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Updates and news for the week of February 27-March 4, 2024
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 chuck-wasserstrom@utc.edu in the Division of Communications and Marketing by 3 p.m. on Friday for placement in the following Tuesday’s newsletter.
Happy Anniversary!
For 15 years, the Multicultural Center and the Center for Women and Gender Equity have provided safe spaces for students at UTC.
To close out Black History Month and shepherd in March’s Women’s History Month, the organizations will jointly celebrate their 15th anniversaries with a reception from 2-4 p.m. on Thursday (Feb. 29) at Lupton Hall. Everyone is welcome to drop in for food and celebration. Click here for MocSync information.
Seeking Applications for the Student Member of the UTC Advisory Board
Students, UTC is seeking applications for the 2024-2025 student member of the UTC Advisory Board. Candidates for student member shall have completed a total of 30-semester hours with a cumulative 2.75-grade point average at the end of the semester of appointment.
- Candidate applications must be submitted by Friday, March 1.
- The successful candidate must be available to serve from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025, and must be enrolled full-time at UTC throughout the term of appointment (summer terms excluded).
Click here for more information. To apply, click here. If you have questions, contact the Office of the Dean of Students at dos@utc.edu or 423-425-4761.
UTC celebrates Black History Month
As UTC’s celebration of Black History Month 2024 comes to a close, a look back at how the month of activities started.
Events on this week’s schedule:
- Thursday (Feb. 29): The Mane Attraction, Lupton Hall Room 118, 11 a.m.
- Thursday (Feb. 29): Multicultural Center and the Center for Women and Gender Equity’s 15th Anniversary Celebration, Lupton Hall, 2 p.m.
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 end-of-day today (Feb. 27). The March newsletter will be emailed to members Wednesday, March 6.
In case you missed it
The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga honored 108 individuals whose lives impacted the University during the annual Blue and Gold Memorial service Monday night in Patten Chapel. The memorial service is available to watch via livestream.
Help Scrappy’s Cupboard: Host a Food Drive
Scrappy’s Cupboard needs you! Inventory is low and use has increased. Please consider donating non-perishable food and personal care items. Donations are accepted in University Center Suite 399.
If you are interested in hosting a food drive, please email ScrappysCupboard@utc.edu.
Tennessee Severe Weather Awareness Week
Tennessee Severe Weather Awareness Week (Feb. 25-March 2) is an opportunity to increase awareness and preparedness for spring severe weather hazards. The goal of Severe Weather Awareness Week is to increase the overall number of individuals, families and communities that are educated and prepared for the unique threats and natural hazards that face Tennessee.
The daily themes include:
HELP NEEDED? CONTACT THE COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING TEAM
Just like UTC employees submit a ticket to IT when help is needed, the Communications and Marketing team is excited to announce our own ticketing system. The growing service catalog list includes:
- Submissions for the Campus Weekly Newsletter.
- Request a publication number for campus-related print communication.
- Request a story be published in the UTC Newsroom.
- Logos and electronic letterhead for your college, department or unit.
- University-related graphic creations.
- Request campus-related photography.
- Request campus-related video creations.
- General inquiries if you are unsure of what you need.
Each service request provides prompts to help you submit a ticket. A team member will contact you with questions and/or next steps so that you will hear from a human within a business day. Bookmark this link and share it with folks around campus.
The outstanding people of UTC
Chief of Police Robert Ratchford (pictured) retired from UTC on Feb. 15. Ratchford, a native of Ringgold, Georgia, began his law enforcement career with the UTC Police Department in 1982. He was sworn in as Acting Chief of Police in February 2007 and as Chief of Police in May 2008. After his retirement was announced in November 2023, he served as a special advisor to the Police Department.
Ratchford diligently served our community, directing his attention toward promoting preventative safety measures and student welfare on campus. During his 42 years of law enforcement experience at UTC, Ratchford:
- Was an active member of the Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police and the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
- Completed training at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Police Firearms Instructor School (1995), the Tennessee Law Enforcement Executive Development School (2002), the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy School of Law Enforcement Management and Administration (2009), and the Southeastern Command and Leadership Academy (2010).
- Presented to the Emergency Management Association of Tennessee in 2018 about firearms on campus.
Prior to being named Chief of Police, he served as Detective Lieutenant of Criminal Investigations, Internal Affairs Investigations Officer and FBI-certified firearms instructor.
He has always fostered his love of the outdoors and will be able to spend more time with his family and pets, camping and fishing in the coming years.
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 Posters at the Capitol research presenters Amanda Lesswing, left, Meredith Grant, Juan Peña, Ward Metcalfe, Nathanael Moore, Gillian Morton, Christina Harris and URaCE Program Administrator Caitlin Kelley. Photo courtesy of Caitlin Kelley. Seven UTC students recently had the chance to present their research at the Tennessee State Capitol as part of Posters at the Capitol—sophomore Meredith Grant (pre-professional biology), senior Christina Harris (general biology), senior Amanda Lesswing (psychology), senior Ward Metcalfe (mechanical engineering), senior Nathanael Moore (mechanical engineering), sophomore Gillian Morton (pre-professional biology) and senior Juan Peña (mechatronics engineering technology).
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 Photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com The Mocs women’s basketball team clinched its 23rd Southern Conference regular-season title, and first since 2019, with a 60-56 victory over Western Carolina last Thursday night at McKenzie Arena.
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Check out these Mocs making a difference:
Mark your calendar
The UTC Theatre Co. will present “9 to 5 the Musical” from Feb. 27-March 2 in the UTC Fine Arts Center’s Dorothy Hackett Ward Theatre. Nightly shows begin at 7:30 p.m. with a 2 p.m. matinee performance on Saturday (March 2).
Tickets for “9 to 5 the Musical” 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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Information sessions are taking place for the summer 2024 International Business Experience study abroad course to South Korea, which is open to all UTC students. The course has no prerequisites and includes a two-week international study trip to Seoul, led by Gary W. Rollins College of Business faculty members. Upcoming session dates:
- Today (Feb. 27): Zoom, noon
- Wednesday (Feb. 28): Zoom, 4 p.m.
- Thursday (Feb. 29): Zoom, noon
Students earn three credit hours on the undergraduate level (MGT 4950) or graduate level (MGT 5950). For more information, contact COBInternational@utc.edu or visit COB International Programs.
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Sponsored by the George C. Connor Professorship of American Literature and the UTC Department of English, the Take Five 2024 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 Chattanooga Room. Each session will offer a light dinner, and no RSVP is necessary. Upcoming spring dates:
- Today (Feb. 27): Dr. David Pleins presents Emma Smith’s “Portable Magic: A History of Books and Their Readers”
- Tuesday, March 19: Dr. Victoria Bryan presents R.F. Kuang’s “Babel, or the Necessity of Violence”
- Tuesday, April 9: Dr. Bryan Hampton presents Julie Schumacher’s “Dear Committee Members”
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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Tactical urbanism is about deliberately making changes to public spaces for the betterment of the community.
The Tasty Tidbit Leadership Lunch Series continues from noon-1 p.m. on Thursday (Feb. 29) with a session titled “Leading by Doing with Jon Jon Wesolowski.” The lunchtime session will take place at The Aviary at Stacy Town Center. The session is open to all UTC students, faculty and staff.
Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, with questions.
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Learning and Leadership is currently accepting applications to its summer 2024 Ph.D. and Ed.D. cohorts. If you, your friends or colleagues with a master’s degree or higher from a regionally accredited institution are interested in pursuing their terminal degree in leadership at UTC, we encourage them to apply or to reach out for more information.
Due to the cohort nature of the programs, applications are typically accepted December through February for each incoming summer cohort. New cohorts are admitted in summer only. All application materials, including official transcripts, must be submitted by Thursday (Feb. 29).
We routinely schedule Zoom meetings with the Program Advisor to determine whether our doctoral programs are a good “fit” for prospective applicants’ specific academic and professional goals. Prospective applicants may contact the LEAD Program Office at utclead@utc.edu to schedule a meeting. Click here for the Campus Updates post.
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The Department of Chemistry and Physics continues its seminar series on Friday (March 1) with a talk led by 2017 UTC alum Derek Anderson, now a senior research associate at Neurona Therapeutics in South San Francisco, California. Anderson’s talk, “A Noncanonical Path to Success,” will take place from 3-4 p.m. in Grote Hall 411. The event is open to everyone on campus.
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April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and the Center for Women and Gender Equity will be distributing the annual Sexual Assault Awareness Month Zine.
The Zine will display artwork or poetry made by survivors related to their healing journey. Art and poetry can be anonymous in the Zine and can be visual art (photos, three-dimensional pieces, paintings, drawings), songs, poems and short stories.
- Deadline: Noon on Friday (March 1)
- Where can I submit?: MocSync Form
Email emily-rosenquist@utc.edu with questions.
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 The Clarence T. Jones Observatory is located at 10 N. Tuxedo Ave. in Chattanooga. The public is invited to the Clarence T. Jones Observatory, owned and operated by UTC, for a free Star Party on Sunday (March 3).
The evening’s topic will be “Martian Geology 101” and the featured constellation is Pleiades. Gates open at 5:30 p.m., with a lecture and Planetarium show beginning at 6 p.m. and telescope viewing until 8 p.m. Seating is limited, so arrive early.
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Leadership Development and Programs presents a session with Brandon Clift, a master trainer and coach, from 4:15-5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 5, in the University Center Chickamauga Room.
With 10-plus years of elite coaching experience, Clift focuses on transforming the way leaders connect with their teams, organizations, committees and communities. Students, faculty and staff will walk away with applicable tips that they can use to appropriately motivate and recognize their teams.
Food will be provided at the session and RSVP is highly encouraged. Email Daniel-Grzesik@utc.edu, the director of Leadership Development and Programs, with questions.
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The Run the World Luncheon, taking place from noon-2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, in the University Center Tennessee Room, is a professional networking event designed to connect UTC students to campus, share their leadership experiences and provide insight from their collegiate and career journeys. Students, faculty and staff can RSVP here through Friday (March 1).
This year’s speaker is Dwayna Haley from AskthePRGirl. Haley will speak on “Creating your Own Board of Directors” as you navigate your college career and enter the workforce.
Table mentors will be present at each lunch table, including leaders from the UTC campus and the Chattanooga community. These mentors are committed to impacting young women’s lives through leadership, service and mentoring. Doors open at 11:30 a.m.
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The Department of Political Science and Public Service invites the UTC community to our spring Sweet Research series, where we share our research along with dessert. All events are on Wednesdays from noon-12:50 p.m. in 540 McCallie Building Room 462D (PSPS suite).
- March 6: Dr. Jeremy Strickler, “Beyond the ‘Two Presidencies’: A Developmental Perspective”
- March 20: Dr. Hassan Afzal, “Navigating through Educational Pathways to Political Participation”
- March 27 (Student Edition): Sophia Chrisco, “How Misinformation Regarding Covid-19 Caused a Decline in Childhood Vaccination Rates in the United States,” and Kristina Thompson, “Asian American Women: Political Prowess and Effective Participation”
- April 3: Dr. Sarah Heise, “The Left-Right Spectrum: Another Look at Ideology and Partisan Sorting in the United States”
- April 10: Dr. Christopher Horne, “Christian Public Administrators’ Integration of Faith and Work”
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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 3 p.m. on Friday, March 22. Click here for the submission form PDF. Email jose-luis-gastanaga@utc.edu with questions and to submit the essay.
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On Thursday, April 11, the College of Arts and Sciences will be co-hosting Pulitzer-Prize-winning author and sociologist Matthew Desmond in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga. Desmond’s latest book, “Poverty, By America,” reached #1 on the New York Times best sellers list shortly after its release; his book “Evicted” won a Pulitzer Prize.
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The 2024 Technology Symposium, hosted by the UTC College of Engineering and Computer Science, will be held on Monday, April 15, in the University Center Tennessee Room.
The Technology Symposium showcases innovative research projects conducted across multiple disciplines, including engineering, engineering technology management and computer science. Students at all education levels, educators, business and industry representatives, entrepreneurs and the general public are welcome. There is no cost to attend.
Notice of Final Defense: Upcoming Research Presentations
The UTC Graduate School announced that the following students will be presenting their final works of research as advanced degree candidates. Everyone is invited to attend.
- Today (Feb. 27): Graicen Hixson, Lupton Hall Room 372, 3:15 p.m., Calendar
- Wednesday (Feb. 28): Skylar Oxford, 540 McCallie Building Room 394, noon, Calendar
- Thursday (Feb. 29): Marion Burgess, Lupton Hall Room 372, 3:30 p.m., Calendar
- Monday (March 4): Garrick Muncie, ECS Maytag Room 426, 10:30 a.m., Calendar
- Wednesday, March 6: Ciara Carl, 540 McCallie Building Room 394, 2:30 p.m., Calendar
- Thursday, March 7: Laura Wright, ECS Room 440C, 10 a.m., Calendar
- Thursday, March 7: Arielle Nord, Lupton Hall Room 373, 12:30 p.m., Calendar
- Friday, March 8: Daniel Acosta Soba, Online via Google Meet, 10 a.m., Calendar
- Friday, March 8: Amira Marquez Moreno, 540 McCallie Building Room 394, 1 p.m., Calendar
Nominate Students for the Annual Blue and Gold Awards
Many students have worked hard this academic year, and the annual Blue and Gold Awards celebrate those achievements. This year’s Blue and Gold Award ceremony will take place at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3, in the University Center Tennessee Room.
The Student Government Association (SGA) invites nominations of students or student organizations deserving of an award. Please see the nomination forms below for more information on Individual and Group Awards:
In addition, we encourage departmental, office, programmatic or student organization awards to be presented at the ceremony. If you wish to present an award, please complete the form below:
If you have any questions, please contact SGA Student Affairs and Academic Support Chairperson Jordan Fall at hhl476@mocs.utc.edu.
Campus Updates
A summer program reminder from UTC Safety and Risk Management: Summer is heading our way. If you have a great idea for a camp or program that you would like to bring to campus, remember that the Programs for Minors policy may apply. This policy states that any UTC-affiliated program (whether at UTC or elsewhere) must follow policy guidelines. If you have questions about this policy, contact Public Safety via safety@utc.edu or call 423-425-5741.
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Introducing the UTC Campus Recreation app, where you can register for programs, receive updates through notifications, access the facility and much more. Search UTC Campus Recreation in the App Store and Google Play.
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The UTC Center for Professional Education is offering a seven-week Project Management Professional (PMP) Exam Prep Course from March 19 through May 2. The course will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30-8 p.m. ET via Zoom.
Many project managers, program managers, team leads and administrators pursue the globally recognized PMP certification to boost their professional credibility, increase their earning potential, gain a project management framework and develop risk-ready skills.
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Friday Nights are Family Nights at the ARC. Every Friday from 5-7p.m., UTC families are invited to swim, climb (5-6 p.m. only) and use our basketball courts. Our outdoors staff will teach the basics of climbing and belay youth on the wall from 5-6 p.m. Bring your family and come play at UTC Campus Rec.
The cost: Free for members; $10 per person for faculty/staff/alumni non-members and their families and guests. For more information about youth programs available through Campus Recreation, visit our new webpage.
For more information about membership options or Friday Family Nights, contact Colleen-DeMarco@utc.edu.
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Injured in intramurals? Tweaked something in the gym? Back and neck soreness from hours of studying? Just need guidance getting back to your favorite activities? Check out UTC’s free physical therapy clinic.
The Pro Bono Physical Therapy clinic, located in the Mapp Building, is staffed by UTC Doctor of Physical Therapy students and professors and is 100% free. Clinic hours are 8 a.m.-noon on Tuesdays and 1-5 p.m. on Thursdays. Call University Health Services at 423-425-2266 or email ptclinic@utc.edu for more information.
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The UTC Volleyball program is offering a 10% discount to all faculty, staff and students for the following volleyball summer camps:
Click here to register online. For more information, contact julie-torbettthomas@utc.edu.
Looking ahead
 Frank Reed, center, and the 2024 Mocs softball team (photo credit: Ray Soldano/GoMocs.com). Mocs softball head coach Frank Reed recorded his 1,200th career victory last Friday in UTC’s come-from-behind 4-2 win vs. Texas A&M Corpus Christi at the Frost Classic. Reed, who ranks 38th among active NCAA head coaches in victories, now has 725 wins in his 23 years at UTC after earning 476 in 11 years at Chattanooga State Community College.
This week’s Mocs home athletics calendar:
- Wednesday (Feb. 28): Men’s Basketball vs. Mercer, McKenzie Arena, 7 p.m.
- Friday (March 1): Men’s Tennis vs. Austin Peay, UTC Tennis Center, 2 p.m.
- Saturday (March 2): Men’s Basketball vs. Western Carolina, McKenzie Arena, 2 p.m.
Looking back
Understanding the driving force behind your ambitions, from earning a degree to scoring a promotion, is crucial for success. “If you know your why, you know your way,” said Dr. Artanya Wesley (pictured), the new vice chancellor for enrollment management and student affairs at UTC.
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Last Thursday, UTC hosted its first VW Drive Your Career Day, an event for students who registered to explore internship and career opportunities while networking with VW personnel. VW staff members talked with students about positions in numerous disciplines, including innovation, finance, engineering, computer science, business and human resources. In addition, an ID.4 and the new VW bus were parked next to the silver Power C adjacent to the University Center.
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Here are some other recent UTC stories featured in the Newsroom:
WUTC Spotlight: Scenic Roots
For years, the Children’s Nutrition Program of Haiti, a nonprofit here in Chattanooga and the Tennessee Valley, has helped women and families to break the cycle of malnutrition in a remote and mountainous area of southern Haiti.
A recent episode of WUTC-FM’s Scenic Roots featured Dr. Anany Prosper, CNP’s country director, and executive director Patricia Cyr Watlington.
Be Well Tip: National Eating Disorders Week
The Center for Wellbeing will be partnering with the Master’s in Public Health program and Mocs Dining to bring the UTC community together for activities that build awareness and promote body acceptance. Events include:
- Today (Feb. 27): Body Positivity Chalking, Heritage Plaza, 2-4 p.m. This event will engage students by allowing them to use chalk to write or draw their own positive messages or pictures. The goal is to cover the sidewalks with body-positive messages and pictures to give people on campus a smile. This event is free and anyone can participate.
- Wednesday (Feb. 28): “All Food has Value” tabling event, Vine Street in front of the silver Power C, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
- Thursday (Feb. 29): Body Celebration Yoga, Chamberlain Field, noon-1 p.m. Come as you are, and yoga mats will be provided. This event is free and anyone can participate.
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