiative, which brings together strangers to find the humanity in each other.
You can listen to “Tennessee Valley Crossroads” on WUTC 88.1 FM every Monday during Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and subscribe to the “Tennessee Valley Crossroads” podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
The outstanding people of UTC
Dr. Anovia Slaughter
Dr. Anovia Slaughter has been appointed University ombuds, effective June 28. Slaughter’s background includes serving as a State of Tennessee Rule 31 independent family/domestic and civil law mediator; overseeing all operations of victim support services for Partnership for Families, Children and Adults; and spending 12 years as a marriage and relationship educator for First Things First.
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Dr. Azad Hossain
Environmental Geoscientist Azad Hossain, the principal investigator on award funding of $299,998 from NASA for the project titled “Remote Sensing of Water Quality in the Tennessee River,” was a guest on WDEF-TV’s Let’s Chatt to talk about the project.
The team, mentored by Dr. Trevor Elliott, was comprised of payload lead Connor Mackey, team lead Everett Stockman, and sub leads/members Adrianne Glover, Canyon Blaylock, Isaiah Schmelzer, Jared Fiveash, Joshua Tang and Sam Mossbeck. According to the program’s website, the award went to “the student team with the best consideration, design and implementation in regard to 3D printing of rocket and payload.”
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Check out these Mocs making news:
A paper co-authored by GIS Director Charlie Mix, Assistant GIS Director Nyssa Hunt, GIS Technician Will Stuart, Dr. Azad Hossain and UT Knoxville Professor Wade Bishop—“A Spatial Analysis of Urban Tree Canopy Using High-Resolution Land Cover Data for Chattanooga, Tennessee”—was recently published in the MDPI Journal of Applied Sciences in a special issue titled “Geospatial Technology: Modern Applications and Their Impact.”
A story authored by Dr. Jamie Harvey, “Faculty Mentoring: People, Place and Purpose,” was featured on the Faculty Focus website.
Mocs softball standout Kaili Phillips, who received a Master of Public Health degree in May, is now a member of the Chattanooga Steam pro fastpitch team.
One-time Mocs soccer teammates Mackenzie Smith (bachelor’s degree in biochemistry, December 2023) and Birna Jóhannsdóttir (psychology, May 2024) recently faced each other on the pitch in Iceland.
Mackenzie Kelly, a 2019 alum with a master’s in public administration, has been named the new executive director of the Chattanooga Regional Homeless Coalition.
Mark your calendar
Human Resources provided a series of June staff development opportunities—including an Optum-hosted online event, “Communication: Beyond the Basics,” taking place from 2-3 p.m. today (June 18). Click here for the complete list.
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The public is invited to the Summer Solstice Science Seminar at the historic observatory—designed in art deco style by local architect Clarence T. Jones—from 10 a.m.-noon on Thursday (June 20). The event is free and open to the public.
The Clarence T. Jones Observatory is located at 10 N. Tuxedo Ave. in Chattanooga. Parking is available behind the adjacent Brainerd United Methodist Church.
View Chattanooga’s 20.5″ telescope, built in 1938. Learn the science of the solstice. View the sun through a solar telescope. Learn about dark skies. Try a demonstration of less-polluting light fixtures. Meet members of the UTC Chemistry and Physics department and the Barnard Astronomical Society.
For further details, large groups or special accommodations, contact keenan-dungey@utc.edu.
* * * * *
New Student and Family Programs will be hosting orientation sessions throughout the summer for all new students entering UTC in the fall, including the following dates:
Freshman sessions: June 18 … July 15, 16, 25, 26
Transfer sessions: June 21, 27 (online) … July 18, 23 (online) … Aug. 1
On average, the University sees over 6,000 new students and their guests throughout the summer program.
Click here for the schedule of events for freshman and parent/guest orientation.
All in-person orientations will have an information desk located in the University Center’s first floor gallery. Please direct anyone with orientation-related questions to the information desk.
Please contact carrie-sherbesman@utc.edu if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for making our orientation program a success.
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The Center for Wellbeing will be hosting a series of trainings for staff and faculty this summer. If interested, please sign up here. The Center’s staff is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to megan-mcknight@utc.edu with questions or to request a training.
Friday (June 21): Promoting Student Wellbeing: The Dimensions of Wellness (virtual), 10-11 a.m.
Wednesday, June 26: Promoting Student Wellbeing: The Dimensions of Wellness (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 11: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 17: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (University Center 350), 10-11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 17: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 18: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (virtual), 10-11 a.m.
Monday, July 22: Opioid Overdose Prevention & Narcan (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Thursday, July 25: Mental Health First Aid (University Center 350), 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use (virtual), noon-2 p.m.
Monday, August 5: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (virtual), 2-3 p.m.
Monday, August 5: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (virtual), 3-4 p.m.
Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentations
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.
Join the UT System Institutional Effectiveness (IE) team for the 2024 IE Summit from July 9–11, where data practitioners across all UT campuses and institutes will explore the future of data-driven excellence. At a one-hour virtual session each day, participants will engage with colleagues through insightful sessions on AI technologies, data stewardship and the evaluation of our data dashboards.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the next chapter in supporting the UT mission through data. Register now to be part of the conversation.
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Save the date! UTC is excited to participate in the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s city-wide “Day of Caring” volunteer service initiative on Friday, Sept. 20. Your serving hands are needed to represent, bring together and impact the residents and partners in Chattanooga.
Indoor or outdoor projects may include painting, moving debris or gardening. Interested students, faculty and staff will be able to indicate a preferred volunteer site, and transportation will be available. Additional details, including registration information, is forthcoming.
Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions about getting involved with this volunteer service initiative.
Looking back
Last Friday, the UTC Juneteenth Celebration, sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Affairs and the Black Faculty and Staff Association, brought together faculty, staff and students from across campus—plus alumni, family members and summer camp visitors—to learn about the culture, heritage and origins of Juneteenth.
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Dr. Morgan Smith
UC Foundation Associate Professor Morgan Smith is one of five principal investigators on an international research team recently awarded $1,497,512 from the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management for the project titled “Reevaluating BOEM’s Guidelines for Identifying Submerged Pre-Contact Archaeological Sites in the Gulf of Mexico: an Extensive Geoarchaeological Approach.”
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Graduate School commencement took place May 3 at McKenzie Arena
Ready to fast-track your education and career?UTC offers more than a dozen graduate programs you can still apply to this summer and start by the fall. The UTC Graduate School offers flexible degree programs and personalized attention to help you advance your career while balancing your busy life.
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Lobsang Samten, left, and Dr. Les Kertay (photo credit: Jason Simard)
Adjunct Psychology Professor Les Kertay, with the blessing of Lobsang Samten—a Tibetan-born monk who runs Buddhist teaching centers in Canada—recently launched the Paramita Center Southeast in Chattanooga.
WUTC Spotlight: Open Book
Jason Tinney (photo credit: Cast Iron Storytelling)
WUTC-FM’s Richard Winham recently talked to actor, writer and producer Jason Tinney about his latest project, “Cast Iron Storytelling.”
The series of curated stories from ordinary people was launched in April at Barking Legs Theater in Chattanooga—and returns there on Saturday, June 22, and Sunday, June 23.
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-l-schultz@utc.edu orchuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
Communication major Dandy Diaz, left, and exercise and health science student Shelby Harlan
“Tennessee Valley Crossroads” is a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student-produced podcast that brings classmates together to have candid, unscripted conversations, fostering empathy and breaking down barriers between students from different cultures and backgrounds. Under the direction of Will Davis, students came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future.
This episode features a conversation between communication major Dandy Diaz and exercise and health science student Shelby Harlan talking about the grind.
“Tennessee Valley Crossroads” is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step initiative, which brings together to find the humanity in each other.
You can listen to “Tennessee Valley Crossroads” on WUTC 88.1 FM every Monday during Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and subscribe to the “Tennessee Valley Crossroads” podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
The outstanding people of UTC
From left: Lori Hensley, Gretchen Potts, Catherine Meeks Quinlan and Monica Miles (photo courtesy of Gretchen Potts)
Biology, Geology and Environmental Science Department Head Gretchen Potts, Catherine Meeks Quinlan (environmental studies and English) and Monica Miles (BGE) recently toured the Sculpture Fields at Montague Park to see how environmental science and environmental studies might engage UTC students in service learning.
The tour was led by 1992 UTC alumnus Lori Hensley (CEO of Longevity Consulting and consultant for the Sculpture Fields) and Andrew Nigh (board member and sculpture burn artist).
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From left: Dr. Heather Riley, Dr. Keenan Dungey, Bob Jackson
The Chattanooga Fire Department recently responded to an incident in downtown Chattanooga. As part of their response, they contacted UTC with a request for assistance; more specifically, they were trying to confirm their understanding of the chemicals they were dealing with and the hazards present.
Director of Environmental Health and Safety Bob Jackson contacted Dr. Keenan Dungey, head of the Department of Chemistry. Dungey quickly reached out to the department’s laboratory coordinator, Dr. Heather Riley.
As a result, Riley met with the officer in charge at the command post and was able to assist the CFD by confirming potential hazards and proper methods of decontamination.
“This was another example of UTC being a partner with the City of Chattanooga and our first responders,” Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Safety and Chief of Police Sean O’Brien said.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall and Dr. Bento Lobo, head of the UTC Department of Finance and Economics, were featured in a Times Free Press story about the center’s creation.
Anthropology professors Derek Boyd and Kylie Williamson played a major role in identifying the remains of a missing women. Their work in piecing together skeletal remains was shared by Local 3 News.
U.S. Olympian and UTC sociology major Olivia Reeves was a live studio guest on The Daily Refresh.
Mocs rising senior Garrett Engle fired a final round 6-under 66 to win the 2024 Dogwood Invitational. He won by five strokes, shooting 22 under over 72 holes at Druid Hills Golf Club in Atlanta.
Communication faculty members Billy Weeks and Chris Dortch were interviewed about Engel Stadium by WVTM-TV in Birmingham as part of a series on that city’s Rickwood Field.
Computer Science and Engineering Lecturer Chang Phuong was featured on The Daily Refresh.
Mark your calendar
The UTC Research Institute, which aims to support groundbreaking projects that address applied computational science and engineering, engage multidisciplinary teams, and leverage community or industry partnerships, is excited to announce its next call for concept papers, seeking proposals from talented researchers across the campus community.
A “Call for Concept Papers” information session will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday (June 13) in UTC Library Room 435. Refreshments will be provided.
This round of CEACSE funding is up to three years of support for a total amount up to $900,000 to start a new focus area.
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The Office of Multicultural Affairs and the UTC Black Faculty and Staff Association are hosting UTC’s Juneteenth celebration from noon-2 p.m. on Friday (June 14) in the Lupton Hall first floor lobby. The event is open to faculty, staff, students, alumni and family.
Food and T-shirts will be provided while supplies last. Attendees are asked to RSVP via MocSync by Wednesday (June 12).
Learn more about Juneteenth’s origins as we celebrate its culture and heritage. This is a family reunion-style event where we gather to learn, celebrate and engage with our campus community.
* * * * *
The public is invited to the Summer Solstice Science Seminar at the historic observatory—designed in art deco style by local architect Clarence T. Jones—from 10 a.m.-noon on Thursday, June 20. The event is free and open to the public.
The Clarence T. Jones Observatory is located at 10 N. Tuxedo Ave. in Chattanooga. Parking is available behind the adjacent Brainerd United Methodist Church.
View Chattanooga’s 20.5″ telescope, built in 1938. Learn the science of the solstice. View the sun through a solar telescope. Learn about dark skies. Try a demonstration of less-polluting light fixtures. Meet members of the UTC Chemistry and Physics department and the Barnard Astronomical Society.
For further details, large groups or special accommodations, contact keenan-dungey@utc.edu.
* * * * *
New Student and Family Programs will be hosting orientation sessions throughout the summer for all new students entering UTC in the fall, including the upcoming following dates in June:
Freshman sessions: June 17, 18
Transfer sessions: June 21, 27 (online)
On average, the University sees over 6,000 new students and their guests throughout the summer program.
Click here for the schedule of events for freshman and parent/guest orientation.
All in-person orientations will have an information desk located in the University Center’s first floor gallery. Please direct anyone with orientation-related questions to the information desk.
Please contact carrie-sherbesman@utc.edu if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for making our orientation program a success.
* * * * *
The Center for Wellbeing will be hosting a series of trainings for staff and faculty this summer. If interested, please sign up here. The Center’s staff is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to megan-mcknight@utc.edu with questions or to request a training.
Wednesday (June 12): Promoting Student Wellbeing: The Dimensions of Wellness (virtual), 2-3 p.m.
Wednesday, June 26: Promoting Student Wellbeing: The Dimensions of Wellness (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 11: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 17: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (University Center 350), 10-11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 17: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 18: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (virtual), 10-11 a.m.
Monday, July 22: Opioid Overdose Prevention & Narcan (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Thursday, July 25: Mental Health First Aid (University Center 350), 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use (virtual), noon-2 p.m.
Monday, August 5: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (virtual), 2-3 p.m.
Monday, August 5: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (virtual), 3-4 p.m.
Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentations
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.
Human Resources provided a series of June staff development opportunities—including an Optum-hosted online event, “Communication: Beyond the Basics,” taking place from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. Click here for the complete list.
* * * * *
Photo credit: UT System
Join the UT System Institutional Effectiveness (IE) team for the 2024 IE Summit from July 9–11, where data practitioners across all UT campuses and institutes will explore the future of data-driven excellence. At a one-hour virtual session each day, participants will engage with colleagues through insightful sessions on AI technologies, data stewardship and the evaluation of our data dashboards.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the next chapter in supporting the UT mission through data. Register now to be part of the conversation.
* * * * *
Save the date! UTC is excited to participate in the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s city-wide “Day of Caring” volunteer service initiative on Friday, Sept. 20. Your serving hands are needed to represent, bring together and impact the residents and partners in Chattanooga.
Indoor or outdoor projects may include painting, moving debris or gardening. Interested students, faculty and staff will be able to indicate a preferred volunteer site, and transportation will be available. Additional details, including registration information, is forthcoming.
Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions about getting involved with this volunteer service initiative.
Looking back
From left: Dr. Richard Brown, Fatima Sheikh, Shanayla Moore, E’Shawn Massey
The Richard Brown Inclusive Access Scholarship commemorates the contributions of its namesake, Dr. Richard Brown, who began working for the University in 1984 and rose to executive vice chancellor for administration and finance. He then took on a dual role in 2021 as a special advisor to UTC Chancellor Steven R. Angle and UT System President Randy Boyd before retiring at the end of that year.
Recipients of the Richard Brown Scholarship have included Fatima Sheikh, who graduated last December with a bachelor’s degree in nursing, and incoming first-year students Shanayla Moore and E’Shawn Massey.
* * * * *
UTC nursing students in the simulation environment
The UTC School of Nursing simulation program has received the designation of “endorsed” for the cornerstone standards of prebriefing, debriefing, facilitation and professional integrity from the International Nursing Association for Clinical Simulation and Learning (INACSL), a professional organization dedicated to advancing the science of health care simulation.
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Senior environmental geology major Samantha Doss-Watson installs edging around The Rockery.
At the end of the spring term, the UTC Geology Club created The Rockery, a rock garden located alongside Grote Hall on the path from campus to Mocs Alumni Drive. The garden features four distinct groups of rocks: igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary as well as a unique collection showcasing local Chattanooga rocks.
WUTC Spotlight: Terminus Technologies
Traffic display, courtesy of Terminus Technologies
Terminus Technologies is a startup in Britain that describes itself as an “urban data mining company” whose expertise aims to help cities be “smarter, safer and more efficient.” The company is involved in several projects in this country, including here in Chattanooga as a participant in the Sustainable Mobility Accelerator program—a collaboration with The Company Lab and gener8tor, a startup accelerator.
Joshua Ward, co-founder of Terminus, sat down for an interview with WUTC-FM’s “Scenic Roots” during his recent visit to Chattanooga for the CO.MOBILITY Summit.
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-l-schultz@utc.edu orchuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
Communication student Ava Nessell and computer science student Adriel Poo Armas
“Tennessee Valley Crossroads” is a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student-produced podcast that brings classmates together to have candid, unscripted conversations, fostering empathy and breaking down barriers between students from different cultures and backgrounds. Under the direction of Will Davis, students came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future.
This week’s episode features a conversation between computer science student Adriel Poo Armas and communication student Ava Nessell.
“Tennessee Valley Crossroads” is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step initiative, which brings together to find the humanity in each other.
You can listen to “Tennessee Valley Crossroads” on WUTC 88.1 FM every Monday during Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and subscribe to the “Tennessee Valley Crossroads” podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
The outstanding people of UTC
From left: Cassandra Castillo, Maddie Charnes, Caroline Colvin, Bethany Cothran, Mason Edwards (photos by Abby White/Rising Rock)
Five UTC communication majors have been recognized for their multimedia and journalism skills. Mason Edwards, Bethany Cothran, Cassandra Castillo, Caroline Colvin and Maddie Charnes took home top honors in all three student categories—Best Feature Story, Best Student Journalist and Best News Coverage—at the recent Golden Press Card Awards in Knoxville.
Hosted by the East Tennessee chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, the Golden Press Card Awards’ main goal is to encourage high standards and celebrate the talented writers in the state.
In a different contest, various works from all Rising Rock students placed UTC 10th in the Hearst Intercollegiate Writing Competition—the University’s first Top 10 finish in the national competition.
* * * * *
UTFI President and CEO Kerry Witcher, left, and Ryan Jones
Congratulations to Ryan Jones, senior associate athletics director for advancement and Mocs Club, for receiving the 2024 UT Foundation President’s Award. This is the highest UT System honor an advancement employee can receive and recognizes outstanding achievements in applying creative concepts to improving performance, advancing fundraising and alumni engagement efforts. Read more about all of the 2024 recipients.
Mark your calendar
The Office of Multicultural Affairs and the UTC Black Faculty and Staff Association are hosting UTC’s Juneteenth celebration from noon-2 p.m. on Friday, June 14, in the Lupton Hall first floor lobby. The event is open to faculty, staff, students, alumni and family.
Learn more about Juneteenth’s origins as we celebrate its culture and heritage. This is a family reunion-style event where we gather to learn, celebrate and engage with our campus community.
Food and T-shirts will be provided while supplies last. Attendees are asked to RSVP via MocSync by Wednesday, June 12.
* * * * *
New Student and Family Programs will be hosting orientation sessions throughout the summer for all new students entering UTC in the fall, including the following dates in June:
Freshman sessions: June 6, 7, 17, 18
Transfer sessions: June 4, 21, 27 (online)
On average, the University sees over 6,000 new students and their guests throughout the summer program.
Click here for the schedule of events for freshman and parent/guest orientation.
All in-person orientations will have an information desk located in the University Center’s first floor gallery. Please direct anyone with orientation-related questions to the information desk.
Please contact carrie-sherbesman@utc.edu if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for making our orientation program a success.
* * * * *
Campus Recreation is running a faculty and staff summer pickleball league June 11-27 from noon-2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the ARC’s basketball courts.
Want to learn how to play pickleball? The ARC will be hosting pickleball practice sessions from noon-1 p.m. today (June 4) and Thursday (June 6).
For more information, email amy-slagle@utc.edu, Campus Recreation’s coordinator of intramural sports.
* * * * *
The Center for Wellbeing will be hosting a series of trainings for staff and faculty this summer. If interested, please sign up here. The Center’s staff is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to megan-mcknight@utc.edu with questions or to request a training.
Wednesday (June 5): Opioid Overdose Prevention and Narcan (University Center 350), noon-1 p.m.
Wednesday, June 12: Promoting Student Wellbeing: The Dimensions of Wellness (virtual), 2-3 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (virtual), 11 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, June 19: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (virtual), noon-1 p.m.
Wednesday, June 26: Promoting Student Wellbeing: The Dimensions of Wellness (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 11: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 17: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (University Center 350), 10-11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 17: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 18: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (virtual), 10-11 a.m.
Monday, July 22: Opioid Overdose Prevention & Narcan (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Thursday, July 25: Mental Health First Aid (University Center 350), 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use (virtual), noon-2 p.m.
Monday, August 5: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (virtual), 2-3 p.m.
Monday, August 5: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (virtual), 3-4 p.m.
Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentations
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.
Human Resources provided a series of June staff development opportunities—including an Optum-hosted online event, “Communication: Beyond the Basics,” taking place from 2-3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18. Click here for the complete list.
* * * * *
Search committee orientation is a critical component of UTC’s hiring process. What was previously conducted via Zoom as search committee training has transitioned to a new and refreshed self-paced asynchronous online training module that can easily be accessed in K@TE through this link: Faculty and Exempt Staff Search Committee Orientation.
This shift ensures a more streamlined process, consistency in content, accessibility and convenience for all participants. It emerged as a collaboration between the Office of Equity and Inclusion and Human Resources and underscores our institutional commitment to continuous improvement in fostering an inclusive and equitable hiring environment at UTC.
Faculty and exempt staff members serving on search committees must undergo search committee orientation every two years if they plan to participate in the hiring process for positions at UTC. It is not required for non-exempt staff searches but is highly recommended. For more information, click here. Email oei@utc.eduwith questions, comments or concerns.
* * * * *
Photo credit: UT System
Join the UT System Institutional Effectiveness (IE) team for the 2024 IE Summit from July 9–11, where data practitioners across all UT campuses and institutes will explore the future of data-driven excellence. At a one-hour virtual session each day, participants will engage with colleagues through insightful sessions on AI technologies, data stewardship and the evaluation of our data dashboards.
Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the next chapter in supporting the UT mission through data. Register now to be part of the conversation.
* * * * *
Save the date! UTC is excited to participate in the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s city-wide “Day of Caring” volunteer service initiative on Friday, September 20. Your serving hands are needed to represent, bring together and impact the residents and partners in Chattanooga.
Indoor or outdoor projects may include painting, moving debris or gardening. Interested students, faculty and staff will be able to indicate a preferred volunteer site, and transportation will be available. Additional details, including registration information, is forthcoming.
Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions about getting involved with this volunteer service initiative.
Looking back
Olivia Reeves celebrates after completing a 150kg clean and jerk lift at the 2024 IWF World Cup in Phuket, Thailand (photo by USA Weightlifting).
She is looking to become the first UTC currently-enrolled student to participate in the Olympic Games—and is believed to be the first student in the University’s 138-year history to be selected for an Olympic team.
Reeves will arrive in Paris on July 18, where she will spend nearly a month as the competitions take place. She will compete at 7:30 p.m. Paris time (1:30 p.m. in Chattanooga) on Friday, Aug. 9.
* * * * *
Dr. Don Reising
A team led by UTC Guerry and UC Foundation Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering Don Reising, TVA and Grid Protection Alliance are collaborating on a way to prevent headaches for power companies. Reising and his graduate students have researched the issue for the past three years using $300,000 in TVA grants.
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Hamilton County Schools Student Ambassadors Benjamin Rodriguez Cruz (left), Malik Bailey, Bao Hoang, Sindi Gonzalez Larios, Heaven Adkins, Jasmine Moore, Kimora Reid and Jaylin Jordan (photo by Olivia Allen/Hamilton County Schools).
Local high school students came to UTC to share research on topics such as vaping, disruptive incidents and rule violations that take place at their schools. The Hamilton County Schools Student Ambassador members presented to principals and district leaders at a program facilitated by GEAR UP.
WUTC Spotlight: Scenic Roots
Kanika Jones with Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and a group welcoming the Sister City relationship with Accra, Ghana (photo credit: Kanika Jones)
The Sister Cities program fosters commercial and cultural ties between communities around the world.
Kanika Jones saw the opportunity for a Sister City relationship between Chattanooga and Accra, Ghana, and her first steps helped facilitate what is now official.
A recent episode of “Scenic Roots” on WUTC-FM featured a conversation with Jones, the lead artist and creative director of The Urban Echo Project. She is now hosting a Youth Poetry Workshop at the Chattanooga Public Library, with sessions at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays through June 7.
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-l-schultz@utc.edu orchuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
Reeves, a senior majoring in sociology who competes at 71 kg, is looking to become the first UTC currently-enrolled student to participate in the Olympic Games—and is believed to be the first student in the University’s 138-year history to be selected for an Olympic team.
She will travel to Paris on July 18 and spend nearly a month in France as the competitions take place. Reeves will compete at 7:30 p.m. Paris time (1:30 p.m. in Chattanooga) on Friday, Aug. 9.
A letter of thanks
Officer Ginger Yates (right)
Last week, Associate Vice Chancellor for Public Safety and Chief of Police Sean O’Brien received the following note reflecting the best of our UTC Police Department. The email sender granted permission for the note to appear in Campus Weekly.
Chief O’Brien,
I want to thank you for the amazing work your officers do each day. My husband is a medically retired police officer due to being hit by a vehicle almost five years ago. Because of this injury, he struggles to leave the house due to daily seizures from a head injury.
On May 21, 2024, I was on campus for my daughter’s high school graduation from TN Connections Academy. As we pulled into McKenzie Arena, my daughter saw the police car. Her first response was to say how much she missed my husband not being able to attend due to his injuries. She stated that she wanted an officer close to her to make her feel like he was there with us. My first contact with UTCPD was Officer (Ginger) Yates. I explained our story and she was very eager to help. I then spoke with Sgt. Craig Haney, who was also willing to make this day special for my daughter.
As my daughter walked to the stage to receive her diploma, Sgt. Haney walked with her. Having him by her side as she waited in line was a very special moment for our whole family. As she exited the stage, Deputy Chief Matthew Holzmacher was waiting for her. He spoke with her and made sure she was okay. The interactions with these three officers made this day for her (and all of us) even more special. She realized that day what “Law Enforcement Family” means. It helped fill a hole in her heart knowing that we all have her back.
I can tell you I cried way too much that day, as she is the baby of our family. I know I felt safe and loved by people that I had never met until that day. You have an amazing team that really cares about their community. Thank you for your service and the team you built.
Walker and Darlene Veal
From the UTC Podlab: Tennessee Valley Crossroads
Computer science student William Bumcum and business management student Maggie Leslie
“Tennessee Valley Crossroads” is a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student-produced podcast that brings classmates together to have candid, unscripted conversations, fostering empathy and breaking down barriers between students from different cultures and backgrounds. Under the direction of Will Davis, students came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future.
This week’s episode features a conversation between computer science student William Bumcum and business management student Maggie Leslie about gun control.
“Tennessee Valley Crossroads” is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step initiative, which brings together to find the humanity in each other.
You can listen to “Tennessee Valley Crossroads” on WUTC 88.1 FM every Monday during Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and subscribe to the “Tennessee Valley Crossroads” podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
The outstanding people of UTC
For the second straight year, staff and faculty hit the road to spread the UTC name at numerous Hamilton County Schools eighth-grade promotion ceremonies. Two dozen UTC representatives participated in Middle School to Mocs Scholars events, presenting to more than 3,000 HCS students—including Stacy Lightfoot and Amy Hitchcock (pictured above) at the Chattanooga School for the Liberal Arts ceremony.
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Last Thursday night, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Alumni Affairs Jeff Cogburn (left), Equal Opportunity and Accessibility Director Rosite Delgado and University High Principal Arielle Hayes graduated from Leadership Chattanooga.
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Graduate School Interim Dean Ethan Carver presents the Outstanding Community Partner Award to Anesthesiology Consultants Exchange’s Scott Monterde.
The UTC Graduate School recently recognized the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists at Anesthesiology Consultants Exchange, P.C., with its inaugural Outstanding Community Partner Award—given to an organization that has demonstrated an outstanding relationship with one or more UTC graduate programs.
Anesthesiology Consultants Exchange (ACE), nominated by the School of Nursing graduate faculty, provides outstanding clinical experiences at Erlanger Health System. ACE is considered to be a leader in student nurse anesthetist training in the Southeast. UTC is proud to partner with them for the betterment of our students.
The graduate awards committee consisted of Dr. Barry Kamrath (chair), Dr. Carolyn Padalino, Dr. Chris Cunningham, Dr. Jessica Hackathorne and Dr. Navid Aghakhani.
Mark your calendar
The Office of Multicultural Affairs and the UTC Black Faculty and Staff Association are hosting UTC’s Juneteenth celebration from noon-2 p.m. on Friday, June 14, in the Lupton Hall first floor lobby. The event is open to faculty, staff, students, alumni and family.
Learn more about Juneteenth’s origins as we celebrate its culture and heritage. This is a family reunion-style event where we gather to learn, celebrate and engage with our campus community.
Food and T-shirts will be provided while supplies last. Attendees are asked to RSVP via MocSync by Wednesday, June 12.
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New Student and Family Programs will be hosting orientation sessions throughout the summer for all new students entering UTC in the fall, including the following dates in June:
Freshman sessions: June 6, 7, 17, 18
Transfer sessions: June 4, 21, 27 (online)
On average, the University sees over 6,000 new students and their guests throughout the summer program.
Click here for the schedule of events for freshman and parent/guest orientation.
All in-person orientations will have an information desk located in the University Center’s first floor gallery. Please direct anyone with orientation-related questions to the information desk.
Please contact carrie-sherbesman@utc.edu if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for making our orientation program a success.
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The Center for Wellbeing will be hosting a series of trainings for staff and faculty this summer. If interested, please sign up here. The Center’s staff is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to megan-mcknight@utc.edu with questions or to request a training.
Wednesday, June 5: Opioid Overdose Prevention and Narcan (University Center 350), noon-1 p.m.
Wednesday, June 12: Promoting Student Wellbeing: The Dimensions of Wellness (virtual), 2-3 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (virtual), 11 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, June 19: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (virtual), noon-1 p.m.
Wednesday, June 26: Promoting Student Wellbeing: The Dimensions of Wellness (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 11: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 17: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (University Center 350), 10-11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 17: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 18: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (virtual), 10-11 a.m.
Monday, July 22: Opioid Overdose Prevention & Narcan (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Thursday, July 25: Mental Health First Aid (University Center 350), 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use (virtual), noon-2 p.m.
Monday, August 5: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (virtual), 2-3 p.m.
Monday, August 5: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (virtual), 3-4 p.m.
Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentations
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.
Save the date! UTC is excited to participate in the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s city-wide “Day of Caring” volunteer service initiative on Friday, September 20. Your serving hands are needed to represent, bring together and impact the residents and partners in Chattanooga.
Indoor or outdoor projects may include painting, moving debris or gardening. Interested students, faculty and staff will be able to indicate a preferred volunteer site, and transportation will be available. Additional details, including registration information, is forthcoming.
Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions about getting involved with this volunteer service initiative.
Looking back
UTC orientation leaders at the first summer session last Wednesday
Communications and Marketing staff writer Peyton Schultz didn’t live on campus as a UTC student and always wished she could go back and tell her 18-year-old self the information to make her transition into college a little easier. So, with the help of UTC’s experts in creating the best student experience, Schultz compiled a list of what UTC first-year students need to know—beginning with “make the most out of orientation.”
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Dylan Rivera
For many children, the monsters under their beds are real, and Dylan Rivera, a 2020 graduate of UTC, is working to help keep those monsters in check. As director of policy planning and implementation for the city of Chattanooga, his work directly influences Chattanooga’s minority neighborhoods by helping people “move up from where they are in their socioeconomic status” and making impactful changes for their families.
WUTC Spotlight: Co.MObility Summit
Eric Ries (photo credit: Julie Bushell Associates)
WUTC-FM’s “Scenic Roots” recently featured a conversation with entrepreneur and author Eric Ries, who pioneered the Lean Startup movement.
Last week, Ries was one of the keynote speakers at the CO.MOBILITY summit.
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-l-schultz@utc.edu orchuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
Are you ready to join the movement? Come join 60-plus speakers, 25-plus talks, 10-plus interactive workshops, four happy hours and 20-plus hours of networking opportunities at CO.MOBILITY Summit 2024, taking place through Wednesday (May 22)—including events at the UTC Fine Arts Center and the College of Engineering and Computer Science today (May 21).
UTC students, faculty and staff get free entry. Students should use the code STUDENT to redeem a free three-day pass, while faculty and staff should use the code FACULTY. Book usingthis link.
This event is one of the largest sustainable mobility events in the country, bringing together leaders in electrification, autonomous technology and infrastructure, quantum, smart city development, supply chain, micromobility and more.
Communication student Sydney Banks, left, and music therapy student Jenna Puls.
“Tennessee Valley Crossroads” is a University of Tennessee at Chattanooga student-produced podcast that brings classmates together to have candid, unscripted conversations, fostering empathy and breaking down barriers between students from different cultures and backgrounds. Under the direction of Will Davis, students came to the UTC PodLab and opened their lives with stories about their families, their politics and their hopes for the future.
This week’s episode features a conversation between communication student Sydney Banks and music therapy student Jenna Puls talking about belonging.
“Tennessee Valley Crossroads” is inspired by StoryCorps’ One Small Step initiative, which brings together to find the humanity in each other.
You can listen to “Tennessee Valley Crossroads” on WUTC 88.1 FM every Monday during Morning Edition and All Things Considered, and subscribe to the “Tennessee Valley Crossroads” podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
The outstanding people of UTC
Dr. Deborah McAllister
Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in April. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $2,099,867 in external grant and contract awards during the month and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $8,390,058 in external funding, if awarded.
Among those receiving awards in April was School of Education Professor Deborah McAllister, the principal investigator in receiving $1,691,885 from the National Science Foundation for the project titled “Graduate Yearlong Experience and Residency for Acquiring STEM Teaching Competencies.”
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Dr. Azad Hossain
Associate Professor Azad Hossain, an environmental geoscientist in the UTC Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science, was the principal investigator on award funding of $299,998 from NASA for the project titled “Remote Sensing of Water Quality in the Tennessee River.”
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From left: UTC Gilman Scholarship recipients Ashlyn Roberson, Bailee Fiste, Bryce Sanders, Kamila Vargas and Kylie Knott
Rising junior Ashlyn Roberson, majoring in both Spanish and integrated studies (art history and philosophy), will spend the fall 2024 semester at the University of Salamanca in Spain after landing the John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families (Gilman-McCain Scholarship)—which awards $5,000 for dependents of U.S. military personnel.
Rising junior Bailee Fiste, majoring in humanities: international studies with a minor in communication, will be studying in Japan.
Rising senior Bryce Sanders is already in Europe visiting the United Kingdom, Germany and Austria. He is majoring in psychology with minors in criminal justice and sociology.
Rising junior Kamila Vargas will be spending two months at the University of Alcalá in Spain. The Brock Scholar is majoring in nursing with a minor in Spanish.
Rising senior Kylie Knott will spend six weeks in Florence, Italy. She is majoring in psychology with a minor in sociology and plans to pursue a career in art therapy.
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Police Chief Sean O’Brien (left photo) and Deputy Chief Matthew Holzmacher were sworn in by the Honorable Travis R. McDonough. Photos by Noah Camacho.
Sean O’Brien, a decorated police officer with 24 years of law enforcement experience, was sworn in as UTC associate vice chancellor for public safety and chief of police at a ceremony held in Patten Chapel.
Matthew Holzmacher, a member of the UTC Police Department since 2010, was sworn in as deputy chief.
Mark your calendar
The UTC Research Institute is excited to announce its next call for concept papers, seeking proposals from talented researchers across the campus community. This round of CEACSE funding is up to three years of support for a total amount up to $900,000 to start a new focus area.
A “Call for Concept Papers” information session will take place at 10 a.m. on Thursday (May 23) in UTC Library Room 435. Refreshments will be provided.
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The Department of Chemistry and Physics will continue its Undergraduate Research Program seminar series this Friday (May 24) with a visit from Georgia Institute of Technology Regents’ Professor David Sherrill. The seminar will take place from 1-2 p.m. at Grote Hall 411.
While a student at McCallie School, Sherrill trained with UTC chemistry faculty and was part of the Chemistry Olympiad team that competed outside the U.S.
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New Student and Family Programs will be hosting orientation sessions throughout the summer for all new students entering UTC in the fall, with the initial one-day event taking place on Wednesday (May 22). On average, the University sees over 6,000 new students and their guests throughout the summer program.
Click here for the schedule of events for freshman and parent/guest orientation.
All in-person orientations will have an information desk located in the University Center’s first floor gallery. Please direct anyone with orientation-related questions to the information desk.
Please contact carrie-sherbesman@utc.edu if you have any questions. Thank you in advance for making our orientation program a success.
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The Center for Wellbeing will be hosting a series of trainings for staff and faculty this summer. If interested, please sign up here. The Center’s staff is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to megan-mcknight@utc.edu with questions or to request a training.
Wednesday, June 5: Opioid Overdose Prevention and Narcan (University Center 350), noon-1 p.m.
Wednesday, June 12: Promoting Student Wellbeing: The Dimensions of Wellness (virtual), 2-3 p.m.
Wednesday, June 19: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (virtual), 11 a.m.-noon
Wednesday, June 19: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (virtual), noon-1 p.m.
Wednesday, June 26: Promoting Student Wellbeing: The Dimensions of Wellness (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 11: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Wednesday, July 17: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (University Center 350), 10-11 a.m.
Wednesday, July 17: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (University Center 350), 11 a.m.-noon
Thursday, July 18: Promoting Healthy Sleep Among Students (virtual), 10-11 a.m.
Monday, July 22: Opioid Overdose Prevention & Narcan (University Center 350), 1-2 p.m.
Thursday, July 25: Mental Health First Aid (University Center 350), 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
Wednesday, July 31: Recovery Allyship: How to Support Students Who Are Struggling or Have Struggled with Substance Use (virtual), noon-2 p.m.
Monday, August 5: QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer (virtual), 2-3 p.m.
Monday, August 5: Suicide Prevention Using C-SSRS (virtual), 3-4 p.m.
Campus Updates
A reminder from the Office of the University Registrar with important summer 2024 registration information …
Faculty and staff, as you work with students, please keep in mind these important registration dates for Part of Term 1 and Full Term:
Today (May 21): Full Term: Last day to register for classes including to add a section or change sections. Last day to change from credit to audit.
Today (May 21): Full Term: Last day to drop a class before a W (withdrawal) is recorded.
Wednesday, June 12: Part of Term 1: Last day to withdraw on a course-by-course basis with a grade of W (one or more courses).
Tuesday, June 25: Part of Term 1: Last day to withdraw from the university (i.e. all courses) with grades of W in all Part of Term courses.
Monday, July 8: Full Term: Last day to withdraw on a course-by-course basis with a grade of W (one or more courses).
Tuesday, August 6: Full Term: Last day to withdraw from the university (i.e. all courses) with grades of W in all PT2 and Full Term courses.
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Save the date! UTC is excited to participate in the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s city-wide “Day of Caring” volunteer service initiative on Friday, September 20. Your serving hands are needed to represent, bring together and impact the residents and partners in Chattanooga.
Indoor or outdoor projects may include painting, moving debris or gardening. Interested students, faculty and staff will be able to indicate a preferred volunteer site, and transportation will be available. Additional details, including registration information, is forthcoming.
Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, if you have any questions about getting involved with this volunteer service initiative.
WUTC Spotlight: Scenic Roots
Every year, students in UTC’s Interior Architecture and Design program focus their senior thesis projects on a historic building. This past academic year, the students revisited The Jazzy Buildings—stretching from Market to Broad streets—in partnership with Preserve Chattanooga, the historic preservation nonprofit in Chattanooga.
A recent segment of “Scenic Roots” on WUTC-FM 88.1 featured a conversation with the program’s director, Associate Professor Jessica Etheredge; student Emily Ward, who graduated on May 4; and Todd Morgan, executive director of Preserve Chattanooga.
Dr. Ken Grubbs (’97, ’20), Roger Smith (’73) and Lily Sanchez (’16) 
Our goal for Welcome Week 2024 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and we need your help.If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes (Aug. 18-24), please submit your event to the official calendar found on the Welcome Week webpage. 
Operation Move In takes place Thursday, Aug. 15, for freshmen and transfer students. Upperclassmen move in takes place Friday, Aug. 16, and Saturday, Aug. 17. 
House Calls 2024 will be Tuesday, Sept. 10. This is the department initiative for campus partners to help us check in on our students after living on campus within those crucial first six weeks of school. We will provide resources but also engage in meaningful conversations right at the resident’s door. We would love many different offices across campus to participate so our residents can have a versatile experience.
UC Foundation Associate Professor Trevor Elliott and recent UTC graduate Connor Mackey work Monday, July 15, to try out 3D-printed helmets for Niblet at Chattanooga’s Humane Educational Society.When the call came from the Humane Educational Society seeking assistance for a puppy requiring special care, 
Save the date for the 
UTC is excited to participate in the United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s city-wide “Day of Caring” volunteer service initiative on Friday, Sept. 20. Make your plans to join your fellow Mocs, the United Way and 500-plus volunteers from around Chattanooga. Your servant leadership hands are needed for efforts such as cleaning, sorting, painting, mowing, mulching, moving debris and writing cards.UTC volunteers have an opportunity to address community needs at project sites across the city. Interested volunteers need to be available from 7:45 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A grab-and-go breakfast, transportation and lunch will be available. Click 
New Student and Family Programs will be hosting orientation sessions throughout the summer for all new students entering UTC in the fall, including the following dates:Freshman sessions: July 25, 26 Transfer sessions: July 23 (online), Aug. 1 On average, the University sees over 6,000 new students and their guests throughout the summer program.All in-person orientations will have an information desk located in the University Center’s first floor gallery. Please direct anyone with orientation-related questions to the information desk.Please contact 
Undergraduate Admissions announced its Power C Tour dates for the fall semester:Oct. 3: MemphisOct. 23: KnoxvilleOct. 28: Nashville/FranklinNov. 13: ChattanoogaNov. 2: Blue and Gold Preview Day on UTC’s campus
The 3,000-plus teachers in Hamilton County need the community’s assistance in securing supplies for their classrooms and our future Mocs. The United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s Emerging Leaders Group has organized and is promoting the Ready, Set, Supply Initiative through Wednesday, July 31, to help their academic year get off to a good start. Consider dropping off any of the below items outside Pfeiffer 207 by the end of the month or email 
Preparations for the University Center renovation are well underway. The Chattanooga Rooms have been converted into surge space; the Foundation Room has been emptied and is offline permanently; and the Game Room has been moved to its temporary location in the Blue and Gold section of the Commons. There have also been some temporary departmental moves that you should be aware of:Mocs One Center – Chattanooga ACareer Connections – Chattanooga CMocs Recovery Program – UC 350 (Center for Wellbeing)Veteran and Military Affairs – Hooper 102Office of the University Registrar – Library 4th FloorConstruction is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Aug. 6, on the west side of the building (1st floor and Upper Gallery areas). As always, we encourage everyone to reserve their space for the fall semester early. Reservations for spring 2025 events and meetings will open on Monday, Sept. 30.
From left: Tannaz Salehkhou, Zennia Nesmith, Donna Taheri, Dr. Keith Bridges, Vice Chancellor Stacy Lightfoot, Kimberly Davis, Esther Johnson and Robert Rooks.
The ceremonial $50 million check presentation at the July 18, 2024, celebration of the HUD Choice Neighborhoods Implementation grant award. From left: Hamilton County Commissioner Warren Mackey, Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp, Chattanooga City Council member Raquetta Dotley, Chattanooga Housing Authority Board of Commissioners chairperson Jim Levine, Westside One Community leader Cassandra Robinson, CHA Executive Director Betsy McCright, Chattanooga Mayor Tim Kelly and HUD Regional Administrator Jennifer Riley Collins and General Deputy Assistant Secretary Dominique Blom.A 
Laura Hankin (photo courtesy of Penguin Random House)Author Laura Hankin, whose latest novel and first romcom is “One-Star Romance,” sat down with Richard Winham for a recent episode of WUTC-FM’s “
Updates and news for the week of July 9-15, 2024
Preparations for the University Center renovation are well underway. The Chattanooga Rooms have been converted into surge space; the Foundation Room has been emptied and is offline permanently; and the Game Room has been moved to its temporary location in the Blue and Gold section of the Commons. There have also been some temporary departmental moves that you should be aware of:Mocs One Center – Chattanooga ACareer Connections – Chattanooga CMocs Recovery Program – UC 350 (Center for Wellbeing)Veteran and Military Affairs – Hooper 102Office of the University Registrar – Library 4th FloorConstruction is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, Aug. 6, on the west side of the building (1st floor and Upper Gallery areas). As always, we encourage everyone to reserve their space for the fall semester early. Reservations for spring 2025 events and meetings will open on Monday, Sept. 30.
Our goal for Welcome Week 2024 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and we need your help.If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes (Aug. 18-24), please submit your event to the official calendar found on the Welcome Week webpage. 
Operation Move In for incoming freshmen and transfers is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15, and Housing and Residence Life could use as many hands as possible to make this day go as smoothly as possible for our newest residents.If you are interested in volunteering for OMI, please fill out the 
House Calls 2024 will be Sept. 10. This is the department initiative for campus partners to help us check in on our students after living on campus within those crucial first six weeks of school. We will provide resources but also engage in meaningful conversations right at the resident’s door. We would love many different offices across campus to participate so our residents can have a versatile experience.
Save the date for the 
Dr. Cathy Scott, a member of the UTC Department of Social Work faculty since 2011, has been selected as a Gerontological Society of America Fellow.Dr. Cathy Scott, an associate professor of social work and the Bachelor of Social Work program director, 
Dr. Robert Liddell, UTC’s executive director of the Center for Career and Leadership Development, has been appointed as the inaugural Assistant Vice President for Career Services at Florida State University, marking a significant professional milestone. Rob, a proud FSU alum, has been with UTC since 2017 and is excited to return to his alma mater. 
Undergraduate Admissions announced its Power C Tour dates for the fall semester:Oct. 3: MemphisOct. 23: KnoxvilleOct. 28: Nashville/FranklinNov. 13: ChattanoogaNov. 2: Blue and Gold Preview Day on UTC’s campus______
Human Resources provided a series of July staff development opportunities—including a two-session Crucial Learning-hosted program taking place from 1-2 p.m. today (July 16) and Tuesday, July 30. 
Campus Recreation is running a faculty and staff summer pickleball league July 16-Aug. 1 from noon-1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the ARC’s basketball courts. 
New Student and Family Programs will be hosting orientation sessions throughout the summer for all new students entering UTC in the fall, including the following dates:Freshman sessions: July 16, 25, 26Transfer sessions: July 18, 23 (online) … Aug. 1On average, the University sees over 6,000 new students and their guests throughout the summer program.All in-person orientations will have an information desk located in the University Center’s first floor gallery. Please direct anyone with orientation-related questions to the information desk.Please contact 
The 3,000-plus teachers in Hamilton County need the community’s assistance in securing supplies for their classrooms and our future Mocs. The United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s Emerging Leaders Group has organized and is promoting the Ready, Set, Supply Initiative through Wednesday, July 31, to help their academic year get off to a good start. Consider dropping off any of the below items outside Pfeiffer 207 by the end of the month or email 
The 2025 UT Grand Challenges Summit will take place Feb. 13-14, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro.Join the UT System for an impactful summit aimed at addressing Tennessee’s most pressing issues. By convening a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to think in terms of wholes rather than fragmented parts, the summit’s goal is to foster innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to drive meaningful change across the state. This is a unique opportunity to delve into interconnected challenges and collaboratively explore ways to advance our communities.The Grand Challenge areas are overcoming addiction, advancing K-12 education, and strengthening Tennessee’s rural communities.The UT System also is seeking engaging presentations from University-affiliated faculty and staff for this summit. Share your insights and lead discussions by providing an overview of your work. 
Dr. Matt Matthews recently marked his 20th year on the UTC campus, having joined the University faculty in 2004 as an assistant professor of mathematics. Photo by Angela Foster.UTC Vice Provost Matt Matthews 
Polymer chemistry students Maya Sharma, left, and Morgan Williams discuss their experimental design with Kaitlyn Cathers, a development technician at Woodbridge Foam Corporation. Photo credit: Dr. Meredith BarbeeDr. Meredith Barbee, an assistant professor in the UTC Department of Chemistry and Physics, 
This month, Chattanooga hosts the State of Tennessee’s Digital Opportunity Summit.It takes place on Tuesday, July 23, at the Chattanooga Convention Center—with a pre-summit conference set for Monday, July 22, that will highlight Chattanooga’s story in digital opportunity partnerships in the past decade.A recent episode of 
Undergraduate Admissions announced its Power C Tour dates for the fall semester:Oct. 3: MemphisOct. 23: KnoxvilleOct. 28: Nashville/FranklinNov. 13: ChattanoogaNov. 2: Blue and Gold Preview Day on UTC’s campus
Our goal for Welcome Week 2024 is to offer a calendar full of fun and engaging events that welcome our students to the start of a new semester, and we need your help.If you are hosting an event or program during the first week of classes (Aug. 18-24), please submit your event to the official calendar found on the Welcome Week webpage. 
Operation Move In for incoming freshmen and transfers is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 15, and Housing and Residence Life could use as many hands as possible to make this day go as smoothly as possible for our newest residents.If you are interested in volunteering for OMI, please fill out the 
House Calls 2024 will be Sept. 10. This is the department initiative for campus partners to help us check in on our students after living on campus within those crucial first six weeks of school. We will provide resources but also engage in meaningful conversations right at the resident’s door. We would love many different offices across campus to participate so our residents can have a versatile experience.
Erin Yenawine is participating in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program called “Data Science for the Social Good.”This summer, UTC rising junior Erin Yenawine 
Larry Ward was inducted into the Tennessee Radio Hall of Fame in 2022.Larry Ward, the iconic voice of Chattanooga Mocs women’s basketball, 
Human Resources provided a series of July staff development opportunities—including a two-session Crucial Learning-hosted program taking place from 1-2 p.m. on Tuesday, July 16, and Tuesday, July 30. 
The College of Engineering and Computer Science is hosting a virtual graduate program information session at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10. Please 
Campus Recreation is running a faculty and staff summer pickleball league July 16-Aug. 1 from noon-1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays on the ARC’s basketball courts. 
New Student and Family Programs will be hosting orientation sessions throughout the summer for all new students entering UTC in the fall, including the following dates:Freshman sessions: July 15, 16, 25, 26Transfer sessions: July 18, 23 (online) … Aug. 1On average, the University sees over 6,000 new students and their guests throughout the summer program.All in-person orientations will have an information desk located in the University Center’s first floor gallery. Please direct anyone with orientation-related questions to the information desk.Please contact 
Photo credit: UT SystemJoin the UT System Institutional Effectiveness (IE) team for the 2024 IE Summit from July 9-11, where data practitioners across all UT campuses and institutes will explore the future of data-driven excellence. At a one-hour virtual session each day, participants will engage with colleagues through insightful sessions on AI technologies, data stewardship and the evaluation of our data dashboards.Don’t miss this opportunity to shape the next chapter in supporting the UT mission through data. 
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.Friday, July 12: 
The 3,000-plus teachers in Hamilton County need the community’s assistance in securing supplies for their classrooms and our future Mocs. The United Way of Greater Chattanooga’s Emerging Leaders Group has organized and is promoting the Ready, Set, Supply Initiative through Wednesday, July 31, to help their academic year get off to a good start. Consider dropping off any of the below items outside Pfeiffer 207 by the end of the month or email 
The 2025 UT Grand Challenges Summit will take place Feb. 13-14, 2025, at the Embassy Suites in Murfreesboro.Join the UT System for an impactful summit aimed at addressing Tennessee’s most pressing issues. By convening a diverse group of experts and stakeholders to think in terms of wholes rather than fragmented parts, the summit’s goal is to foster innovative solutions and strategic partnerships to drive meaningful change across the state. This is a unique opportunity to delve into interconnected challenges and collaboratively explore ways to advance our communities.The Grand Challenge areas are overcoming addiction, advancing K-12 education, and strengthening Tennessee’s rural communities.The UT System also is seeking engaging presentations from University-affiliated faculty and staff for this summit. Share your insights and lead discussions by providing an overview of your work. 
Rising McCallie School junior Joshua Kim recently presented his award-winning research at the Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles.A pair of local high school students parlayed participation in a UTC-hosted competition into an opportunity to showcase their talents at an international competition. Joshua Kim and Rachel Chen 
Dr. Aaron Shaheen (middle) stands between John Dos Passos Coggin (left) and Dr. Alberto Luca, the current owner of the Villa Ca’ Erizzo Luca in Bassano del Grappa, Italy, during the John Dos Passos Conference. Photo courtesy of Dr. Aaron Shaheen.Dr. Aaron Shaheen, the George C. Connor Professor of American Literature, and the UTC Department of English were co-sponsors of the fourth biennial 
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