August 4-10, 2026

Updates and news for the week of August 4-10, 2026

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

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

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Highlights

Welcome back Brown Academy

Faculty, staff, students and community members are invited to welcome Brown Academy students back to school on Wednesday, Aug. 5. Help create an exciting first day of school by cheering on students and families as they arrive and welcoming them back for a new school year.

Wear your best blue and gold, bring a pom pom and meet at 7:45 a.m. on the corner of E. 8th Street and Campus Drive. Click here to sign up.

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JOIN THE 1886 CHALLENGE

Hours continue to add up for UTC’s 1886 Challenge as Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Katelyn Hancock and criminal justice students Kolbie Bobo, Jacob Brown, Kaitlin Brown, Reina Castaneda and Larissa Ogle volunteered with Camp HOPE America on July 26-31. Hosted by Partnership for Families, Children and Adults at YMCA Camp Ocoee, the trauma-informed overnight camp served youth connected to the HOPE Initiative, with UTC volunteers completing training before supporting campers throughout the week.

Click here to add your volunteer hours for the 1886 Challenge.

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SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS AND VOLUNTEER FOR WEEKS OF WELCOME 2026

Weeks of Welcome 2026 is returning with two weeks of events designed to welcome students to campus, and faculty and staff are invited to get involved.

Departments hosting events or programs between Aug. 23 and Sept. 5 are encouraged to submit them to the official Weeks of Welcome calendar by Friday, Aug. 7.

Faculty and staff are also needed to volunteer at two signature welcome events:

• Oak Street Roast: 6:30-9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 23, at Chamberlain Field. Volunteers will help welcome more than 2,000 students as they kick off the new semester. Click here to sign up.
• Welcome Tables: One-hour shifts are available on Aug. 24-25 to greet students, distribute snacks and water, and share Weeks of Welcome information. Click here to sign up.

Click here to submit an event or learn more. Contact Laura Petrus with any questions.

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Volunteer for Operation Move In

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

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

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

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

Outstanding People of UTC

Charlie Mix

Charlie Mix, director of the UTC Center for Applied Geospatial Data Science, earned international recognition as a finalist in the Place Perspective category of the 2026 Esri User Conference Map Gallery for his map, “Blueways of Tennessee.” The annual competition recognizes outstanding cartography and geospatial storytelling from around the world.

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Kate Powers (right)

For Kate Powers, becoming a nurse wasn’t a matter of if—it was a matter of when. Now a student in the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program in UTC’s College of Nursing, Powers recently received a March of Dimes Undergraduate Nursing Scholarship.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

• Chancellor Lori Bruce spoke to Local 3 News about the legacy of Dr. Fred Obear, chancellor of UTC from 1981 to 1997.
• Great job by our student-athletes for volunteering at Saturday’s Hamilton County School’s Back to School Bash at the Tennessee Riverpark. Freshman soccer player Aaliyah Story made the front page of Sunday’s Times Free Press as part of the activities.
• Professor and Walter M. Cline Chair of Excellence in Physical Therapy David Levine was featured by City Lifestyle for his research in canine rehabilitation.
• UC Foundation Associate Professor of Political Science Saeid Golkar was interviewed by The Hill and Radio Free Europe about the U.S./Iran conflict.

Mark Your Calendar

The Gary W. Rollins College of Business will hold virtual information sessions for the Master of Business Administration, MS Management, MS Data Analytics, Business Analytics Certificate and Master of Accountancy graduate programs. The Rollins College of Business graduate programs provide flexible course options and exclusive career support resources to elevate your education and advance your career.

MSDA Information Sessions

• Today (Aug. 4): Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MSM Information Sessions

• Wednesday, Aug. 5: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MAcc Information Sessions

• Thursday, Aug. 6: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

Business Analytics Certificate Information Sessions

• Tuesday, Aug. 11: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

MBA Information Sessions

• Wednesday, Aug. 12: Noon: Register Here … 5 p.m.: Register Here

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The next Staff Senate meeting will be held from 2-4 p.m. today (Aug. 4) in the University Center Auditorium and via Zoom. All staff are encouraged to attend and stay informed about initiatives and updates affecting the UTC community.

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AI is transforming the workplace, but knowing where to begin can feel overwhelming. Join instructor and CEO Tripp Stanford for a free, live webinar at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 5, to learn where AI adoption stands today, debunk common myths and walk away with a practical framework you can apply immediately.

The webinar also includes a preview of AI Essentials with Prompting, a two-day workshop designed to help participants build lasting AI skills. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to use it more effectively, this session will help you take the next step with confidence. Click here to RSVP.

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Singing Mocs is UTC’s contemporary commercial a cappella choir, specializing in pop and jazz vocal styles. They rehearse from 4:20-5:45 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is a highly select choir, but there are a few open spots for the fall semester, namely in the soprano and bass sections (though altos and tenors are encouraged to audition as well). Auditions will be held on Monday, Aug. 24, and Tuesday, Aug. 25. For more information about the audition and to sign up for a time, please use this link.

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

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

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Photo courtesy of Derek Daniel/GoMocs.com

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

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

Season tickets are on sale now through GoMocs.com.

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Undergraduate Admissions announced its fall 2026 recruitment event schedule. Faculty and staff are encouraged to save the dates and help spread the word to prospective students and families.

• Sept. 30: Power C Tour – Nashville/Franklin
• Oct. 8: Power C Tour – Memphis
• Oct. 21: Power C Tour – Knoxville
• Oct. 28: Power C Tour – Chattanooga
• Nov. 14: Blue and Gold Preview

Campus Updates

Applications are now open for the next round of UT Wellness Mini-Grants, which will award approximately 10 grants of $5,000 to support faculty- and staff-led wellness projects.

To be considered, projects must:

• Align with one or more of the eight dimensions of wellness
• Include a clear and measurable assessment plan for evaluating project success

The one-year grants are designed to support evidence-based approaches to wellness, encourage collaboration across the UT System and foster a culture of innovation around wellness.

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 7, through InfoReady. Click here to apply.

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Nominations are now open for the University of Tennessee’s 2027 Leadership Institute. The weeklong program will be held March 7–12, 2027, and focuses on decision-making, ethical leadership, team engagement and cross-system collaboration. Employees across the UT System are eligible; nominees should be at the assistant director’s level or above (or have comparable responsibilities) and demonstrate strong performance, growth potential and a commitment to developing others. Nomination materials are available on the Office of Employee Engagement and Organizational Development (EEOD) page of the UT System’s Central Hub and should be submitted directly to EEOD via email no later than Aug. 28. Questions about Leadership Institute can be submitted to EEOD Executive Director Kelsey Fleming.

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A new DASH TDX Training Hub is now available, providing a centralized resource designed to support the campus community.

The Training Hub brings together knowledge and expertise from multiple departments to create a single location for training and support resources. Whether you’re new to DASH or looking for guidance on specific processes, the hub provides easy access to:

• Step-by-step instructions
• Job aids and reference guides
• Helpful links and resources
• Frequently used documentation

The Training Hub will continue to evolve as new information, enhancements and training materials become available. Faculty and staff are encouraged to bookmark the site, refer to it whenever assistance is needed and share it with colleagues across campus. Feedback is also welcome as the Training Hub continues to grow and improve.

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The Department of Physical Therapy, Nutrition and Dietetics Program and the Center for Wellbeing have teamed up for the third interdisciplinary wellness program, the Mocs Wellness Initiative, for full-time UTC faculty and staff. The Mocs Wellness Initiative is part of a research project approved by the UTC Institutional Review Board.

Key program content includes:

• Physical therapy evaluation and weekly training at the ARC
• Nutrition assessment, nutrition classes and individual counseling
• Health coaching
• Group cooking class
• Optional lab work and blood testing
• Unlimited ARC membership
• Participation in a UTC-approved research study

The program runs September 2026-April 2027, with weekly training on Thursdays from 3:30-5:15 p.m. It may be especially beneficial for employees managing a new health diagnosis, such as high blood pressure or pre-diabetes/diabetes, or those looking for support in building sustainable healthy habits.

The cost is $100 for employees earning less than $50,000 annually. Employees earning $50,000 or more pay the $200 ARC membership fee. Prior participants are not eligible, and space is limited.

Click here for more program information and click here to apply. For questions, contact Betsy Myers.

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

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

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

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

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Have a rock, mineral or fossil you’d like identified? The UTC Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science is hosting free identification nights every Monday from 5-7 p.m. on the first floor of Grote Hall (701 Vine St.).

Visitors should enter through the double doors on the exterior of the building. Free parking is available in Lot 10 after 5 p.m.

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Registration is now open for Chattanooga Connect 2026, the UTC Research Institute’s (UTCRI) third annual conference that brings together leaders from government, industry, academia and entrepreneurship to explore the future of transportation, digital infrastructure, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and connected mobility.

Hosted Sept. 14-16 in Chattanooga, Chattanooga Connect will convene national experts, researchers, policymakers and industry leaders to share how emerging technologies are moving beyond research and pilot projects into real-world deployment. The three-day event will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, networking opportunities, technology demonstrations and collaborative discussions focused on advancing practical, scalable solutions to some of today’s most pressing infrastructure and mobility challenges.

For registration, conference information and sponsorship opportunities, visit go.utc.edu/cc or email utcri@utc.edu.

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All aboard the UTC train! Did you know UTC has a custom train? This unique piece of campus history is available for campus and community events.

From parades, pep rallies, tailgates and more, the UTC train could bring the ultimate blue and gold energy to your next activity. To request the train for an event or to volunteer to become an official conductor, email Laura Snyder.

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

How it works:

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

Benefits include:

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

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

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

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Want to learn more about the Mosaic Program? The Mosaic team is visiting departments across campus to share program updates, introduce new staff members and answer questions about supporting UTC’s neurodiverse community—all while bringing cookies.

Departments interested in hosting a Cookies and Conversation session can scan the QR code on the flyer to schedule a visit.

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Adobe Stock Image

As artificial intelligence becomes a bigger part of day-to-day work across industries, the UTC Center for Professional Education will offer two online programs in September to help working professionals build practical AI skills for different needs and experience levels.

The two offerings are AI Essentials with Prompting, a live online workshop scheduled for Sept. 15 and Sept. 17, and CompTIA Security AI+ Certification Prep, an eight-week live online course that begins Sept. 19. Together, the programs give learners two entry points into AI-related professional development: one focused on broad workplace fluency, productivity and responsible use, and one designed for cybersecurity professionals working in a threat environment increasingly shaped by AI. Click here for more information or to register.

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Love to read? The UTC Book Club invites faculty, staff and students to connect through monthly book discussions and shared reading. Building on the success of the campus group, a new community initiative—Chatty Book Club—will launch in August with the goal of bringing readers across Chattanooga together through a shared monthly book selection, discussion questions and local meetups. Follow the UTC Book Club and Chatty Book Club on Instagram for updates.

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UTC Newsroom

Operation Move In at UTC kicks off Aug. 19-20 and marks the beginning of Fall Opening. Whether you’re moving in or just helping unload, a few smart steps can make the day go more smoothly.

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Karent Gresbrink (left), Kelly Jourdan, Chyna Germany and Dr. Kate McKinney pose at Machu Picchu.

In June, a woman in rural Peru walked five hours to receive a pap smear at a health clinic. Those treating the woman—and others like her—included UTC Doctor of Nursing Practice students Karent Gresbrink, Chyna Germany and Kelly Jourdan, alongside faculty member Dr. Kate McKinney, the Kay K. Chitty assistant professor in UTC’s College of Nursing.

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Steam Logistics Domestic Division President Jeff Wood (left), UTC student Lance Nelson, Steam Logistics Executive Vice President of Sales Travis Cook and UTC student Mason McKinnon meet on the company’s rooftop patio during the students’ summer internships.

When UTC student Lance Nelson first drove into Chattanooga from his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee, he made note of the color-blocked contemporary office building that welcomed him after exiting the interstate. 

Now in his senior year, Nelson and fellow UTC student Mason McKinnon are spending their summer inside that same building as interns at Steam Logistics. 

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Students in Mark Johnson’s class learn how to make their own bacon.

Earlier this year, UTC assistant professor of history Mark Johnson sat down for an interview about his latest book, “American Bacon.” The story originally appeared in the summer 2026 issue of Our Tennessee, a systemwide magazine for alumni of all University of Tennessee campuses and institutes.

WUTC

The Prickly Pair

Singer-songwriters Mason Summit and Irene Greene, who perform angsty Americana and country covers as The Prickly Pair, join Clark Gibson for the latest episode of WUTC’s “Live in the Library.” The performance was recorded at the downtown Chattanooga Public Library.