February 11-17, 2025

Updates and news for the week of February 11-17, 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-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


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Highlights

MONTHLY SERIES DEBUTS TODAY

Quench your thirst for knowledge at Science on Tap, a free, monthly event launching today (Feb. 11).

Dr. Rick Mukherjee, inaugural director of the UTC Quantum Center, is the featured presenter at the Science on Tap debut from 5-7 p.m. at the Tap House in St. Elmo.

Mukherjee will discuss “The Quantum Technologies All Around Us,” citing some of the many applications quantum enables now and possibly in the future. Mukherjee also will take your questions.

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. Click here to register to attend.

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

UTC Parent and Family Association newsletter logo

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

To share information with the families of UTC students—upcoming events, important deadlines, helpful suggestions and departmental news—email hannah-turcotte@utc.edu by 5 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24. The November newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, March 5.

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DON’T FORGET TO ORDER YOUR CAP AND GOWN

The last day to place an online cap and gown order for pick up at the UTC Bookstore is Monday, Feb. 17. Place your order here.

Orders will be available for pick up on March 24 and March 25 at the UTC Bookstore Graduation Celebration.

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UTC WOMEN’S ATHLETICS LAUNCHES ITS SECOND YEAR OF “ALL ABOARD”

Following a successful first year of existence in 2024, Chattanooga Athletics and Mocs Club are excited to announce that the “All Aboard: The Drive for UTC Women’s Athletics” has once again returned for 2025. Set to run until Wednesday, Feb. 12, the second installment of the annual initiative aims to continue the growth and support surrounding Chattanooga women’s athletics.

Each contribution, regardless of its size, represents an investment in bolstering female student-athletes through scholarships, team building, upgrades to facilities, funding for international tours, career development and transformative experiences that enable them to compete at the best of their abilities. The All Aboard giving page can be found here.

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HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY

Love is in the air this Valentine’s Day at UTC—especially among married couples who are faculty and staff. To celebrate, five pairs of campus couples shared the story of their marriages and gave some relationship advice to the rest of the campus community.


Outstanding People of UTC

Click to watch the documentary. Photo courtesy of WFSU-TV.

Click to watch the documentary. Photo courtesy of WFSU-TV.

With an extensive background in anthropology and underwater archaeology, exploring the world of filmmaking was new territory for Dr. Morgan Smith. That changed when Smith stepped into the role of co-producer for a feature-length documentary, “Finding the Floridians,” which aired in December 2024 on WFSU-TV—a PBS affiliate in Florida.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

  • UC Foundation Assistant Professor and Vicky B. Gregg Chair of Gerontology Kristi Wick was featured on WGOW 102.3 FM’s “Jed and JR” morning show to talk about the mobile health vehicle coming soon to UTC.
  • Dr. Amet Kule, Dr. Chandra Ward and Vice Chancellor of Information Vicki Farnsworth spoke to Local 3 News about a Chattanooga murder case driven by AI evidence.
  • Dr. Shewanee Howard-Baptiste was featured in a Diverse Education story about her role as president of the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education.
  • In a Times Free Press story, Director of UTC’s School of Nursing Chris Smith discussed the expansion of the nursing school and high-paying health care jobs in Chattanooga.
  • Twin doctors and UTC alums Jermaine and Jeremy Hogstrom were featured in a Times Free Press piece about their social media fame.
  • UTC graduates Kennedi Bryant and Keely Phillips spoke to the Times Free Press about their careers that use music therapy to help with a range of emotional and physical issues.
  • Richard X. Zhang Endowed Professor of Business Frank Butler was featured in WalletHub’s piece about the best credit card deals.
  • Dr. Howard Wall spoke to News Channel 9 about egg prices following the rise in bird flu.

Mark Your Calendar

Gabriel Castillo and Jakub Jupa (photo courtesy of Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com)

Gabriel Castillo and Jakub Jupa (photo courtesy of Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

  • Friday, Feb. 14: Softball vs. North Alabama (Chattanooga Challenge), Frost Stadium, 3 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 14: Women’s tennis vs. Alabama A&M, UTC Tennis Center, 3 p.m.
  • Friday, Feb. 14: Softball vs. Lindenwood (Chattanooga Challenge), Frost Stadium, 5:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 15: Softball vs. Lindenwood (Chattanooga Challenge), Frost Stadium, 12:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 15: Men’s tennis vs. Austin Peay, UTC Tennis Center, 1 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 15: Softball vs. North Alabama (Chattanooga Challenge), Frost Stadium, 3:00 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 15: Men’s tennis vs. Coastal Alabama CC, McCallie School, 6 p.m.
  • Saturday, Feb. 15: Men’s basketball vs. ETSU, McKenzie Arena, 7 p.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 16: Women’s tennis vs. Presbyterian, 9 a.m.
  • Sunday, Feb. 16: Softball vs. Lindenwood (Chattanooga Challenge), Frost Stadium, noon
  • Sunday, Feb. 16: Wrestling vs. Gardner-Webb, Maclellan Gym, 2 p.m.

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The Black History Month kickoff event took place on Monday, Feb. 3, in Lupton Hall.

The Black History Month kickoff event took place on Monday, Feb. 3, in Lupton Hall.

February is Black History Month, a time to honor the history, achievements and contributions of Black individuals and communities. UTC will host a series of events to highlight and celebrate these legacies. This year’s theme is “A Celebration of Firsts.”

This week’s Black History Month events include:

  • Saturday, Feb. 1-Friday, Feb. 28: Black History Month Timeline, Lupton Hall Suite 119, Multicultural Center
  • Saturday, Feb. 1-Friday, Feb. 28: Black History Month with UTC Library (online featured media)
  • Thursday, Feb. 13: “Why Not Win?” with Larry Thornton, Wolford Family Center (UTC McKenzie Arena), 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, Feb. 13: “An Evening with Professor Molefi Kete Asante,” University Center Auditorium, 6:30-8 p.m.

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The Center for Wellbeing is offering a monthly line-up of trainings for faculty and staff. If interested, please sign up here. The Center is happy to schedule trainings for specific teams or departments at other times throughout the year. Reach out to megan-mcknight@utc.edu with questions or to request a training.

  • Today (Feb. 11): QPR: Question, Persuade, Refer, University Center 350, noon-1 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 18: Suicide Prevention Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, University Center 350, noon-1 p.m.
  • Thursday, Feb. 20: Promoting Student Wellbeing: Dimensions of Wellbeing, Zoom, noon-1 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 25: Opioid Overdose Response and Naloxone, University Center 350, noon-1 p.m.
  • Thursday, Feb. 27: Psychological First Aid, University Center 350, noon-1 p.m.

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

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

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

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Join Career Connections from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the University Center Tennessee Room for a job and internship fair. This is your chance to connect with amazing employers, learn about exciting opportunities and land your dream job (or internship).

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at the Wolford Family Athletics Center for a luncheon featuring Thunder Thornton, founder of Thunder Thornton LLC. He’ll share insights from over 30 years of experience, from the carpet industry to launching his own company which has established high-end communities in eight states across the nation. Lunch will be provided.

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The Department of Biology, Geology and Environmental Science is hosting a celebration for Darwin Day from 2-5 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the Lupton Hall Lobby. Join to celebrate Darwin’s birthday with cake and a scavenger hunt. Meet and mingle with BGE faculty showcasing their research.

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Join the Gary W. Rollins College of Business from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 13, in the Wolford Family Athletics Center for a talk by Larry Thornton, president of of Thornton Enterprises, Inc.

He will share his journey from the Jim Crow South to becoming the first African American McDonald’s franchisee in Birmingham. With over fifty years of experience, Larry will reflect on the lessons from his book “Why Not Win?”

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The UTC fencing club is hosting a bake sale from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, outside of the UTC Library.

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As part of a series of concerts in Tennessee, the U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America will perform a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 14, at the Roland Hayes Concert Hall.

The concert will feature the unit’s 45-member concert band and will honor our nation and its veterans, share stories of our heritage, and reflect on all that makes us flourish as individuals and as a country.

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Interested in graduate studies at UTC? Take an official grad school tour from 10-11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, and explore UTC’s historic campus, modern amenities and beautiful city while learning more about advanced degree opportunities. Learn more and register here.

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Attend a Star Party on Sunday, Feb. 16, at UTC’s Clarence T. Jones Observatory. The public is invited to attend this free event.

Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with the lecture and planetarium show beginning at 6 p.m. and rotating every half hour. A telescope viewing will be available until 8 p.m., featuring Chattanooga’s historic 20.5-inch telescope. The topic of the night is “The Kardashev Scale” by Observatory Director John Hart.

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

For more information, visit the Observatory webpage.

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The Office of Multicultural Affairs book club will be reading Chamique Holdsclaw’s book, “Breaking Through: Beating the Odds Shot after Shot,” at its next meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Anyone who has a copy of the book is welcome to join.

Book club meetings will also be held on March 4, March 18 and April 2. There are a limited number of books available for students. Sign up here.

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In conjunction with Mocs Dining, Scrappy’s Markets are returning for the spring 2025 term. Please join us to receive 10 free fresh produce items during each event. Open to all faculty, staff and students. All markets are held in the University Center from 2-4 p.m., with the next one taking place on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Markets will also be held March 4, March 19, April 1 and April 14.

Please consider donating to Scrappy’s Cupboard food pantry this semester. We have seen an increase in use and need donations to continue to support our community. We accept all non-perishable, unopened, unexpired food and personal care items. Donations can be dropped off from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday in UC Room 399.

Scrappy’s Cupboard is most in need of can openers, canned/boxed milk and milk alternatives, toilet paper, paper towels, sports drinks, cooking oils, canned fruit, canned meats, rice, breakfast bars and instant mashed potatoes. We also accept clothing items and are in need of gloves, hats, scarves and lightly used winter coats. Donate via our Amazon Wishlist or financially online. If your group would like to host a food drive, please reach out to scrappyscupboard@utc.edu.

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Meet-up for Researchers is an opportunity to share research interests and projects with other faculty, staff and graduate students. Attend from 11 a.m.-noon on Friday, Feb. 21, in the UTC Library Southern Writers Room (440), to learn more about the research and innovation happening at UTC. Join fellow faculty and researchers to connect and share new research projects and updates. Lunch will be provided. Register to attend here. Contact jennifer-skjellum@utc.edu with any questions.

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The College of Engineering and Computer Science will host the annual E-Week Open House from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22, in the Engineering and Computer Science (ECS) Building. The event is open to all and offers an opportunity to explore engineering and technology through hands-on activities and demonstrations.

  • Hands-on activities and lab experiences will highlight areas such as computer science, civil engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, mechatronics engineering technology and mechanical engineering.
  • Representatives from Underwriters Laboratories, ChaTech and TVA will present demonstrations and learning sessions.
  • Information tables will feature Financial Aid and Scholarships, Career Services, Advancement and Alumni Affairs, and Graduate Programs, as well as community partners like Astec, TVA, Volkswagen and the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga.
  • Food trucks, including Sourdough Cuppa Joe and SoulQue, will provide meals and refreshments for purchase in the ECS breezeway.

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The College of Arts and Sciences hosts Rev. Faith Fowler, author of “Tiny Homes in a Big City,” at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, in the Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Auditorium. A leading advocate for the homeless in Detroit, Fowler serves as the executive director of Cass Community Social Services, where she has developed innovative programs to provide housing, food and support services. She will discuss her latest initiative, the Tiny Homes Project, which helps low-income residents achieve home ownership.

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“Winter blues” and the “mid-term slump” are real. Both combined can really take a toll on your well-being. Join the Graduate School from 5:30-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, in Lupton Hall Room 389 to discuss the challenges facing grad students this time of the year. Pause, de-stress and recharge while exploring strategies that will help build resilience and foster long-term wellness.

This workshop, sponsored by the UTC Counseling Center, offers a casual laid-back environment with free pizza and drinks to connect with fellow grad students and build a supportive community.

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Steve Martin and Edie Brickell’s “Bright Star,” a heartfelt story of love, loss and redemption set against the bluegrass-rich backdrop of the American South in the 1920s and 1940s, will soon take the stage at the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre. Performed by the UTC Theatre Co., “Bright Star” runs at 7:30 p.m. from Feb. 25-March 1—with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, March 1.

Tickets can be purchased online by clicking here and through the UTC Box Office—in person or by phone (423-425-4369). Tickets are $25 for general admission and $20 for students (with proof of student ID) and seniors.

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Join Nobel Laureate Vernon Smith and etiquette expert Candace Smith from 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27, in the Wolford Family Athletics Center for a networking lunch-and-learn, hosted by the Probasco Chair, exploring how economics and etiquette shape a civil society. Gain insights on fostering collaboration, building connections, and enhancing personal and professional success. RSVP here.

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The campus community is invited to attend the ceremonial groundbreaking for the Gary W. Rollins College of Business expansion at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, March 3, at the Rollins College of Business courtyard near the corner of Douglas and Oak streets. Register to attend here.

This project will nearly double the size of the Rollins College of Business, providing spaces that support teaching, research and student engagement.

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The UT System is launching the “Well Informed: UT System Hybrid Wellness Series” from 9 a.m.-1:45 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, with its first session focused on the impact of opioids on our campuses and how we can work together to prevent substance misuse and promote well-being.

This event features a keynote from Dr. Stephen Loyd, insights from UT System President Randy Boyd and interactive Narcan training. It’s an important opportunity to equip faculty, staff and students with the knowledge and resources to address opioid use and create a healthier campus community. Join us in person at UTC, live online or register to watch later. Reserve your spot now.

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Throughout your undergraduate and graduate academic career, you’ve gained a wealth of valuable skills and experiences—but how do they translate into landing your dream job?

Join the Graduate School and Career Connections from noon-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 5, via Zoom for an engaging workshop where we’ll explore how to showcase your college experiences in ways that captivate employers and boost your chances of getting hired.

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The UTC Graduate School announced that the following student will be presenting their final work of research as an advanced degree candidate. Everyone is invited to attend.


Campus Updates

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, so let’s take a moment to talk about self-love. It’s just as important—if not more—than showing love to others. Self-love can be expressed in countless ways: taking a peaceful walk, treating yourself to some ice cream, cooking your favorite meal, getting a fresh new haircut, reading a good book or even just enjoying a quiet night in. There’s no wrong way to practice self-love. It’s all about reminding yourself that you are loved, valued, kind, strong and worthy. Sometimes, the most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.

This week, let’s embrace the spirit of self-care, self-appreciation and self-compassion. Whether you’re practicing a little me-time or connecting with others, take a moment to honor who you are. And don’t forget to join us for the exciting events happening on campus this week—whether you’re coming with a partner, a friend or just to make new connections. Let’s celebrate love in all its forms, starting with ourselves. (Instagram: utc_cw)

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The UTC train is under new management. Advancement is now overseeing the reservation and usage of the train. If you’re interested in having the train at an event, or if you are a faculty or staff member who is interested in becoming a “conductor,” please email Laura-Snyder@utc.edu.

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

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

Essays must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 21. Click here for the submission form PDF. Email jose-luis-gastanaga@utc.edu with questions and to submit the essay.

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Help support the students who are participating in Dr. Jaclyn Michael’s faculty-led trip to India in May. The goal is to raise at least $7,000 that will be equally divided between the six students signed up for the trip. The funds will be used to offset the cost of the trip, including airfare and incidentals. Any dollar amount helps us to reach the goal. You can learn more about the trip, and make a donation by clicking here.

UTC Newsroom

Nyssa Hunt

Nyssa Hunt

Nyssa Hunt answered questions about her role and how the IGTLab can be a helpful resource for students and the Chattanooga community as a whole.

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More than 400 middle school and high school students from Hamilton County visited UTC for “State of Our Youth.” The event was a collaborative effort between the UTC Division of Access and Engagement, UTC Admissions, the City of Chattanooga and Hamilton County Schools.

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Economics of Sports panelists Randy Boyd (left), Jay Greeson and Dr. Brad R. Humphreys.

Economics of Sports panelists Randy Boyd (left), Jay Greeson and Dr. Brad R. Humphreys.

The Wolford Family Athletics Center hosted a panel discussion called the “Economics of Sports.” Dr. Claudia Kramer, the Scott L. Probasco Jr. Distinguished Chair of Free Enterprise, organized the event to highlight the influence economics has on the athletic landscape from amateur to professional sports.


WUTC

Singer-songwriter Jennifer Daniels is a teaching artist in the Wolf Trap program at the Arts-Based Collaborative on UTC’s campus. She and Helen Holliday, a second-grade teacher at East Brainerd Elementary, joined an episode of WUTC-FM 88.1’s “Scenic Roots.”


 

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