February 18-25, 2025

Updates and news for the week of February 18-25, 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

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

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

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

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

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YOUR FEEDBACK SHAPES UT: TAKE THE GALLUP CAMPUS SURVEY

Your voice matters. Share your thoughts on free speech and viewpoint diversity at UTC by completing the Gallup Campus Survey. It’s quick, confidential and takes less than three minutes. Check your email for the survey link sent on Jan. 27—and make your voice heard before Monday, Feb. 24.

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Blue and Gold Memorial remembers Mocs we lost in 2024

UTC will honor more than 90 individuals whose lives impacted the University during the annual Blue and Gold Memorial service, taking place at 6 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 24, at the Wolford Family Athletics Center. The memorial service will also be streamed live via Vimeo.

A cherished UTC tradition, the Blue and Gold Memorial pays tribute to alumni, faculty, staff, retirees and students who passed away during the previous calendar year. Their names are read aloud in a ceremony that reaffirms their lasting place in the Mocs family.

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“BRIGHT STAR” MUSICAL COMING TO UTC THEATRE CO. STAGE

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.

Outstanding People of UTC

Charlie Mix

Congratulations to UTC faculty and staff who received awards or submitted proposals for sponsored programs in January. The Office of Research and Sponsored Programs announced that faculty and staff attracted $314,755 in external grant and contract awards and submitted proposals for the potential to generate over $8,031,431 in external funding if awarded.

Among those receiving awards in January was Charlie Mix (IGTLab), who—along with Nyssa Hunt—received $96,573 from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture-Division of Forestry for the project titled “Spatial Analysis of TN Urban Community Forests.”

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Dr. Murat Barisik

A research study involving UTC Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Murat Barisik was the cover story for a recent issue of Small—a prestigious nanoscience and nanotechnology journal.

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Coach Blaine Woodruff, Camden Braidech, Garrett Engle, Braedon Wear, Ethan Whitaker, Aidan Cohl & Asst. Coach Ryan Hogan. (Photo Credit: Dustin LeNorman)

The Chattanooga Mocs men’s golf team pulled off a stunning 10-shot comeback to win the Bentwater Intercollegiate, marking their eighth victory under coach Blaine Woodruff. Braedon Wear and Ethan Whitaker led the charge, both finishing at 5-under 208 to share medalist honors.

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Finance and marketing: professional sales double major Gage Keeble was a top finisher in the fall 2024 ETF Global® Portfolio Challenge, an individual-based, simulated investment challenge designed to serve as a fun and educational tool to help educate college students about investing and exchange-traded products. Keeble placed 11th overall in a competition that has attracted students from 358 U.S. schools and 268 international schools spanning 48 countries.

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Check out these Mocs in the news:

• Students Miller Richardson and Liam Phillips joined The Daily Refresh to discuss the UTC Theatre Co. upcoming musical, “Bright Star.”
• Robert Lake Wilson Professor of Geology Amy Brock-Hon spoke to NewsChannel 9 about UTC’s Space Observatory opening its doors to the public.
• A NewsChannel 9 story about Gov. Bill Lee’s road project back log included UTC Center for Regional Economic Research Professor Howard Wall.
• English Professor Sybil Baker spoke to the Times Free Press about Chattanooga U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleishmann’s new fiction novel, “Once Upon an Empire.”

Mark Your Calendar

Acelynn Sellers (photo courtesy of Ray Soldano/Chattanooga Athletics)

This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:

• Tuesday, Feb. 18: Men’s tennis vs. Tennessee State, UTC Tennis Center, 1 p.m.
• Wednesday, Feb. 19: Men’s basketball vs. Western Carolina, McKenzie Arena, 7 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 21: Softball vs. Indiana State (Frost Classic), Frost Stadium, 3 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 21: Softball vs. IU Indy (Frost Classic), Frost Stadium, 5:30 p.m.
• Friday, Feb. 21: Wrestling vs. Indiana, Maclellan Gym, 7 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 22: Men’s tennis vs. Georgia Southern, TBD
• Saturday, Feb. 22: Softball vs. Lamar (Frost Classic), Frost Stadium, 12:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 22: Men’s basketball vs. The Citadel, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
• Saturday, Feb. 22: Softball vs. Illinois State (Frost Classic), Frost Stadium, 3 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 23: Softball vs. SEMO (Frost Classic), Frost Stadium, 12:30 p.m.
• Sunday, Feb. 23: Wrestling vs. Bellarmine, Maclellan Gym, 2 p.m.

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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:

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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. 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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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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Business students, set yourself up for success at the Career Fair Ready Workshop from 12:20-1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, in Fletcher Hall Room 210. This drop-in event will help you perfect your resume, create free business cards, receive professional dress tips and develop networking strategies—all while enjoying free pizza.

Registration is required. Sign up in advance by emailing Megan-Cales@utc.edu or scanning the QR code on the flyer. Don’t miss this chance to prepare, practice and gain confidence before the RCOB Career Fair.

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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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The Quantum Journal Club will host Dr. Emily Tucker, assistant professor in the Clemson University industrial engineering department at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 20, in Lupton Hall Room 393.

Tucker will discuss her ongoing research on the potential of quantum computing in supply chain planning, including current optimization approaches, relevant industrial challenges and future directions for quantum-enhanced performance in logistics.

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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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Silas House

This year’s O’Dea Lecture in the Humanities will be given by author Silas House at 12:20 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 21, in the Guerry Center Reading Room. House’s most recent novel, “Lark Ascending,” won the 2023 Southern Book Prize for fiction; the novel will be the focus of his talk, “Keep Going: How to Find Hope in a Hopeless World.”

Check out the Campus Updates post to learn more.

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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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Attend a Star Party on Sunday, Feb. 23, 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 “Nanotechnology in Space” by Keenan Dungey, head of chemistry and physics at UTC.

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 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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Join Student Success Programs from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26, in the Lupton Hall Lobby for the third annual Composition Program’s Writing Showcase featuring projects using this year’s Read to Achieve text, “Waste: One Woman’s Fight Against America’s Dirty Secret” by Catherine Coleman Flowers. Students from English 1010, 1011 and 1020 classes create projects using the Read to Achieve text and show off their knowledge and skills in the Writing Showcase.

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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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Business students, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with top employers at the Spring Business Career Fair. Join from 9 a.m.-noon on Monday, March 3, on the second and fourth floors of Fletcher Hall to explore career opportunities, internships and networking prospects.

No registration is required, just dress professionally, bring copies of your resume and be ready to make valuable connections. Hosted by the Joseph F. Decosimo Success Center, this event is your chance to take the next step toward your professional future.

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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 Department of Music will host a Music Faculty Showcase Recital at 7:30 p.m. on Monday, March 3, in the Fine Arts Center’s Roland Hayes Concert Hall. The free event, open to all UTC students, faculty and staff and members of the community, showcases some of the newer music department faculty.

Scheduled performers include:

• Ethan McDaniel (lecturer), percussion
• Brenna Wiinanen (adjunct faculty), flute
• Sean Fredenburg (lecturer), alto saxophone
• Emily Barr (visiting professor), piano
• Kaitlyn Vest (adjunct instructor), cello
• Taylor Brown (adjunct instructor), double bass

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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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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:

• Tuesday, March 4: Dr. Jennifer Beech presents David Joy’s “When These Mountains Burn”
• Tuesday, March 18: Dr. Verbie Prevost presents Larry Brown’s “Dirty Work”
• Tuesday, April 8: Dr. Bryan Hampton presents Julie Schumacher’s “The Shakespeare Requirement”

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

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

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

• Thursday (Feb. 20): Julia Prins, Holt Hall Room 112, 1 p.m., Calendar
• Monday (Feb. 24): Sally Hoffman, 540 McCallie Avenue Room 394, 3 p.m., Calendar
• Monday (Feb. 24): Jared Lambert, Lupton Hall Room 372, 3:30 p.m., Calendar
• Thursday (Feb. 27): Jessica Morales Valenzuela, Holt Hall Room 203, noon, Calendar
• Friday (Feb. 28): Meredith Woodward, Holt Hall Room 112, noon, Calendar
• Friday (Feb. 28): Hagar Cobbinah, Lupton Hall Room 392, 12:30 p.m., Calendar
• Friday (Feb. 28): Shyla Khan, 540 McCallie Room 394, 1 p.m., Calendar
• Friday (Feb. 28): Uyen Nguyen, Lupton Hall Room 392, 2 p.m., Calendar
• Monday (March 3): Zackery Neal, ECS Room 440C, 9 a.m., Calendar
• Monday (March 3): Chase Artopoeus, 540 McCallie Room 357, 10 a.m., Calendar
• Monday (March 3): Tiffany Ramsey, Zoom, 10:30 a.m., Calendar
• Monday (March 3): Samantha Craig, Lupton Hall Room 391, 11:15 a.m.

Campus Updates

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

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

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

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

To sign up:

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

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

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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.

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Students in the UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy program are looking for participants with lower back pain to participate in a study. Participants will receive $10 for filling out intake forms and walking on a treadmill for a few minutes. To sign up or for more information, email Mackenzie Fesler. 

UTC Newsroom

Liam Phillips (left) as Billy Cane and Miller Richardson as Margo Crawford.

Freshman Liam Phillips and senior Pearson Smith will share the stage as leads of the UTC Theatre Co. production of “Bright Star.” While Phillips will make his first appearance on the UTC stage for a musical theatre performance, it will be Smith’s last. Click here to read more about their roles as Billy Cane and Alice Murphy.

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Almost 100 people were in attendance for the debut presentation of Science on Tap. Organized by UTC, Science on Tap is planned to recur on the second Tuesday of every month as an opportunity to share UTC expertise with the community in a relaxed, social setting.

Robert Lake Wilson Professor of Geology Amy Brock-Hon is the featured presenter at the next Science on Tap, which will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11, at the Tap House in St. Elmo. Brock-Hon will discuss how Raccoon Mountain Caverns—newly gifted to UTC—will be used as an asset for research and teaching.

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A chair lift unveiling at the UTC Aquatic and Recreation Center took place on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. From left: Kate Dennis (Aquatics and Safety Coordinator), Daphne Kirksey (External Affairs Manager, Tennessee American Water), Ryan Jones (Senior Associate Athletics Director for Advancement), Brent Goldberg (Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration), Grant Evitts (President, Tennessee American Water), Corbin Hedges (Associate Director for Campus Recreation), Aaron Grisham (Executive Director of University Center and Aquatic and Recreation Center), Trevor Yacopino (Maintenance Technician, Campus Recreation), Dr. Artanya Wesley (Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management and Student Affairs).

The ARC was awarded a $10,000 grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation in partnership with Tennessee American Water to install a new ADA-compliant chair lift, enhancing accessibility for individuals with mobility challenges.

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Moderator Claudia Kramer (left) and panelists Jazmynn Ball, Isabella Loza Ortiz, Michell Bosch and Jackie Morgan.

The Empower Your Future event taught high school students about career and degree opportunities in finance and economics.

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

• In surgery, it’s not just the surgeon’s hands that matter. As patients “go under,” the nurse anesthetist takes command, managing the delicate line between unconsciousness and stability. At UTC, CRNA expertise is cultivated with care, preparing future nurse anesthetists to handle operating room pressures with confidence and skill.

WUTC

Deanna Rayburn, author of “Kills Well with Others,” joined for an episode of WUTC’s “Open Book” with Richard Winham.