April 8-14, 2025
Updates and news for the week of April 8-14, 2025
The UTC Campus Weekly newsletter is distributed every Tuesday morning. If you have news, events or announcements you would like shared with campus, please submit your information to Peyton Schultz (peyton-l-schultz@utc.edu) in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
Highlights
NIT CHAMPIONS!
 Mocs men’s basketball team returns to McKenzie Arena. In case you missed it, the Chattanooga Mocs are the 2025 National Invitation Tournament champions. In a battle for the title last week, the Mocs beat the University of California, Irvine 85-84 to claim the program’s first-ever NIT championship.
This was Chattanooga’s fifth appearance in the NIT and matched the 1977 NCAA Division II national championship and 1976 national runner-up finish for the longest postseason run in school history. The Mocs finished the season with a school-record 29 wins, ending the year at 29-9 with a Southern Conference regular-season championship and now, an NIT title.
To celebrate this milestone, the campus and Chattanooga community welcomed the team home with a celebration at McKenzie Arena.
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SPRING RESEARCH AND ARTS CONFERENCE RETURNS
The Spring Research and Arts Conference returns on Wednesday, April 9, continuing its tradition of showcasing student and faculty research, innovation and creativity. Presented by the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the Office for Undergraduate Research and Creative Endeavor, the conference highlights the breadth and depth of research happening at UTC—featuring more than 650 presenters and 320 unique research projects throughout the day.
For more information, visit the UTC Spring Research and Arts Conference webpage. The conference schedule can be found here.
- Dr. Rick Mukherjee, director of UTC’s Quantum Center, will be giving a featured talk at 3:45 p.m. in McKenzie Arena Room 101. His talk, titled “Quantum Chats,” will offer an engaging look into the groundbreaking work happening at the Quantum Center, as well as the future of quantum research and its relevance across disciplines. This is a fantastic opportunity for our campus community to connect with the innovative research happening right here at UTC.
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COMMENCEMENT MARSHALS
We are looking for a handful of faculty or staff to serve as marshals at each of our undergraduate commencement ceremonies on Saturday, May 3.
If you would like to volunteer to be a marshal, please register here and indicate which commencement ceremony(ies) you are available to marshal.
Outstanding People of UTC
 From left: Caroline Britt, Paige Bush, Bradley Bee and Jane Chambers Four UTC music students were recently recognized for their talent at the Regional National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition, held at Morehead State University.
Jane Chambers placed third in the Freshmen Treble category, Paige Bush earned third in Senior Treble and Caroline Britt took second in the Musical Theatre Upper College category. Piano major Bradley Bee served as the collaborative pianist for the students—a role typically performed by professional accompanists.
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 From left: Michael Martin, Amy Guinac, Aree Alghoul, Arwen Moss, Hailey Henderson and Lynsey Lawson (photo courtesy of Dr. Cecelia Wigal). Six UTC students brought home awards at the recent American Society for Engineering Education Southeast Conference held at Mississippi State University. The students—all freshmen or sophomores—participated in the lower division team design poster competition and the overall event competition against mostly junior/senior teams.
UTC’s two ENME 1850 freshman design teams, representing three departments:
- The Pick-Grip: Assistive Guitar Pick Holder won the lower division team design category. Team members were Aree Alghoul (computer engineering), Amy Guinac (mechatronics engineering technology) and Michael Martin (computer engineering).
- Idiopathic Scoliosis Brace for Children earned Best Overall Student Poster for the entire event. Team members were Hailey Henderson (mechanical engineering), Lynsey Lawson (mechatronics engineering technology) and Arwen Moss (mechanical engineering).
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 Dr. Nancy Fell (left) and Dr. Stephanie Eton Dr. Nancy Fell and Dr. Stephanie Eton have been recognized with top statewide honors from the Tennessee chapter of the American Physical Therapy Association.
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 Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs Shewanee Howard-Baptiste Dr. Shewanee Howard-Baptiste, vice provost for undergraduate affairs, has been selected as the new provost and vice president for academic affairs at Berea College—a private liberal arts institution in Berea, Kentucky.
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Check out these Mocs in the news:
- Associate Professor of Occupational Therapy Erin Melhorn appeared on Local 3 News to discuss the UTC/Erlanger Driver’s Safety Carfit Event.
- A Local 3 News story featured UC Foundation Assistant Professor Kristi Wick to talk about the MobileMOC health clinic.
- Dr. Chris Smith discussed the measles vaccine on Jed & JR Mornings.
- Center for Regional Economic Research Director Howard Wall spoke to Local 3 News about tariffs and their impact on local businesses.
- UC Foundation Associate Professor Liz Hathaway was a guest on Jed & JR Mornings to talk about exercise and weight training.
Mark Your Calendar
 Photo credit: Dale Rutemeyer/GoMocs.com This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Saturday, April 12: Women’s Tennis vs. Samford, UTC Tennis Center, noon
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An information session is taking place at 2 p.m. today (April 8) via Zoom for the fall 2025 study abroad course, “Doing Business in Italy,” which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to Italy—tentatively scheduled for December 2025—with visits to Rome, Florence and Milan.
“Doing Business in Italy” is led by Dr. Katherine Karl, head of the Department of Management. Students earn three credit hours at either the undergraduate (MGT 4950) or graduate (MGT 5950) level.
For more information, contact COB International or visit COB International Programs.
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Graduate Student Appreciation Week is taking place through Friday, April 11, and recognizes the contributions, impact and value of UTC’s graduate and professional students. Graduate students work hard to advance their skills, develop research and lead innovation across campus.
- Today-Thursday, April 8-10: Drop-in + Fuel Up, Graduate School Office (Race Hall Room 103), 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Take a break and recharge with the Graduate School staff. Free caffeinated and non-caffeinated drinks, snacks and giveaways will be available to help power through the end of the semester.
- Today, April 8: Get Caffeinated with the GSA, Lupton Hall Lobby, 4-6 p.m. Stop by for free energy drinks, coffee and stickers while connecting with the Graduate Student Association.
- Wednesday, April 9: Free Professional Headshots, Career Connection Office (University Center Room 108), 3-5 p.m. Update your LinkedIn profile, portfolio or professional materials with a free headshot during this drop-in session.
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Join the next Science on Tap discussion from 5-7 p.m. today (April 8) at the Tap House in St. Elmo. Hear from Dr. Keenan Dungey, head of the UTC Department of Chemistry and Physics as he explores the potential of solar-powered cars. He’ll be joined by UC Foundation Chemistry Professor Tom Rybolt, who will share how he installed solar panels on his home and the energy they generate.
Enjoy free snacks and appetizers, with local brews and other beverages available for purchase at happy hour prices. Additional 10% discount for military, first responders and students with ID. Register here.
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Dr. Stefan Hördler, a historian of the Holocaust with a focus on Nazi concentration camps, will speak at 5 p.m. today (April 8), in Derthick Hall Room 101.
Hördler is based at the University of Göttingen and is the former director of the Mittelbau-Dora Concentration Camp Memorial. He recently co-authored an analysis of the Auschwitz Album and has served as an expert consultant on investigations involving former Nazi camp personnel.
The event is sponsored by the UTC Department of History, with support from the College of Arts and Sciences and the UTC Chair of Excellence in Judaic Studies.
For more information, contact Dr. John C. Swanson.
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Sponsored by the George C. Connor Professorship of American Literature and the UTC Department of English, the Take Five 2025 lineup explores what it means to be educated in the modern world.
The final Take Five session will occur at 6 p.m. in the University Center Tennessee Room. The session will offer a light dinner, and no RSVP is necessary.
Books are available through online retailers and at the UTC Bookstore (423-425-4107). Contact Aaron Shaheen with questions.
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 Theatre Co. students Ellen Rich (left), Maislynne Payne, Matthew Patrick and Caton Taylor. A production making its Broadway debut this spring is also set to hit the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre stage.
The UTC Theatre Co. continues its 2024-2025 season with its production of “John Proctor is the Villain,” written by playwright Kimberly Belflower. Performances will take place at 7:30 p.m. today (April 8) through Saturday, April 12—with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on April 12.
Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here and through the UTC Box Office—in person or by phone (423-425-1423). Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students (with proof of student ID) and seniors.
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UTC’s Undergraduate Curriculum Committee will meet at 3:15 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, via Zoom. For a list of the proposals that will be considered, log on to Curriculog and select the Curriculum – April 10, 2025 agenda.
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Join the Asian Studies program for a visit to the “Celestial Bodies” exhibit from 4:30-6:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 10, at Stove Works Gallery (1250 E. 13th St.). The exhibit features 14 AAPI artists with ties to the American South and Midwest and explores how migration reshapes personal and cultural mythologies, creating new visual languages and collective imaginations.
UTC Assistant Professor of Art Bart Pushaw will lead the group through the exhibition. A free shuttle will depart from the Fine Arts Center at 4:15 p.m. and return to campus at 6:30 p.m.
RSVP is required. Students who register will receive Asian Studies swag.
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April is Autism Acceptance Month, and to celebrate, the UTC Mosaic Program is hosting its second annual Autistic Voices Panel. Campus and community partners enjoyed hearing from our esteemed panelists last year, made up of our fantastic Mosaic students.
This year, new panelists will share their experiences as autistic individuals and discuss hard topics such as misconceptions of autism, medical model vs. social model, miscommunication barriers and more. Please join from 10 a.m.-noon on Friday, April 11, in Derthick Hall Room 101. Registration is required as seating is limited.
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Join us from 1-4 p.m. on Friday, April 11, for the gardening build-out and a celebration of the new edible student gardens being built near student dorms behind Crossroads Dining Hall and the Honors College.
The event is sponsored by Environmental Studies, History, Student Government Association, EDGE and Student Sustainability Society.
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As part of National Public Health Week (April 7-13), the Master of Public Health program will host a free pickleball tournament from noon-2 p.m. on Saturday, April 12, at the UTC Aquatic and Recreation Center. Equipment will be provided. Spots are limited, so registration is required.
An optional raffle will also be held, with some proceeds benefiting the Ronald McDonald House. Raffle entries will be $15 for one or $25 for two. A link to the giving portal will be shared soon.
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The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions about UTC’s Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, Master of Accountancy, and Business Analytics Certificate graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate programs provide flexible course options and exclusive career advancement resources to elevate your education and propel your career.
MBA Information Sessions
MAcc Information Sessions
MSM Information Sessions
MSDA Information Sessions
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The second annual Mocaroo will be held from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, on Chamberlain Field. The music festival will feature instrumental and vocal performing groups from UTC’s Department of Music, including Singing Mocs, Orpheus Chorale, Jazz Combo, Scenic City Brass, Guthrie Quartet, Pep Band, Bella Lam, the Saxophone Quartet, Clarion Chorale, and THE INCREDIBLE Jazz Band to end the evening.
On top of entertainment, the Windy City Eatz Food Truck will be at the event selling food. Additionally, a variety of campus organizations will have information tables about their organizations.
Mocaroo will be an incredible event, so bring a friend and your own chair or blanket and enjoy the wonderful afternoon on Chamberlain Field.
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Collegiate Recovery Week is April 14-18, and 11.5% of UTC students identify as being in recovery from alcohol or other drugs. Mocs Recovery invites the campus community to show support through the following activities:
- Monday, April 14: Opioid Overdose Response Training, Center for Wellbeing, noon-1 p.m. Lunch will be provided. RSVP is required.
- Wednesday, April 17: Affirmation Rock Garden, Chamberlain Plaza/Library Courtyard, 1-3:30 p.m. Rocks and paint will be available for anyone who would like to contribute. Painted rocks can also be dropped off at the Mocs Recovery student lounge in Stacy Town Center (open Monday-Thursday 1-7 p.m., Friday 1-4 p.m.).
Wear purple throughout the week to show support for students in recovery. Post on social media and tag @mocsrecovery to share your message.
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The UTC Library will host a wellness-focused event at 2 p.m. on Monday, April 15, in UTC Library Room 101 to celebrate the launch of a new collection of objects designed to support student wellness and mental health.
Students can now check out items such as mood lights, meditation radios, weighted blankets and noise-canceling headphones for three days to help manage stress and sensory input. The event will feature a discussion with students, library staff and campus partners about using campus resources to support wellness in and out of the classroom.
Refreshments will be available, along with giveaways and a chance to win hammocks, portable meditation radios and other wellness items.
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Only two sessions remain in CPE’s Spring 2025 CHAIN Lunch and Learn Series. Attendees can enjoy lunch, network with other local professionals and explore how AI can improve productivity in both professional and personal life.
Sessions are held on Thursdays from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and the final two topics include:
- Thursday, April 17: “AI in the Workplace – Transforming Industries, Practical Tools, and the Future of Workplace AI”
- Thursday, May 15: “AI and Society – Global Challenges, Environmental Impacts, and a Responsible Future”
The cost is $25 per session and includes lunch. Departments may pay with a transfer voucher after registration. Visit the CHAIN webpage or call the Center for Professional Education at 423-425-4344 to register or for more information.
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The final Quantum Journal Club meeting of the semester will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, in the math department conference room (Lupton Hall Room 308).
Dr. Boyu Zhou from the Department of Physics at the University of Arizona will present on the paper “Quantum Estimation Utilizing Bayesian Techniques and Quantum Error Correction.” The talk will explore how Bayesian methods improve quantum sensing precision in challenging scenarios, such as low-data environments, and how quantum error correction techniques can help mitigate the effects of noise and decoherence. Topics will include applications in transmissivity sensing, phase estimation, quantum imaging and distributed sensing protocols.
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On Monday, April 21, the Office of Title IX Compliance and the Center for Women and Gender Equity invite you to participate in Denim Day by swapping your usual work attire for your favorite pair of jeans. Denim Day is a global event aimed at showing solidarity with victims of sexual assault and challenging the harmful attitudes that contribute to rape culture.
Denim Day began in 1999 after the Italian Supreme Court overturned a rape conviction, ruling that the victim’s jeans were too tight to have been removed without consent. In protest, members of the Italian Parliament wore jeans to work, launching an international movement for justice and awareness.
From 11 a.m.-3 p.m. in Lupton Hall, stop by the Denim Decorating Party to get creative by decorating denim with empowering messages and symbols or making fun denim-themed crafts. It’s a fun and impactful way to show your support and raise awareness while connecting with others.
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Class of 2025, join the Office of Alumni Affairs on Thursday, May 1, for a special send-off as we honor your upcoming graduation. Bring your family and friends to the beautiful Wolford Family Athletic Center for complimentary appetizers and drinks, and enjoy a relaxed evening celebrating your achievements. Register here.
As part of the celebration, which begins at 4 p.m., you’ll receive free gifts with registration:
- A professional headshot courtesy of UTC alumnus Christopher Shaw
- An exclusive Power C Alumni pint glass
- A fun graduate Scrappy sticker
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The Walker Center for Teaching and Learning will host the 2025 Instructional Excellence Conference on Tuesday, May 6, featuring keynote speaker Dr. Michelle Miller.
Miller is a cognitive psychologist, researcher and author whose work supports higher education faculty in creating effective and engaging learning experiences. Her books include:
- “Minds Online: Teaching Effectively with Technology” (Harvard University Press, 2014)
- “Remembering and Forgetting in the Age of Technology: Teaching, Learning, and the Science of Memory in a Wired World” (West Virginia University Press, 2022)
- “A Teacher’s Guide to Learning Student Names: Why You Should, Why It’s Hard, How You Can” (University of Oklahoma Press, 2024)
She is a professor of psychological sciences and a President’s Distinguished Teaching Fellow at Northern Arizona University.
Click here to register for the Instructional Excellence Conference. This event is free for UTC faculty, lecturers and adjuncts.
Campus Updates
Did you know that April is Head and Neck Cancer Awareness month? Here are some quick facts about head and neck cancer pulled from Duke University’s website.
- 70% out of 100 cancers are caused by the Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
- 90% out of 100 cancers are linked to tobacco and alcohol use
- Men are twice as likely to develop head and neck cancer compared to women
This information is not to scare you but to shed light on this topic that most people do not know much about. If any of this information surprises you or prompts you to ask questions, you can always reach out to your health care provider. Some health care institutions, such as Duke, recommend that people request an oral cancer screening at their next dentist appointment if they wish to engage in early detection measures. It’s never too early to take proactive measures when it comes to your health.
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UT Vault: A new UT Secure File Transfer Service website will be released on Wednesday, April 9. Once the new site is live, the current UT Vault service will be retired and no longer available. Before the upgrade, please review any recent files you have shared via the UT vault and make a backup of any that you need to keep past April 9. For more information on this upgrade, click here.
Upcoming Transition from Windows 10 to Windows 11: Microsoft will be ending support for the Windows 10 operating system on October 14. After that date, there will be no more security updates, feature updates or technical support for Windows 10. To prepare for this, Information Technology will be gradually upgrading all UTC owned Windows 10 devices to Windows 11 this year, with full completion expected by October. For more information on the Windows 11 project timeline and upcoming next steps for faculty and staff, visit our Knowledge Base – Windows 11 articles.
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The Student Wellness Advisory Council is seeking passionate students to help shape the future of wellness across the University of Tennessee System.
Council members will serve as wellness ambassadors and contribute to cultural change across all five UT campuses. Participants will gain professional experience through wellness projects and leadership opportunities, connect with peers from across the system and contribute to @UT_Wellness social media, newsletters and initiatives.
At least two undergraduate and two graduate representatives will be selected from each campus. Apply here before Friday, April 11. The application takes about 8-10 minutes to complete.
For more information, contact Dominique Harrison.
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The 2025 Library Enhancement Initiative is now accepting recommendations for new books and films to add to the UTC Library collection.
The purpose of the Library Enhancement Initiative is to provide current UTC students, faculty and staff with an opportunity to grow and enhance the UTC Library’s collection of resources in a focused way—be it a new class, a fresh take on an old topic or a developing research interest. This year, we are looking for your recommendations for new (or new to us) books and films that will promote lifelong learning and the achievement of your academic, personal or professional goals.
Applications are due Friday, April 11. Click here for more information and to submit a recommendation.
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Please take a few minutes to complete a survey about the UTC Library. The library has used past survey feedback to improve reservable rooms, increase hours and purchase new materials. Now it’s your chance to help make the library even better. Click here to share your suggestions and feedback. You can enter to win one of two $50 Starbucks cards when you complete the survey before Thursday, April 17.
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Operation Move In (OMI) 2025 is scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, Aug. 13-14, in first-year residential spaces across campus. This marks a return to a campus-wide collaboration to welcome UTC’s newest Mocs this fall.
OMI is an opportunity for faculty, staff, students and organizations to come together and create a warm, supportive environment for incoming students and their families. A campus-wide committee is being formed to coordinate the two-day event. Volunteer roles will include unloading, parking, traffic flow, greeting and more. There will be follow-up communication to request volunteers for OMI.
For more information, contact OMI committee chair Jason Harville.
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The National Science Foundation Noyce Track 2 fellowship project is accepting applications from STEM-degreed professionals to prepare to teach secondary mathematics and science through the Master of Education degree program. The 2025-2026 cohort will begin coursework in May. Please contact Deborah McAllister or visit this link for project details.
Click here to read about Andrew Calkins, who is pursuing a master’s degree in education thanks to the Noyce Fellowship program.
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The Center for Wellbeing is launching its Mental Health Ally training program for faculty and staff to recognize employees on campus who are engaging and learning how to best support our students’ mental health. Trainings included in the Mental Health Ally program are QPR (one hour), Suicide Prevention Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) (one hour), Psychological First Aid (one hour) and Mental Health First Aid (eight hours). Complete trainings and receive recognition on campus for your dedication to improving outcomes for students.
Recognition tiers:
- Certificate of completion: Every training
- Mental health ally sticker to display: Complete QPR, Suicide Prevention Using the C-SSRS, and Psychological First Aid
- Mental health ally sweatshirt: Complete Mental Health First Aid
- Mental health ally recognition on Center for Wellbeing website and Campus Newsletter: Complete all four trainings
If you have questions about this program, please reach out to Amy Kyriakidis or Megan McKnight.
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Starting in July, rising second to sixth graders in the Challenger Exploration Camp will have the opportunity to participate in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) challenges, rocket launches and explorations of space and Earth. Each day, campers can also go on excursions to locations such as the Chattanooga Zoo, the UTC Aquatic and Recreation Center, the Clarence T. Jones Observatory and the National Medal of Honor Heritage Center.
To learn more about the Challenger STEM Learning Center and to access a link to the Challenger Exploration Camp, visit this link.
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The UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science will host the Summer Algebra Enrichment Program for rising 8th through 11th graders from July 7-18 at the CECS building (735 Vine St.). The program runs from 9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. each day and the cost is $75 per student.
This two-week experience is designed to strengthen algebra skills and introduce students to career pathways in engineering, computer science and other STEM fields. The program includes Algebra 1 instruction led by experienced educators, mentoring sessions with UTC students and hands-on career exploration activities. Space is limited to 30 participants and registration is required.
For more information or to register, click here or contact CECS Outreach Coordinator Alex Coker.
UTC Newsroom
 Officer Ellen Centers (left) and Dr. Rick Dierenfeldt demonstrate the VirTra training simulation in a 540 McCallie Building classroom. A high-tech simulation, VirTra, will be introduced to the criminal justice classrooms in the fall. The program trainees to participate in realistic, scenario-based training where their decisions, verbal commands and reactions directly influence the outcome.
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 Seniors Harris Smidt and Trevor Jolley are members of the UTC Roller Hockey Club, a participant in last week’s National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association national championships. The UTC Roller Hockey Club participated in last week’s National Collegiate Roller Hockey Association national championships in Fort Myers, Florida.
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 Dr. Erkan Kaplanoglu (left) Not every great idea makes it out of the lab. Some stall on paper. Others get bogged down by process or lack funding. At UTC, targeted seed funding is helping change that by giving early-stage research the support it needs to move from concept to creation.
All MOCS Innovate! grant recipients will present their work at the inaugural MOCS Innovate! UTC Innovators Showcase during the Spring Research and Arts Conference on Wednesday, April 9.
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
- For the last 25 years, the Upward Bound Math Science program at UTC has served high school students intending to improve their performance in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) classes and motivate them to pursue postsecondary education.
- The UTC Bachelor of Integrated Studies major offers a path for students to finish their studies in a way that fits their needs. Tailored course plans integrate disciplines, prior college credits and workplace training to create unique majors.
- UTC recently hosted the Tennessee Hospitality Roadshow to emphasize the importance of the industry to students and faculty. The event, held at the Wolford Family Athletic Center, was brought to campus by the Tennessee Hospitality and Tourism Association.
- For the first time, the Southern Regional Honors Conference (SRHC) came to Chattanooga—bringing students from across the South to present research, explore the city and connect through shared stories.
WUTC
WUTC’s Spring Pledge Drive runs through Friday, April 11.
A public service of the University, WUTC is home to NPR programming in our area, local hosts Richard Winham, Ray Bassett and Haley Solomon, and learning opportunities for students on the UTC campus.
More than half of WUTC’s funding comes from the community in Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley. Please support WUTC at wutc.org and click the donate button.
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